eSIM Installation Guide

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and other Android phones.

Never delete your BlingSIM eSIM

Never delete your BlingSIM eSIM from your phone: it cannot be reinstalled or refunded. An eSIM profile can be installed only once. If you delete it, or install it on a second phone, the plan is lost. If you no longer need it, simply switch it off in your phone's settings instead.

Before you start

  • Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked: see our compatible phones page. Phones that support eSIM include the iPhone XS, XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later (plus Z Fold 3 / Z Flip 3 and later), Google Pixel 4 and later, and many recent OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS and Nothing models. Some versions sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have no eSIM support.
  • Install before you travel, while you are on Wi-Fi. Installing takes a few minutes.
  • For most plans the validity period starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network in its coverage area, not when you install it. A few small plans start on installation; your delivery email shows the details for your plan.
  • Your BlingSIM eSIM is data only. Keep your regular SIM active for calls, SMS and emergency calls (112, 911), which the eSIM cannot make.
  • You will need the QR code from your delivery email or My eSIMs. To scan it, open it on another screen (a laptop, tablet or a friend's phone), or use one of the no-scan methods below.

iPhone

Method 1: One-tap install (iOS 17.4 or later, recommended)

  1. Open your delivery email on the iPhone you want to use.
  2. Tap the Install on iPhone button. iOS opens the "Add eSIM" screen with your plan already filled in. (Where the same button is shown in My eSIMs, it works the same way.)
  3. Tap Continue and follow the prompts. Give the plan a name such as "Travel data".
  4. Choose your regular SIM as the default line for calls and SMS, and choose the BlingSIM eSIM for mobile data when you arrive (see Settings below).

Method 2: Scan the QR code

  1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service / Mobile Data).
  2. Tap Add eSIM (older iOS: Add Cellular Plan), then Use QR Code.
  3. Scan the QR code shown on another screen.
  4. Tap Continue, wait for the plan to be added, and name it.

Tip: save the QR code to Photos. Only have your iPhone with you? Save the QR image from the email to Photos (press and hold the image → Save to Photos). On iOS 17.4 or later, tap Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Open Photos and pick the saved image. Do not share the image with anyone: it works like a key, and whoever installs it first gets the plan.

Method 3: Enter the details manually

  1. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually.
  2. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email. They are the two parts of the manual activation code, separated by a $ sign.
  3. Tap Next and finish the setup.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
  2. Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider (or Scan QR code).
  3. Scan the QR code shown on another screen, or use the gallery/photo option if your phone offers one.
  4. If you prefer to type the code, tap Enter activation code and paste the full manual activation code from your email.
  5. Follow the prompts, then switch the eSIM on in SIM manager and set it as the SIM for Mobile data when you arrive.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
  2. Tap Add SIM (or the + button) → Download a SIM instead? → Next.
  3. Scan the QR code, or tap Need help? → Enter it manually and paste the manual activation code.
  4. Wait for the download to finish, then switch the new SIM on and use it for mobile data when you arrive.

Other Android phones

Menus differ by brand (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, Nothing), but the steps are similar:

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet, Mobile network or Connections.
  2. Look for SIM cards, SIM manager or eSIM, then Add eSIM or Download a SIM.
  3. Scan the QR code, or choose the manual option and paste the activation code from your email.
  4. Switch the eSIM on and select it for mobile data when you arrive.

If your phone has no "Add eSIM" option at all, it does not support eSIM (or that option is locked by the carrier).

Settings that make it work

Data Roaming: on

The eSIM uses partner networks abroad, so Data Roaming must be switched on for it (this does not cause roaming charges from us: the plan is prepaid).

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → tap the BlingSIM eSIM → Data Roaming → on.
  • Android: Settings → Network & internet / Connections → SIMs (or Mobile networks) → tap the BlingSIM eSIM → Roaming → on.

Mobile data: the BlingSIM eSIM

When you arrive, make the eSIM your mobile-data line so your home SIM does not run up roaming bills:

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select the BlingSIM eSIM. Leave "Allow Cellular Data Switching" off.
  • Android: Settings → SIMs / SIM manager → Mobile data → select the BlingSIM eSIM.

Calls and SMS: your home SIM

Keep your home SIM selected for calls and SMS, and keep it active if you want to receive calls or verification texts (your home carrier's roaming rates apply to those). To avoid data charges on your home SIM, turn off its data roaming.

Troubleshooting

  • eSIM not connecting? Restart your phone, check that Data Roaming is on for the eSIM and that it is selected for mobile data, and make sure you are in the coverage area. Try selecting a network manually.
  • QR code will not scan? Increase the brightness of the screen showing it, hold the phone steady, or use the manual method with the activation code from your email.
  • "Cannot add eSIM" or "eSIM limit reached"? Your phone may hold only a certain number of profiles. Remove an old eSIM from a previous trip or another provider that you no longer need. Never remove your BlingSIM eSIM: it cannot be reinstalled.
  • Slow speeds? Move to an area with better signal; speeds depend on the local network. Daily plans slow down after their daily high-speed allowance.
  • Installed on the wrong phone? An eSIM can be installed only once and cannot be moved, so please contact us before trying again.

Need more help? Email support@blingsim.com with your order number and phone model, or see the Help Center.