How to Activate eSIM — Complete Step-by-Step Guide for All Devices
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See Jetpac PlansActivating an eSIM is one of the simplest technology tasks you will ever perform as a traveler. The entire process takes less than five minutes from purchase to connectivity, and once you have done it once, you will wonder why anyone still bothers with physical SIM cards. This step-by-step guide walks you through the complete eSIM activation process for every major device type, with troubleshooting tips for common issues.
What You Need Before You Start
Before activating your eSIM, make sure you have the following: an eSIM-compatible smartphone or tablet (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, or other supported devices), a stable Wi-Fi connection, and your eSIM QR code (sent by email after purchase). You do not need any physical tools, SIM ejectors, or visits to a mobile shop.
Step-by-Step eSIM Activation Guide
Check device compatibility
Before purchasing an eSIM, verify that your device supports eSIM technology. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add eSIM. If you see the option, your device is compatible. Most iPhone XR/XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and many newer devices support eSIM.
Choose your eSIM plan
Visit the Jetpac website or download the Jetpac app. Select your destination country or region, choose a data plan that matches your trip length and data needs, and complete your purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with your QR code within seconds.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Find a reliable Wi-Fi connection before proceeding. This is essential because the eSIM profile needs to be downloaded from the carrier's servers. Home Wi-Fi is ideal, but any stable Wi-Fi connection works.
Scan the QR code
Open your phone's eSIM settings. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Scan QR Code. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code. Hold your phone steady over the QR code from your confirmation email.
Configure your eSIM
After scanning, your phone will display the eSIM details including the carrier name, phone number (if applicable), and data plan information. Assign a label to help you identify it (e.g., 'Jetpac Travel'). Choose whether to use this eSIM as your primary data line or secondary line.
Enable data roaming
Go to your cellular settings and ensure data roaming is turned ON for your Jetpac eSIM. Without data roaming enabled, the eSIM will not connect to networks outside your home country. This setting is separate from your home SIM's data roaming.
Test your connection
Once you arrive at your destination, enable the Jetpac eSIM in your cellular settings. Open a web browser or app to verify the connection is working. If you experience issues, toggle airplane mode on and off, or manually select a carrier in your cellular settings.
iPhone eSIM Activation (iOS)
On iPhone, eSIM activation is handled through the Settings app. Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. From here, you can either scan a QR code or use the Jetpac app to install the eSIM directly. iOS will download the eSIM profile and add it as a new cellular plan. You can then label the plan, set it as your primary or secondary line, and configure data roaming settings.
If you have an iPhone with Dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and newer), you can keep your home SIM in the physical SIM tray and use the Jetpac eSIM as your secondary line. This allows you to receive calls and texts on your home number while using Jetpac for data. To switch between lines for data, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your preferred line.
Android eSIM Activation
On Android devices, the process varies slightly by manufacturer but follows the same general steps. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add eSIM (the exact path may differ on Samsung, Google, Motorola, or other devices). Select 'Download a SIM instead' and scan your QR code. The eSIM profile downloads and installs automatically.
On Samsung Galaxy devices, you may find the eSIM option under Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM. Google Pixel devices have it under Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add eSIM. Regardless of device, the QR code scanning process is the same.
Common eSIM Activation Mistakes
Not enabling data roaming. This is the most common mistake. Even though your eSIM is installed and activated, it will not connect to networks in your destination country unless data roaming is turned ON for that specific eSIM line. This is a separate setting from your home SIM's data roaming.
Scanning QR code without Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile must be downloaded over an internet connection. If you try to scan the QR code without being connected to Wi-Fi, the download will fail. Always connect to Wi-Fi before scanning.
Deleting the QR code email. Keep your QR code email until your eSIM is fully working. If you need to reinstall the eSIM for any reason, you will need the original QR code. Do not delete the email until you have confirmed connectivity at your destination.
Not labeling the eSIM. If you have multiple eSIM profiles on your device, labeling them clearly (e.g., 'Home SIM' and 'Jetpac Travel') prevents confusion when switching between lines or managing settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Activating an eSIM takes less than five minutes in most cases. After purchasing a plan, you receive a QR code by email. Scan the code in your phone's eSIM settings while connected to Wi-Fi, and the profile downloads in under a minute. Once installed, simply enable the eSIM and you are connected.
Yes, you need a Wi-Fi connection to download the eSIM profile. This is because the QR code triggers a download from the carrier's servers, which requires an internet connection. We recommend activating your eSIM at home before you travel, where you have reliable Wi-Fi.
Yes, most modern smartphones support multiple eSIM profiles. iPhone models from XS and XR onwards support two active eSIMs simultaneously (dual SIM with eSIM). Many Android phones also support multiple eSIMs. This lets you keep your home SIM and travel eSIM active at the same time.
If your eSIM does not connect after installation, first ensure it is enabled in your cellular settings and that data roaming is turned on. If problems persist, contact Jetpac's 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance. Jetpac also offers a money-back guarantee if the issue cannot be resolved.
Yes, you can delete an eSIM profile from your phone's settings and reinstall it by scanning the original QR code again. However, be careful not to delete your eSIM if you have active data on it, as you may need to contact support to restore the plan.
Yes, eSIM technology is highly secure. The eSIM profile is stored in a tamper-resistant chip on your device, and it cannot be physically removed or cloned like a traditional SIM card. Activation requires a QR code that is unique to your purchase, adding an additional layer of security.
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