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eSIM How-To

How to Install an eSIM — Step by Step Guide

March 9, 2026 3 min readBy Wayve Team

Before You Start

Make sure your device supports eSIM. Most iPhones from iPhone XR onwards and Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards support eSIM. You can check on our compatibility page.

You will also need a WiFi or data connection to download the eSIM profile.

Method 1: QR Code (Recommended)

The fastest way to install your eSIM.

  1. Open the email from Wayve containing your QR code
  2. On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code
  3. On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM
  4. Point your camera at the QR code
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm
  6. Your eSIM is installed — it activates on your chosen start date

Tip: You can scan the QR code from another device's screen or from a printed copy.

Method 2: One-Tap Install

If you received a one-tap install link:

  1. Tap the link on your device
  2. Your phone opens the eSIM installation screen automatically
  3. Confirm the installation
  4. Done

This works on iOS 17.4+ and recent Android devices.

Method 3: Manual Entry

If the QR code is not working:

  1. Go to your eSIM settings (same path as QR Code method)
  2. Choose "Enter Details Manually"
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address from your activation email
  4. Enter the Activation Code from your activation email
  5. Confirm and install

After Installation

Important Settings

  • Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Data Roaming > On
  • Set Cellular Data to the eSIM line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > [eSIM line]
  • Keep your primary SIM for calls and texts

What NOT to Do

  • Do not delete the eSIM after installation — you cannot reinstall it
  • Do not turn off your primary SIM — keep it for calls
  • Do not change the APN settings — they are configured automatically

Troubleshooting

eSIM not showing in settings?

Your device may not support eSIM, or your carrier may have locked eSIM capability. Contact your carrier to unlock.

QR code not scanning?

Make sure your screen brightness is at maximum. Try scanning from a different distance. If it still fails, use the manual entry method.

No data connection after installation?

  1. Check that Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM line
  2. Verify Cellular Data is set to the eSIM line
  3. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off
  4. Restart your device

Still having issues?

Visit our troubleshooting wizard for step-by-step help, or reach out to our support team.