Step-by-step guide to activate your EscapeSIM eSIM
You can activate your eSIM using the QR code or install link sent to your email after purchase. For convenience, your installation instructions, QR code, and direct install links are also available in the My eSIMs section of our website if you cannot find the email.
Before you begin, make sure:
Your phone supports eSIM and is carrier unlocked
You are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network
You have your QR code, install link, or manual activation details ready
You are installing the eSIM on the device you plan to use for travel
Important before installation
Most eSIMs should only be installed once
Do not delete the eSIM after installation, as many devices will not let you reinstall it
It is best to install your eSIM shortly before travel or when you are ready to use it
Some eSIMs activate on installation, while others activate only when they first connect to a supported network at your destination
Option 1: Install using the direct link
In many cases, the easiest method is to open the install link from your purchase email on the phone you want to install the eSIM on.
We include:
An Apple universal link for iPhones
An Android universal link for compatible Android devices
Simply open the email on your phone and tap the install link. Your device should take you straight to the eSIM installation screen. Follow the prompts to complete setup.
If the link does not open correctly, use the QR code method below instead.
Option 2: Install using the QR code
You can also install your eSIM by scanning the QR code from your email, or from the My eSIMs section of our website.
You will usually need to display the QR code on another screen, such as:
A second phone
A laptop
A tablet
A printed copy
If you only have one device available, some phones may let you enter the details manually instead.
How to activate your eSIM on iPhone
Install using the email link on iPhone
Open the purchase email on your iPhone
Tap the Apple install link
Your iPhone should open the eSIM setup screen automatically
Tap Continue
Follow the prompts to add the eSIM
Wait for the eSIM to finish installing
Label the eSIM if prompted, such as Travel or EscapeSIM
Install using a QR code on iPhone
Open Settings
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular
Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
Choose Use QR Code
Scan the QR code
Tap Continue
Tap Add Cellular Plan if prompted
Complete any remaining setup prompts
Recommended iPhone setup after installation
Once the eSIM is installed:
Go to Settings > Mobile Data / Cellular
Select your new eSIM
Make sure the line is turned on
Turn Data Roaming on for the eSIM
Under Mobile Data, choose the correct SIM for data when you are ready to use the eSIM
If you want to keep your regular number active for calls or SMS, leave your primary SIM enabled as needed
If your iPhone asks for manual details
Some eSIMs can also be added manually:
Go to Settings > Mobile Data / Cellular > Add eSIM
Tap the option to Enter Details Manually
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as provided
Complete installation
How to activate your eSIM on Samsung Galaxy phones
Menu names can vary slightly depending on your model and Android version.
Install using the email link on Samsung
Open the purchase email on your Samsung phone
Tap the Android install link
Your phone should open the SIM manager or eSIM setup screen
Follow the prompts to add the eSIM
Confirm installation when prompted
Install using a QR code on Samsung
Open Settings
Tap Connections
Tap SIM Manager
Tap Add eSIM
Tap Scan QR code from service provider
Scan the QR code
Follow the prompts to install the eSIM
Wait for setup to complete
Recommended Samsung setup after installation
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
Confirm the new eSIM is enabled
Tap Mobile Data and choose the eSIM when you are ready to use it
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks
Turn Data Roaming on for the travel eSIM if required
If APN settings are provided separately, enter them under:
Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
How to activate your eSIM on Google Pixel
Steps may vary slightly depending on your Pixel model and Android version.
Install using the email link on Google Pixel
Open the purchase email on your Pixel
Tap the Android install link
Your phone should open the SIM setup screen
Follow the prompts to download and install the eSIM
Confirm the installation
Install using a QR code on Google Pixel
Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet
Tap SIMs
Tap Add SIM or the + Add eSIM option
Tap Download a SIM instead? if shown
Tap Next
Scan the QR code
Follow the prompts to complete installation
Recommended Pixel setup after installation
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Select your eSIM
Make sure the eSIM is enabled
Turn Roaming on
Choose the correct SIM for Mobile Data
If needed, check APN settings under:
Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [Your eSIM] > Access Point Names
How to activate your eSIM on other Android phones
On other Android devices, wording may differ, but the process is usually similar.
Install using the email link
Open the purchase email on your phone
Tap the Android install link
Follow the on-screen prompts to add the eSIM
Install using a QR code
Look for one of the following menu paths:
Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM
Settings > Mobile Network > eSIM > Add eSIM
Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > eSIM
Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM
Then:
Tap Add eSIM
Choose the option to scan a QR code
Scan the QR code
Follow the prompts to install
Recommended setup after installation
After installation:
Enable the eSIM
Set it as the device’s Mobile Data SIM when ready to use
Turn Data Roaming on
Enter APN settings if your plan requires them
If you cannot find the email
No problem. Your eSIM details are also available in the My eSIMs section of our website.
There you can usually find:
Your QR code
Your direct install link
Manual installation details, if available
Your eSIM status and usage information
This is the easiest place to go if the email has been deleted, cannot be found, or you need to reinstall the instructions on the correct device.
Troubleshooting installation issues
The QR code will not scan
Make sure your screen brightness is high enough
Clean your camera lens
Move the phone closer or further away from the QR code
Avoid glare or reflections on the screen displaying the QR code
Try the direct install link instead
If available, use manual activation details
The install link does not open
Open the email directly on the device you want to install the eSIM on
Make sure you tap the correct Apple or Android link
Try a different email app or browser
Use the QR code instead if the link fails
The phone says the eSIM cannot be added
This may happen if:
The phone is not eSIM compatible
The phone is carrier locked
The eSIM has already been installed
There is a temporary network or server issue
The QR code was scanned too many times or expired
The eSIM installs but does not connect
Make sure the eSIM is turned on
Turn Data Roaming on
Confirm the eSIM is selected for Mobile Data
Restart the phone
Check whether the plan activates only once you arrive in a supported destination
Check whether your original plan must expire or use all included data before the top-up or new package becomes active
Need help?
If your eSIM will not install or activate, please contact support and include:
Your phone model
Your destination country
A screenshot of any error message
A screenshot showing the eSIM installed on the device
A screenshot of the Data Roaming setting
A screenshot of the Mobile Data SIM selection
A screenshot of the APN settings if applicable
