How to install and activate an eSIM on a Nokia phone?

To install an eSIM on your Nokia, you have three options, use your provider’s app, scan the QR code they sent you, or enter the details manually. In any case, the final step after installation is to activate the line from your phone’s settings to get connected.

This eSIM technology is available on select Nokia models, including the Nokia X30 5G, Nokia G60 5G, and Nokia XR21. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up your eSIM in just a few minutes.

In this article

Before you start setting up your Nokia with eSIM:

Make sure your specific model is fully compatible with this technology and unlocked by your carrier, which means your phone must be contract-free to use a line from any other provider.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid interruptions.
For Global or Regional plans (Europe, South America, Asia, etc.), install your eSIM at most 1 day before your trip. For single-country plans, you can install it days or weeks ahead, as it only activates at your destination.

How to install an eSIM on Nokia

To begin the installation, choose which of the three methods you prefer to use to set up the line on your phone. Below, we explain each alternative step-by-step so you can choose the most convenient one for you.

Install your eSIM using the app

This method is the ideal choice for a quick and automated setup. If you are using Holafly, download or open the app here and follow these steps:

Go to the app on your phone → Log in with the email associated with your purchase → Go to Purchases → Tap Install on the eSIM you want to add → Read the Installation tips and tapGot it to continue → Choose Install Automatically → Tap Install eSIM → Then, tap Add and Set up to save your new line inside your Nokia’s Mobile Network menu → Once installed, tap Settings if you want to continue with the activation.

Install an eSIM on Nokia with a QR code

A QR code is a simple way to add an eSIM to your Nokia phone. You can scan it from another device or upload it directly if it’s saved as a photo or screenshot.

Go to Settings → Access Network & Internet → Choose Mobile Network → Tap Download new SIM → Choose Set up an eSIM → Scan your QR code or tap the “Scan from photo” text link below to choose it from your gallery → Then, tap on the Set up Button → Once added, tap Settings to turn on the toggle to activate your new eSIM line.

Install an eSIM on Nokia using manual codes

Manual installation is a useful alternative if you can’t scan a QR code. This method allows you to add the eSIM by entering the activation details directly into your Nokia settings.

Go to Settings → Access Network & Internet → Choose Mobile Network → Tap Download new SIM → Choose Set up an eSIM.

Install an eSIM on Nokia using manual codes

Tap on“Try these troubleshooting steps” → Select “Enter activation code” → Paste the manual code you received (including LPA and the colons “:“) → Tap on Next → Then, select the Set up button → And finally, tap Settings if you want to continue with the activation.

How to activate an eSIM on Nokia

Once your eSIM is installed, you can activate it by turning on the new line and selecting it for mobile data. If you’re using a travel eSIM, wait until you arrive at your destination before turning it on to avoid starting your plan too early.

Follow the steps below to complete the activation when you’re ready:

Go to Settings → Select Network & Internet → Tap on Mobile Network → Disable the other SIMs to avoid charges from your home carrier (Your personal SIMs/eSIMs) → Select your newly installed eSIM → Then, turn on the Use SIM switch and also always enable Roaming when you are using a travel eSIM.

To keep in mind

eSIM compatibility on Nokia devices may vary depending on the carrier and country of manufacture.
Nokia devices can store up to 10 eSIMs. If you run out of space, you can remove one you’re not using via Settings.
On Nokia phones that support both eSIM and Dual SIM, you can use a physical SIM and eSIM simultaneously, but only one can be active for mobile data at a time.

Troubleshooting tips

During installation

If your Nokia shows a message while installing the eSIM, don’t worry. In some cases, the eSIM may have been added successfully even if the installation didn’t appear to finish correctly. Before attempting a new installation, check the following:

On your phone: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network. Your eSIM should appear in the list of Downloaded SIM with your provider’s name or a custom label.

In the app: Open the Purchases section and check the status of your eSIM. If it shows “eSIM Installed – Ready to use,” the installation was completed successfully.

Using your mobile data

If your eSIM is successfully activated, but you still don’t have internet, try selecting a network manually. To do this, go to Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network and select your eSIM. From there, turn off the Automatically select network option. Once the list loads, test the available operators one by one until you find the one that gives you the best signal for browsing.

Important: Never delete your eSIM while trying to restore your connection. Once removed, it couldn’t be installed again.