Open the Saily app on Wi-Fi, tap Install eSIM and follow the prompts. Then turn on the Saily line and data roaming, so the plan starts on its own when you land.
The catch: your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked, or the install won’t work.
Saily installs its eSIM straight from its own app, so you don’t need to scan a QR code. Do it at home on Wi-Fi before your trip. The plan waits until you arrive and connect to a supported network.
Before you start
- An eSIM-compatible phone that is not locked to a carrier.
- The Saily app, from the App Store or Google Play. Saily lists iOS 18.0 and Android 10 as the minimum system versions.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection for the whole install.
- A plan. You can buy one on saily.com or in the app. See where to get Saily eSIM.
Check that your phone can take an eSIM
On an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and look at the carrier lock line. If it shows no SIM restrictions, you can use Saily. You can also open Settings → Mobile Service (Cellular on some iPhones): if you see Add eSIM, the phone isn’t carrier-locked.
On Android, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. If Add eSIM appears, the phone can take Saily. Saily notes that Android phones other than Samsung may use different setting names.
Install Saily eSIM on iPhone
- Open the Saily app and tap Install eSIM.
- Select the device you’ll use the eSIM on and tap Continue.
- Tap Start eSIM install.
- Tap Activate, wait a few moments and tap Continue.
- Choose where you’ll use the eSIM (Home or Abroad) and tap Continue.
- Select Data Only, tap Continue, then Done, and go back to the Saily app.
- When the main screen shows the eSIM is installed, tap Continue.
- Follow the app’s instructions to turn on the eSIM line and choose Saily for mobile data.
For the data roaming and line settings, read our iPhone setup guide.
Install Saily eSIM on Android
- Open the Saily app and tap Install eSIM.
- Select the device you’ll use the eSIM on and tap Continue.
- Tap Start eSIM install, then Allow. Wait a few seconds and don’t close the app.
- Give the eSIM a name if you like and tap Next.
- Choose your preferred SIM for calls, then messages, then mobile data.
- Go back to the Saily app and tap Continue.
- Follow the app’s steps to turn on the eSIM line, enable roaming and use Saily for mobile data.
Google Pixel uses the same app flow, without the naming and SIM choice screens. On Samsung, see our Samsung activation guide.
If the app install fails: manual setup
Saily gives you the setup details in the app. Tap View instructions to see them.
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the app, then tap Next.
- Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code from service provider → Enter activation code. Enter the details, tap Connect, then Add.
Fix eSIM install errors
Stay on Wi-Fi or a mobile network, switch to a different network if you can, and end any active phone call before you retry.
Install the latest iOS or Android version and disable any VPN service, then retry.
Turn the phone off and on and retry. If that fails, reset network settings. This also resets data roaming and APN, so check those afterwards.
After the install
Turn on data roaming for the Saily line before you leave. The plan activates automatically when you arrive and connect to a supported network. You have 180 days from purchase to activate it.
When you land, turn off your personal SIM (or just its data roaming) and switch off mobile data switching, so the phone only uses Saily for data.
FAQ
Do I need a QR code to install Saily eSIM?
No. The Saily app installs the eSIM for you. A manual code is only a backup if the app install fails, and you find it under View instructions in the app.
Can I install Saily eSIM before my trip?
Yes, and Saily recommends it. The plan starts when you arrive at your destination, and you have 180 days from purchase to activate it.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM?
Yes. Saily asks for a stable Wi-Fi connection during the install.
Can I move Saily eSIM to another phone later?
Yes. Saily lets you reinstall the eSIM on a different device, as long as you log in to the app with the same email address.
Plans from $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days) in Spain or Turkey, checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.