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Install and activate your eSIM

You do it once, at home on your own Wi-Fi. All that's left for landing day is turning on data roaming.

Before you start

  • A stable connection

    Your phone downloads the eSIM there and then over Wi-Fi or data. If the connection drops halfway, the install fails.

  • An unlocked phone

    A phone locked to a mobile provider won't let you add another line. If you got it on contract more than two years ago, it's almost certainly unlocked already.

  • Scan the QR from ANOTHER screen

    A phone can't scan a code on its own screen. Open it on a computer or a second phone, or use the direct install link.

The code works once. If you delete the eSIM from your phone, that same QR stops working: message us and we'll sort it out with you.

Step by step

Which phone do you have?

How would you rather install it?

  1. Open the QR on another screen

    On a computer or a second phone. An iPhone can't scan its own screen.

  2. Settings › Mobile Data › Add eSIM

    On some iPhones the menu is called Add Data Plan.

  3. Choose Use QR Code and scan it

    Frame the code and wait. If the camera won't pick it up, add some light or move a little closer.

  4. Confirm and wait

    Tap Continue and let the download finish without leaving the screen.

  5. Name the line

    Pick a name you'll spot easily, like Gigapass.

  6. Keep your usual line as primary

    And set mobile data to the Gigapass line. Your number and WhatsApp stay as they are.

Step by step, with the screens

What to tap is highlighted. The email and app screens are real captures; the settings screens look like your phone's and may vary slightly with the version.

Install from the email, on your iPhone

  1. Step 1 of 3

    Open your eSIM email on the phone you'll use it on and tap "Install on my iPhone".

  2. Step 2 of 3

    Doesn't it open? Open the email on another screen, like a computer or a tablet, and scan this QR with your phone.

  3. Step 3 of 3

    If you can't scan it, when adding the eSIM choose to enter the details manually and copy "SM-DP+ server (iPhone)" and "Activation code (iPhone)".

When you land

The eSIM connects to a local network by itself, but it needs data roaming turned on FOR ITS OWN LINE. This isn't your provider's roaming and it costs nothing extra: the plan is already paid for.

  1. Turn on the Gigapass lineIn your mobile data settings, check that the line is switched on.
  2. Turn on data roaming for THAT lineFor the Gigapass line only. Leave it off on your usual line, which is the one your provider bills.
  3. Pick the Gigapass line for dataSo your phone uses it for data and keeps your own line for calls.
  4. Give it a minuteThe first connection can take a moment. If nothing shows up, switch aeroplane mode on and off.

How to tell it's working

At the top, next to the signal bars, you'll see a local network name. Open any page with Wi-Fi off: if it loads, you're online. My eSIMs also shows how much data you have left.

If something goes wrong

The QR code won't scan

Open it on a bigger screen and turn the brightness up. If it still won't scan, install it manually with the SM-DP+ server and the activation code, which do exactly the same thing.

It says the code has already been used

The QR code works once, so that eSIM is already installed on a phone. Check your SIM settings first; if it's not there, message us with your order number.

It installed but there's no connection

It's nearly always data roaming left off on the Gigapass line. Check that, then switch aeroplane mode on and off to reconnect to the network.

It's slow or keeps dropping

Try choosing the network manually in your mobile network settings: some destinations have several and your phone can get stuck on the weakest one.

I've changed phones

An eSIM can't be moved from one phone to another: the code has already been used. Message us with your order number and we'll sort it out with you.

Does your phone support eSIM?

Most phones sold since 2019 do, as long as they're unlocked. Check here or in Settings: if you see “Add eSIM”, it's compatible.

  • iPhone XS, XR or later
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
  • Google Pixel 3 or later
  • Xiaomi 12T, 13 or later
  • Huawei P40 (not the P40 Lite)

Your phone needs to be unlocked. If you got it through your mobile provider more than two years ago, it almost certainly is.

Stuck halfway?

Send us a screenshot of where you're stuck and we'll tell you what to do next.

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Where are you landing this time?

Pick your destination, days and data. Install it before you go and land with data ready.

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