Complete eSIM Activation Guide — iPhone & Android, Step by Step
by SelPl Editorial Team
eSIM activates a mobile line using a digital profile loaded onto a chip already inside your phone — no physical card, no shipping, no store visit. You can be up and running in about five minutes, and you can run two numbers on the same device.
What eSIM Is
With a traditional USIM, you slot a small plastic card into your phone. With eSIM, that card is replaced by a digital profile.
- No physical card — nothing to ship, nothing to lose
- Install via QR code or manual entry
- Store several eSIMs on one device; switch or run two lines at once
Step 1: Check if Your Device Supports eSIM
iPhone
- Most models from iPhone XS / XR onward support eSIM
- Settings → General → About — if you see an EID entry, eSIM is supported
- US-market iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot)
Android
- Samsung: most Galaxy S23 and newer, plus some S22 models
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer
- Settings → Connections → SIM manager — if "Add eSIM" is present, you're supported
Not Supported
Your phone needs a physical USIM. Filter for USIM options in SelPl's plan listings.
Step 2: Choose a Carrier and Request eSIM
Typical order on a carrier's site or app:
- Create an account
- Verify your identity (ARC or the Korean PASS app)
- Pick a plan
- Select eSIM as the SIM option
- Pay
The QR code usually arrives by email or in the carrier app within about ten minutes.
Step 3: Install eSIM on iPhone
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or Set Up eSIM)
- Choose Use QR Code
- Scan the QR code your carrier sent
- Add Cellular Plan → name the line (e.g. "Work", "Personal")
- Set which line handles calls, messages and data
Confirming the install
Settings → Cellular shows the active plan. Signal bars with a number (showing strength) mean you are connected.
Step 4: Install eSIM on Android (Samsung)
- Settings → Connections → SIM manager
- Tap Add eSIM
- Choose Add with QR code
- Scan the QR
- Name the line → confirm
Common Questions
Q. Can I reuse a QR code? A. Usually not — most QRs are one-time. If you delete the profile, contact the carrier for a new QR.
Q. Can I move an eSIM to a new phone? A. No. On the new phone, ask the carrier for a fresh QR and re-install.
Q. Can I run a foreign travel eSIM alongside? A. Yes. Store both profiles, activate whichever you need — a popular alternative to roaming.
Q. Is eSIM slower than physical USIM? A. No. It uses the same network.
Quick Summary
- Check device support in Settings first
- Pick a carrier → sign up → choose the eSIM option → receive a QR
- iPhone and Android both install in a single QR scan
- Especially useful for dual numbers and international travel
Ready to sign up? Compare eSIM-supporting plans on the Plans page. SelPl supports English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Khmer alongside Korean.