How to install an eSIM on an Android phone

• Check your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06# in the Phone app: if an EID number appears, your phone has an eSIM. If it doesn't, look under Settings > About phone. There's more detail in our guide to eSIM-compatible phones.
• The phone must be unlocked, with no carrier lock. If you bought it on a contract, check with your provider.
• Connect to stable Wi-Fi. The phone downloads the eSIM profile during installation.

We recommend installing it at home before you leave. The plan doesn't start counting down until the phone first connects to a network at your destination, and you have 180 days from purchase to install an unused eSIM.

After payment you'll get an email (and the same details on your order page) with a QR code and, below it, the details for manual installation: the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. The easiest way is to open your order on a computer or another screen and scan the QR code with your phone. If your phone is the only device you have, go for manual installation: copy the two details and paste them in.

The usual path in One UI is:

1. Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Choose Scan QR code from service provider and point the camera at the code. If you'd rather enter it manually, look for the option to type in an activation code.
4. Confirm and wait while the profile downloads.

SIM manager is also where you can rename the line. The profile appears as "Carrier", so we suggest calling it "Startia". It's also where you choose which SIM handles mobile data.

On Pixels running a recent version of Android, the typical path is:

1. Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM (or the "+" icon). If asked, choose Download a SIM instead? or the equivalent eSIM option.
3. Scan the QR code. If you can't, tap Need help? or Enter it manually and type in the activation code.
4. Accept the download and wait a few seconds.

Then tap the eSIM in the SIMs list to rename it, turn on roaming and set it for mobile data.

The option is usually under Settings > Mobile network or SIM cards & mobile networks > Manage eSIM or Add eSIM. Some manufacturers put it under Settings > Connections. If you can't find it, type "eSIM" into the settings search bar: it's the fastest route on any brand. The rest is the same: scan the QR code or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.

Once it's installed, spend a minute on these settings:

• Mobile data on the eSIM. In the SIM manager, choose the Startia eSIM as the SIM for mobile data. Your usual SIM can stay on for calls and texts, since our eSIM is data-only (no phone number), though WhatsApp and internet calls work fine.
• Data roaming on for the eSIM. The eSIM connects to partner networks abroad, so it won't get online without roaming. On Samsung, it's usually under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming; on Pixel, inside the eSIM's own page, under "Roaming".
• Data roaming off for your home SIM, to avoid charges from your usual provider. Our guide on how roaming works explains why.
• Automatic data switching off. Some phones jump to the other SIM when the signal is weak (on Samsung it's "Auto data switching"; elsewhere it may be "Switch mobile data automatically"). Turn it off while you travel.

In the vast majority of cases the APN sets itself. If your order mentions a specific APN and you have signal but no internet, add it under Settings > Mobile networks > Access Point Names (APN) with the eSIM selected: create a new one, enter the APN in the "Name" and "APN" fields, save it and select it. Don't change any other values unless we ask you to.

Validity begins with the first connection to a network at your destination. When you arrive, switch the eSIM on if you'd left it off, check it's the data SIM and give it a few seconds. If you run low on data, many plans can be topped up from your customer area; and if you haven't got a plan yet, start with our list of destinations.

• No service. Check that the eSIM is switched on, set as the data SIM and has roaming enabled. Turn Airplane mode on for a few seconds and then off to force a new network search.
• Still not connecting. Restart the phone. Under Settings > Mobile networks > Network operators, try turning off automatic selection and picking another network from the list.
• The QR code won't scan. Turn up the brightness on the screen displaying it, or use manual installation.
• Error downloading the profile. This is usually an unstable connection: switch Wi-Fi networks and try again. If the phone says the code has already been used, contact us before retrying.
• Don't delete the eSIM to "reinstall" it. A deleted eSIM usually can't be reinstalled with the same code. Only remove it once the plan has ended and you won't be topping it up.

If you're still stuck, email esim-contact@startia.es or open a ticket from your order. We provide support in English and Spanish.

Do I need an app to install the eSIM?

No. Android installs the eSIM from its own settings using the QR code or the manual details.

How do I know if my Android phone has an eSIM?

Dial *#06#. If an EID appears, it does. You can also search for "eSIM" in the phone's settings.

Can I keep using my own number while I travel?

Yes. Your usual SIM stays active for calls and texts; just turn off its data roaming.

Do I need to change the APN?

Hardly ever. Only if your order mentions a specific APN and you have signal but no internet.

Can I move the eSIM to another phone?

Generally not: once installed, it's tied to that phone. Install it on the phone you'll be travelling with.