How to Set Up and Use an eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide for Australian Travelers (2026)

eSIM Store

10 May 2026

If you've just bought an eSIM and you're wondering how to set up an eSIM in Australia before your trip — you're in the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from checking your phone is compatible to activating your data when you land. It's simpler than it looks, and you'll be ready to go in minutes.

Before You Start: Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?

Not all phones support eSIM yet — but most smartphones released after 2018 do. Here are the most popular compatible models:

iPhone: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
Samsung Galaxy: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series; Z Fold and Z Flip series
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later
Other Android: Motorola Razr, Oppo Find X series, Sony Xperia 10 V and newer

Not sure about your specific model? Check your phone's Settings → About Phone → SIM Status, or look for an "Add eSIM" option under your SIM settings. If it's there, you're compatible.

Note: Some carrier-locked Australian phones (particularly older Telstra or Optus models) may not support eSIM even if the hardware does. If you're unsure, contact your AU carrier.

Step 1: Buy Your eSIM Plan (eSIM Setup Guide)

Head to esimstore.com.au and browse plans by destination. Select your destination, choose the data size that suits your trip, and complete checkout.

Within minutes, you'll receive an email with either:

A QR code to scan (the easiest method), or
An activation code to enter manually

You don't need to install anything until you're ready — your eSIM details will wait in your inbox. Keep that email handy for the next step.

Step 2: Install the eSIM Profile — How to Activate eSIM

This is where people sometimes feel nervous. Don't worry — it takes about two minutes and nothing can go wrong if you follow these steps.

You'll need Wi-Fi for this step. Install before you leave home or while you're still connected.

On iPhone (iOS)

Open Settings
Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
Tap Add eSIM
Select Use QR Code
Point your camera at the QR code in your email
Tap Continue on the confirmation screen
Follow the prompts to finish installing

If you don't have the QR code handy, tap Enter Details Manually instead and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email.

On Android

Android steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general path is:

Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung)
Tap SIM cards (or SIM Manager)
Tap Add eSIM or the + button
Choose Scan QR code and scan the code from your email
Confirm and follow the on-screen prompts

Samsung users: go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add eSIM.
Google Pixel users: go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM.

Once installed, the eSIM will appear in your SIM settings alongside your regular Australian SIM. That's it — the profile is installed.

Step 3: Keep Your Australian Number Active

Here's something many people miss: when you're overseas, you want your Telstra or Optus number to keep receiving calls and SMS (two-factor authentication codes, messages from home) — but you don't want it using expensive international data.

The trick is to assign each SIM a separate job:

Your Australian SIM → Calls & SMS only
Your eSIM → Mobile data

On iPhone:

Go to Settings → Cellular. Under Default Line, set your Australian SIM for calls. Under Cellular Data, select your eSIM.

On Android:

Go to Settings → SIM Manager (or SIM cards). Set the default for calls to your Australian SIM, and default for data to your eSIM.

This keeps your AU number reachable without racking up roaming charges on your Telstra or Optus plan.

Step 4: Activate on Arrival

Your eSIM plan doesn't start counting down until you activate data — so you can install it days before you fly without wasting any of your data allowance.

When you land at your destination:

Turn on Data Roaming for your eSIM in Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM name]
Make sure Data Roaming is off on your Australian SIM
Set mobile data to your eSIM if you haven't already

Within a minute or two, you should see your signal bars fill up and a local network name appear. You're connected.

Troubleshooting: Common eSIM Issues and Fixes

If something doesn't look right, here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

eSIM not showing up after scanning the QR code

Make sure you had an active Wi-Fi connection during installation. Try restarting your phone, then go back to Settings → Cellular and check if the eSIM appears. If not, re-scan the QR code (it can be scanned multiple times during initial install).

No signal after landing

Check that Data Roaming is turned on for your eSIM (Settings → Cellular → [eSIM name] → Data Roaming: ON). Also check that your eSIM is set as the active data SIM, not your AU SIM.

The wrong SIM is using data

Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and make sure your eSIM is selected, not your Australian SIM.

eSIM says "No Service"

Some plans require manual network selection on arrival. Go to Settings → Cellular → Network Selection, turn off Automatic, and choose a local network from the list. Then switch Automatic back on.

QR code won't scan

Make sure the screen brightness on the device showing the QR code is turned up fully. Try entering the activation code manually instead — the details are in the same email as the QR code.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your eSIM Abroad

Download Google Maps offline before you fly. In the Maps app, search your destination, tap Download, and save the map for offline use. This saves your eSIM data and works even when signal is patchy.
Check your data balance in the app or via SMS. Most eSIM plans send a low-data warning, but you can also check usage in Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM name] on iPhone.
Top up if you run low. Many eSIM Store plans support top-ups. Log in to your account at esimstore.com.au to see if a top-up is available for your plan.
Keep your AU SIM's data roaming off the whole trip. One accidental background refresh on your AU SIM could result in a surprise international data charge from Telstra or Optus.
Connect to hotel or airport Wi-Fi when you can. It extends your data further for the things that matter — navigation and maps when you're out exploring.