Short answer
Connect to Wi-Fi, open your phone's mobile/SIM settings, choose Add eSIM, then scan the QR code from another screen (or enter the activation code manually). Label the new line, keep your Nigerian line for calls and SMS, and when you arrive, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it. The whole installation takes about five minutes.
Quick steps
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Use a stable Wi-Fi connection and have the QR code on another screen.
- Open Add eSIM. iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM. Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
- Scan the QR code. Scan the QR code, or enter the activation code manually if it's on the same phone.
- Label the line. Name it "Travel" and keep your Nigerian line for calls and SMS.
- Activate on arrival. Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it only.
Before you start
- Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked (check here).
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
- Have the QR code on another screen (a laptop or a second phone), or print it. You can't scan a QR code shown on the same phone; use the manual activation code instead.
- Install it a day or two before you travel, but check your plan's details for when its validity starts (most plans start counting when the eSIM first connects in the destination country).
iPhone
- Open Settings → Mobile Service (on some versions: Cellular or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the QR code. If the code is on the same iPhone, tap Enter Details Manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- When asked, give the new line a label such as "Travel".
- Choose your Nigerian line as the default for calls and SMS (iMessage/FaceTime) if you want to keep your number.
- For Mobile Data, you can choose the travel line now or when you arrive. Turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching so your Nigerian line isn't used for data abroad.
- When you arrive: Settings → Mobile Service → tap the Travel line → turn it on → turn on Data Roaming for this line only.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
- Choose Scan QR code from service provider and scan the code, or choose to enter the activation code.
- Confirm and give the eSIM a name.
- In SIM manager, set Mobile data to the travel eSIM when you arrive, and keep Calls and Messages on your Nigerian SIM.
- Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming while the travel eSIM is selected.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM (or tap + next to SIMs) → Download a SIM instead? → Next.
- Scan the QR code, or tap Need help? to enter the activation code.
- When you arrive, open the travel eSIM in SIMs, turn it on, set it for Mobile data, and turn on Roaming.
Menu names vary slightly between phone models and software versions, but the steps are the same: Add eSIM → scan → label → set for mobile data → roaming on.
Fixing common problems
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| "Unable to complete cellular plan change" / "eSIM can't be added" | Check Wi-Fi, restart the phone and try again. Check the phone is unlocked. |
| Installed, but no internet abroad | Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM, and make sure it's selected for mobile data. |
| Shows signal but no data | Check the APN in the plan's details (most set it automatically); restart the phone. |
| Using the wrong line for data | Set mobile data to the travel eSIM and turn off data switching. |
| Accidentally deleted the eSIM | Contact us; deleted profiles usually can't be reinstalled, so don't remove it until the plan is finished. |
A 2-minute checklist before you fly
- The travel eSIM shows in your phone's SIM list, labelled clearly.
- Mobile data is set to the travel eSIM (or you know how to switch it on arrival).
- Data roaming is off for your Nigerian line.
- Your Nigerian line is still on for calls and SMS, so bank OTPs reach you.
- You've saved a screenshot of your order page and support contacts, in case you need help before you get Wi-Fi.
After you install
- Your order page shows your QR code and lets you check your remaining data.
- Keep the confirmation email; it contains your ICCID, which you need for support and top-ups.
Need help?
WhatsApp us on our support number and we'll walk you through it. Most issues take a few minutes to fix. Haven't bought a plan yet? Browse eSIM plans.
Get your eSIM
Choose a plan for your destination, pay in Naira, and install it in minutes. We're on WhatsApp if you get stuck.
Visit us: Yaba, Lagos · Owerri · +234 902 730 1128
Frequently asked questions
How do I activate my eSIM when I arrive?
Turn on the travel eSIM line, set it as your mobile data line, and turn on data roaming for that line only. It connects to a local partner network within a few minutes.
Can I install the eSIM before I travel?
Yes. Install it on Wi-Fi a day or two before you travel. Most plans only start counting days when the eSIM first connects in the destination country; check your plan's details.
Can I scan the eSIM QR code with the same phone?
No. Show the QR code on another screen or print it. On the same phone, enter the activation details manually instead.
Why is my eSIM not connecting to the internet?
Usually data roaming is off for the eSIM, or your phone is still using your Nigerian line for mobile data. Turn on roaming for the eSIM, select it for mobile data, and restart the phone.
Written by the ENB Technologies repair & IT team, reviewed by our technicians. Published .
ENB TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (RC 7714368) repairs computers and supports businesses from offices in Yaba, Lagos and Owerri. This guide is general information; for your device, ask us for a diagnosis. How we write our guides.
