How to Set Up a Travel eSIM Before Your Trip (iPhone & Android)

A travel eSIM gives you mobile data abroad without a physical SIM card, a pocket Wi-Fi router or expensive roaming. The setup takes a few minutes — and the best time to do it is at home, before you leave. Here's exactly how it works on iPhone and Android, and what to switch on when you land.

Before you start: check your phone

• Your phone must support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS/XR onwards, Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 onwards and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Z and many A-series models do.
• Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. If it was bought on a contract, ask your mobile operator to confirm it can use other networks.
• You need an internet connection to download the eSIM — home Wi-Fi is ideal.

Installing the eSIM on iPhone

1. Open the QR code from your order email or your Viberest account on another screen (or print it).
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (on some versions: Add Cellular Plan).
3. Choose “Use QR Code” and scan it. If you can't scan, tap “Enter Details Manually” and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your account.
4. Follow the prompts and give the new line a clear label, such as “Travel”.
5. When asked, keep your primary line for calls and messages and choose the travel eSIM for mobile data — or decide this later in Settings.

Installing the eSIM on Android

1. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code from service provider.
2. On Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Download a SIM instead, then scan the QR code.
3. Other Android phones use similar wording — look for “eSIM”, “Mobile plan” or “SIM manager” in the network settings.
4. If scanning fails, choose the option to enter the activation code manually and paste it from your account.
5. Name the new line “Travel” so it's easy to recognise.

When you land: three switches to check

1. Turn the travel eSIM line on and set it as your mobile data line.
2. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM. This is normal for travel eSIMs and doesn't mean you pay roaming charges — the plan is prepaid.
3. Turn data off (or turn roaming off) on your home line, so your home operator can't charge you for data abroad.

Common problems and quick fixes

• No internet after landing: check that Data Roaming is on for the travel eSIM and that it's selected as the data line, then restart the phone.
• “This code is no longer valid”: most eSIM QR codes can be installed only once. Don't delete an eSIM you still need — contact support instead.
• Slow speeds: try switching network mode to automatic, or toggle airplane mode on and off to reconnect to a stronger network.
• Deleted the eSIM by mistake: contact support with your order details — don't try to scan the old QR code again.

How much data do you need?

For maps, messaging and some social media, most travellers use around 0.5–1 GB per day. Video calls and streaming use much more. A week-long trip is usually comfortable with 5–10 GB; if you work remotely or post a lot of video, look at a larger or unlimited plan.