Getting Started
Everything you need to install and activate your eSIM, in the right order. Not sure what an eSIM actually is first? Start here.
Before you start
- You've bought a data plan for your destination.
- Your phone is eSIM compatible. Check with our if you're not sure.
- Your phone is carrier-unlocked.
- You've got a stable WiFi connection.
- Your confirmation email has arrived. Check your spam folder if it's been more than a few minutes.
Install (before you fly)
Do this on WiFi, before you leave. Leave your regular SIM's data roaming off, you don't need it yet.
Click the link in your email Easiest
- Open the confirmation email on the iPhone you're installing to.
- Tap the install link.
- Tap "Allow" when your iPhone asks to add the eSIM, then tap "Continue."
- Wait for it to finish downloading, usually under a minute on WiFi.
Scan the QR code
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then tap "Use QR Code." Point your camera at the QR code in your confirmation email, using a second device or a printout since your phone can't scan its own screen. Tap "Continue" and wait for it to finish.
Enter the details manually
Use this if you're installing from the same phone that received the email. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then tap "Enter Details Manually." Copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your confirmation email into the fields, then tap "Continue."
Do this next
Label it. Tap the new line, then Label, and give it a name you'll recognize, like "JusteSIMs Japan." (Settings > Cellular > [new line] > Label.)
Keep your regular number as your voice line. Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line, then choose your home SIM. You'll still receive calls, texts, and verification codes as normal. Making calls or sending texts from that number while abroad can still trigger your carrier's own roaming charges though, turning off data roaming doesn't prevent that. For calls, use data apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over your eSIM instead. (Added a Voice Pass to your eSIM? You can skip this step, your eSIM line can handle real calls and texts too.)
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching. Settings > Cellular > Allow Cellular Data Switching, then switch it off. This stops your phone from quietly switching to your home SIM's roaming data if your eSIM briefly loses signal.
If your camera won't scan the QR code, use "Enter Details Manually" instead. It works exactly the same either way.
How do I know it installed correctly?
Go to Settings > Cellular. Your new labeled line (for example, "JusteSIMs Japan") should be listed alongside your regular SIM. No data's been used yet, since roaming is still off.
Activate (when you land)
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, and choose your JusteSIMs line.
- Tap your JusteSIMs line, then turn on Data Roaming.
Your home SIM stays on for calls and texts, but off for data, so you won't be charged for roaming on your regular number.
If you don't get signal right away, give it a minute or two after landing. Turning airplane mode on and off can also help.
How do I know it's working?
Check the signal or 5G/LTE indicator next to your JusteSIMs line, then open any app or webpage to confirm you're connected.
Samsung and Pixel (or most other Android phones) use slightly different menus, both are covered below.
Install (before you fly)
Do this on WiFi, before you leave. Leave your regular SIM's data roaming off, you don't need it yet.
Click the link in your email Easiest
- Open the confirmation email on the Android phone you're installing to.
- Tap the install link.
- Follow the prompts to add the eSIM, and wait for it to finish downloading.
Scan the QR code
Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code from carrier.
Pixel and most other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM.
Point your camera at the QR code in your confirmation email, using a second device or a printout since your phone can't scan its own screen, then follow the prompts to finish.
Enter the details manually
Use this if you're installing from the same phone that received the email.
Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Enter activation code.
Pixel and most other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Need help? > Enter it manually.
Copy the activation code from your confirmation email into the field, then follow the prompts to finish.
Do this next
Label it. Find your new eSIM line in SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel and most other Android phones), and rename it to something you'll recognize, like "JusteSIMs Japan."
Keep your regular number as your default for calls and texts, so you still receive calls, texts, and verification codes as normal. Making calls or sending texts from that number while abroad can still trigger your carrier's own roaming charges though, turning off data roaming doesn't prevent that. For calls, use data apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over your eSIM instead. (Added a Voice Pass to your eSIM? You can skip this step, your eSIM line can handle real calls and texts too.)
Turn off automatic data switching if your phone has the option, so it doesn't fall back to your home SIM's roaming data. On Samsung, this is under Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
If "Add eSIM" is greyed out, your phone may still be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to unlock it, then try again.
How do I know it installed correctly?
Open SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel and most other Android phones). Your new labeled line should be listed. No data's been used yet, since roaming is still off.
Activate (when you land)
Turn on data roaming for your JusteSIMs line specifically, and set it as your default for mobile data.
Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming, then toggle it on for your JusteSIMs line.
Pixel and most other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > [JusteSIMs line], toggle Data roaming on, and set it as your default under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Default for mobile data.
If you don't get signal right away, wait a minute or two, or toggle airplane mode on and off.
How do I know it's working?
Check the signal indicator next to your JusteSIMs line, then open any app or webpage to confirm you're connected.
Still not working after all that?
Head to Troubleshooting, we've covered the most common fixes.
Go to Troubleshooting