What is an eSIM and how does it work on Lebara?
| Device | Lebara eSIM Support | Min. iOS / Android Version |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 15 / 14 | ✓ Supported | iOS 16 or later |
| iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12 / 13 | ✓ Supported | iOS 12.1 or later |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 / S23 / S22 | ✓ Supported | Android 11 or later |
| Google Pixel 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 | ✓ Supported | Android 10 or later |
| iPhone 8 / X and older | ✗ Not supported | Physical SIM only |
An eSIM does away with the plastic card entirely, living instead inside the phone itself. Instead of a physical SIM, your Lebara eSIM is downloaded as a profile over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Once active, it works exactly like a physical SIM — you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data on the Lebara network.
Devices supported span iPhone XS, Pixel 3 and Galaxy S20 upward, plus most recent Android flagships; dual SIM phones can pair a physical SIM with the eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
From Lebara eSIM order to a working connection, step by step
How to set up your Lebara eSIM
Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your Lebara eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the Lebara app or account portal after ordering an eSIM.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code provided by Lebara. Follow the on-screen prompts to label the line and set it as your primary or secondary SIM.
On Android / Samsung: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan. Scan the Lebara eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
Ordering through to connection on a Lebara eSIM
Activating your Lebara eSIM
After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the Lebara eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the Lebara network name in your status bar.
If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your Lebara account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each Lebara eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact Lebara for a replacement if needed.
eSIM setup checklist
The Lebara eSIM journey from order to live data
Troubleshooting Lebara eSIM problems
Activation stuck? Confirm Wi-Fi is connected, restart, then try again from Settings → Mobile Data.
No signal after eSIM activation: Toggle aeroplane mode on and off. If the problem persists, go to Settings → Mobile Data, select your Lebara eSIM line and check that it is set as the active data SIM.
eSIM profile missing after phone reset: Factory resets erase eSIM profiles on some devices. Contact Lebara to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.
Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: Lebara eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the Lebara app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.
Troubleshooting checklist
Try these Lebara steps in sequence; the fix is usually near the top
eSIM vs physical SIM on Lebara
Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the Lebara network with the same speeds and coverage. The main advantages of eSIM are: no need to handle a tiny physical card, instant activation, and the ability to switch between networks without changing SIMs. The main advantage of a physical SIM is compatibility with older devices that do not support eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
Order to working data on a Lebara eSIM