How does Saily eSIM work, and how do you install it? In short, Saily is a travel eSIM app: you buy a data plan in the app, then load a digital SIM onto your phone in a couple of minutes, with no plastic SIM to swap. You keep your normal number for calls and texts, and use Saily for data abroad. Below is the exact step by step for iPhone and Android, how to activate the plan, and the mistakes to avoid. New here? The Saily coupon code ALESSA6581 gives $5 off your first plan.

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How Does Saily eSIM Work?

Saily works by downloading a data plan straight to your phone instead of using a physical SIM. When you buy a plan in the app, Saily installs an eSIM profile, and once you switch that line on, your phone uses Saily for mobile data at your destination. Your physical SIM stays in place for your usual number, so calls and texts still reach you. You just need an eSIM-compatible phone and a Wi-Fi connection to set it up.

SAILY eSIM: QUICK FACTS
Setup time About 2 to 5 minutes
You need eSIM-compatible phone + Wi-Fi
Keeps your number? Yes, for calls and texts
Best time to install Before you travel, on Wi-Fi

What You Need Before You Start

Three things make the install painless: an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone (most iPhones from the XS on, and recent Samsung, Google Pixel and other flagships), a Wi-Fi connection, and the Saily app with a plan already purchased. Buy and install before you fly, because the first setup needs internet. Not sure how much a plan costs? See our Saily plans and prices guide.

How to Install Saily eSIM on iPhone

  1. Open the Saily app, sign in, and buy the plan for your destination.
  2. Tap install when Saily prompts you. It adds the eSIM automatically on most iPhones.
  3. If asked, go to Settings, then Mobile Data, and confirm the Saily line is added.
  4. Label the line “Saily” so it is easy to find later.
  5. Leave it switched off until you arrive, then turn on the Saily line for data.

How to Install Saily eSIM on Android

  1. Open Saily, sign in, and buy your plan.
  2. Follow the in-app install prompt, or go to Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs, and add an eSIM.
  3. Confirm the Saily eSIM appears in your SIM list.
  4. Set it as your data SIM when you reach your destination.
  5. Turn on data roaming for the Saily line so the plan connects abroad.

How to Activate Your Saily Plan

Activation is simple: when you land, switch the Saily line on for mobile data and enable data roaming for that line only. Your Saily plan starts counting from first use or the date shown at purchase, so there is no rush to activate the moment you install it. Within a minute or two you should see a signal and be online.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most Saily headaches come from a few avoidable slips:

  • Installing at the destination with no Wi-Fi. Set it up before you leave.
  • Forgetting to switch your data line to Saily, so your home SIM keeps charging roaming.
  • Leaving data roaming off for the Saily line, which stops the plan connecting.
  • Using a phone that is not eSIM-compatible or is carrier-locked.

Our Experience Installing Saily

We have set Saily up on both an iPhone and a Pixel. On the iPhone it was two taps from the app, and the line appeared in Settings without scanning anything. On Android it took one extra step to add the eSIM manually, then set it as the data SIM. Both times, doing it at home on Wi-Fi the night before meant we landed, flipped the Saily line on, and were online before leaving the gate. For the full reliability picture, see our Saily review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install a Saily eSIM?

Buy a plan in the Saily app, tap install, confirm the line in your phone settings, then switch it on for data when you arrive.

Does Saily need Wi-Fi to set up?

Yes. The first install needs internet, so set it up on Wi-Fi before you travel.

Do I keep my phone number with Saily?

Yes. Your physical SIM keeps your number for calls and texts, while Saily handles data.

Is my phone compatible with Saily?

Most iPhones from the XS onward and recent Samsung, Pixel and other flagships support eSIM. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked.

Steps were checked in July 2026 and may vary slightly by phone model and software version.

This guide may contain affiliate links. If you buy a Saily plan through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect our honest advice.

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