Installing an eSIM takes about two minutes and you only do it once. The steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android, and there's one setting on arrival that catches almost everyone. This guide covers all of it.
Before you start
Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
Connect to Wi-Fi. Home is easiest.
Have your Roamly account open in the app or at onroamly.com, under My eSIMs.
Do this before you fly. The eSIM sits dormant until you connect at your destination.
iPhone
Option 1: direct install from the Roamly app or website
Open My eSIMs and tap your plan.
Tap Add to iPhone. iOS will open its eSIM setup automatically.
Tap Continue, then Done. That's it.
Option 2: scan the QR code
Use this if you're installing on a different phone from the one you bought on, or if the direct install doesn't appear.
Open My eSIMs on another device and show the QR code.
On the iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile (called Cellular in some regions), then Add eSIM.
Tap Use QR Code and point the camera at the code.
Follow the prompts and tap Continue.
Option 3: enter the details manually
Settings, Mobile, Add eSIM, then Enter Details Manually.
Copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from My eSIMs into the fields.
Label the line
iOS will ask what to call the new line. Name it after your destination, like "Bali" or "Japan". This makes the next step far less confusing.
Set the defaults
iOS will then ask which line to use for calls, iMessage and mobile data. Choose:
Default line for calls and iMessage: your Australian SIM.
Mobile data: your Australian SIM for now. Switch to the eSIM when you land.
Allow Mobile Data Switching: off. Otherwise iOS may quietly fall back to your Australian line and rack up roaming.
Android (Samsung Galaxy, Pixel and others)
Menu names vary a little between brands, but the path is the same.
Direct install
Open the Roamly app, go to My eSIMs, tap your plan and tap Add to Android.
Android will open the eSIM download screen. Tap Download, then Done.
QR code
Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead, then scan.
Scan the code from My eSIMs on another device and follow the prompts.
Manual entry
On the same Add eSIM screen, choose Enter activation code manually (Samsung) or Need help? then Enter it manually (Pixel) and paste the activation code from My eSIMs.
Label the line and set defaults
In SIM manager, tap the new eSIM and rename it. Leave your Australian SIM as the default for calls and messages. Leave mobile data on your Australian SIM until you land.
When you land: the two settings that matter
This is where most "my eSIM isn't working" messages come from. Two things need to be set:
Switch mobile data to the eSIM.
iPhone: Settings, Mobile, Mobile Data, then pick the travel line.
Android: SIM manager, then set the travel eSIM as the mobile data SIM.
Turn data roaming ON for the eSIM line. Yes, on. Travel eSIMs work by roaming onto local networks, so this must be enabled or you'll get no data.
iPhone: Settings, Mobile, tap the travel line, then Data Roaming on.
Android: SIM manager, tap the travel eSIM, then Data roaming on.
And the mirror image: turn data roaming off on your Australian line, so nothing slips through at carrier rates. Calls and texts on your Australian number still work.
Give it a minute after landing. The phone needs to find a network and the eSIM activates on first connection.
Common mistakes
Deleting the eSIM after the trip to tidy up, then wanting it back. Once deleted, it's gone. Just turn the line off instead.
Installing on the wrong phone. An eSIM installs once. Use the QR code method if the phone you'll travel with isn't the one you bought on.
Testing it in Australia and panicking at "No service". That's expected. The plan is for your destination's networks.
Leaving "Mobile Data Switching" on. iOS can silently hop back to your Australian SIM when the eSIM signal is weak.
Still stuck? Message us in the app or on the website with your phone model and a screenshot of your mobile settings, and we'll sort it out quickly.