Traveller installing a Taiwan eSIM on a smartphone before a trip

How to Install a Taiwan eSIM: Complete Installation Guide for iPhone and Android

Installing a Taiwan eSIM is the first step to getting mobile internet during your trip. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is downloaded directly to your smartphone and does not require removing your existing SIM card.

The recommended approach is to install your Taiwan eSIM before departure while connected to stable WiFi. After arriving in Taiwan, you can activate the profile, select it for mobile data and start using internet for navigation, transport apps, messaging and travel services.

A correctly installed eSIM allows you to keep your regular phone number active while using the Taiwan eSIM for mobile data on compatible Dual SIM devices.

Quick answer: Check compatibility, connect to WiFi, scan the eSIM QR code through your phone settings, keep the profile installed and activate it after arriving in Taiwan.

Top Taiwan eSIMs

Before Installing Your Taiwan eSIM

Complete these checks before starting the installation process.

  • Your phone supports eSIM.
  • Your phone is carrier-unlocked.
  • You have a stable WiFi connection.
  • You have received the eSIM QR code or activation details.
  • Your phone software is updated.
  • You have enough battery power.

Installation requires internet access because your phone must download the eSIM profile. The mobile data connection from the eSIM is not used during installation.

Check If Your Phone Supports Taiwan eSIM

eSIM support depends on the exact device model and region. Similar phone models can have different capabilities depending on where they were purchased.

Check using the IMEI menu

  1. Open the Phone application.
  2. Dial *#06#.
  3. Look for an EID number.

An EID usually indicates that the phone contains eSIM hardware.

Check through settings

Look for options such as:

  • Add eSIM.
  • Add Mobile Plan.
  • Add Cellular Plan.
  • Add SIM.
  • SIM Manager.

If these options are missing, verify the exact model specification before purchasing.

Install Taiwan eSIM With QR Code

The QR code method is the most common installation option.

Before starting:

  • Open the QR code on another device, or
  • Print the QR code if necessary.

Your phone cannot scan a QR code displayed on the same screen unless the manufacturer provides a special import option.

How to Install Taiwan eSIM on iPhone

  1. Connect your iPhone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
  4. Tap Add eSIM.
  5. Select Use QR Code.
  6. Scan the Taiwan eSIM QR code.
  7. Follow the installation instructions.
  8. Wait until the cellular plan is added.
  9. Label the plan Taiwan, Travel or NoveSIM.

The eSIM profile is now stored on your iPhone. You can activate it after arriving in Taiwan.

How to Install Taiwan eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung menu names may differ depending on the model and One UI version.

  1. Connect the phone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Connections.
  4. Open SIM Manager.
  5. Select Add eSIM.
  6. Choose QR code installation.
  7. Scan the QR code.
  8. Confirm downloading the mobile plan.
  9. Label the profile clearly.

How to Install Taiwan eSIM on Google Pixel

  1. Connect the Pixel to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Network & Internet.
  4. Open SIMs.
  5. Select Add SIM.
  6. Choose Set Up an eSIM.
  7. Scan the QR code.
  8. Complete the setup instructions.

How to Install Taiwan eSIM on Other Android Phones

Compatible Android devices usually follow a similar process:

  1. Open mobile network settings.
  2. Select Add eSIM or Add SIM.
  3. Choose QR code installation.
  4. Scan the provided QR code.
  5. Download the eSIM profile.
  6. Confirm installation.

The exact menu depends on the manufacturer and Android version.

Manual Taiwan eSIM Installation

If QR scanning is unavailable, some devices allow manual installation.

  1. Open the Add eSIM menu.
  2. Select manual installation.
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address provided with your eSIM.
  4. Enter the activation code if supplied.
  5. Confirm the download.

Copy all details exactly. A small error can prevent installation.

How to Label Your Taiwan eSIM

Clear labels help avoid selecting the wrong SIM for mobile data.

Recommended labels:

  • Taiwan.
  • NoveSIM.
  • Travel Data.
  • Taiwan Internet.

Avoid leaving the profile as SIM 2 or Secondary if you use multiple SIMs.

What Happens After Installation?

After installation, the Taiwan eSIM profile appears in your phone settings, but mobile data may not work until the correct activation settings are applied.

After arriving in Taiwan:

  1. Enable the Taiwan eSIM line.
  2. Select it for mobile data.
  3. Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
  4. Disable Data Roaming on your home SIM.
  5. Disable automatic data switching.

Installation vs Activation

Action Purpose Recommended Time
Install eSIM Adds the digital SIM profile Before departure
Enable eSIM Turns on the mobile line After arrival
Select mobile data Uses eSIM for internet After arrival
Enable roaming Allows network connection After arrival

Recommended Taiwan eSIM Settings

Setting Recommended Configuration
Travel eSIM Enabled after arrival
Mobile Data Taiwan eSIM
Data Roaming on eSIM Enabled
Data Roaming on home SIM Disabled
Automatic switching Disabled
APN data.esim

How to Set APN After Installation

Most devices configure APN automatically. If the eSIM installs successfully but mobile data does not work, check the APN.

Use:

Field Value
APN data.esim
Username Leave empty
Password Leave empty

Can You Install the Taiwan eSIM Before Travelling?

Yes. Installing before departure is recommended because you need WiFi to download the profile.

The ideal timeline:

  • Buy the eSIM before your trip.
  • Install it at home or hotel WiFi.
  • Keep your normal SIM active before departure.
  • Activate mobile data after landing.

This avoids searching for internet access immediately after arriving.

Can You Install a Taiwan eSIM Without WiFi?

No. Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.

If you are already travelling and do not have WiFi:

  • Use airport WiFi.
  • Use hotel WiFi.
  • Use another device hotspot.
  • Connect through a temporary internet source.

Can You Install the Same QR Code Again?

Usually no. Many eSIM QR codes are designed for one installation only.

After successful installation:

  • Do not delete the profile.
  • Do not scan the QR code again.
  • Keep the eSIM installed until the plan expires.

Can You Move the Taiwan eSIM to Another Phone?

Travel eSIM profiles usually cannot be transferred freely between devices.

If you change phones:

  • Check with support before removing the eSIM.
  • Do not assume the QR code can be reused.
  • Confirm compatibility of the new device.

Common Installation Problems

QR code does not scan

Try:

  • Increasing screen brightness on the device showing the QR code.
  • Cleaning the camera lens.
  • Using manual installation.
  • Checking that the code is not already used.

Add eSIM option is missing

Possible reasons:

  • The phone does not support eSIM.
  • The regional version is different.
  • The device software is outdated.
  • The phone is carrier restricted.

Installation fails halfway

Try:

  • Using a stronger WiFi connection.
  • Restarting the phone.
  • Updating the operating system.
  • Trying manual installation.

What to Do If Installed eSIM Has No Internet

  1. Confirm the Taiwan eSIM is enabled.
  2. Select it for mobile data.
  3. Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM.
  4. Disable roaming on your main SIM.
  5. Check APN: data.esim.
  6. Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds.
  7. Restart the phone.

Do not remove the eSIM profile while troubleshooting.

How Much Data Should You Choose?

Trip Type Recommended Data
Short visit 3GB–5GB
One week sightseeing 5GB–10GB
Two weeks around Taiwan 10GB–15GB
Long trip or heavy usage 20GB+
Hotspot and remote work 30GB+

Related Articles

FAQ

When should I install my Taiwan eSIM?

Install it before departure while connected to stable WiFi. Activate the mobile data connection after arriving in Taiwan.

Do I need WiFi to install a Taiwan eSIM?

Yes. Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.

Can I keep my normal SIM after installing a Taiwan eSIM?

Yes. Compatible Dual SIM phones can keep the primary SIM active while using the Taiwan eSIM for mobile data.

Why should I not delete the eSIM?

Many QR codes are single-use. Removing the installed profile may prevent you from installing it again.

What APN should I use for Taiwan eSIM?

The APN is data.esim when manual configuration is required.

Final Recommendation

The best way to install a Taiwan eSIM is to complete the setup before travelling while connected to reliable WiFi. Add the eSIM profile to your phone, label it clearly and keep it installed.

After arriving in Taiwan, activate the line, select it for mobile data, enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM and disable automatic switching. This setup provides reliable internet for maps, transport, communication and sightseeing throughout your trip.

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