How To Activate an Airalo eSIM

How To Activate an Airalo eSIM

Here’s a breakdown of how to activate an Airalo eSIM, keeping in mind there are a few key scenarios:

1. Activating Before Your Trip:

  • If your eSIM’s validity starts upon connection to a network:

    • You can install the eSIM anytime before your trip. It won’t activate until you connect to a supported network at your destination.
    • Follow the installation steps (see below) but don’t worry about turning on the eSIM line until you arrive.
  • If your eSIM’s validity starts upon installation:

    • You should ideally install it only when you arrive at your destination, as the validity period will begin immediately.
    • If you need to install it beforehand for any reason, be aware that the validity period will be ticking down.

2. Installing the eSIM

  • On iOS (iPhone):

    • Open the Airalo app, go to “My eSIMs”, select the eSIM, and tap “Details”.
    • Tap “Install eSIM/Access Data”, then choose “Manual” or “Direct” (if available).
    • Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the provided information into your iPhone’s settings.
    • Once installed, you’ll see a new cellular plan in your settings.
  • On Android:

    • Open the Airalo app, go to “My eSIMs”, select the eSIM, and tap “Details”.
    • Tap “View Instructions”, then choose “Direct” or “QR Code”.
    • For “Direct”, tap “Install eSIM” and follow the prompts.
    • For “QR Code”, go to your phone’s settings, find “SIM card manager” or similar, and scan the QR code.

3. Activating the eSIM at Your Destination

  • On iOS:

    • Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
    • Turn on the eSIM line.
    • Make sure “Data Roaming” is enabled
    • Select a supported network from the list (you can find this in the eSIM details in the Airalo app)
  • On Android:

    • Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network.
    • Turn on the eSIM.
    • Make sure “Mobile Data” and “Data Roaming” are enabled.
    • Select a supported network.

Depending on the Airalo eSIM you choose, your eSIM will activate immediately upon installation or as soon as you connect to a new network at your destination. Not sure which one applies to you? Your activation policy will tell you. Once you land, go to your device settings and select your eSIM for cellular data.

The instructions below will help you activate your eSIM for devices that were purchased before June 23, 2020. You must reset your device to complete the following procedure, so create a backup before continuing.

  1. Back up your device. Then make sure it’s updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS.
  2. Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
  3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. 
  4. When asked, enter your passcode or Apple ID password. Then confirm that you want to erase your device.
  5. After erase is complete, restore your iPhone or iPad from your backup.

Once done, you can now set up an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad.

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How do I install and set up an eSIM on my iOS device?

Please check the following items in order to guarantee that you are able to successfully install and set up your eSIM:

  • Your device is eSIM compatible and network unlocked.
  • You have a stable connection, preferably WiFi. (You need to download the eSIM properly to your device and a stable internet connection is a must.)

Below you can find the step-by-step instructions, but you may also find helpful our video guide

There are three ways of installing an eSIM on your device:

  • Direct method
  • QR Code method
  • Manual method

This article will guide you through both QR code and Manual methods.

Also Read : Telcel Activate SIM Card Online

I. PREPARATION

  1. Login to your Airalo account.
  2. Go to My eSIMs.
  3. Look for the eSIM you want to install.
  4. Tap the Details button.
  5. Tap Install eSIM/Access Data
  6. Tap the Manual tab at the top
  7. You should be able to see SM-DP + Address & Activation code. Take note of this or keep this page open so you can copy the details later.

II. INSTALLATION

MANUAL METHOD

1. On your device, go to Settings

2. Tap Cellular or Mobile.

3. Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan.

  • Add Data Plan

4. Select Enter Details Manually. You will be asked to enter:

    • SM-DP+ Address
    • Activation Code
    • Confirmation Code(if available on your Airalo Account).

5. Choose a label or customized label for your eSIM.

6. Under the Default Line page, select your eSIM for cellular data only

7. You should see your new eSIM under your Cellular Data or Mobile Data Plans.

QR CODE METHOD

1. On your device, go to Settings.

2. Tap Cellular or Mobile.

3. Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data  Plan.

  • Add Data Plan

4. Use your printed QR code or another device that displays the QR code to scan your eSIM QR Code

5. If prompted, enter the 4-digit confirmation code. You can skip this step if you are not provided with the confirmation code.

6. Choose a label or customized label for your eSIM.

7. Under the Default Line page, select your eSIM for cellular data only

8. You should see your new eSIM under your Cellular Data or Mobile Data Plans.

IV. ACCESSING DATA (QR CODE OR MANUAL METHOD)

After installing your eSIM, you must also make the necessary adjustments for connecting as required on your eSIM installation page.

1. On your device, go to Settings>Cellular or Settings>Mobile.

2. Tap on your newly installed eSIM plan.

3. Toggle TURN ON THIS LINE for your eSIM and enable the Data Roaming

4. On the same page, tap on CELLULAR DATA NETWORK OR MOBILE DATA NETWORK. Type the APN(access point name) on the field provided on your device if required. You can find the APN details in the eSIM installation details on your Airalo App/Account.

5. Go back to Settings>Cellular or Settings>Mobile.

6. Select your eSIM for Cellular Data or Mobile Data. Be sure to turn OFF Allow Cellular Data Switching” to avoid charges on your other line.

7. Go to your eSIM settings and select the supported network.