Installing an eSIM takes a minute, but the steps change depending on whether you have an Android or an iPhone: where the menu is, how you scan the QR code, and how you choose which line uses data. If you're wondering how to install an eSIM on Android versus iPhone, here are the two routes explained step-by-step, the real differences, and how to transfer your eSIM from one system to another without losing it.
Android or iPhone: Is there a real difference?
The result is identical: on both, you install the eSIM by scanning a QR code and use it for data abroad. What changes is the menu path and the names of the options. On iPhone, everything is very guided; on Android, the menu location varies between brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, or Xiaomi.
eSIM technology is a standard, so the same eSIM works on any compatible mobile, regardless of the system. The difference is in the interface. Apple unifies everything under a single menu that is the same on all its models, while on Android, each manufacturer organizes the settings their own way. That's why a generic Android guide sometimes doesn't match your screen: the exact path depends on the manufacturer's layer. First of all, check that your phone supports eSIM in the list of eSIM-compatible phones.
Install an eSIM on iPhone
On iPhone, the eSIM is installed from Settings in less than a minute. Connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings, enter Cellular Data (or Mobile), tap Add eSIM, and scan the QR code you received by email. The iPhone configures it and asks you how you want to use each line.
The detailed process on iPhone is this:
- With Wi-Fi, open Settings > Cellular Data > Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the one they sent you.
- Label the line (for example, "Travel").
- Keep your Spanish line for calls and choose the eSIM for data.
It works on iPhone XR/XS and later. If your model is recent, you might be able to activate it without a QR code, which you'll see in the eSIM installation and activation guide on iPhone. Remember not to delete the eSIM when restarting your phone: it remains saved.
Install an eSIM on Android
On Android, the process is just as fast, but the menu name changes depending on the brand. The idea is the same: find the connections or SIM section, choose to add an eSIM, and scan the QR code with Wi-Fi. On Samsung, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi, the path has small variations.
Depending on your manufacturer, look here:
- Google Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Download a SIM.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM.
- Xiaomi: Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Add eSIM.
In all cases, after scanning the QR code, the eSIM is installed, and you just need to activate its data when you arrive at your destination. If your brand is not listed or the menu is different, the guide on how to install and activate an eSIM on Android covers more models. The path changes, but the QR code is the same for any phone.
Comparative table of steps
For a quick overview, here is the equivalence between iPhone and Android in each phase. Notice that the number of steps is almost identical; only the menu names change.
| Step | iPhone | Android (varies by brand) |
|---|---|---|
| Open SIM menu | Settings > Cellular Data | Settings > Connections/Network & internet |
| Add eSIM | Add eSIM | Add eSIM / Download a SIM |
| Scan QR | Use QR Code | Scan QR code |
| Choose data | Cellular Data > eSIM | SIM manager > Mobile data |
A common tip for both systems: install and scan the QR code with Wi-Fi before traveling. Once saved, the eSIM activates upon arrival without needing to scan again.
Choosing the data line on each system
The step that generates the most doubts is telling the phone to use the eSIM for data and your Spanish SIM for calls. In both systems, this is done after installation, and it's what prevents you from expensive roaming with your national plan without realizing it.
The logic is identical on Android and iPhone: you keep your main line for SMS and calls (with data roaming turned off) and assign the travel eSIM as the mobile data line. On iPhone, you adjust it in Cellular Data by choosing the line; on Android, in the SIM manager by selecting which one uses data. This way, your Spanish number remains active, but you browse cheaply using the eSIM. This is the basis for using two lines at once, as explained in the guide on how to install an eSIM.
Transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android (and vice versa)
Changing phones is the main question: you cannot simply "move" the QR code from one phone to another, because many QR codes are single-use. If you change from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), it is common to reinstall the eSIM with a new QR code or use the transfer if your plan allows it.
As a rule, an eSIM already installed on an iPhone is not automatically copied to an Android. The options are: request a reinstallation QR code from the provider if you still have a plan, or use the transfer tools between devices of the same system. To avoid losing gigabytes when changing devices, follow the guide on how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone. With PuraSim, if you still have credit, 24/7 Spanish support will help you reinstall it on your new phone.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to install an eSIM on Android than on iPhone?
No, it takes the same amount of time (one minute) on both. The difference is that on iPhone, the menu is identical on all models, while on Android, the path changes between Samsung, Pixel, or Xiaomi. Once you find the SIM section, scanning the QR code is just as easy.
Does the same eSIM work for Android and iPhone?
Yes. The eSIM is a standard, so the same plan works on any compatible mobile, whether Android or iPhone. The only thing that changes is how you install it on each system. The QR code you receive is valid for both; you just scan it from the corresponding menu.
How do I transfer my eSIM from an iPhone to an Android?
It cannot be copied directly between different systems. If you still have a plan, ask the provider for a reinstallation QR code or use the transfer if available. Many QR codes are single-use, so it's advisable to contact support before deleting the eSIM from the old phone.
How do I set the eSIM for data only and my SIM for calls?
After installing the eSIM, go to the mobile data settings (iPhone) or the SIM manager (Android) and assign the eSIM as the data line. Keep your Spanish SIM for calls and SMS with data roaming turned off. This way you browse cheaply and keep your number.
What if my Android menu doesn't match the guide?
Search in Settings for "SIM," "eSIM," or "mobile networks" depending on your brand, as each manufacturer organizes it differently. If you can't find it, use the settings search bar and type "eSIM." Also, check that your model is compatible before attempting installation.
Conclusion
Installing an eSIM on Android or iPhone takes the same amount of time: scanning a QR code with Wi-Fi and choosing the eSIM for data. The only difference is the name of the menus, which are more uniform on Apple and variable among Android brands. If you switch systems, reinstall with a new QR code before deleting anything. Choose your destination and activate PuraSim's eSIM in a minute, regardless of your phone's operating system.
