How to set up your spare eSIM

Setting up a spare eSIM takes a few minutes. You scan the QR code we send you while connected to wifi, give the new line a name like "Spare", and then tell your phone that your main line stays the default for calls and data. Nothing about your everyday number changes.

Before you start, check your phone is eSIM-capable and unlocked using the ten-second check. Have the QR code open on a laptop, tablet or printout so your phone camera has something to point at.

Setting up on iPhone

1. 1

   Connect to wifi

   The profile is downloaded over the internet, so join a wifi network first. This also avoids using your main line’s data allowance.

2. 2

   Open Settings, then Mobile Service

   Go to Settings, then Mobile Service (older iOS calls it Mobile Data or Cellular). Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.

3. 3

   Choose to use a QR code

   Tap Use QR Code, then point the camera at the code we sent you. Your iPhone reads the details automatically. If the camera cannot see it, tap Enter Details Manually and use the activation code from your email.

4. 4

   Wait for the plan to activate

   The download usually takes under a minute. Leave the screen open until iOS confirms the plan is ready.

5. 5

   Label the new line "Spare"

   iOS asks you to name each line. Call your existing one Main or Personal and the new one Spare. These labels appear everywhere afterwards, so clear names save confusion later.

6. 6

   Keep your main line as default

   When iOS asks which line to use for Default Line, Mobile Data and iMessage & FaceTime, choose your existing number for all of them. The spare line will still receive its own calls and texts.

7. 7

   Check both lines are live

   Go back to Settings, then Mobile Service. Both lines should show as on, with signal for each. Send yourself a test text from the spare line to confirm.

Setting up on Android

Menu names vary between manufacturers. The wording below covers Pixel and most Samsung phones; if yours differs, look for anything that mentions SIMs, Mobile network or Add eSIM.

1. 1

   Connect to wifi

   The eSIM profile downloads over the internet, so get on wifi before you begin.

2. 2

   Open Settings, then Network & internet

   Tap Network & internet, then SIMs. On Samsung this is usually Connections, then SIM manager.

3. 3

   Tap Add eSIM

   Look for Add eSIM, Download a SIM instead or Add mobile plan, then choose to scan a QR code.

4. 4

   Scan the QR code

   Point the camera at the code. If scanning fails, there is usually an option to enter the activation code by hand from the email we sent.

5. 5

   Turn the new line on

   Android may download the profile and then leave it switched off. Toggle the new SIM to on so both lines are active.

6. 6

   Label the new line "Spare"

   In SIMs or SIM manager, rename the new line to Spare and, if your phone offers it, give it a distinct colour. Both show up in the status bar and in your messaging apps.

7. 7

   Set your preferred SIM for each job

   Set Calls, Texts and Mobile data to your existing number so daily use is unchanged. Many phones also offer Ask every time for calls, which is handy if you plan to call out from both.

Deciding which line does what

For the mechanics of two lines sharing one handset, see dual SIM explained. If you are setting the number up so you can register a separate messaging account, read receiving verification codes on your spare number next.

If something goes wrong

• The QR code will not scan. Increase the brightness of the screen showing the code, or use the manual entry option with the activation code from your email.
• "Unable to add mobile plan" or the download stalls. Check you are on wifi with a working connection, restart the phone, and try once more.
• The profile installs but there is no signal on the spare line. Give it a few minutes, then toggle flight mode on and off. If it stays blank, the handset may be carrier-locked.
• Both lines show the same name. Rename them in your SIM settings so you can tell which is which in Messages and in your call log.
• Texts are arriving on the wrong line. Nothing is broken. Check the conversation is threaded under the spare line, and set the reply line inside your messaging app.
• You changed phone and the eSIM is gone. Profiles do not travel with you. Ask us to reissue the QR code for the new handset.

If you are unsure, do nothing to your main line. Everything about a spare eSIM is additive.

Not bought a number yet? See the WhatsApp plan or see the Telegram plan. eSIM Chat is powered by eSIM Copilot.