Install guide
Sofa to signal, properly explained.
The whole job takes a few minutes and it is easier before you fly than after you land. If you only remember one thing, remember that.
Scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, turn Data Roaming on for the new line, leave it switched off, and when you land point mobile data at it. Your days start at that last step.
Before you fly
- 1
Install on Wi-Fi, at home
Adding an eSIM needs an internet connection. Using it does not. Do this before you leave and the rest of the trip is just a toggle.
Do not wait until you land. Without data you cannot install the thing that gives you data.
- 2
Scan the QR code from the email
Open the email on a laptop or print it, then scan it with the phone that will use it. You cannot scan a code shown on the same phone you are installing to — use the manual details instead.
- 3
Label it, then leave it alone
Name the plan after your destination so you can find it later. Keep your home SIM as the active line for calls and texts.
- 4
Turn Data Roaming on for the new line
This sounds alarming and is not. The eSIM is a local plan roaming inside its own network, so the switch has to be on for it to work. It cannot generate a bill from your home carrier.
This is the single most common reason a correctly installed eSIM shows no data.
Exact taps, by phone
iPhone
- Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM
- Tap “Use QR Code” and point the camera at the code
- Label the plan with your destination
- Keep your existing line for calls, texts and iMessage
- Turn Data Roaming on for the SimbaSIM line only
Android
- Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM
- Choose “Set up an eSIM” and scan the code
- On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM
- Name the SIM after your destination
- Turn Roaming on for that SIM, and leave your main SIM as default for calls
Menu names shift between versions and manufacturers. If you cannot find the option, search your settings for “eSIM” — every phone that supports it has it somewhere.
When you land
- 1
Land and take it off airplane mode
Give it a minute to find a network. It may show the local operator’s name rather than ours — that is exactly right, because you are on their towers.
- 2
Switch mobile data to the SimbaSIM line
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data → SimbaSIM. Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data. Your validity period starts at this moment, not before.
- 3
Leave calls and texts on your own number
Nothing changes there. Your bank codes and phone calls keep arriving as normal, and WhatsApp works over the new data.
When something is wrong
The QR code will not scan
You cannot scan a code displayed on the same phone you are installing to. Open the email on another screen, or use the manual details on your install page — the SM-DP+ address and activation code can be typed in by hand.
It installed but shows “No Service”
Three things, in order: check Data Roaming is on for the SimbaSIM line, check you have actually arrived at the destination (the plan will not register at home), and try selecting a network manually in settings. If it still fails after twenty minutes on the ground, email support@simbasim.com.
It says connected but nothing loads
Mobile data is probably still pointed at your home SIM. Switch the data line to SimbaSIM. If you are on iPhone, also check that “Allow Mobile Data Switching” is off, because it can silently hand traffic back to your home line.
I ran out of data
Top up from the same eSIM — no new QR code and no re-install. We message you at 80% used so it rarely comes as a surprise.
I deleted the eSIM by accident
Email support@simbasim.com straight away with your order reference. Each QR code installs once, so a deleted profile normally cannot be recovered — but tell us and we will do what we can.
I have a new phone
An eSIM cannot be moved between devices. If you have not installed it yet, we can reissue it for the new phone; if you have, get in touch and we will sort something out.