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How to activate eSIM: setup and help

Here's how to activate eSIM in under five minutes: open the email with your QR code, go to your phone's mobile or SIM settings, tap Add eSIM and scan the code. Do it on Wi-Fi before you fly, then switch the line on when you land. Step-by-step guides for iPhone and Android are below.

Updated

Before you start

  • Check your phone. It needs eSIM support and must be carrier-unlocked. See eSIM compatible phones.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
  • Find your QR code. It's in the order email from LinkPaLS. Open it on another screen, or print it, so your phone can scan it.
  • Don't delete the eSIM later. Most QR codes work once, so keep the eSIM on your phone until your trip ends.

How to activate eSIM on iPhone

Install your eSIM on iPhone with a QR code

  1. Open Settings. Tap Mobile Service (it may say Cellular or Mobile Data depending on your region).
  2. Tap Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code.
  3. Scan the code. Point the camera at the QR code from your LinkPaLS email. Tap Continue when the plan appears.
  4. Label the line. Name it LinkPaLS or Travel so it's easy to spot. Keep your home SIM as Primary.
  5. Choose your data line later. When asked, keep your home line for calls and messages. You'll switch data to LinkPaLS when you land.

On iOS 17.4 and newer you can also long-press the QR code image in Mail or Photos and tap Add eSIM. That's the fastest way when the code is on the same phone.

How to install eSIM on Android

Install your eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings. Go to Connections > SIM manager.
  2. Tap Add eSIM. Choose Scan QR code from service provider.
  3. Scan the code. Scan the QR code from your LinkPaLS email and tap Add.
  4. Name the line. Rename it LinkPaLS and leave it switched off until you land.

Install your eSIM on Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings. Go to Network & internet > SIMs.
  2. Add an eSIM. Tap Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead? or Set up eSIM.
  3. Scan the code. Scan the QR code from your LinkPaLS email and follow the prompts.
  4. Leave it off for now. Turn the new line off until you arrive.

Menu names vary on other Android phones, but the path is similar: Settings > Network or Connections > SIM > Add eSIM.

Can't scan the QR code? Enter it by hand

Your LinkPaLS email also includes an SM-DP+ address and an activation code. On iPhone, tap Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually. On Samsung, tap Add eSIM > Enter activation code. On Pixel, tap Need help? > Enter it manually. Paste both values and continue.

When you land: turn on your eSIM

Connect your travel eSIM on arrival

  1. Switch the LinkPaLS line on. Find it in your SIM or Mobile Service settings and turn it on.
  2. Make it your mobile data line. Set Mobile Data (iPhone) or Mobile data under SIM preferences (Android) to LinkPaLS.
  3. Turn on data roaming for that line. Travel eSIMs connect through local partner networks, so roaming must be on for the LinkPaLS line. Leave roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier.
  4. Give it a minute. Your phone picks the best partner network. You'll see a network name and 4G or 5G in the status bar.

Keep your home number while using eSIM data

Your phone now has two lines. Set them up once and they look after themselves for the rest of the trip:

  • Calls and messages: keep your home line as the default, so your number, SMS and bank codes keep working.
  • Mobile data: choose the LinkPaLS line.
  • WhatsApp and iMessage: leave them linked to your home number. They send and receive over LinkPaLS data.
  • iPhone tip: turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching under Mobile Data, so your phone doesn't fall back to roaming on your home line.
  • Android tip: under SIM preferences, turn off automatic data switching for the same reason.

During your trip

Check how much data you have left

Your phone shows data used per line under Mobile Service (iPhone) or Data usage (Android). Reset the counter when you arrive to track the trip accurately.

Share data with a hotspot

Turn on Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Hotspot & tethering (Android) to share your LinkPaLS data with a laptop or a travel partner. Hotspot uses data quickly, so pick a plan with headroom.

Top up or extend

If your plan supports top-ups, you can add data to the same eSIM without scanning a new QR code. Each plan page shows whether top-ups are available.

After you get home

Switch your mobile data back to your home line and turn the LinkPaLS line off. Delete the eSIM once you're sure you won't top it up again.

eSIM not working? Fix it in this order

  1. Check the line is on and set as your mobile data line.
  2. Turn data roaming on for the LinkPaLS line.
  3. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
  4. Restart your phone.
  5. Pick a network manually. Go to the LinkPaLS line's Network Selection, turn off Automatic and choose a partner network listed on your plan.
  6. Check APN settings if data still won't load. Most phones set this automatically; your email lists the APN if yours needs it.
  7. Still offline? Email support@linkpals.store with your order number and a screenshot of your SIM settings. Don't delete the eSIM.

More help

TopicWhere to go
Which phones workeSIM compatible phones
How eSIMs workWhat is an eSIM?
Plans and pricesDestinations
RefundsRefund policy
Anything elseContact us

Frequently asked questions

Does an eSIM activate automatically?

The eSIM installs when you scan the QR code. Data starts when you switch the line on and connect at your destination. Most plans start counting days from that first connection.

Can I activate an eSIM by myself?

Yes. You install it yourself in a few minutes with the QR code from your email. No store visit or call is needed.

When should I install my eSIM?

Install it a day or two before you fly, while you're on Wi-Fi. Keep the line off until you land.

Do I need to turn on data roaming?

Yes, for the LinkPaLS line only. Keep roaming off on your home SIM if you want to avoid your home carrier's roaming charges.

Can I reinstall my eSIM if I delete it?

Usually not, because most QR codes work once. Contact us before deleting anything if you have a problem.

How do I add more data?

If your plan supports top-ups, you can add data to the same eSIM without a new QR code. Each plan page says whether top-ups are available.

Will my eSIM work in another phone?

No. Once installed, an eSIM is tied to that phone. If you're switching phones before your trip, install it on the phone you'll travel with.

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