Installing an eSIM is quick, and with the right method it takes under five minutes. After you buy a Lumbus eSIM, you receive an email instantly with everything you need: a one-tap installation link, a QR code, and manual entry codes (an SM-DP+ address and activation code). You only need one of these methods to get connected. This guide walks through installing on both iPhone and Android using Lumbus's documented steps, then covers the single most important post-install step that trips people up: turning on Data Roaming.
Before you start
A few quick checks save a lot of trouble. Your device needs to support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked, and you'll want a stable internet connection (WiFi is ideal) to download the profile. We recommend installing before your trip while you're on WiFi at home.
Have your Lumbus confirmation email handy, it contains your installation link, QR code, and manual entry codes. If you ever lose it, you can recover your details by logging in at getlumbus.com or contacting support.
- An eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked device
- A stable internet connection for setup
- Your Lumbus confirmation email (installation link, QR code, activation codes)
The fastest method: one-tap install
On iOS 17.4+ and Android 10+, you can skip the QR code entirely. Just open your Lumbus email on the device you want to install on and tap the installation link, your phone opens the eSIM installer automatically and walks you through adding the plan.
This is the easiest option because there's no QR code to scan and nothing to type. Follow the on-screen prompts, label your eSIM (for example, "Travel Data"), and you're nearly done, just remember the Data Roaming step below.
Installing on iPhone
On iPhone, Lumbus provides two paths depending on your iOS version. Choose the one that matches your device.
After installation, label your eSIM so it's easy to identify, enable the eSIM line, and turn on Data Roaming. Apple also publishes an official guide at support.apple.com if you'd like a reference.
- iOS 17.4+: Tap the installation link we provide, it opens Settings automatically and installs the eSIM
- Older iOS: Copy the activation code, then go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually > Paste
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Label your eSIM (e.g., "Travel Data")
- Enable the eSIM line and turn on Data Roaming
Installing on Android
Android setup follows the same idea, with one automatic path and one manual path. Note that menu names can vary slightly by manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, and others may word things differently).
Once the eSIM downloads, enable it, set it as your mobile data SIM, and switch on Data Roaming.
- Android 10+: Tap the installation link we provide, it opens eSIM setup automatically
- Older Android: Copy the activation code, then go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Enter activation code > Paste
- Tap "Download" and wait for activation
- Enable the eSIM and set it as your mobile data SIM
- Turn on Data Roaming
If you can't scan the QR code
You can't scan a QR code that's displayed on the same phone you're installing to. If that's the issue, use the one-tap installation link instead, display the QR code on another screen, or use the manual entry method.
For manual entry, open your device's eSIM settings, choose "Enter Details Manually" (or "Enter activation code"), then enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your Lumbus email.
The critical final step: enable Data Roaming
This is the number one reason eSIMs appear not to work. Lumbus eSIMs connect through partner networks at your destination, so your phone treats the connection as roaming, even though your data is already prepaid. If Data Roaming is off, you'll see "No Service" or have no internet.
Turn it on only for your Lumbus eSIM (keep it off on your primary SIM to avoid carrier charges), and ideally do this once you arrive at your destination, since your validity period starts when you first connect to a network there.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > [your Lumbus eSIM] > Data Roaming > ON
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your Lumbus eSIM] > Roaming > ON
- Make sure your Lumbus eSIM is set as the mobile data line
- If still not connected: toggle Airplane Mode off and on, or restart your phone
Frequently asked questions
When should I install my eSIM?
You can install anytime after purchase, and we recommend doing it before your trip while you're on WiFi. Keep Data Roaming off until you arrive, your validity period only starts when you first connect to a network at your destination.
Do I have to enable Data Roaming?
Yes. Data Roaming must be turned ON for your eSIM to work, because Lumbus eSIMs use partner networks that your phone treats as roaming. Your prepaid data is included, so you won't be charged extra for it, just keep roaming off on your primary SIM.
What if I lose my activation details?
Check your email for the confirmation from Lumbus, it contains your installation link and activation codes. You can also log in at getlumbus.com to access your order, or contact support to have the details resent.
Can I install the same eSIM on more than one device?
No. Each eSIM can only be installed on one device, and once activated it can't be transferred. If you need data on another device, you can use hotspot/tethering or purchase a separate plan.