There are several possible reasons. You are in a busy place, such as an airport or festival. The local network has weaker coverage. You are inside a building with thick walls. Your data bundle is almost used up. Your phone is connected to a weaker network. Try this. Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off again. Go outside or move closer to a window. Restart your phone. Check whether you still have data left. Try manually selecting another network.

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How to activate an eSIM on Android and get online fast

Step-by-step Android eSIM setup, activation and troubleshooting, including Samsung, Google Pixel and what to check when mobile data does not work right away.

Published: June 23, 202612 min read

QR-code ontvangen

Instellingen

Mobiel netwerk

Voeg eSIM toe

Gebruik QR-code

Reis eSIM

In this article

With an eSIM, you can use mobile internet without a physical SIM card. You receive a QR code or activation details from us, then add the eSIM to your Android phone in a few simple steps.

This guide explains how to install and activate your eSIM step by step. It also covers the most common support questions when the connection does not work right away.

Note: Android does not look exactly the same on every phone. A Samsung Galaxy sometimes uses different names than a Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola or Xiaomi. The steps are still very similar.

Before you start

Check these four things first.

Your phone is connected to wifi. You need internet to download the eSIM.
You have the QR code or activation details ready. You usually receive these by email after your order.
Your Android phone supports eSIM. Not every Android phone supports eSIM. Newer Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi devices often do.
Your phone is unlocked. This is usually not an issue with most Dutch devices, but some phones bought abroad may still be locked.

Important: install your travel eSIM preferably shortly before departure or at your destination. Some eSIMs start their validity period as soon as you install or activate them.

Install an eSIM on Android with a QR code

This is the easiest way.

Because Android differs by brand, we describe two common routes below: one for Samsung and one for other Android phones such as Google Pixel.

Option 1: install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Using a Samsung Galaxy? Follow these steps.

Step 1: open settings

Open Settings on your phone. Then go to Connections.

Step 2: open SIM manager

Tap SIM manager. Here you can see your regular SIM and any eSIMs.

Step 3: add an eSIM

Tap Add eSIM. You will usually get the option to scan a QR code. Tap Scan QR code.

Step 4: scan the QR code

Scan the QR code you received from us.

Tip: open the QR code on another device, such as a laptop, tablet or someone else's phone. That makes it easy to scan with your Android phone.

Step 5: download the eSIM

Your phone now asks whether you want to add the mobile plan. Tap Add, Download or Confirm.

The exact text can differ by Samsung model. Wait until your phone has finished downloading. This can take a few minutes.

Step 6: turn on your eSIM

Go back to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. Check that your new eSIM is turned on.

Give it a clear name if you can, such as Travel eSIM or HolySim. This makes it easier to recognize which SIM you use for mobile internet later.

Step 7: choose your eSIM for mobile data

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. Under Mobile data, choose your new eSIM.

If you still use your regular SIM for calls and SMS, you can leave it active.

For a travel eSIM, you usually choose:

Your regular SIM for calls and SMS
Your eSIM for mobile data

Step 8: turn on data roaming for your eSIM

Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. Then turn on Data roaming.

On some Samsung devices, you can set data roaming per SIM. If so, turn data roaming on only for your travel eSIM.

For travel eSIMs, data roaming is often needed to connect to the local network.

Watch out: turn on data roaming only for your travel eSIM. Do not accidentally enable it for your normal SIM unless you know it is included in your plan.

Option 2: install an eSIM on Google Pixel and other Android phones

Using a Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi or another Android phone? The steps usually look like this.

Step 1: open settings

Open Settings. Go to Network and internet.

On some devices, this is called Connections or Mobile network.

Step 2: open SIM settings

Tap SIMs or SIM cards. Sometimes this is under Mobile network.

Step 3: add a SIM or eSIM

Tap Add SIM, Add eSIM or Add mobile plan. Then choose Set up eSIM.

Step 4: scan the QR code

Choose the option to scan a QR code. Scan the QR code you received from us.

Tip: open the QR code on another device, such as a laptop, tablet or someone else's phone. That makes it easy to scan.

Step 5: follow the steps on your screen

Your phone now asks you to download or add the eSIM. Tap Download, Add or Confirm.

Wait until the process is finished. This can take a few minutes. Do not close settings too quickly.

Step 6: give your eSIM a clear name

If your phone asks, give the eSIM a recognizable name. For example Travel eSIM or HolySim.

This helps you know exactly which SIM you use for mobile internet later.

Step 7: use the eSIM for mobile data

Go to Settings > Network and internet > SIMs. Choose your new eSIM for mobile data.

If you still use your regular SIM for calls and SMS, you can leave it active.

For a travel eSIM, you usually choose:

Your regular SIM for calls and SMS
Your eSIM for mobile data

Step 8: turn on data roaming

Go to your SIM settings and open your eSIM. Then turn on Data roaming or Roaming.

For travel eSIMs, this is often needed to connect to the local network.

Watch out: turn on data roaming for your travel eSIM, not accidentally for your regular SIM.

Install an eSIM manually

If scanning the QR code does not work, you can often add the eSIM manually.

Go to the place where you normally add an eSIM.

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM

On Google Pixel and other Android phones: Settings > Network and internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up eSIM

Then choose Enter manually or Enter activation code.

Enter the details you received from us.

SM-DP+ address
Activation code
Confirmation code, if one was included

Tap Next, Add or Download and follow the steps on your screen.

How do I know if my eSIM works?

Your eSIM is working when you see signal bars, your eSIM is selected for mobile data, data roaming is turned on for the eSIM and you can open a website without wifi.

Test it like this:

Turn wifi off temporarily.
Open Chrome.
Visit a website.
If the website loads, your eSIM is active.

Frequently asked questions

My eSIM is not working. What should I do?

Go through these steps one by one.

Check that wifi is off while testing.
Check that your eSIM is selected for mobile data.
Check that data roaming is on for your eSIM.
Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then turn it off again.
Restart your phone.
Check that you are in the destination where the eSIM is valid.
Wait a few minutes. Connecting to a local network can take a little time.

If it still does not work, contact us and include a screenshot of your SIM settings. That helps us troubleshoot faster.

I have no internet after installation

This is usually caused by one of these settings.

Mobile data is still set to your regular SIM.
Data roaming is turned off.
You are not yet in the country where the eSIM is valid.
Your phone has not found a network yet.
The eSIM is installed, but not selected as the active data line.

Check Mobile data first. Your travel eSIM should be selected there. Then check that data roaming is on for your eSIM.

Does data roaming need to be on?

Yes, usually. A travel eSIM often uses local networks abroad, so data roaming needs to be enabled for the eSIM.

Make sure you enable data roaming on the right SIM: your travel eSIM. This helps prevent unexpected costs through your regular provider.

Can I keep using my normal phone number?

Yes. Your regular SIM can stay active for calls and SMS. You then use the eSIM only for mobile internet.

Calls and SMS: your regular SIM
Mobile data: your eSIM
Data roaming: on for your eSIM

WhatsApp usually keeps working with your own number, even when your internet connection comes through the eSIM.

Can I call and text with this eSIM?

Most travel eSIMs are made for mobile data. That means you can browse, message, navigate and use online services.

Regular calls and SMS through a phone number are usually not included. You can still call over the internet with apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Google Meet, Teams or Skype.

When should I install my eSIM?

That depends on your trip.

Install the eSIM shortly before departure or when you arrive.
Activate mobile data only when you want to use the eSIM.
Always check the validity period of your plan.

Some eSIMs start their validity period when you install them. Others start only when the eSIM connects to the network at your destination.

Can I scan the QR code again?

Usually not. An eSIM QR code can often be used only once. If you delete the eSIM from your phone, you often cannot install it again with the same QR code.

Only delete your eSIM when you are sure you no longer need it. If you deleted it by mistake, contact us.

I get a message that the QR code is invalid

There are a few possible causes.

The QR code has already been used.
The code is not clearly visible.
You are trying to install the eSIM on a phone that does not support eSIM.
Your wifi connection is not stable.
The eSIM is already installed on your phone.

First check whether the eSIM is already visible in your SIM settings.

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager

On Google Pixel and other Android phones: Settings > Network and internet > SIMs

If it is already listed, you do not need to scan the QR code again. Select the eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming.

My phone says eSIM is not supported

That can mean:

Your phone does not support eSIM.
Your Android version is too old.
Your device is a regional model without eSIM.
Your provider or phone software has disabled eSIM.
Your phone is locked.

Check the model number of your phone and verify whether your specific device supports eSIM.

Note: some phones have almost the same name, but differ by country or region. One model may support eSIM while another does not.

I see signal bars, but internet does not work

Check these three settings first.

Is mobile data set to your eSIM?
Is data roaming on for your eSIM?
Is wifi off while you test?

It can also help to choose a network manually. On many Android phones, you can do this through Settings > Mobile network > Automatically select network.

Turn automatic selection off temporarily and try an available network. The exact location of this setting differs by device.

My internet is slow

There are several possible reasons.

You are in a busy place, such as an airport or festival.
The local network has weaker coverage.
You are inside a building with thick walls.
Your data bundle is almost used up.
Your phone is connected to a weaker network.

Try this.

Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off again.
Go outside or move closer to a window.
Restart your phone.
Check whether you still have data left.
Try manually selecting another network.

Can I use the eSIM on another phone?

Usually not after the eSIM has already been installed. An eSIM is often linked to the device where you activate it.

If you want to switch to another phone, contact us before removing the eSIM.

Can I delete my eSIM after my trip?

Yes. When your trip is over and you no longer need the eSIM, you can remove it.

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > choose your eSIM > Remove

On Google Pixel and other Android phones: Settings > Network and internet > SIMs > choose your eSIM > Delete SIM

Important: only delete the eSIM when you are sure you no longer need it. After deletion, the same QR code usually cannot be used again.

My personal hotspot does not work

Not every eSIM plan supports personal hotspot.

First check whether hotspot is available under Settings > Network and internet > Hotspot and tethering or, on Samsung, Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.

If you do not see this option or it does not work, hotspot may not be supported by this eSIM or by the local network.

Can I share my data with others?

Only if personal hotspot is supported. If hotspot is available, you can share your internet through Mobile Hotspot.

If it does not work, your eSIM plan probably does not support hotspot.

I cannot scan the QR code because it is on the same phone

This happens often. You can solve it in a few ways.

Open the QR code on a laptop, tablet or another phone.
Print the QR code and scan it from paper.
Take a screenshot of the QR code and check whether your phone can scan a QR code from an image.
Use the manual installation details if they were included.

The easiest solution is usually to open the email with the QR code on another device.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

If your eSIM is not working, check this.

Wifi is off while testing
Mobile data is set to your eSIM
Data roaming is on for your eSIM
You are in the right country or region
Airplane Mode has been turned on and off for 10 seconds
Phone has been restarted
eSIM is visible in your SIM settings
You did not delete the eSIM by mistake
Your phone supports eSIM

Need help?

If you are stuck, we are happy to help.

Send us this information.

The country you are in
The brand and model of your phone
A screenshot of your SIM settings
A screenshot of the error message, if you see one
Whether the eSIM is already visible on your phone

With this information, we can usually see quickly what is going wrong.