How to Activate an eSIM in Austria (2026): 5-Minute Step-by-Step
How do I activate an eSIM in Austria step by step?
The seven steps below cover every Austrian provider with minor wording differences.
- 1
Check your device supports eSIM
eSIM works on iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most flagship Android phones from 2020 onward. Older devices need a physical SIM.
- 2
Buy a plan online
Pick a plan on the provider's website. At checkout, choose "eSIM" instead of physical SIM. Most providers offer eSIM at the same price. up by Drei only sells eSIM. spusu ships triple-SIM and eSIM in parallel.
- 3
Verify your identity
Required by Austrian law since 2019. Use the provider's video-ID flow (a few minutes by webcam) or upload a clear photo of your passport or Austrian ID. Without verification, the SIM will not activate.
- 4
Receive the QR code by email
The provider emails the eSIM QR code within minutes. Open the email on a different device (laptop or tablet) so your phone can scan its screen, or save the QR image to your phone's gallery.
- 5
Add the eSIM in your phone settings
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your laptop screen or your saved image.
- 6
Pick a label and primary line
Label the new line (Personal, Travel, Work) and choose which line handles calls, SMS, and mobile data. You can keep your old SIM as a second line and switch on a per-app basis.
- 7
Test the connection
The eSIM registers on the network within two to five minutes. Place a test call, send a test SMS, and load a webpage on mobile data to confirm the line works.
Which phones support eSIM in Austria?
Most flagship phones from 2019 onward support eSIM. Older or budget phones may not.
| Brand | Compatible from |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS, XR, and newer (2018+) |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and newer (2018+) |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Z Flip and Z Fold series |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 11 and newer |
| Other Android | Most flagship 2022+ models. Check the spec sheet for "eSIM" |
What if the eSIM does not activate?
- · QR code already used. A QR code can only be scanned once. Ask the provider to issue a new one through their app or support team.
- · "No service" after install. Wait five minutes and toggle Airplane mode. If still nothing, check that your phone is not network-locked from a previous carrier.
- · Identity verification stuck. Try a brighter room, use video-ID instead of photo upload, or visit a provider shop.
- · iMessage / FaceTime not registering. Apple ties activation to your phone number. Open Settings → Messages → toggle iMessage off and on after the new line is active.
- · Cannot find eSIM in Settings. Update the phone OS to the latest version. Some carriers require iOS 16 or Android 13+.
Frequently asked questions
How long does eSIM activation take in Austria?
Around five minutes from QR code to first call. The provider emails the QR code immediately after identity verification. Scanning takes seconds. The line typically registers on the network within two to five minutes.
Which Austrian providers support eSIM?
A1, Magenta, Drei, up by Drei, HoT, spusu, bob, yesss!, XOXO, KLAX, S-BUDGET MOBILE, and Lyca Mobile all support eSIM. educom and Lidl Connect support eSIM on selected plans.
Can I keep my old SIM and add a new eSIM?
Yes. Modern phones support dual-SIM (one physical, one eSIM) or dual-eSIM. Add the new eSIM as a second line and choose per-app which line handles calls, SMS, and mobile data. WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage stay tied to your original number.
Do I need to identify myself with a passport?
Yes. Since 2019, Austrian law requires identity verification for every SIM activation, including prepaid. The provider runs a video-ID call or asks you to upload a photo of your passport or Austrian ID at signup. Pre-paid SIMs sold at supermarkets must also be registered before they activate.