How to set up an eSIM in Israel

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM does the same job as a regular SIM card — it tells the mobile network who you are, what plan you have, and which number is yours — but it's built into the device instead of being a plastic chip you slot in. Your phone downloads a secure "SIM profile" from your provider, and once it's installed, the phone connects to the network exactly as it would with a physical card.

In short: a physical SIM is a card you insert; an eSIM is a digital profile you download. The phone service works identically — only the way it gets onto your device changes.

How eSIM activation works with BitLink

The whole flow is built to be simple. You choose a plan, pay through secure checkout, and BitLink provisions your Israeli line. The eSIM activation QR code is then emailed to you — usually within a few minutes of payment — and you scan it straight from your phone's settings. No waiting for a card to ship, no store visit.

Because activation is digital, you can do it from anywhere. Many people set their Israeli line up from home before they fly, so their phone is already connected the moment they land. If your device doesn't support eSIM, the same plans ship as a physical SIM instead — nothing about pricing or data changes.

How long does activation take?

The eSIM install itself is quick — scanning the QR code and downloading the profile usually takes only a few minutes. The overall timing depends on the type of order:

1. 1New Israeli number — the fastest path. Once your order is processed and the eSIM is ready, install is normally just a few minutes.
2. 2Porting an Israeli number — transferring your existing number generally completes within 5 to 10 minutes, since both carriers run on Israeli infrastructure. Keep your old SIM active until the transfer finishes.
3. 3Porting a US, UK, or Canadian number — this involves coordination with your carrier abroad and takes up to 3 business days. Your old number keeps working the whole time.
4. 4Second line — many people keep their home number active and add an Israeli eSIM alongside it. This is one of eSIM's most useful features.

Travel eSIM vs. a real Israeli plan

Not every eSIM is the same. Many travel eSIMs are data-only: they give you internet, but no Israeli phone number, calls, or SMS. That matters in Israel, where a real number is what banks, delivery apps, Bit, Pango, appointment systems, and WhatsApp all verify against.

If you only need data for a short trip, a travel eSIM may be enough. If you need actual Israeli phone service — a number people can call and text, that receives verification codes — a full mobile plan is the better fit. The Israel eSIM page has a side-by-side comparison of exactly what each one can and can't do.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most newer premium phones support eSIM, but not all do. Before ordering, check three things: your phone must support eSIM (look for an EID number or an "Add eSIM" option in settings), it should be unlocked (phones locked to a foreign carrier may reject another provider's eSIM), and its software should be up to date. The list below covers the most common compatible models — and if you're unsure, we'll confirm your exact model before you order.

Installing an eSIM on iPhone

The wording shifts slightly by iOS version, but the flow is:

1. 1Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
2. 2Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service).
3. 3Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
4. 4Scan the QR code from your BitLink email.
5. 5Follow the prompts, then label the line "BitLink" or "Israel."
6. 6Choose which line handles calls, SMS, and mobile data.

Installing an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

On most recent Galaxy phones:

1. 1Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. 2Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
3. 3Tap Add eSIM.
4. 4Scan your BitLink QR code and follow the prompts.
5. 5Choose which SIM handles calls, messages, and data.

Installing an eSIM on Google Pixel

On most recent Pixel phones:

1. 1Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. 2Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
3. 3Tap Add SIM, then choose the eSIM setup option.
4. 4Scan your QR code and follow the on-screen steps.
5. 5Set your preferred SIM for data, calls, and texts.

Keeping your home number and adding an Israeli eSIM

Most modern phones support Dual SIM — running two lines at once, typically one physical SIM plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs. That lets you keep your US, UK, or Canadian number active while adding a BitLink Israeli line: set mobile data to the Israeli eSIM, and keep the home line available for calls, iMessage, WhatsApp, or verification codes.

One tip: if you keep your foreign line active, turn off data roaming on it so you don't get surprise charges. If people back home need an easy way to reach you, a US, Canadian, or UK number add-on gives them a local number that rings your Israeli phone.

Common eSIM problems and quick fixes

QR code not working — make sure you're on Wi-Fi, the camera can read the code clearly, and the code hasn't already been used (most are one-time). "This eSIM cannot be added" usually means the phone is locked, the code was already used, or the device doesn't support eSIM.

Installed but no data — check the eSIM line is switched on, then confirm mobile data is assigned to the right line. Calls work but no internet, or data works but no calls, almost always comes down to which line your phone is set to use for each. If anything's stuck, message support on WhatsApp with your model and what you're seeing.

Before you erase your old phone

If you're switching phones or porting a number, don't wipe or reset the old device until the new line is fully working. Test mobile data, incoming and outgoing calls, SMS if your plan includes it, and WhatsApp and any bank or verification apps. Keep the old phone nearby until everything checks out — an eSIM has no card to move back, so a fresh profile may be needed if something goes wrong.

Phones that support eSIM

Compatible models as of July 2026. Some regional variants differ — send us your exact model and we'll confirm.