Setting up your eSIM, properly

The confirmation email covers the basics, but skips the steps that trip up most first-time users. This fills in the gaps — pick your provider below.

1. Buy the plan for your destination

   Confirmation and a QR code arrive by email immediately after payment — no physical card, no shipping wait.

2. Install 1–2 days before you fly — not on arrival

   Do this while still on home Wi-Fi. Installing early is safe and doesn't start your data clock — that only begins when you activate it later. You'll need a second screen (another phone, a tablet, or a computer) to display the QR code so your travel phone's camera can scan it. No second device handy? Use "Install Manually" instead and type in the activation code from the email.

3. iPhone

   Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

   Scan the QR code (or enter it manually), then follow the prompts. When asked, label the new line something like "Holafly [Country]." Set your existing number as the Primary line for calls and texts, and the new eSIM as Secondary for data. Turn off "Allow Mobile Data Switching" to avoid accidental roaming charges landing on your home SIM instead.

4. Android / Samsung

   Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM

   Scan the QR code, or enter the activation code manually — include the LPA and colons exactly as shown in the email. Tap Add, then Continue with Activation.

5. Only activate once you land

   Activating early wastes paid data days. The eSIM turns on automatically the moment it connects to a local mobile network at your destination — you don't need an internet connection just to activate it.

6. The step almost everyone misses: turn on Data Roaming

   In your phone's settings, confirm the Holafly eSIM is selected as the line used for Mobile Data — not your home SIM — and switch Data Roaming on specifically for that eSIM line. Without this, the eSIM will show as installed and active, but nothing will actually connect. This one setting causes more "my eSIM isn't working" messages than anything else.

7. Still not connecting?

   Check that your phone's APN (Access Point Name) matches the one in Holafly's confirmation email — occasionally it needs entering manually. If it still doesn't work, Holafly runs 24/7 live chat support directly on their site.

1. Buy your plan and download the Yesim app

   Choose your destination and data amount, pay, and you'll get a confirmation with a QR code by email. Downloading the free Yesim app (iOS/Android) isn't required, but it's the easiest way to install and later check your balance.

2. Using the Yesim app

   Open the app → Help → Yesim Installation → Install

   The app walks you through installation automatically and hands off to your phone's system settings — don't interrupt the process once it starts. This is the simplest route if you have the app installed.

3. Without the app — iPhone

   Settings → Network & Internet → Add eSIM → Use QR Code

   Scan the QR code from your confirmation email, or enter the activation details manually if you don't have a second screen to scan from.

4. Without the app — Android / Samsung

   Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan → Add Using QR Code

   Scan the QR code from the email. Label the new plan something recognizable like "Yesim" when prompted.

5. The step almost everyone misses: turn on Roaming and Mobile Data

   Installing the eSIM alone doesn't connect you. Go to Settings → Internet & Network → Mobile Data, select the Yesim line, and switch on both Roaming and Mobile Data for it specifically. It can take 5–10 minutes for the eSIM to find a local network after this — that delay is normal, not a sign something's wrong.

6. Still not connecting?

   Double-check the Yesim line (not your home SIM) is set as the active line for Mobile Data. If it still won't connect after 10–15 minutes, Yesim's live chat support is available 24/7 through the app or their site.

1. eSIM route

   Order on drimsim.com, then install from the confirmation email

   You'll receive a QR code by email within minutes of paying. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM, then scan. The whole install typically takes under 5 minutes.

2. Physical SIM route

   Order ahead, then insert like any normal SIM card

   Drimsim ships worldwide, but budget roughly two weeks for delivery — order well before you travel, not the week of. Once it arrives, insert it into your phone's SIM tray like any physical SIM; it activates automatically once you add balance.

3. Add at least €25 in balance before you travel

   Drimsim has no upfront plan cost beyond the SIM/eSIM itself (from €10) — instead, you top up a balance and pay per MB, call, and text as you go (from around €0.01/MB depending on the country). You need a minimum €25 balance loaded before the SIM will actually work, done through the Drimsim app or website.

4. Download the Drimsim app to track usage and top up

   The app (iOS/Android) shows your balance and per-country rates in real time, and is where you top up when running low. It's worth installing before you fly, while you're still on reliable Wi-Fi.

5. Want to make and receive calls? One extra step by platform

   On Android, calling (DrimCall) is built into the main Drimsim app. On iPhone, you'll need to separately download the Drimphone app to make and receive calls — the standard Drimsim app alone handles data only on iOS. Incoming calls cost extra (around €0.10/min); this is normal for the service, not an error.

UniverseTrips.com — this guide is provided for convenience and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Holafly, Yesim, or Drimsim. For account-specific issues, contact the relevant provider's support directly.