You can buy an eSIM online in a few minutes, right from your phone. You choose your destination, compare the plans, pay, and get a QR code by email. Then you install it on your phone and it connects when you arrive. This guide shows you how to buy an eSIM online step by step, with real screenshots of the SimOptions website, so you know exactly what you'll see on each screen.
Before you buy: check your phone
Two quick checks save you a lot of trouble. Do them before you pay.
Does your phone support eSIM?
iPhones support eSIM from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onwards. iPhones sold in mainland China only support eSIM on a few recent models (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Many recent Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android phones support eSIM too, but it can depend on the model and the country your phone comes from.
A quick test: dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look up your model in our list of eSIM compatible phones.
Is your phone unlocked?
A carrier-locked phone only accepts eSIMs from the carrier it's locked to. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look at Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means your iPhone is unlocked. If you see something else, only your carrier can unlock it (Apple: Unlock your iPhone). On Android, ask your carrier. More on what a carrier-locked phone means.
How to buy an eSIM online in 6 steps
Here's the whole process on the SimOptions website, using a Europe eSIM as the example. It works the same way for any of our 200+ destinations, on your phone or on a computer.
Step 1: Find your destination
Go to simoptions.com and type your country or region in the search box, for example "Europe". Tap the result to open its page. You can also browse all destinations by country or region.
Visiting several countries? Look for a regional plan, like Europe or Asia, so one eSIM covers your whole trip.
Step 2: Compare the plans
The destination page lists the plans for that country or region. Each card shows the key facts, so you can compare them at a glance:
- Data: how many GB you get.
- Calls & SMS: most travel eSIMs are data-only. Some Europe plans from Bouygues Telecom include a French +33 number with calls and texts.
- Validity: how many days you can use the data.
- Speed: 4G/LTE or 5G.
- Coverage: how many countries the plan works in.
Not sure how much data you need? Think about how long you'll stay and how you use your phone. Maps, messages and some social media use much less than video calls or streaming. Our guide to the best eSIM for Europe helps you choose by trip length.
Step 3: Pick a plan and tap Buy now
Tap Details under a plan to see everything before you buy: the full list of countries, the speed, whether it has a phone number, when it expires, whether you can top it up, and how it activates. Happy with it? Tap Buy now.
Step 4: Check your order and pay
The checkout page shows the plan you picked. Before you pay:
- Check the plan name and validity at the top.
- Add a discount code if you have one.
- Sign in if you have a SimOptions account.
- Under Need more data?, you can switch to a bigger plan in one tap, or keep the one you chose.
Then scroll down to pay. Type your email address carefully: that's where your eSIM is sent. You can pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB) or with PayPal. Depending on your phone and browser, you may also see an express button such as Apple Pay at the top. Card payments are processed by Stripe.
Step 5: Get your QR code and install the eSIM
Right after you pay, you get an email with your eSIM QR code. Can't find it? Check your spam folder. The activation code for manual setup is in the PDF attached to that email (SimOptions FAQ).
To install it, connect to Wi-Fi first. Then:
- iPhone: scan the QR code with the Camera app and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification. If the code is in an email on the same iPhone, press and hold it and tap Add eSIM (iOS 17.4 or later). Then follow the steps (Apple).
- Samsung Galaxy: go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, tap Scan QR code, then restart your phone (Samsung).
- Google Pixel: go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM and follow the steps to set up an eSIM (Pixel Phone Help).
The QR code won't scan? You can enter the eSIM code manually. Our eSIM installation guide walks you through every screen.
Step 6: Activate it when you arrive
Install your eSIM shortly before you leave, while you're on Wi-Fi, not weeks early. Then, when you land:
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap the travel line, then turn on Data Roaming (Apple: Data roaming).
- Choose the travel eSIM for mobile data. On iPhone, that's Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling).
- Keep roaming off on your home line if you want to avoid roaming charges from your home carrier.
When does your plan start? Check the Activation line in the plan's details. For the Europe plan in this example, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach a country it covers.
How do you pay for an eSIM online?
At SimOptions, you pay once for a prepaid plan. There's no contract and no monthly bill. You can pay by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB) or with PayPal. Card data is handled by Stripe, so SimOptions never sees your card number. Depending on your device, an express option like Apple Pay can show at the top of the checkout.
Double-check two things before you tap Pay: the plan and destination, and your email address. SimOptions can't refund an eSIM sent to a wrong email address, or one bought for a phone that doesn't support eSIM (SimOptions FAQ). If the eSIM can't be activated because of a technical problem on our side or the network's, you can ask for a refund or a replacement.
Buying an eSIM in the SimOptions app
Prefer an app? The SimOptions app lets you buy, install, track and top up your eSIM. It's available on the App Store and on Google Play. You don't need it, though: everything in the steps above works in your browser.
Want an eSIM for your home phone number?
This guide is about travel eSIMs. If you want to move your own mobile number to an eSIM, you need to get it from your own carrier, usually in their app, on their website or in a store. Here's how to get an eSIM QR code from your carrier.
Ready to buy? Pick the plan for where you're going. These are data-only eSIMs: you get mobile data, and you keep your usual number on your home SIM for calls and texts.
Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
If something goes wrong
- No email? Check your spam folder first. Still nothing? Contact our support team with the email address you used.
- The eSIM won't install or activate? Connect to Wi-Fi, restart your phone and check it's unlocked. Then follow our guide on how to fix an eSIM that's not activating.
- Installed but no data? Check that Data Roaming is on for the eSIM and that it's selected for mobile data. More fixes in eSIM not working? How to fix it.
Don't delete the eSIM to start over. Once deleted, you usually can't install it again from the same code. Contact support first.
FAQs
Can I buy an eSIM online?
Yes. You can buy a travel eSIM online in a few minutes and get it by email. On SimOptions, you pick your destination, choose a plan, pay, and scan the QR code you receive.
Where can I purchase a compatible eSIM online?
From an eSIM provider's website or app, like SimOptions, or from your own carrier if you want an eSIM for your home number. Before you buy, check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
How do I get an eSIM?
For travel, buy an eSIM plan online and install it from the QR code you get by email. For your home number, ask your carrier: they give you a QR code or set it up in their app.
Do I need an app to buy an eSIM?
No. You can buy and install a SimOptions eSIM from your browser. The SimOptions app is optional and lets you buy, install, track and top up your eSIM.
What do I need to buy an eSIM online?
An eSIM compatible, unlocked phone, an email address and a way to pay: card or PayPal. That's what the SimOptions checkout asks for. You also need Wi-Fi or another internet connection to install the eSIM.
Does a travel eSIM come with a phone number?
Most don't: they're data-only. On SimOptions, some Europe plans from Bouygues Telecom include a French +33 number with calls and texts. The plan card shows it under Calls & SMS and eSIM Number.
How fast do I get my eSIM?
Right after you pay. The QR code arrives by email, usually within seconds. If you don't see it, check your spam folder.
Can I buy an eSIM before my trip?
Yes, and it's a good idea. Buy it a few days before you leave, then install it on Wi-Fi shortly before your flight. Check the plan's details to see when it activates.
What happens to my eSIM if I lose my phone?
The eSIM is stored on your phone, so you lose it with the phone. Contact your eSIM provider. For your home number, ask your carrier to block the line and give you a new eSIM.