Learn how to install and activate an eSIM on iPhone and Android. Follow simple setup steps, scan your QR code, and fix common activation issues fast.
Before You Start: Pre-Installation Checklist
Confirm the following before installing:
- Does your phone support eSIM?
- iPhone: All models from iPhone XS / XR onward are supported. Note: Mainland China iPhone models before iPhone 17 do not support eSIM.
- Android: Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Huawei P40+, and most recent flagship devices. To check, go to Settings > About Phone and look for an "EID" number — if it's there, your phone supports eSIM.
- Is your phone unlocked? Carrier-locked phones may block eSIM installation. Contact your carrier to confirm or request an unlock.
- Are you connected to Wi-Fi? A stable internet connection is required to download the eSIM profile. Wi-Fi is strongly recommended.
- Have you received your QR code email? After purchasing a haru eSIM plan, the QR code is sent to your email. Check your spam/junk folder if you don't see it.
Pro tip: Install your eSIM before departure, then simply switch on data roaming when you land. This avoids scrambling at the airport.
iPhone Installation (iOS 17+)
Steps may vary slightly on older iOS versions.
- Open Settings > Cellular
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older versions)
- Select Use QR Code
- Point your camera at the QR code from your email (open the email on another device, or make a screenshot on the QR code, or even print it)
- Wait for the carrier profile to download (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
- Name the line — we recommend "haru eSIM" or your destination name so it's easy to identify
- Configure your line settings:
- Default Line: Keep your physical SIM as the default for calls and texts
- Cellular Data: Leave on your physical SIM for now — switch to the eSIM after you arrive
- Tap Done
Activating Data After Arrival
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap your haru eSIM line
- Toggle on Turn On This Line
- Toggle on Data Roaming
- Go back and set Cellular Data to your haru eSIM line
Android Installation
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
- Tap Add eSIM
- Select Scan QR code from service provider
- Scan the QR code from your email
- Wait for the download to complete, then tap Confirm
- Name the SIM (e.g., "Haru Travel")
- Do not set it as the default data line yet — wait until you arrive at your destination
Google Pixel
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
- Tap + Add or Download a SIM instead
- Tap Next and scan the QR code with your camera
- Wait for the download and activation to finish
- After arrival, return to this settings page and switch mobile data to your haru eSIM
Troubleshooting Common Issues
QR Code Won't Scan
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Poor lighting or screen glare | Maximize screen brightness on the device showing the QR code; adjust the angle |
| Camera not focusing | Move the phone further away, wait for autofocus to lock, then hold steady |
| QR code already used | Each QR code can only be installed on one device. If you switched phones, contact support@haruesim.com for a new code |
| Blurry screenshot | Scan directly from the original email, not a screenshot of a screenshot |
Manual installation fallback: If scanning fails, select Enter Details Manually when adding an eSIM, then input the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your email.
Installed Successfully but No Internet
- Turn on Data Roaming — this is the most commonly missed step
- Confirm Cellular Data is set to your haru eSIM line, not your physical SIM
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network refresh
- Go to Settings > Cellular > [haru eSIM] > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, manually select an available carrier, then switch back to Automatic
"eSIM Cannot Be Added" Error
- Your phone may be carrier-locked — contact your carrier to request an unlock
- Mainland China iPhone models (iPhone 14 and earlier) do not support eSIM
- Make sure your phone's operating system is fully updated
FAQ
When does my eSIM validity period start?
Your haru eSIM plan begins when you first connect to a data network, not when you install it. Installing early does not waste any days.
Can I use my physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?
Yes. Most travelers keep their physical SIM active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for mobile data. Both work simultaneously.
How many eSIMs can my phone store?
iPhones can store 8-10 eSIM profiles (with 1-2 active at a time). Android capacity varies by model but typically supports 5 or more.
What if I run out of data?
Purchase a new plan on the haru eSIM website. Delete the old eSIM profile, then scan your new QR code to install the fresh plan.
Do I need to delete the eSIM after my trip?
No, but it's good practice to disable the line to prevent unnecessary background data usage. Go to Settings > Cellular > [haru eSIM] and toggle off Turn On This Line.
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