eSIM User Guide
Open the order confirmation email and tap "Activate eSIM" — that's it. Before installing, check which plan type you purchased.
First confirm the plan type to decide when to install
"Roaming" and "Local Breakout" plans have different installation timing. Choosing the wrong moment can waste days or even fail outright.
Roaming Plan
Roaming — install before you leave
- ·Install and set it up at home before you leave.
- ·Once you land and turn on your phone, it'll auto-connect to the local network.
- ·Days and data start counting only the moment you successfully connect — no need to worry about early consumption.
- ·You need to turn on "Data Roaming" to get online.
Local Breakout Plan
Local Breakout — install after you arrive
- ·Must be installed after you arrive in the destination.
- ·Connect first to airport Wi-Fi or any other local network.
- ·Then open the order confirmation email and run the installation.
- ·Local Breakout connects directly to local base stations — works with or without "Data Roaming" turned on.
How do I know which type I bought? The subject of the order completion email clearly indicates "Roaming" or "Local Breakout". The plan card on the product page also shows a badge in the top-right corner.
iPhone installation steps
Compatible with all iPhone XS and later models that support eSIM, running iOS 16 or higher.
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1
Open the order completion email from Polaris eSIM
Once payment succeeds, we send the email within 5 minutes, with "Your eSIM is ready" in the subject. If you don't see it, check spam first.
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2
Tap the "Activate eSIM" button in the email
On iOS 17.4 or later, the system's eSIM installation screen opens directly — just follow the prompts and tap Next. If your older model doesn't show the button, use the QR Code method in Step 3 instead.
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3
Backup: scan the QR Code in the email with your camera
Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then scan the QR Code image or printout in the email. You can also choose "Enter Details Manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
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4
Wait 1–3 minutes for the profile to download
Don't leave the screen or turn off Wi-Fi midway, or installation may fail. Once done, name the new plan (e.g., "Japan Trip").
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5
Enable "Data Roaming"
Settings → Cellular, tap the eSIM you just installed, then enable "Data Roaming". Required for Roaming plans; optional for Local Breakout.
Android installation steps
Compatible with eSIM-supporting models such as Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, on Android 9 or higher.
Some Samsung models do not support eSIM
On Galaxy S20 and later models, US carrier-customised editions (Verizon / T-Mobile / AT&T), Hong Kong W-series, and some Middle East / India editions may have eSIM disabled by the manufacturer. Before installing, go to Settings → About phone → Status information and check for an EID; no EID means the device doesn't support eSIM and you'll need to contact Samsung support or use another phone.
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1
Open the order completion email from Polaris eSIM
Arrives within 5 minutes of successful payment. Open the email on the phone you'll install on (not a computer) so you can use the one-tap activation in the next step.
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2
Tap the "Activate eSIM" button in the email
Pixel devices on Android 13 and most Galaxy models support a one-tap jump into the system's eSIM installation page. If your model doesn't show the button, use the QR Code method in Step 3 instead.
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3
Backup: scan the QR Code manually
Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + Add eSIM → Scan QR Code. Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan carrier QR code. Just point at the QR Code in the email.
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4
Wait for the download and name the SIM
The download takes 1–3 minutes. When it finishes, give the eSIM a recognisable name (e.g., "Japan Trip") to make it easy to switch between primary/secondary lines.
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5
Enable "Data Roaming"
Pixel: turn on Mobile network → Data Roaming. Samsung: SIM Manager → that eSIM → Mobile network → Data Roaming, turn it on. Required for Roaming plans; optional for Local Breakout.
What should I do after landing?
Get off the plane, turn airplane mode on/off → then follow the steps for your plan type.
Nothing more to do
You've already installed it and turned on data roaming before leaving. When you land, just:
- Turn off Airplane Mode
- Wait for the phone to auto-connect to the local base station (about 1 minute)
- Days and data only start counting once you see the signal bars
Install now
Local Breakout plans cannot be installed inside Taiwan. You need to:
- Connect to airport or hotel Wi-Fi
- Open the order confirmation email and install following the iPhone / Android steps above
- Activate the eSIM and set it as the default line for mobile data
Don't forget to turn off mobile data on your home line On iPhone use Cellular and on Android use SIM Manager to turn off mobile data for your home Taiwan line, so you don't accidentally trigger expensive international roaming. SMS verification codes will still arrive as usual.
Installed but still no internet?
Over 90% of issues fall into the categories below — please check them in order.
Cannot find a carrier network / signal shows "No Service"
Roaming plan: confirm Data Roaming is on and that the eSIM is set as the default mobile-data line. Local Breakout: confirm you've actually arrived in a country covered by the plan (it won't connect from a neighbouring country). Restarting the phone usually fixes it.
"Activate eSIM" button does nothing / jumps to a web page
Use the QR Code attached to the email instead. Display the QR Code on a computer or another phone, then scan it with the camera of the phone you'll install on — the result is the same.
QR Code shows "Cannot add mobile plan"
Make sure your Wi-Fi is stable, the phone is unlocked, and the QR Code hasn't been used before (each QR Code can only be bound to one phone). If it still fails, switch to "Enter Details Manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
Activated but speeds are slow or it disconnects often
Switching the network preference from 5G back to "Auto" or "4G" often fixes this — 5G coverage is still patchy in some countries. Make sure the phone isn't running a VPN at the same time, and turn off "Auto Wi-Fi switching" to stop it jumping back to hotel Wi-Fi.
Samsung: "Add eSIM" option is missing
Go to Settings → About phone → Status information and look for the EID. If there's no EID, your Samsung is a region/carrier edition with eSIM disabled by the manufacturer (often US carrier editions) — you'll need to contact Samsung support or use another phone.
Accidentally deleted the eSIM
Once a QR Code is bound it cannot be scanned again. If you delete the eSIM by mistake, contact support from the order page on our website so we can help reissue the profile — reissuance requires carrier cooperation and may take 1–2 business days.
Still unsure? We're here to help
Still got questions? Check the FAQ or ask Stella directly — average reply within 30 seconds.