Activating an eSIM on Android is simpler than it sounds — the whole process takes just a few minutes and can be done entirely from your device settings. Buy your eSIM package from Traveloka before you travel, and you'll be connected to a local network the moment you land.

This guide walks you through everything: what an eSIM is and why it's worth using, how to prepare your device, the six activation steps, how to transfer to a new device, and how to remove old profiles you no longer need.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM module built directly into your device at the point of manufacture. Unlike a physical SIM card that requires manual insertion, an eSIM is activated entirely digitally — either by scanning a QR code or downloading an operator profile through your device settings. Most major Android devices released in recent years already support eSIM out of the box.

The entire activation process happens digitally without any tools required. There's no card to slot in, no SIM ejector pin to find, and no risk of losing a tiny piece of plastic mid-trip. Everything is handled through your device settings in a matter of minutes, from anywhere, at any time.

eSIM lets you store more than one operator profile on a single device simultaneously. This is ideal for keeping a personal and work number separate, or for activating a local data plan at your destination while keeping your home number active. Switching between profiles is done instantly from the settings menu without any physical swap.

With no physical component to remove or insert, eSIM offers better security and durability than a conventional SIM card. There's no slot to collect dust or moisture, and the operator profile is stored securely within the device's chip. If a device is lost or stolen, the eSIM profile can also be remotely deactivated to prevent unauthorised use.

Start planning your international trip now — find the best-value flights on Traveloka and pair them with your eSIM package before departure so your connection is ready from day one.

Before starting the activation process, run through the following checks to make sure everything goes smoothly.

First, confirm that your Android device supports eSIM. Most flagship and mid-range Android handsets from major manufacturers now include eSIM support — check via Settings > About phone > SIM status, or refer to your device manufacturer's official website. Also make sure your device is not carrier-locked, as some operators restrict devices to their network only, which would prevent you from adding a different operator's eSIM profile.

Second, ensure you have an internet connection available during activation, either via Wi-Fi or an already-active data plan. Finally, have your QR activation code ready — this is sent to your email after purchasing an eSIM package on Traveloka and is needed during the activation steps below.

Follow these six steps to activate your eSIM on an Android device, from opening settings through to confirming a successful connection.

Open the Settings app on your Android device. The layout of the settings menu varies slightly depending on your device brand and model, but the core steps are consistent across Android devices. Make sure your screen is unlocked and your battery has enough charge to complete the process without interruption.

Inside Settings, find and tap Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your device brand. On some devices this section may be labelled Mobile Network or SIM card & mobile network. Select the option related to SIM management or mobile network settings to continue to the next step.

Look for an option labelled Add SIM, Add eSIM, or Download a SIM within the network menu. Tap it to begin adding a new eSIM profile to your device. On some devices you may need to open a SIM manager screen first before the option to add an eSIM becomes visible.

Your device will offer two ways to activate: scan a QR code or enter an activation code manually. Choose the QR code scan option if you have received a QR code from Traveloka via email after your purchase. Point your device camera at the QR code and hold steady until the system reads it successfully.

Once the QR code is scanned, your device will display the details of the operator profile about to be added, including the provider name and package details. Review the information and confirm by tapping Activate or Add when prompted. The profile download happens automatically and typically completes within a few seconds to one minute.

After the profile is added, go back to Network & Internet to confirm the new eSIM profile appears in your SIM list with an active status. Try loading a webpage or making a quick call to verify the connection is working correctly. Your eSIM is now ready to use whenever you arrive at your destination.

While you're sorting your connectivity, make sure accommodation is locked in too — browse hotels across your destinations on Traveloka for competitive rates and a wide selection to suit every budget.

If you're upgrading to a new Android device, your existing eSIM profile cannot transfer automatically the way a physical SIM card can be swapped across. The simplest approach is to contact your eSIM provider directly and request a profile transfer to the new device.

Some providers offer a self-service transfer option through their app or online portal. For eSIM packages purchased through Traveloka, reach out to Traveloka customer support for step-by-step transfer guidance specific to your provider. One important note: deactivate the eSIM profile on your old device before activating it on the new one, as most providers only allow one active device per eSIM profile at any given time.

Removing unused eSIM profiles keeps your SIM list tidy and prevents unexpected charges from operator plans that remain technically active. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM manager, select the eSIM profile you want to remove, then tap Delete or Remove eSIM.

Keep in mind that once deleted, an eSIM profile generally cannot be restored to the same device. If there's any chance you'll need the package again in the future, consider disabling the profile temporarily rather than deleting it outright.

Getting the most out of your eSIM on an international trip comes down to a few practical habits. Activate your eSIM package before departure rather than after arrival, so navigation and information lookup work immediately from the moment you land without needing to find Wi-Fi first.

Choose a total data quota plan if your trip is longer than three days — it typically works out cheaper than a daily plan for extended stays. Use the dual SIM feature to separate your international data and home number: set the eSIM as your primary data connection while keeping your local SIM active for calls and SMS. Monitor your data usage periodically through the settings menu to avoid running out mid-trip.

Browse and purchase eSIM packages for your next trip through the activities section on Traveloka, with options covering dozens of destinations across Asia and Europe.

Traveloka carries eSIM packages from trusted providers to keep you connected across a wide range of destinations. Here are the top picks currently available, organised by region.

For travellers visiting Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand in one trip, the Billion Connect eSIM package offers excellent flexibility. Data options range from 1 GB per day up to 30 GB total, making it easy to match the plan to your trip length and usage habits. One activation covers all three countries with no need to purchase separate eSIMs at each destination. Check for available Traveloka promotions before checkout to get the best price on your chosen plan.

For travel across Europe, GoHub's 4G eSIM covers 33 countries under a single package. It's the most efficient option for travellers exploring multiple European countries on one trip, removing the need to switch eSIMs at every border. A single activation gives you network access across the full coverage area for the duration of your plan.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region. Everything you need for an international trip is available in one app: flights, hotels, activities, eSIM, car rental, and travel insurance — all bookable in a few taps.

Round out your travel plans with an airport transfer and a car rental for seamless ground transport from the moment you land. Pay with your preferred local payment method — bank transfer, e-wallet, or credit card — for a smooth checkout experience every time.

Download the Traveloka app today and take the effort out of planning your next trip. Rated among the top travel apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Southeast Asia, Traveloka is the one-stop platform millions of travellers rely on every day.