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How to install an eSIM using a QR code?

Updated

Unlike the Main eSIM (often labelled as Myself), when you choose to share/get an eSIM for “Others,” you will be prompted to install the eSIM using a QR code. Here are the steps on how to complete the installation process:
Before diving in, here is a quick look at the two steps to get you connected:

  • Installation (The Download): Saving the digital eSIM profile to your phone. We recommend doing this before you travel while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. (Don't worry, this does not start your plan's timer!)
  • Activation (The Connection): Turning the eSIM on to connect to the local network once you arrive at your destination. This is when your data plan's or bundle’s timer officially begins.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to successfully install your holiday.com eSIM using a QR Code. 

Notes: 

QR Code installation for iOS devices

Please make sure to only scan the QR Code on the device where you want to install/use the eSIM. We recommend displaying the QR code on another device before proceeding with the steps below: 

  1. Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service > Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular/Mobile Service > Use QR Code.
  2. Scan the provided QR Code and wait for the installation to complete.
  3. Once installed, tap Continue twice to start the activation. This may take a few minutes. Tap Done when it appears. Note: If you’re not yet at your destination, activation may show an error or get stuck.
  4. On the Data Plan Labels screen, tap Secondary, then enter your preferred label (e.g., holiday.com eSIM) to name your new eSIM. Tap Continue.
    • Note: If you’re not yet in your destination, it may result in an error or get stuck at the activation screen. This is expected behavior as the eSIM will only successfully activate upon arriving at your destination. 
  5. On the Default Line screen, select your Primary line. This ensures you’ll receive calls and texts through your regular SIM. Tap Continue.
  6. If you see the iMessage & FaceTime screen, select your Primary line, then tap Continue.
  7. On the Cellular Data screen, if you wish to use your holiday.com eSIM for data immediately, select the holiday.com eSIM. To avoid extra roaming charges, keep Allow Cellular Data Switching toggled OFF. Tap Continue to complete the installation. 

Once you’re at your destination, you can proceed with activating the eSIM. Learn more about how to activate your eSIM’s data plan here. 

QR Code installation for Samsung Galaxy

Please make sure to only scan the QR Code on the device where you want to install/use the eSIM. We recommend displaying the QR code on another device before proceeding with the steps below:

  1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  2. Tap Add Mobile Plan.
  3. Tap the Scan Carrier QR code button. Scan your QR code then. Tap Add. 
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. 

Once you’re at your destination, you can proceed with activating the eSIM. Learn more about how to activate your eSIM’s data plan here. 

QR Code installation for Google Pixel

Please make sure to only scan the QR Code on the device where you want to install/use the eSIM. We recommend displaying the QR code on another device before proceeding with the steps below:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Download a new eSIM. Scan your provided QR code and tap Download.
  2. Once the eSIM has been downloaded/installed, return to Settings and look for the holiday.com eSIM. 
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. 

Once you’re at your destination, you can proceed with activating the eSIM. Learn more about how to activate your eSIM’s data plan here.

QR Code installation for Other Android Devices

Please make sure to only scan the QR Code on the device where you want to install/use the eSIM. We recommend displaying the QR code on another device before proceeding with the steps below:

  1. Download the holiday.com app. Find the holiday.com eSIM app in the Google Play Store (or the app store your Android device uses).
  2. Sign up/sign in using your preferred login method. You may choose to sign in using Google or ExpressVPN.

Common eSIM installation issues that you may run into: 

  • Device gets stuck on "Activating..." or fails setup due to a poor Wi-Fi connection or active VPN.
  • Receive a "Code Already Used" error because the QR code was already scanned or installed in the background.
  • Encounter a storage limit error
  • Installation fails, or takes too long to complete 

If you run into any of these issues while installing the eSIM, contact the support team through the help button in the holiday.com app or by sending an email to support@holiday.com.


 

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