Open Cellular Settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on iOS region).
This guide walks you through iPhone and Android setup, activation timing, common error recovery, and best-practice settings so your SonaSim line works as soon as you land.
Pick your device type below and follow each step in order. Do not enable the SonaSim line as primary data until you are in destination coverage unless instructed by support.
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on iOS region).
Tap Add eSIM and choose Use QR Code from your SonaSim order email.
Label it SonaSim or Travel Data so it is easy to identify later.
Keep your home line as default for voice/SMS, and assign SonaSim for mobile data when traveling.
Open the SonaSim line settings and turn on Data Roaming. Keep "Allow Cellular Data Switching" disabled unless required.
Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (wording varies by brand).
Select Add eSIM or Download SIM, then scan your SonaSim QR code.
Allow the profile to download fully before leaving the screen. Interruptions can corrupt setup.
Keep your primary SIM for calls/SMS and set SonaSim as data SIM only when in destination country.
Turn on roaming only for SonaSim profile and verify APN auto-populates after network attach.
Both QR and manual methods are supported. Install early, then activate when needed.
Fastest path for most users. Scan from your order email while connected to Wi-Fi.
Use SM-DP+ and activation code when camera permissions or scanner fails.
Activation usually starts when the plan first connects in a supported country, not when installed.
Install profile over Wi-Fi. Keep line enabled but data line unchanged until arrival.
Select SonaSim as mobile data line, enable roaming for that line, and briefly toggle airplane mode if network attach is slow.
Wait for registration and signal bars. If no data, check APN or restart device once.
Leave home SIM active for calls/SMS only and disable background-heavy app updates on roaming.
Use this quick table before contacting support. Most issues are resolved in under five minutes.
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Cannot Add eSIM" | Carrier lock or unsupported variant. | Confirm unlock status, then retry. Check supported model variant. | High |
| QR code not scanning | Blurred code, screen glare, camera permissions. | Increase brightness, open original email, or use manual activation. | Medium |
| Installed but no data | Data line not switched, roaming off, APN not set. | Select SonaSim for data, enable roaming, reboot once. | High |
| Profile stuck "Activating" | Weak signal or provisioning delay. | Toggle airplane mode, move location, wait 2-3 minutes. | Medium |
| Slow speeds | Congested local network. | Switch network mode (5G/LTE), retry in different area. | Medium |
These settings reduce background usage and improve reliability while traveling.
Answers to setup questions we receive most often.
Send your phone model, screenshot, and destination country. Support can provide exact device-specific steps.