How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM

Installing a Sri Lanka eSIM before your trip is one of the easiest ways to prepare mobile data for arrival. Instead of purchasing and registering a physical SIM card after landing, you can add the travel plan digitally to a compatible smartphone while you are still connected to WiFi at home.

Once installed, the eSIM appears as an additional mobile line in your phone settings. After arriving in Sri Lanka, you normally only need to enable the line, select it for Mobile Data and turn on Data Roaming.

The exact installation steps depend on whether you use an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel or another Android device. Menu names can also vary according to the operating-system version and the language selected on the phone.

Quick answer: connect your phone to stable WiFi, open the eSIM or SIM settings, choose Add eSIM, scan the QR code supplied after purchase and complete the installation. After landing in Sri Lanka, select the eSIM for Mobile Data and enable Data Roaming.

What Do You Need Before Installing a Sri Lanka eSIM?

Prepare everything before opening the installation menu. This helps prevent interruptions and makes the setup process much easier.

• A smartphone that supports eSIM technology.
• An unlocked device without carrier restrictions.
• A stable WiFi connection.
• Your Sri Lanka eSIM QR code.
• The installation link or manual details if provided.
• An updated operating system.
• Enough battery power to complete the installation.

Your NoveSIM QR code and installation instructions are sent to your email after purchase. You can also find them in your NoveSIM account by opening the relevant order and viewing the eSIM details.

Check That Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before purchasing or installing the plan, confirm that an eSIM option appears in your device settings.

Device	Settings Path	Option to Look For
iPhone	Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data	Add eSIM
Samsung Galaxy	Settings → Connections → SIM Manager	Add eSIM
Google Pixel	Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs	Add SIM or Set Up an eSIM
Other Android phones	Settings → Mobile Network, SIMs or SIM Management	Add eSIM, Download a SIM or Add Mobile Plan

If you cannot find an eSIM option, search for eSIM inside the Settings application. Compatibility can differ between regional versions of the same smartphone model.

Read our guide to checking whether your phone supports a Sri Lanka eSIM.

Make Sure Your Phone Is Unlocked

A phone may support eSIM technology but still be locked to the operator that originally sold it. A carrier-locked device may reject a travel eSIM or prevent it from connecting to another network.

On iPhone, open Settings, General and About, then look for Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock. If the device displays No SIM Restrictions, it is normally unlocked.

Android phones do not use one universal lock-status menu. Contact the original mobile operator when you are unsure whether the phone is unlocked.

When Should You Install the Sri Lanka eSIM?

Install the eSIM before departure while you have access to reliable WiFi. This allows you to confirm that the profile appears correctly in your phone settings before travelling.

Installing the profile does not necessarily mean that the plan starts immediately. Activation conditions depend on the selected package. A travel plan commonly begins when it first connects to a supported network in Sri Lanka.

Do not delete the eSIM after installation. Many QR codes are designed for one installation and may not work again after the profile has been removed.

How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM with a QR Code

Scanning a QR code is the most common installation method.

1. Connect your smartphone to stable WiFi.
2. Open the SIM or Mobile Network settings.
3. Select Add eSIM, Add Mobile Plan or Download a SIM.
4. Choose the QR code option.
5. Scan the QR code supplied after purchase.
6. Confirm that you want to add the mobile plan.
7. Wait for the eSIM profile to download.
8. Label the new line Sri Lanka, Travel or NoveSIM.

If the QR code is displayed on the same phone, open it on another smartphone, tablet or computer before scanning. A direct installation link may also be available.

How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM on iPhone

1. Connect the iPhone to WiFi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
4. Tap Add eSIM.
5. Select Use QR Code.
6. Scan the supplied QR code.
7. Tap Continue when the plan is detected.
8. Wait for the eSIM to be added.
9. Label the new line Sri Lanka or NoveSIM.

During setup, the iPhone may ask which line should be used for calls, iMessage and mobile data. Keep your primary SIM selected for calls and messages. You can select the Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data after arrival.

Recommended iPhone Setup

Setting	Recommended Choice
Default Voice Line	Primary SIM
iMessage and FaceTime	Primary SIM or existing Apple Account
Mobile Data after arrival	Sri Lanka eSIM
Allow Cellular Data Switching	Off

For device-specific instructions, read our Sri Lanka eSIM for iPhone guide.

How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM on Samsung

1. Connect the Samsung phone to WiFi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Connections.
4. Tap SIM Manager.
5. Select Add eSIM.
6. Choose Scan QR Code.
7. Scan the QR code supplied after purchase.
8. Confirm the mobile plan download.
9. Wait for the new eSIM to appear in SIM Manager.
10. Label the line Sri Lanka or NoveSIM.

The wording may differ slightly depending on the Samsung model and One UI version. Some phones may display Add Mobile Plan instead of Add eSIM.

How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM on Google Pixel

1. Connect the Pixel phone to stable WiFi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Network and Internet.
4. Tap SIMs.
5. Select Add SIM.
6. Choose Set Up an eSIM.
7. Scan the supplied QR code.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions.
9. Wait for the profile to be downloaded.
10. Label the new mobile line.

Some Pixel versions may display Download a SIM instead. Follow the available eSIM setup option shown on your device.

How to Install the eSIM on Other Android Phones

Motorola, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, Sony and other manufacturers use different names for the SIM management menu. The general process remains similar.

1. Connect the phone to WiFi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Find Mobile Network, SIMs, SIM Management or Network and Internet.
4. Select Add eSIM, Download a SIM or Add Mobile Plan.
5. Choose the QR code method.
6. Scan the supplied QR code.
7. Confirm the download.
8. Label the new mobile line.

Use the Settings search field when you cannot locate the eSIM menu manually.

For more Android instructions, read our Sri Lanka eSIM for Android guide.

How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM with an Installation Link

Some orders include a direct installation link. When this method is supported, open the link on the phone that will use the eSIM.

1. Connect the phone to WiFi.
2. Open the installation link on the compatible device.
3. Allow the phone to open the mobile-plan setup.
4. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM.
5. Wait for the profile to download.
6. Label the new line for easy identification.

Do not share the installation link with another person. The eSIM is normally intended for one device.

How to Install the Sri Lanka eSIM Manually

If QR code scanning is unavailable, manual installation may be possible with the SM-DP+ address and activation code supplied with your order.

1. Open the Add eSIM menu.
2. Select Enter Details Manually or Enter Activation Code.
3. Enter the supplied SM-DP+ address.
4. Enter the activation code exactly as provided.
5. Leave the confirmation code blank unless one was supplied.
6. Confirm the installation.
7. Wait for the profile to download.

Copy the information carefully. Extra spaces, missing characters or incorrect symbols can prevent installation.

How to Activate the eSIM After Arriving in Sri Lanka

After landing, configure the phone to use the new eSIM for mobile internet.

1. Turn off Airplane Mode.
2. Open the SIM or Mobile Network settings.
3. Enable the Sri Lanka eSIM.
4. Select it as the preferred line for Mobile Data.
5. Open the settings for the travel eSIM.
6. Turn on Data Roaming.
7. Turn off automatic mobile data switching.
8. Keep Network Selection on Automatic.
9. Wait several minutes for network registration.

Data Roaming must be enabled on the travel eSIM because it connects through a supported partner network in Sri Lanka.

Read our full Sri Lanka eSIM activation guide.

Recommended Settings After Installation

Setting	Recommended Value
Mobile Data	Sri Lanka eSIM
Calls	Primary SIM
SMS	Primary SIM
Data Roaming on Sri Lanka eSIM	On
Data Roaming on primary SIM	Off
Automatic Data Switching	Off
Network Selection	Automatic
Preferred Network	5G Auto or 4G/LTE
APN	data.esim if required

Sri Lanka eSIM APN Settings

The APN is usually configured automatically. If the phone shows a mobile signal but apps and websites do not load, manual APN configuration may be required.

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank
Authentication	None or automatic

Save the new APN and make sure it is selected. Restart the phone or activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds before testing the connection again.

See our dedicated guide to Sri Lanka eSIM APN settings.

Can You Keep Your Primary SIM Active?

Yes. Most compatible Dual SIM phones allow the primary SIM and travel eSIM to remain active together.

Use the primary SIM for calls and SMS and select the Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data. Disable Data Roaming on the primary line and turn off automatic data switching to reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges.

Your home operator may still charge for incoming or outgoing calls abroad. Check its roaming prices before travelling.

Does WhatsApp Keep Your Existing Number?

Yes. Installing a Sri Lanka eSIM does not require changing your WhatsApp number.

Keep your existing number registered with WhatsApp. The app can use the mobile data supplied by the travel eSIM for messages, voice calls and video calls.

Read our guide to using WhatsApp in Sri Lanka.

Common Installation Mistakes

• Trying to install the eSIM without WiFi.
• Scanning the QR code on the wrong phone.
• Using a carrier-locked device.
• Deleting the profile after installation.
• Entering the manual activation details incorrectly.
• Installing the eSIM on a temporary device for testing.
• Confusing installation with activation.
• Enabling Data Roaming on the primary SIM instead of the travel eSIM.

What to Do If the QR Code Does Not Scan

1. Increase the brightness of the screen displaying the QR code.
2. Make sure the full code is visible.
3. Clean the smartphone camera lens.
4. Move the camera slightly closer or farther away.
5. Open the QR code on another screen.
6. Restart the phone.
7. Use the manual SM-DP+ details if available.

Do not repeatedly scan the code on different devices. The eSIM may become linked to the first device that successfully downloads it.

What to Do If the Phone Says the QR Code Is Invalid

An invalid-code message can appear when:

• The eSIM has already been installed.
• The QR code was scanned on another device.
• The code is incomplete or unclear.
• The phone does not support eSIM.
• The device is carrier-locked.
• The internet connection was interrupted.

Check the SIM settings before trying again. The profile may already be installed even if the setup screen closed unexpectedly.

What to Do If the eSIM Is Installed but Has No Internet

1. Confirm that you are already in Sri Lanka.
2. Enable the Sri Lanka eSIM.
3. Select it for Mobile Data.
4. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM.
5. Turn off automatic data switching.
6. Keep Network Selection on Automatic.
7. Check that the APN is data.esim.
8. Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
9. Restart the phone.

Do not delete the eSIM while troubleshooting. Installation and connection problems are usually resolved through the mobile network settings.

For more help, see our guides to an eSIM not working in Sri Lanka and no internet on a Sri Lanka eSIM.

Can You Delete and Reinstall the eSIM?

Do not delete the eSIM unless customer support specifically instructs you to do so. Many travel eSIM QR codes can only be installed once.

Turning the line off is not the same as deleting it. You can disable the eSIM temporarily and enable it again after arrival without removing the profile.

Can You Transfer the eSIM to Another Phone?

A travel eSIM is normally intended for installation on one device. Standard eSIM transfer functions may not work with a travel profile.

Install the eSIM directly on the smartphone you plan to use in Sri Lanka. Do not install it on another phone simply to check whether the QR code works.

Related Sri Lanka Guides

• Sri Lanka eSIM Guide
• Best eSIM for Sri Lanka
• Buy a Sri Lanka eSIM
• Sri Lanka eSIM for iPhone
• Sri Lanka eSIM for Android
• Does My Phone Support eSIM?
• How to Activate a Sri Lanka eSIM
• How to Use an eSIM in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka eSIM APN Settings

FAQ

When should I install my Sri Lanka eSIM?

Install it before departure while connected to reliable WiFi. Keep the profile on the phone and enable it for mobile data after arriving in Sri Lanka.

Do I need WiFi to install the eSIM?

Yes. A stable internet connection is normally required to download the eSIM profile.

Does installing the eSIM activate the plan?

Not necessarily. Installation adds the profile to your phone. The plan commonly starts when it first connects to a supported network in Sri Lanka, depending on the package conditions.

Can I install the eSIM using a QR code?

Yes. Open the Add eSIM menu, choose the QR code option and scan the code supplied after purchase.

Can I install the eSIM manually?

Yes, when manual details are supplied. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as provided.

Can I install the QR code on another phone?

No. Install the profile directly on the device you plan to use. The eSIM may become linked to the first phone that downloads it.

Should Data Roaming be enabled?

Yes. Enable Data Roaming on the Sri Lanka travel eSIM after arrival. Keep roaming disabled on the primary SIM.

What APN should I use?

If manual configuration is required, enter data.esim as the APN and leave the username and password blank.

Can I keep my regular SIM active?

Yes. Keep the primary SIM for calls and SMS and use the Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data.

Why does the QR code say it has already been used?

The profile may already be installed or may have been downloaded on another device. Check the SIM settings before scanning it again.

Can I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

Do not delete the eSIM unless support tells you to do so. Many travel eSIM QR codes only allow one installation.

What should I do if the eSIM is installed but has no internet?

Select it for Mobile Data, enable Data Roaming, disable automatic data switching and confirm that the APN is data.esim.

Final Recommendation

Install your Sri Lanka eSIM before departure while connected to stable WiFi. Confirm that the new mobile line appears in your phone settings, label it clearly and do not delete the profile.

After arriving in Sri Lanka, enable the eSIM, select it for Mobile Data, turn on Data Roaming and disable automatic data switching. Keep Data Roaming turned off on your primary SIM.

If the phone connects to a network but does not have internet access, enter data.esim as the APN, activate Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the device.

Browse Sri Lanka eSIM plans here.