How to Install & Activate an eSIM
Takes under 2 minutes. We recommend doing this at home before you travel — all you need is Wi-Fi.
Step-by-step installation
Check compatibility
Go to Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → About → SIM Status (Android). If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. If you're unsure, check our compatible phones guide.
Check compatible phones →Buy your eSIM plan
Browse Orbitelo plans by country. Pick your destination, data amount (1 GB to unlimited), and validity (7–30 days). Pay securely — your profile is generated instantly after checkout.
Browse plans →Download the profile
Open the Orbitelo app → My eSIMs → tap Install. Or scan the QR code from your confirmation email. You need Wi-Fi or an existing data connection for this step. The download takes under 10 seconds.
Enable eSIM for data
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → tap your Orbitelo plan → turn on, set as data SIM. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → select eSIM → set as Mobile Data. Your home SIM keeps receiving calls and texts.
Activate when you land
Your data allowance only starts when you activate. So you can install days before your trip and activate on arrival. Toggle airplane mode off when you land — your phone connects to the local network automatically.
Troubleshooting common issues
Problem: QR code won't scan
Make sure the QR code is fully visible on screen at full brightness. If it still fails, use the manual activation code instead (tap 'Enter details manually' on iPhone).
Problem: eSIM installed but no connection
Check that the eSIM is set as your data SIM in Settings → Cellular. Toggle airplane mode off and on. Wait up to 60 seconds for the network to register.
Problem: Carrier says the phone is locked
Contact your home carrier to unlock the device. Network-locked phones can't use third-party eSIMs. Unlocking is usually free for phones that are paid off.
Related guides
No data? No worries.
Instant connection with Orbitelo eSIM