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Step-by-step guides

Follow these with your phone in hand — each one takes just a few minutes.

Install your eSIM on iPhoneYou'll need Wi-Fi and the QR code from your HelloSIM email — open it on another screen or print it.
  1. 1Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  2. 2Open Settings → Mobile Data (called Cellular in some countries) → Add eSIM.
  3. 3Tap Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your email.
  4. 4Tap Continue and wait until the eSIM is added. Give the new line a clear name, such as “HelloSIM”.
  5. 5When asked, keep your main line as the default for calls and messages. You can switch mobile data to HelloSIM when you arrive.
  6. 6If your plan also covers the country you are in now, keep the HelloSIM line off until you travel, so its validity does not start early.

Tip: Reading the email on the same iPhone? Use the manual method below with the SM-DP+ address and activation code.

Install on iPhone without scanning (manual)Handy when you only have one phone. Your email contains the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.
  1. 1Connect to Wi-Fi and open Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM.
  2. 2Tap Use QR Code, then Enter Details Manually.
  3. 3Copy the SM-DP+ address from your email into the first field.
  4. 4Copy the activation code into the next field and tap Next.
  5. 5Wait for the eSIM to be added, then name the line “HelloSIM”.

Tip: Copy and paste the codes instead of typing them — a single wrong character stops the installation.

Install your eSIM on Samsung GalaxyMenu names can differ slightly between models and Android versions.
  1. 1Connect to Wi-Fi and open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
  2. 2Tap Add eSIM (on some models: Add mobile plan).
  3. 3Choose Scan QR code from service provider and scan the code from your email.
  4. 4Confirm to add the eSIM and give it a name such as “HelloSIM”.
  5. 5Keep your main SIM for calls and messages; you'll choose HelloSIM for mobile data when you arrive.

Tip: No second screen for the QR code? Look for the option to enter the activation code and paste it from your email.

Install your eSIM on Google Pixel and other Android phonesIt works the same way on most Android phones — only the menu names change.
  1. 1Connect to Wi-Fi and open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
  2. 2Tap Add SIM (or + next to SIMs), then choose to download an eSIM instead.
  3. 3Scan the QR code from your email.
  4. 4Tap Download (or Activate) and wait for the eSIM to be added.
  5. 5Rename it “HelloSIM” so it is easy to find later.

Tip: Can't scan? Look for the option to enter the code manually and paste the activation code from your email.

When you land: get onlineDo this once you have arrived at your destination.
  1. 1Turn off airplane mode.
  2. 2iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → tap the HelloSIM line → turn on the line and Data Roaming. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & internet) → SIMs → HelloSIM → turn it on and enable roaming.
  3. 3Choose HelloSIM as your line for mobile data (iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data; Android: SIM manager → Mobile data).
  4. 4On your main line, turn Data Roaming off so your home carrier can't charge you for data.
  5. 5Give your phone a moment to connect to a local network. If it doesn't, switch airplane mode on and off or restart the phone.

Tip: Signal bars but no internet? Data Roaming for the HelloSIM line is almost always the missing switch.

Keep your number and WhatsApp while abroadYour phone can use two lines at once: your own number for calls and texts, HelloSIM for data.
  1. 1Keep your main SIM switched on and set as the default line for calls and messages.
  2. 2Set HelloSIM as the line for mobile data.
  3. 3Turn Data Roaming off on your main line and on for HelloSIM.
  4. 4On iPhone, turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching so data never falls back to your main line.
  5. 5Use WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime as usual — they keep your number and run over HelloSIM data.

Tip: Your home carrier may still charge for calls you make or receive abroad. Check your tariff, or let calls go to voicemail.

Check your data and top upA top-up adds data to the eSIM you already have — there is nothing to reinstall.
  1. 1Sign in to your HelloSIM account or the app and open My eSIMs to see your plan and remaining data.
  2. 2No account? Use the Check / Top up page with your eSIM's ICCID and the email address you used to buy it.
  3. 3Choose a top-up package and pay — the data is added to the same eSIM.
  4. 4Your phone's own data counter for the HelloSIM line gives a real-time estimate between checks.

Tip: Usage in your account can take a little while to update, so top up a little before you run out.

After your tripA few taps put your phone back to normal.
  1. 1Switch mobile data back to your main line.
  2. 2Turn the HelloSIM line off in your settings.
  3. 3Keep the eSIM installed until your plan has ended — a deleted eSIM usually can't be reinstalled.
  4. 4Once the plan has finished, you can delete the eSIM from your settings.

Tip: Travelling again? Getting an eSIM for your next destination takes about a minute.

Before you travel: a quick checklist

Five minutes at home saves a stressful arrival.

  • Your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
  • You've bought the right plan: one country, or a regional plan if you're crossing borders.
  • The eSIM is installed over Wi-Fi and the line is named “HelloSIM”.
  • Your main line stays on for calls and texts, with its Data Roaming off.
  • You've saved your QR code email and our WhatsApp or email support details.
  • Offline maps of your destination are downloaded, just in case.

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