📱 eSIM help & install guides

Everything you need to install, activate, top-up, and troubleshoot your Bookora eSIM. Pick a section below.

📱 Install on iPhone (XS or newer)

Connect to Wi-Fi

You need internet to install. Your home Wi-Fi or any reliable connection works.

Open the QR email from Bookora

Subject: "Your Bookora eSIM is ready". Open it on a different device (laptop, second phone, or print it).

iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM

Tap Use QR Code and scan the QR. Follow the prompts. Label it "Bookora" so you can spot it later.

Keep both lines on

When prompted, choose "Mobile Data: Bookora · Allow Mobile Data Switching: Off". Your UK SIM stays for calls; Bookora handles data.

Tip: Install before you fly. The data timer doesn't start until you toggle the eSIM on at your destination.

🤖 Install on Android (Pixel 3+, Galaxy S20+, most modern flagships)

Connect to Wi-Fi

You need internet to download the eSIM profile.

Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM

Or search "Add eSIM" in your device settings.

Scan the QR from your Bookora email

Tap "Scan QR code" and point your camera at the QR. The phone downloads the profile in 10–30 seconds.

Set as data line, leave UK SIM for calls

In SIM manager, set "Bookora" as Mobile data; leave your UK number as Calls & SMS.

🪪 Install on iPad (cellular models)

Settings → Mobile Data → Add a Mobile Plan

iPads with cellular have eSIM support since iPad Pro 2018.

Scan QR code or enter manually

Use the QR from your Bookora email. If scanning fails, the email also includes the activation code (LPA string) — paste it into "Enter Details Manually".

Done — toggle the line on when you arrive

iPads only have cellular data, so no calls/SMS to worry about.

🛬 Activate when you land

Land

Wait until you've stepped off the plane / passed immigration.

Settings → Mobile Data → Bookora — turn ON

Enable mobile data for the Bookora line. Disable data on your UK SIM (or "Allow Mobile Data Switching: Off") so you don't accidentally roam.

Wait 30 seconds

Phone connects to the local network. Your data timer starts now.

Test with a quick page load

Open Google Maps or any site to confirm. If nothing loads in 60s, see troubleshooting.

🔄 Top up data

Running low? Top up from your account in 30 seconds — same eSIM, no re-installation.

Visit My eSIMs
Click your active eSIM → Top up
Pick a top-up bundle, pay, and the data auto-applies to the same eSIM in <30 seconds.

Manage my eSIMs →

🛠 Troubleshooting

The QR code won't scan

Try the manual install: open the Bookora email, copy the LPA activation code (looks like LPA:1$rsp.example.com$xxx), paste it under Settings → Mobile Data → Add Plan → "Enter Details Manually".

I see "No service" after I land

Open Settings → Mobile Data → toggle Bookora off, wait 5 seconds, toggle on. Then turn airplane mode on for 10s and off again. If still nothing after 5 minutes, contact support — we can re-issue.

Data is slow

Speed depends on local 4G/5G coverage and time of day. On 4G LTE you should see 10–30 Mbps. If <1 Mbps in a major city, manually pick a different network: Settings → Mobile Data → Bookora → Network Selection → Off → pick fastest.

I can't make/receive calls or texts on the eSIM

Bookora eSIMs are data-only by design — keep your UK SIM active for calls/SMS. Use WhatsApp/Telegram/iMessage over the eSIM data for communication.

I deleted the eSIM by accident

Email support@bookora.co.uk with your booking ref — we re-issue the same plan once per booking free of charge.

Still stuck? Email support@bookora.co.uk with your phone model, OS version, country, and the eSIM order ref. We respond within 1 hour during UK business hours.

🤔 FAQ

What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of swapping plastic, you scan a QR code that installs a network profile.

Will it work on my phone?

Most flagships from 2018 onwards: iPhone XS/XR/11/12/13/14/15/16, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3+, most Huawei/Xiaomi/OnePlus from 2020+. Check Settings → "About phone" — if you see "EID number", you have eSIM.

Do I keep my UK number?

Yes. Your UK SIM keeps the number for calls/texts/WhatsApp. The Bookora eSIM is a separate data-only line.

When should I install — before or after travelling?

Install before you fly — you need Wi-Fi to download the eSIM profile. The data timer only starts when you turn the eSIM on at your destination.

What if I run out of data abroad?

Top up from your account — the bundle auto-applies to the same eSIM in seconds.

Can I use it on multiple devices?

No — each eSIM profile is bound to one device's EID. If you have a tablet too, buy a separate eSIM for it.

Will it auto-renew?

No. eSIMs are one-shot data plans, not subscriptions. When the data is used up or the validity expires, it stops — no surprise charges.