I only have one phone and can’t scan the QR code

If you’ve opened your SIMOVO email on the same device you’re installing to, don’t worry — you don’t need to scan the QR code. Instead: - iPhone users (17.4 and above): tap the iOS Install Link in the email - Android users: copy and paste the LPA activation code from the shareable link into your phone's manual eSIM setup screen Both methods work just as well as scanning a QR code.

The eSIM installed, but data isn’t working

Make sure: 1. The SIMOVO eSIM is selected as your Mobile Data line 2. Data Roaming is turned ON 3. Mobile Data Switching is turned OFF (on iPhone) 4. You are in the destination country and have a strong signal Still not working? Try restarting your phone. On Android, you may also try manually selecting a different network under Network Operators.

The QR code won’t scan

• Make sure you’re using your phone’s Settings > Add eSIM > Use QR Code function — not just the camera app (on Android) • Try adjusting lighting or zooming in if scanning from a screen • Alternatively, switch to manual installation using the LPA activation string from your SIMOVO email

I want to check how much data I’ve used or when it expires

Tap the shareable link in your SIMOVO email — this takes you to your unique usage dashboard. You can see: - Remaing Data - Expiry countdown - Top-up options (if supported in your SIMOVO plan)

eSIM · 180+ COUNTRIES

eSIM Install Guide

How to install an eSIM

Activate affordable travel data in minutes — no roaming bills, no plastic SIM.

Jump to the steps

your next trip

Getting Started with Your SIMOVO eSIM

Whether you’re heading to Europe, the USA, or beyond, our eSIMs give you instant access to affordable, high-speed data - without roaming charges or needing a physical SIM.

This guide shows you exactly how to install and activate your SIMOVO eSIM on iPhone or Android. It’s easy, and takes just a few minutes.

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM?

Check your device model in seconds before you buy. Your phone must be eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked.

Requirements

What Do I need?

Our eSIMs require the following

iPHONE

XS, XR and newer (iOS 12.1 or later)

Android

Samsung, Pixel, and other models with eSIM support

Unlocked device

Your device must be unlocked (not locked to any specific network)

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin

Please make sure you have:

1
A Wi-Fi connection
2
Your SIMOVO email (sent after purchase), which includes:
- A QR code
- An iOS Install Link (for iPhone)
- A shareable link with manual install info
3
Your trip details - the eSIM will only activate once you're in your destination country.

Step-by-step

Install in a few taps

Choose your phone below. Follow the steps in order — it takes just a couple of minutes.

iphone install guide

screenshot

On your iPhone, open the SIMOVO confirmation email you received after purchase. Tap the ‘Tap to Install’ button inside the email. This will open your phone’s eSIM settings and begin the installation process automatically
Click 'Allow' to begin the step up process.
Your phone will securely download the SIM profile from our server over Wi-Fi. This process usually takes less than a minute. Once complete, the eSIM will appear in your mobile settings, ready to activate when you arrive in your destination country.
You can choose one of the default labels, but we recommend creating your own - something like the name of your destination country - so it’s easy to recognise your SIMOVO eSIM at a glance.
Set the default voice line as Primary. Your SIMOVO eSIM is data-only, so select this so that you continue to make and receive calls as normal.
If you're asked for iMessage and FaceTime, choose Primary for this too.
Choose your new SIMOVO eSIM as your Mobile Data.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have Allow Mobile Data Switching turned OFF
It's important to remember to turn ON Data Roaming on your phone.
IMPORTANT: Even after successful install of the eSIM, it won't show any signal until you arrive in your destination country.

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Alternative method

Option 2 – Scan the QR Code

If you’re installing via QR code, open your phone’s camera and point it at the QR code from your SIMOVO email.

A notification will appear prompting you to add the eSIM - tap it to begin. Your phone will guide you through the basic setup. Once complete, return to the instructions above to finish configuring mobile data and roaming settings.

android install guide

screenshot

Navigate to your settings on your Android phone, and head to Connections - this is where we'll add your eSIM.
Note: This might also be called Network & Internet
Tap SIM Manager (on Samsung devices) or Mobile Networks (on other Android phones like Pixel). This section allows you to manage your phone’s SIM cards.
From here, you’ll be able to begin the installation process by selecting Add eSIM or Download SIM.
Tap Add eSIM or Download SIM to begin the installation process. Your phone will now look for an eSIM to install - either by scanning a QR code or by letting you enter the activation details manually.
Choose the option for QR code and then press the button to enter the activation code manually, then paste in the LPA string provided in your email. This will download and install the SIMOVO eSIM profile onto your phone.
After installation, you’ll see your new SIMOVO eSIM listed alongside your existing SIM. We recommend editing the name to something meaningful - like the name of your destination country (e.g. “USA Data” or “Spain Trip”) - so it’s easy to recognise.

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screenshot

Configure your line settings

For SIM Messages, use your primary SIM
For Calls and Texts, use your primary SIM
For Mobile Data, choose your SIMOVO eSIM

Ensure Data Roaming is Turned ON

Our eSIMs won't work unless Data Roaming is turned on. You can do this under Settings

DO NOT ENABLE 'Mobile data switching'

This may cause roaming charges on your UK SIM. Leave this turned off always

Alternative method

Option 2 – Scan the QR Code

If you’re installing using a QR code, open your phone’s camera and point it at the QR code in your SIMOVO email (on another screen or printout).

When a prompt appears to add a mobile plan, tap it to begin. Your phone will walk you through the initial setup. Once installed, follow the steps above to set SIMOVO as your data line and turn on data roaming.

Need a hand?

Troubleshooting

See below for some standard troubleshooting tips. Check out our FAQ page for more troubleshooting and further questions

This is expected if you haven’t reached your destination yet.

SIMOVO eSIMs only activate when you’re physically in the destination country. Until then, your phone may show “No Service” or “Not Activated”. Once you arrive and your phone connects to a supported local network, signal will appear automatically. If it doesn’t, try restarting your device.

If you’ve opened your SIMOVO email on the same device you’re installing to, don’t worry — you don’t need to scan the QR code.

Instead:

iPhone users (17.4 and above): tap the iOS Install Link in the email
Android users: copy and paste the LPA activation code from the shareable link into your phone's manual eSIM setup screen

Both methods work just as well as scanning a QR code.

Make sure:

The SIMOVO eSIM is selected as your Mobile Data line
Data Roaming is turned ON
Mobile Data Switching is turned OFF (on iPhone)
You are in the destination country and have a strong signal

Still not working? Try restarting your phone. On Android, you may also try manually selecting a different network under Network Operators.

Make sure you’re using your phone’s Settings > Add eSIM > Use QR Code function — not just the camera app (on Android)
Try adjusting lighting or zooming in if scanning from a screen
Alternatively, switch to manual installation using the LPA activation string from your SIMOVO email

Tap the shareable link in your SIMOVO email — this takes you to your unique usage dashboard. You can see: