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bitrefill
esim guide
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 Content
1. Getting Started 03
What is an eSIM?.................................................................................................0
Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?.......................................................0
How to check if your phone is unlocked....................................................09

2. Installation 11
iOS..............................................................................................................................1
Android....................................................................................................................17

3. Activation 22
iOS............................................................................................................................2
Android...................................................................................................................2
Manual Network Selection..............................................................................2
Set up your APN..................................................................................................31

4. How to delete your eSIM 34

5. Help 37

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Content 02

 1. Getting Started

What is an eSIM? How long does it take to

activate an eSIM?
eSIM is an ‘embedded SIM’, the replacement for SIM
cards. Unlike traditional SIM cards that come in physical The whole process of activating an eSIM can
form, an eSIM is a digital SIM that can be installed take up to 10 minutes. Make sure you will have
directly into your smartphone or device. Just as a a reliable internet connection throughout the
physical SIM, an eSIM enables network connectivity, activation process.
downloading network profiles and switching between
carriers can be done digitally, eliminating the need for
physical SIM cards.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 03

 1. Getting Started

Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?

Both Android and Apple devices can use eSIMS, but
you do need to confirm that your device is compatible
and that it isn’t locked by the carrier. Please note
every device has its own specificities, so the following
steps may not apply to your device.



For accurate eSIM capability verification,

consider reaching out to your device
manufacturer, vendor or primary carrier.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 04

 1. Getting Started / Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?

Be aware that most iPhones sold in mainland China,

iOS Devices Hong Kong or Macao do not support eSIMs.

1. Open the Settings app, tap the Tap About. Tap the Model Number until you
General option. view an AXXXX combination.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 05

 1. Getting Started / Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?

Samsung Galaxy Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap the Tap SIM Manager. If the option Add eSIM is available,
Connections option. your device supports eSIMs.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 06

 1. Getting Started / Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?

Google Pixel Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap the Tap the plus (+) sign next to SIMs. If you open the screen Connect to mobile
Network & Internet option. network and see the option Download a SIM
instead, your device supports eSIMs.
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 07
 1. Getting Started / Is your phone compatible with eSIMs?

Other Android Devices

Please verify if your exact phone model offers

eSIM support on specialized websites.
Carriers and manufacturers can deliver
devices with custom settings that impact the
eSIM compability.

1. Dial *#06# and press Call. If your device supports eSIM, you should be
able to view your device’s eSIM unique
identification number (EID).
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 08
 1. Getting Started

For Android devices

How to check if your phone is unlocked Android does not have an option to check SIM
restrictions in the Settings app. We advise you
Your device must be unlocked from any specific carrier to check your device’s contract of call your
carrier to verify.
restrictions to be able to use Bitrefill eSIMs.



Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 09

 1. Getting Started / How to check if your phone is unlocked

iOS Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap the Tap About. Scroll down for the Carrier lock field.

General option. If you see the No SIM restrictions message,

then your iPhone is unlocked.
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Getting Started 10
 Installation

Each eSIM can only be activated once – its QR code or

activation codes will stop working once activation has

started in a device. There are two different ways to Make sure you have a reliable internet connection

throughout the following steps.



install your eSIM.

Scanning the eSIM’s QR Code (easiest if you have a

secondary device to display the QR code on

Copy-pasting the eSIM’s activation codes on your You can try scanning the QR code with your default

phone’s eSIM setup screen (easiest if you only have camera app. If that doesn’t work, try the following

one device handy) steps.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 11

 Installation / iOS Devices

QR Code Method

1. Open the Settings app, tap Cellular Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular plan. Select Use QR Code.
or Mobile data.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 12

 Installation / iOS Devices

QR Code Method

Scan the QR code. Tap Continue and wait. Label your eSIM and select as your You should now see your eSIM
line for Cellular Data. under Mobile data or Cellular
data.
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 13
 Installation / iOS Devices

QR Code Method
iOS 17 only

For iOS 17 users, it is now easier to install your eSIM.

You no longer need to rely on an external source or
other device. The new iOS 17 allows you to scan a QR
Code from your iPhone's local photo album.

The device will automatically recognize and extract

the eSIM information from the selected QR code.
You'll be guided through the activation process
normally.

Tap Open Photos. Browse through your gallery to find the

eSIM QR code you wish to use. Select it and continue.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 14

 Installation / iOS Devices

Copy-paste Method

1. Open the Settings app, tap Cellular Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Select Use QR Code. Instead of scanning the QR Code,
or Mobile data. plan. click on Enter details Manually.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 15

 Installation / iOS Devices

You will be asked to enter the following information:

Copy-paste Method SM- DP+ Address and Activation code.

Copy the codes we sent you and Label your eSIM and select as You should now see your eSIM
paste them on this screen. your line for Cellular Data. under Mobile data or Cellular data.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 16

 Installation / Android Devices

For Android users, some steps may differ

QR Code Method depending on your device.

1. Open the Settings app, tap Tap SIMs, SIM Manager or other variation Select Add eSIM or Download a SIM
Connections or Network & Internet. depending on brand and model. Instead option at the bottom.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 17

 Installation / Android Devices

QR Code Method

Tap Scan QR Code from service Scan the QR Code. If prompted, tap Add. And then tap
provider or just click Next. Done.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 18

 Installation / Android Devices

For Android users, some steps may differ

Copy-paste Method depending on your device.

1. Open the Settings app, tap Tap SIMs, SIM Manager or other variation Select Add eSIM or Download a SIM
Connections or Network & Internet. depending on brand and model. Instead option at the bottom.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 19

 Installation / Android Devices

If you are using a Google Pixel device, you

Copy-paste Method may find specific steps below.

Tap Scan QR Code from service Tap Enter activation code. Google Pixel only: Select Need Help?
provider or just click Next. and then tap Enter it manually.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 20

 Installation / Android Devices

Copy-paste Method

Enter the codes we sent you. If prompted, tap Add. And then tap

Tap Connect. Done.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Installation 21

 Activation

Be sure to activate your eSIM only when you arrive at

your destination, since your data plan starts as soon as
you activate it on your phone.

How can I check if my eSIM is active?

The icon in the status bar at the top of the

screen show the signal strength of your carrier.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 22

 Activation

If you want to check or manually configure the APN,

iOS Devices follow the steps on the APN session.

1. Open the Settings app, tap Cellular Select your newly installed Bitrefill Toggle Turn on this line for your eSIM, and then
or Mobile data. eSIM plan. turn on Data Roaming. The activation is done!

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 23

 Activation

Android Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Tap SIMs, SIM Manager or other variation Under Preferred SIMs or similar, tap Mobile
Connections or Network & Internet. depending on brand and model. Data and select your newly installed
Bitrefill eSIM plan.
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 24
 Activation

Android Devices

Tap Change to confirm. Go back to Connections or Network & Turn on Data Roaming to activate your
Internet then go to Mobile Networks. eSIM. The activation is done!

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 25

 Activation

Manual Network Selection

If you are struggling with a poor quality connection on a
particular network, we recommend you manually search
and select a different network.



Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 26

 Activation / Manual network selection

iOS Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Select the eSIM you want to configure. Tap Network Selection.
Cellular or Mobile data. Ensure Turn on this line is on.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 27

 Activation / Manual network selection

iOS Devices

Disable the Automatic option. Choose the network you want to connect.

You are now connected to the selected network!

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 28

 Activation / Manual network selection

Android Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Tap Mobile Networks. Tap Networks Operators. Then select a SIM
Connections or Network & Internet. at the bottom of the page.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 29

 Activation / Manual network selection

Android Devices

If a pop up notification appears, tap OK or

confirm the selection.

Disable the Select Automatically option.

You are now connected to the selected network!

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 30

 Activation

Set up your APN

Most of our eSIMs have an automatic APN (Access

Point Name). So manual programming is not necessary.

However, if you do want to set manually the APN, follow

the next steps.








For iOS and Android devices

In both cases, you can leave the other fields

besides APN blank.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 31

 Activation / Set up your APN

iOS Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Under Cellular or Mobile data plans Select Mobile/Cellular data network and in
Cellular or Mobile data. select your eSIM. the Mobile/Cellular data APN field type:
drei.at
Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 32
 Activation / Set up your APN

Android Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Tap Mobile Networks. Select the Access Point Names option,
Connections or Network & Internet. and type the new APN settings: drei.at

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Activation 33

 How to remove your eSIM
Disable your eSIM

Remember you can also temporarily disable an

eSIM if you intend to use it again.

Only remove your eSIM if:

You do not intend to use it again

There is no data left on the eSIM or there is no
active data/plan package
You buy a new eSIM for the same region.

If you are sure and would like to remove an eSIM that

is no longer required, please follow the next steps.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide How to remove your eSIM 34

 How to remove your eSIM

iOS Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Under Cellular or Mobile data plans Tap Delete eSIM, Remove eSIM or
Cellular or Mobile data. select your eSIM. Delete Mobile Plan depending on your
device.
Bitrefill eSIM Guide How to remove your eSIM 35
 How to remove your eSIM

Android Devices

1. Open the Settings app, tap Select the eSIM plan you want to erase. Tap Remove or similar, depending on
Connections or Network & Internet. your device.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide How to remove your eSIM 36

 Help

What is the “Cellular Plans from this What is the “Unable to complete
Carrier Cannot be Added” error? Cellular Plan Change” error?
This means your device is network-locked. You This error could be due to
need a network-unlocked device to download Having more eSIMs than your device can
and support eSIMs. If you get this error, you’ll support. Please remove eSIMS that have expired
need to use the eSIM on another device or or no longer have data
contact support to ask for a full refund. Trying to reinstall an eSIM that has already been
installed. eSIMs can only be installed once
Poor internet connection during the installation.
Please check your internet connection
Mobile data is turned off. Please turn on your
“Mobile Data” under Settings.



Bitrefill eSIM Guide Help 37

 Help

What is the “This code is no longer What is the “PDP Authentication

valid” error? Failure” error?
This error appears either when the QR code is not This error can be caused due to issues with your
properly scanned or if the eSIM has already been eSIM validity or settings. Please check if
installed. Sometimes due to poor connection, QR You have valid data remaining on your eSIM
codes are partially scanned. Try rescanning after Your APN is set up according to the installation
you have good network connectivity. process
You are connected to a network supported by
the eSIM.

Please note that most eSIMs can only be

installed once, so if you are attempting to
reinstall a removed eSIM, that will not work. If the error persists, please reset your network
settings and restart your device.

Bitrefill eSIM Guide Help 38

 r e f i l l yo u r d r e a m s

We’re here to help!

If you have any other questions, please reach out
to our Support team or check our FAQs.

bitrefill.com #goborderless