How to Install an eSIM on Your Phone (India Guide 2026)

Before installing your travel eSIM, confirm three things:

1. Your phone supports eSIM — check Settings → About (iPhone) or Settings → SIM Manager (Android) for an "Add eSIM" option
2. Your phone is unlocked — phones bought on EMI from carriers may be carrier-locked. Phones bought outright from Apple Store, Croma, Reliance Digital etc. are unlocked. If unsure, contact your carrier.
3. You have a WiFi connection — eSIM installation requires internet (use your home WiFi or mobile data before you leave India)

Pro tip for Indian travelers: Install your eSIM at home before your trip — not at the airport. Airport WiFi can be slow and you'll be rushed. Take 3 minutes at home to get this done.

Trovio sends you a QR code via email after purchase. Here's how to install it:

1. Open Settings → Cellular (or "Mobile Data" in India)
2. Tap Add eSIM (or "Add Cellular Plan")
3. Tap Use QR Code
4. Point your camera at the Trovio QR code in your email
5. Tap Continue on the confirmation screen
6. Give the plan a label (e.g., "Japan Trovio")
7. Choose whether to use this eSIM for calls, data, or both — for travel eSIMs, select it for data only
8. Tap Done

The plan installs in 30–60 seconds. You'll see a new "line" appear under your SIM settings. Don't turn it on until you land — some plans start counting from activation, not from first use. Check your plan details.

iPhone 14 and later (eSIM-only in USA, but dual eSIM in India): These models support multiple eSIM profiles. The process is identical.

Samsung Galaxy:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
2. Tap Add eSIM
3. Tap Scan QR code from service provider
4. Scan the Trovio QR code
5. Confirm the plan details → tap Confirm

Google Pixel:

1. Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
2. Tap the + button (Add SIM)
3. Tap Scan instead → scan QR code
4. Follow on-screen prompts

OnePlus:

1. Settings → SIM & network → Add SIM
2. Tap Download a SIM instead?
3. Scan QR code

The UI differs slightly by Android version, but the flow is always: Settings → SIM/Network → Add eSIM → Scan QR.

This is the most important step Indian travelers miss. After installing your eSIM, configure your phone so:

Indian SIM (physical) handles: Calls and SMS — this is critical for OTPs from your bank, UPI apps (PhonePe, GPay), Aadhaar, and WhatsApp verification

Travel eSIM handles: Mobile data — this is your internet connection abroad

On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → set "Default Voice Line" to your Indian SIM. Under "Cellular Data", select your Trovio eSIM.

On Android: Settings → SIM Manager → set Calls/SMS to Indian SIM, Data to Trovio eSIM.

Also enable WiFi Calling on your Indian SIM (Jio and Airtel both support this) so you can receive Indian calls even when cellular signal is weak — the call routes over your eSIM's internet connection.

"QR code already used" error: Each QR code can only be scanned once. If you see this error, the eSIM was already installed on your device (check SIM settings) or you need to contact Trovio support for a new QR code.

eSIM not showing data after activation: (1) Make sure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line. (2) Toggle airplane mode on/off to force network registration. (3) Manually select the network — go to Settings → Cellular (eSIM line) → Network Selection → Manual, then select the carrier.

"No network" at destination: The eSIM may need a manual APN setting. Trovio sends APN details in the activation email. Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network and enter the APN.

Phone shows "eSIM not supported": Your phone may be carrier-locked. Contact your Indian carrier (Jio/Airtel) to request an unlock, or contact Trovio support.

Timing matters. Trovio's plans start from the moment you first connect to a network on that plan (not from when you install the eSIM). So you can safely install the eSIM at home and leave it inactive until you land.

Recommended timeline:

• 1–3 days before travel: Buy and install eSIM at home on WiFi. Keep it inactive.
• At destination airport: Switch Data SIM to your Trovio eSIM. Your plan starts now.
• During trip: Check usage in Trovio app. Top up if needed.
• Return home: Switch Data SIM back to Indian SIM. Deactivate eSIM.