How to Install an eSIM: One-Tap, QR & Manual

Installing a travel eSIM sounds technical; in practice it's a minute of tapping, and on most modern phones it's now literally one tap. This guide covers all the ways to install your AeroCell eSIM, when to do it, and the two settings that trip people up.

The three install methods

1. One-tap install (fastest — iPhone and newer Androids)

If you bought your plan in the AeroCell app, look for the install button on your eSIM: one tap opens your phone's native eSIM setup and installs the profile directly — no QR code, no camera, no typing.

iPhone: works on iOS 17.4 and later (spring 2024 onward — most iPhones in use today).
Android: works on Android 10+ with up-to-date Google services; support is still rolling out across brands, so newest phones are most likely to have it.

If the one-tap flow isn't available on your device, the app shows the QR/manual options instead — nothing is lost.

2. QR code (works on every eSIM phone)

Your QR code arrives by email right after checkout and lives in your dashboard.

iPhone: Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Point the camera at the code — displayed on a laptop, a printout, or another person's phone.
Android: Settings → Network & internet (Samsung: Connections) → SIMs / SIM manager → Add eSIM → scan the code.

One catch: you can't scan a QR code shown on the same phone that's installing it. On your only screen? Use one-tap or manual entry instead.

3. Manual entry (the fallback)

Every confirmation email includes the SM-DP+ address and activation code. Choose "Enter details manually" in the same Add eSIM menu and paste them in. Slowest method, works everywhere.

When should you install?

Before you travel, over Wi-Fi. The eSIM needs an internet connection to download, and your departure gate is a bad place to discover hotel-lobby Wi-Fi won't cooperate. Install it days early — validity only starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, so there's no cost to being prepared.

The two settings that matter on arrival

After landing, most "my eSIM doesn't work" moments are one of these:

Turn the eSIM line on and select it as your mobile-data line.
Enable data roaming — for the eSIM line only. This feels wrong ("isn't roaming what I'm avoiding?") but travel eSIMs are technically roaming profiles; the toggle just lets the eSIM do its job. Your home SIM's data roaming stays off, which is what protects you from carrier charges.

On iPhone, also check Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Switching is off, so the phone doesn't quietly fall back to your expensive home line.

Quick pre-flight checklist

Phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked — check your model
Plan purchased, eSIM installed over Wi-Fi at home
eSIM line labeled something obvious ("Japan Trip")
Home SIM: data roaming off. eSIM: switched on at landing, data roaming on

Frequently asked questions

Can I install now and activate next month?

Yes — that's the recommended pattern. Install whenever; the clock starts at first connection in the destination country.

I deleted the eSIM by accident. Can I rescan the QR code?

Usually not — most travel eSIM profiles install once. Don't delete an eSIM to "fix" a connection problem (run the troubleshooting checklist instead). If it's already gone, contact support.

Does installing use my data plan?

Downloading the profile uses a tiny amount of whatever connection you're on (use Wi-Fi at home). It does not consume your travel plan's data.

Do I need the app to install?

No — the QR code works from any email inbox. But the app adds one-tap install, usage tracking, and instant top-ups, so it's worth having: platform guides for iPhone and Android cover both routes.

Ready to try it?

Pick a destination on the plans page, and you'll have a working eSIM installed before your coffee cools. Device-specific walkthroughs: iPhone setup · Android setup.