How to Install Your Thailand eSIM: iPhone & Android
Installing a travel eSIM takes about two minutes — if your phone is compatible and you follow the order below. Do the 30-second check first; it prevents 90% of problems.
Step 0: the 30-second compatibility check
- Open your phone dialer and type *#06#.
- If you see an EID number (a long digit starting with 890), your phone has eSIM hardware. No EID = no eSIM, full stop.
- Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked (Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions" on iPhone).
Heads up: mainland-China iPhones (iPhone 16 and older sold in China) have no eSIM hardware at all — the #06# screen will show no EID. Some China/Hong Kong Android variants also disable eSIM in firmware.
Install on iPhone
- Connect to Wi-Fi (installation needs internet).
- Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile → Add eSIM.
- Tap "Use QR Code" and scan the QR from your RoamThai order email.
- Tap Continue, label it "Thailand" or "RoamThai", and choose it as your cellular data line. Keep your home SIM as the default voice line.
- Leave Data Roaming OFF until you land in Thailand.
Install on Android (Samsung / Pixel)
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up eSIM → scan. - Scan the QR code from your order email and confirm.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM; keep your physical SIM for calls.
- Leave Data Roaming OFF until arrival.
Can't scan? Every RoamThai order email also includes the manual details — the SM-DP+ server address and activation code — which you can type in via "Enter details manually".
Turn on data roaming in Thailand
After landing: open the eSIM's settings and switch Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line only. Travel eSIMs require roaming to be enabled — this is normal and doesn't add charges beyond your plan. Your plan's validity starts at this first network connection.
Troubleshooting table
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| QR code won't scan | Brighten the screen showing the QR, clean your camera lens, or use the manual SM-DP+ address + activation code from your email instead. |
| "Unable to activate" / "PDP authentication failure" | Connect to stable Wi-Fi, turn off any VPN, then retry. Installation needs a solid internet connection. |
| Installed but no internet in Thailand | The #1 fix: enable Data Roaming on the eSIM line, then toggle airplane mode on/off for 10 seconds. |
| "Cellular plan cannot be added" | Your phone is likely carrier-locked or has no EID. Re-run the *#06# check; contact your home carrier about unlocking. |
| Installed early — did I waste days? | No. Validity starts at first network connection in Thailand, not at installation. Installing on home Wi-Fi is exactly right. |
| Deleted the eSIM by accident | Don't panic — email hello@roamthai.com with your order number and we'll reissue your QR. |
| QR email never arrived | Your QR is also on the order confirmation page right after payment. Check spam, then contact us for a resend. |
Still stuck? Email hello@roamthai.com with your phone model and a screenshot of the error — we'll get you online.