eSIM installation guide: How To Use an AI eSIM ESIMS

January 1, 2025 / 6 MINUTE READ

AI eSIM Team

You’ve done your research and are ready to make the switch to eSIM technology. Great choice! eSIMs offer a convenient and affordable way to stay connected while you travel. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled everything you need to know to get started.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Where to get an eSIM
• How to install an eSIM
• How to connect to the internet
• How to make a call
• How to deactivate or remove an eSIM

Where to Get an eSIM

Most carriers have had eSIM data plans available for a while now, but there hasn’t been a significant improvement in how well they keep their customers connected. Even reputable companies like Verizon have cited performance and compatibility issues with their dual-SIM phones.

With AI eSIM, getting connected is as simple as purchasing, downloading, and activating a prepaid eSIM plan. We partner with local telecom providers around the world to make sure you get the best service and most affordable prices. That means no more dropped calls, weak signals, or outrageous roaming charges.

We offer prepaid data plans for hundreds of countries and regions around the world. To get an AI eSIM eSIM:

• Visit the AI eSIM website  Select the country or region you’ll be visiting
• Pick a plan with the right data limit and validity period for your travels

How to Install an eSIM

by folowing our eSIM installation guide Now you’re ready to install your eSIM. Phones that support eSIM have built-in technology that makes it easy to install and activate an eSIM data plan. There’s no need to add or switch physical SIM cards to get started — you just need a phone that is unlocked and eSIM-capable.

Once you’ve purchased your AI eSIM eSIM, we’ll send you an email with the steps to install it on your device. 

There are three ways to install an AI eSIM eSIM on your device:

Direct Installation

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

• Open the AI eSIM website on your phone.
• Go to My eSIMs.
• Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tap Details.
• Tap View Instructions.
• Tap Direct.
• Tap Install eSIM.
• Tap Next to move through the step-by-step guide.
• Tap Continue twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• Tap Done.
• Add a Cellular/Mobile Plan Label to the newly installed eSIM.
• Tap Secondary.
• Enter AI eSIM or your preferred label.
• Tap Done.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for calls and text messages.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for iMessage & FaceTime.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your AI eSIM eSIM for Cellular/Mobile Data.
• Ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned off.
• Tap Continue.
• After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Install your eSIM on an Android device:

• Open the AI eSIM app on your phone.
• Go to My eSIMs.
• Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tap Details.
• Tap View Instructions.
• Tap Direct.
• Tap Install eSIM.
• Tap Allow and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• After completing these steps, you will see a confirmation that the eSIM is successfully installed.

QR Code Installation

First, access your QR code:

• Open the AI eSIM website.
• Tap My eSIMs and select the eSIM you want to install. 
• Tap the Details button. 
• Tap View Instructions.
• Select QR Code as your installation method.
• Tap Share QR Code, then tap Save Image.

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

• Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Go to your mobile device’s Settings.
• Tap Cellular or Mobile. 
• Tap Add eSIM.
• Tap Use QR Code.
• Tap Open Photos.
• Select the saved QR code.
• Tap Continue twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• Tap Done.
• Add a Cellular/Mobile Plan Label to the newly installed eSIM.
• Tap Secondary.
• Enter AI eSIM or your preferred label.
• Tap Done.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for calls and text messages.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for iMessage & FaceTime.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your AI eSIM eSIM for Cellular/Mobile Data.
• Ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned off.
• Tap Continue.
• After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Install your eSIM on an Android device:

• Go to your mobile device’s Settings.
• Tap Connections.
• Tap SIM Manager.
• Tap Add eSIM.
• Tap Scan QR code.
• Tap the Gallery/Photos icon.
• Select the QR Code.
• Tap Done.
• Tap Add.
• Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Manual Installation

First, access your SM-DP+ address and activation code:

• Open the AI eSIM  website.
• Tap My eSIMs and select the eSIM you want to install. 
• Tap the Details button. 
• Tap View Instructions.
• Select Manual as your installation method.
• You’ll see your SM-DP+ address and an activation code.

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

• Go to your mobile device’s Settings.
• Tap Cellular or Mobile. 
• Tap Add eSIM.
• Tap Use QR Code.
• Tap Enter Details Manually.
• From the AI eSIM app, copy the SM-DP+ Address and paste it into the SM-DP+ Address field.
• Then, copy and paste the Activation Code and Confirmation Code (if prompted).
• Tap Next.
• Tap Continue twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• Tap Done.
• Add a Cellular/Mobile Plan Label to the newly installed eSIM.
• Tap Secondary.
• Enter AI eSIM or your preferred label.
• Tap Done.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for calls and text messages.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your Primary line for iMessage & FaceTime.
• Tap Continue.
• Select your AI eSIM eSIM for Cellular/Mobile Data.
• Ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned off.
• Tap Continue.
• After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Install your eSIM on an Android device:

• Swipe down and tap Settings.
• Tap Connections.
• Tap SIM manager.
• Tap Add eSIM.
• Tap Scan QR code.
• Tap Enter activation code.
• From the AI eSIM app, copy the Activation Code and paste it into the Activation Code field.
• Tap Done.
• Tap Add.
• Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
• After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

How to Connect to the Internet

Depending on the AI eSIM eSIM you choose, your eSIM will activate immediately upon installation or as soon as you connect to a new network at your destination. Not sure which one applies to you? Your activation policy will tell you.

Once you land, go to your device settings and select your eSIM for cellular data. Be sure to turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching” to avoid charges on your home line. And, voilà — you’ll be able to connect to the internet!

Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection

If you’re having trouble connecting or getting a signal, you might need to adjust a few settings on your phone:

• Turn roaming on or off (view your eSIM instructions to see if data roaming should be turned on or off for your eSIM).
• Check your installation instructions to see if your eSIM requires an APN. If it does, follow the instructions to update your APN settings.
• Make sure you have enough signal bars for 3G or 4G/LTE. If you’re in a functional coverage area and have tried all other fixes, you may need to restart your phone (turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on) to connect.

How to Make a Call

Smartphones with Dual SIM technology allow you to use an eSIM and physical SIM card simultaneously. This makes it easy for you to use eSIM data to connect to the internet and your physical SIM to send or receive calls. 

Here’s how to switch between two SIMs on an iPhone with iOS 12.1 or later:

• You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
• Your phone must be unlocked or have plans from the same carrier 
• Go to your mobile and cellular plan settings and choose the default line for calls and messages that aren’t stored in your contacts
• Whenever you want to switch between lines, go to “Cellular/Mobile Data” in your settings and select “Turn On This Line”

How to Deactivate or Remove an eSIM

You can store multiple eSIMs on your phone (even after their validity has expired), making it easy to switch between networks. However, if you would prefer to delete or temporarily disable an eSIM, you can do so in your device’s settings. 

How to Delete an eSIM

To delete an eSIM:

• Navigate to your device’s settings.
• Select Cellular or Mobile.
• Select your eSIM line.
• Select Remove Mobile Data Plan (it may say Remove eSIM or Delete Mobile Plan, depending on your device).

How to Disable an eSIM

To temporarily disable an eSIM:

• Navigate to your device’s settings.
• Select Cellular or Mobile.
• Select your eSIM line.
• You should see an option to turn the line on or off. Turn it off to temporarily disable it.
• You can re-enable it at a later time.

AI eSIM Team