eSIM Quick Start Guide: How to Install an eSIM
How to Buy an eSIM
First, select an eSIM data package for the country where you are traveling, or currently located. You can find our full selection of eSIM cards on
Journey
After purchasing an eSIM, you will usually receive a QR Code via email within 5 minutes.
1. Purchase your data plan
Select from 32 plan options across 200+ countries, based on your destination, trip duration and how much data you need.
2. Install your eSIM
Before you fly, scan the QR code sent via email to activate your eSIM and follow the step-by-step instructions. It’s quick and easy.
3. Start roaming
Turn on data roaming, and automatically connect to a 4G/5G mobile network upon landing. Get online seamlessly!
How to Activate an eSIM
Activation is simple. Follow the steps below:
1. On the device where you want to install the eSIM data plan, open the Camera app.
2. Point the camera at the QR Code. Tap on the notification that appears, which should say Data Plan.
3. On the following screen, follow the prompts to install the new Data Plan. The default options are okay to accept.
4. Once the new Data Plan has been added, make sure that Data Roaming is set to ON in your phone's Settings.
Tips & Reminders
- Turn off Data Roaming on your Primary line (home SIM card) to prevent data roaming charges.
- Temporarily disable apps like iCloud Drive, Google Sync, or other apps that may consume your data in the background.
- If you install the eSIM before you arrive in your destination, be sure to change the eSIM plan to your primary Cellular Data plan when you arrive.
Example (iPhone)
Below we will walk through the steps with the correct settings to install the eSIM on iPhone:
1. Add eSIM
In this step, you will add a new, secondary data plan to your phone using the QR code. Note: If
you can't use the Camera to scan a QR code, try
Activate an eSIM with Manual Activation Code.
2. Activate eSIM
In this step, you can assign a name to the eSIM plan on your phone. Name it "Wander eSIM" or
the name of the country you're visiting!
3. Choose Default Lines
In this step, tell the phone which plan to use for Voice/SMS, iMessage, and Mobile Data.
Choose Primary for the first two options, and use the Wander eSIM for mobile data only.
4. Enable Data Roaming
By now, the eSIM is installed on your phone! You will see the new plan in your Settings with the label you chose.
The last step is to make sure Data Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM. (You can turn this setting OFF on your Primary line.)
5. Connecting to the Internet
After successfully activating your eSIM, your device will begin searching for a signal immediately. In most cases, a data connection will be established immediately, and you will see 5G or 4G LTE in the signal status. This means you are connected and ready to go!
In rare cases, it may take up to 15 minutes for a data connection to be established. Please be patient, as there are many data carriers and environmental factors that can affect the activation time.
Need help?
If you are unable to connect to the internet after 15 minutes, please see our eSIM Connection Troubleshooting Guide.