How to install your eSIM with a QR code (step by step, iPhone and Android)

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. No trays to open, no physical card to wait for in the post, no plastic to cut: you activate it by scanning a QR code and you have data in under two minutes. This guide covers the step-by-step process for iPhone, Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi and other Android phones, what to do if the QR won't scan, and how to reinstall a deleted eSIM.

What you need before you start

• An eSIM-compatible phone. iPhone XS or later; Pixel 3 or later; Samsung Galaxy S20 or later (not the US-imported models); most Xiaomi, OPPO and OnePlus phones since 2021. If unsure, search your model on Google with "eSIM compatible" or check our compatibility list.
• A carrier-unlocked phone. If your phone is locked to a specific operator (increasingly rare), it won't accept an eSIM from another provider. Ask your operator to unlock it — it's free if you've been with them more than 12 months.
• An active internet connection (WiFi or data on another SIM). Your phone downloads the eSIM profile from the operator's server during installation, so you need to be online at that moment.
• The email with your QR. After buying an eSIM from MiMobile (or any provider), you receive an email with the QR code attached and, as a fallback, the manual codes (SM-DP+ address and activation code).

Install an eSIM on iPhone (XS or later)

The method varies slightly by iOS version. These are the steps for iOS 17 and later:

1. Open the email with the QR on another device (computer, tablet, or ask a family member to open their inbox and show you).
2. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Mobile Data depending on the version).
3. Select Use QR Code.
4. Point the iPhone camera at the QR on the other screen. The system detects it automatically.
5. Confirm the installation. The iPhone downloads the profile (~30-60 seconds) and asks how to label the line (Personal, Work, Travel, etc.).
6. Choose which line is your primary one and what you want each for (data, calls, iMessage). For a travel eSIM, we recommend: data on the eSIM, calls and iMessage on your main SIM.

Done. You'll see two signal bars at the top — one per line. The eSIM works automatically when you enter the relevant operator's coverage area.

Install an eSIM on Google Pixel (3 or later)

1. Open the QR on another screen.
2. On the Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or, if you already have a physical SIM, Add SIM).
3. Select Download a SIM instead > Next.
4. Point the camera at the QR. The Pixel detects it automatically.
5. Confirm and wait for the download. When it finishes, you can name the line and choose which one to use for data, calls and SMS.

Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy (S20 or later)

1. Open the QR on another screen.
2. On the Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
3. Tap Add mobile plan (or Add eSIM on newer One UI).
4. Select Scan carrier QR code.
5. Point the camera at the QR.
6. Confirm the download and set the line name (the operator name appears by default).

Important: Samsung Galaxy phones imported from the United States do NOT have eSIM even though the European version of the same model does — it's a Samsung design decision for the US market. If you buy a second-hand Galaxy, check the model code (European models usually carry /DS or country suffixes).

Install an eSIM on Xiaomi and other Android brands

On Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO: Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Add SIM card > Add eSIM (on MIUI 14 and later). On OPPO / OnePlus / Realme: Settings > Connections > Mobile plan > Add eSIM.

The process is then identical to the Pixel: scan the QR, download the profile, name the line. If your brand isn't listed above, search the settings for "eSIM" or "cellular plan" — most manufacturers have standardised it over the last two years.

If the QR won't scan: manual SM-DP+ codes

If your phone's camera can't read the QR (lighting, email quality, small screen, etc.), every modern operating system lets you enter the codes manually. They come in the same email as the QR.

• SM-DP+ address: something like smdp.example-operator.com
• Activation code: a long alphanumeric string (~30-40 characters).

In your phone's "add eSIM" flow, look for the Enter details manually option instead of scanning, and copy/paste the two values. The rest of the process is the same.

Reinstall an eSIM deleted from the device

If you deleted the eSIM from your phone by mistake but the plan is still active on the operator's account, you can scan the same QR again and the eSIM reinstalls. The condition is that the eSIM is still valid (not expired) and has active balance or a current data plan.

If the QR has already been used and expired for security (some operators invalidate the QR after the first install), you'll need to request a new one from the provider. With MiMobile you just email us at we@mimobile.es with your order number and we generate a replacement QR.

How to check the eSIM is active

Three quick checks to confirm your eSIM is properly installed and working:

1. In the status bar you should see two signal icons (one per line, physical + eSIM). If you only see one, the eSIM may be installed but disabled — go into settings and turn it on.
2. In Settings > Cellular, check that the eSIM line appears and is marked as active.
3. Run a connection test: turn off the physical SIM, leave only the eSIM active, open Safari/Chrome and load a website. If it works, the eSIM is serving data correctly.