> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.e-banano.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install Your eBanano eSIM — Overview and First Steps

> Everything you need to know before installing your eBanano eSIM — what you'll need, how to prepare, and where to find device-specific guides.

Getting your eBanano eSIM up and running is easier than packing your carry-on. The whole installation process takes just 2–5 minutes, and once it's done, you'll be ready to land anywhere in 100+ countries with data waiting for you. This page walks you through everything you need to check before you start — so there are no surprises when you sit down to install.

<Note>
  **Before you begin, make sure you have all of these:**

  * Your phone is **eSIM-compatible** (not sure? Check our [iOS](./ios) or [Android](./android) guides for compatible models)
  * Your phone is **unlocked** — carrier-locked phones can't use eSIMs from other providers
  * You're connected to **Wi-Fi** — you'll need an internet connection during installation
  * You have your **QR code ready** — it was sent to your email right after purchase. Can't find it? Check your spam folder or log in to your eBanano account to resend it.
</Note>

## Choose Your Device

Pick your device type below and we'll walk you through every tap, step by step.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="iPhone (iOS)" icon="apple" href="./ios">
    Install your eBanano eSIM on iPhone XS and later. Includes QR code and manual entry methods.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Android" icon="android" href="./android">
    Install on Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other eSIM-compatible Android phones.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How Installation Works

Not sure what to expect? Here's a quick look at the overall process — it's the same no matter which device you're using.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Receive your QR code">
    After purchasing a plan, eBanano sends a QR code to your email. This is your eSIM "key" — keep it handy and don't share it with anyone.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open your phone's settings">
    Head into your phone's cellular or network settings. Both iPhone and Android have a dedicated spot for adding a new eSIM — we'll point you right to it in the device guides.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan or enter your eSIM details">
    Use your camera to scan the QR code, or enter the details manually if scanning isn't an option. Your phone will download the eSIM profile in seconds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate when you arrive">
    Installation and activation are two separate things. Once installed, your eSIM sits quietly on your phone until you land at your destination — then it springs into action. Head to the [Activation guide](./activation) to learn more.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  **Install your eSIM before your trip, while you're still on Wi-Fi at home.** Some steps during installation require an active internet connection. If you wait until you've already landed and lost your home data connection, you could hit a snag. Five minutes at home saves a lot of frustration at the airport.
</Warning>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<Accordion title="Can I install my eSIM without Wi-Fi?">
  We strongly recommend installing over Wi-Fi. While some devices can complete installation on a mobile data connection, certain steps — like downloading the eSIM profile from the carrier server — require a stable internet connection. Trying to install without Wi-Fi may cause the process to fail or stall partway through. Save yourself the headache and install at home before you travel.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="What if I lose my QR code?">
  No worries! Log in to your eBanano account at [ebanano.com](https://ebanano.com) and head to your order history — you can view and resend your QR code from there at any time. You can also reach out to our support team and we'll get it back to you quickly. Just remember: each QR code can only be used once, so don't scan it until you're ready to install.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Can I install the same eSIM on multiple phones?">
  No — each eBanano QR code is tied to a single device and can only be scanned and activated once. If you need eSIMs for multiple phones (say, for the whole family), you'll need to purchase a separate plan for each device. Once an eSIM is installed, the QR code is no longer valid, so keep it safe until installation is complete.
</Accordion>