How to Install Your Portugal eSIM

Complete step-by-step guide for iPhone & Android. Installation takes less than 5 minutes.

Important

Install the eSIM over WiFi before you travel, as you need an internet connection for the download. It will only start using data once you connect to a Portuguese network on your start date.

🍎 iPhone

Open the email & connect to WiFi

Find the confirmation email from Portugal Internet — your QR code is attached as an image. Tip: open it on a different device (laptop or tablet) so you can scan the code with the iPhone you are setting up. Make sure the iPhone is on WiFi.

Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

On your iPhone go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data), scroll down and tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan", then choose "Use QR Code".

Scan the QR code

Point your iPhone camera at the QR code in the email and tap "Continue" to add the plan. Give it a recognisable label such as "Portugal Internet".

Set as your data line

Choose the Portugal Internet eSIM for "Cellular Data" (Mobile Data). Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts, so keep the eSIM selected as your data line for the duration of your trip.

🤖 Android

Open the email & connect to WiFi

Find the confirmation email from Portugal Internet containing your QR code, ideally opened on a separate device (laptop or tablet). Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi.

Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (on Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager). Tap "Add eSIM", "Add mobile plan" or the "+" button. The exact path varies by manufacturer.

Scan the QR code

Choose "Scan QR code", point your camera at the QR code in the email, and confirm the plan details. Downloading the profile usually takes 30–60 seconds.

Set as your preferred data SIM

Set the Portugal Internet eSIM as your preferred SIM for mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls and texts.

Not connecting? Quick fixes

In almost all cases the network connects automatically once the eSIM is installed. If the eSIM installs but you cannot browse the internet, try these steps in order:

1Make sure the Portugal Internet eSIM is selected as the line for mobile data.
2Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off — or restart the phone — to force a fresh network registration.
3If you still cannot connect, email help@portugalinternet.com with your order number and we will help.

You're all set!

Your eSIM is installed and ready. Open your browser without WiFi — if a page loads, your data is working. Enjoy unlimited internet in Portugal.

eSIM installation FAQ

When will I receive my eSIM QR code?

If your trip starts more than 2 days away, we send your QR code 2 days before your start date. For last-minute orders (same-day or next-day) we send it immediately after payment is confirmed — usually within minutes.

Can I install the eSIM before I arrive in Portugal?

Yes — install it at home over WiFi before travelling. The plan activates automatically on your start date when your phone first connects to a Portuguese network. Installing in advance is recommended so you have data the moment you land.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM?

No. Modern phones (iPhone XS/XR or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most recent Android flagships) support dual SIM with one physical SIM plus one eSIM. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the Portugal Internet eSIM handles data.

My phone is not reading the QR code. What do I do?

Scan the QR code on a DIFFERENT device from the phone you are activating, and make sure the image is full-size on screen. If it still fails, we can send the activation code as text — email help@portugalinternet.com with your order number.

Can I delete the eSIM when my trip ends?

Yes. At the end of your trip, go to the eSIM in your phone's cellular/SIM settings and choose "Remove" or "Delete". Note: once deleted the QR code cannot be reused — a future trip needs a new order. It does not affect your physical SIM.

How do I check my eSIM is working?

Open your browser and visit any website with WiFi off. If it loads, your eSIM data is working. You can also check Settings → Cellular / Mobile data and confirm the Portugal Internet line shows signal.

Get your Portugal eSIM WiFi vs SIM vs eSIM