Setup Guide

Set Up Your Comoros eSIM: Quick Install Guide for 2026

July 20267 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst

2 networks tested
5 providers compared
Updated June 2026

Daniel Mercer

Lead eSIM Analyst

43 countries tested280 plans reviewed14 airports tested8 years in telecom

Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)

How we test

Published July 2026 · Updated June 2026

Compatibility

Supported devices for Comoros plans

iPhone

Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.

Android

Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+.

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Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status

Providers

eSIM provider picks for Comoros

Holafly (Recommended)

Holafly is the recommended provider for Comoros with a 4.3/5 rating. Best Unlimited pick. Plans available: . Installation via QR code delivered by email.

Overall

Install: 4.3/5 · QR Flow: 4.2/5

Docs: 4.4/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Holafly full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Comoros
Provider	Per GB	Rating	Best For
Holafly#1 Pick	from $2.99/day	4.3/5	Best Unlimited
Airalo	from $4.50/GB	4.5/5	Best Overall
Saily	from $3.99/GB	4.4/5	Best Privacy
HelloRoam	from around $3.50 per gigabyte	4.4/5	Coverage + Value
Nomad	from $3.00/GB	4.1/5	Best Budget

Which provider to choose

Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account

Installation

Adding your Comoros eSIM to your phone

iOS installation (iPhone)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Use QR Code"
Scan the QR code from your Holafly confirmation email
Label the plan (e.g., "Comoros Travel")
Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular

iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

Android installation (Samsung One UI)

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM
Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code"
Scan the QR code from your Holafly confirmation email
Name the profile (e.g., "Comoros Data")
Set as mobile data SIM
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Verify the plan in SIM manager

Manual installation (if QR fails)

If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Enter Details Manually"
Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
Enter the activation code
Complete the setup as with the QR method

Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.

Configuration

APN and band settings for Comoros

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Comoros Telecom's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names

A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.

Verification

Confirming your Comoros eSIM setup

Signal and network verification

Check your status bar: the carrier name should show Comoros Telecomor a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.

"Comoros Telecom" or roaming icon: Connected and working
"Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
"No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected

Speed test

Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds: 3G (LTE typically 20-80 Mbps, 5G 100-500 Mbps where available). Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.

Verifying data roaming is active

Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.

Dual-SIM verification

Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.

Airport Guide

Arriving at Comoros's main airport with your eSIM

Before boarding

Set up your Comoros eSIM before you leave the house. The QR code scan takes 90 seconds over a stable connection. Use your home WiFi, not mobile data or airport networks. After the profile installs, set the eSIM to off so Comoros Telecom does not register it during a layover. The data counter starts on first network connection, not at installation time.

During the flight

Use the flight to prepare your phone settings. Open Settings, navigate to Cellular, and verify the Comoros eSIM is assigned as your data line. Turn off data roaming on your home carrier line. When you land, the only toggle left is enabling the travel eSIM.

After landing

After touchdown, open Settings, enable the Comoros eSIM, and turn on data roaming for the travel line. Comoros Telecom registers the profile in 60-90 seconds. Check your status bar for the carrier name and signal bars. SIM counter availability at Comoros's main airport varies by terminal and time of day. Your eSIM eliminates that variable entirely.

Leaving the airport

Your eSIM gives you data before you clear customs. By the time you reach ground transport, your map is loaded, your ride is booked, and your hotel has your arrival message. Zero idle time at Comoros's main airport.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Comoros

iPhone (iOS 17+)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Comoros Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Comoros eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Comoros line only: Settings > Cellular > [Comoros Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Comoros's main airport, toggle the eSIM on. Comoros Telecom registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Comoros eSIM plans on Comoros Telecom's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Comoros data is active at 3G speeds.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Comoros Telecom" or "Telma Comoros" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Comoros line shows "Comoros Telecom" under Network. The "4G" indicator confirms your connection type.

Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If Comoros Telecom does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).

Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Comoros Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Comoros eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Comoros eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Comoros's main airport, enable the eSIM. Comoros Telecom's 4G network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Comoros eSIM plans on Comoros Telecom's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Comoros eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Comoros Telecom" or "Telma Comoros" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Comoros Telecom" as the connected network. The connection type shows as "4G".

Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select Comoros Telecom. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

Google Pixel (Android 14+)

Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
Confirm the download and label the SIM "Comoros Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Comoros Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Comoros Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Comoros's main airport, enable the profile. Comoros Telecom connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Comoros plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Comoros Telecom's 4G network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Comoros Telecom" or "Telma Comoros" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "Comoros Telecom" as the active network.

Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Comoros Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select Comoros Telecom. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Comoros

Comoros Telecom

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Comoros Telecom" from the list. The phone locks onto Comoros Telecom's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: Fastest 4G speeds in Comoros's urban areas

Common issue: Comoros Telecom's network occasionally delays eSIM profile registration during peak hours at major airports. If your phone shows "Searching..." for more than 2 minutes, turn off Automatic network selection, wait 10 seconds, then select Comoros Telecom manually from the operator list.

Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Comoros Telecom typically completes registration within 60-90 seconds of a fresh boot. If the issue persists, remove and re-add the eSIM profile using the manual activation code from your provider's confirmation email.

Telma Comoros

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Telma Comoros" from the list. The phone locks onto Telma Comoros's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: Reliable 4G coverage across Comoros's main cities

Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Telma Comoros require data roaming to be enabled on the travel SIM line specifically. Leaving it off is the most common reason travelers report zero signal after landing in Comoros. Check under Settings > Cellular > [Travel eSIM] > Data Roaming.

Resolution: Toggle airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network scan without a full restart. Telma Comoros should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Telma Comoros directly.

Dual SIM

Set up dual SIM before landing in Comoros

Data line setup

Configure the Comoros eSIM as primary data: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Comoros Telecom provides 4G coverage across Comoros's main areas. Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" so the phone never reverts to your home carrier for data. That single toggle prevents the most common cause of unexpected roaming bills during travel.

Calls and SMS

Keep your home SIM active for incoming calls and SMS. Your phone number stays reachable, and two-factor authentication codes from banks and services arrive normally via text. Outgoing calls use your home number unless you manually switch to the Comoros line. For voice calls over data — WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram — those route through the eSIM's data connection on Comoros Telecom.

Emergency dialing

Dial local emergency services from your phone at any time — emergency calls bypass SIM restrictions and connect through any available network in Comoros. Having the eSIM active adds the ability to share live location, look up hospital addresses, and contact your embassy through data-based channels.

Battery impact

Expect 10-15% faster battery drain with two active SIM lines. Your phone maintains two radio connections simultaneously. If battery life matters during a long day, disable the home SIM and rely on the Comoros eSIM for everything including WhatsApp and iMessage. Re-enable the home SIM at night for any pending SMS codes.

Hotspot

Using personal hotspot in Comoros on eSIM data

Sharing data via hotspot is straightforward on most Comoros eSIM plans. Enable Personal Hotspot in Settings and connect your laptop or tablet. Comoros Telecom's 4G network provides 4G speeds through hotspot, slightly below direct device connection to tethered devices. USB tethering offers the most stable connection and charges your phone simultaneously — a practical choice for hotel work sessions. WiFi tethering suits quick connections at cafes or airports.

Provider restrictions

Some budget eSIM plans block hotspot at the carrier level. If personal hotspot is grayed out in Settings, your plan does not include it. Contact your provider before departure to confirm tethering is supported. Airalo and Saily include hotspot on most plans. Holafly's unlimited plans restrict tethering on some Comoros data packages — check the plan details page before purchase.

Data impact

Data drains faster through hotspot. Desktop browsers load full-resolution images and scripts that mobile browsers skip. Expect 150-200 MB per hour for browsing, 1.5-3 GB per hour for video, and 300-500 MB per hour for video calls. Disable auto-play videos and pause cloud backups on any device connected to your Comoros eSIM hotspot.

WiFi Backup

WiFi and eSIM activation in Comoros

Comoros has moderate WiFi in urban areas; spotty in rural regions. The best approach: install your eSIM at home over your own WiFi before departure. The QR code scan transfers about 500 KB of profile data — it needs a clean connection, not speed. Airport WiFi at Comoros's main airport uses captive portals that can interrupt the eSIM download. Install at home, travel with confidence.

Activating without WiFi

If you cannot scan the QR code, use manual entry. Your eSIM provider's confirmation email contains an SM-DP+ activation address and activation code. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. Enter the SM-DP+ address and code exactly as shown. This method uses your existing data connection (home carrier or WiFi) and does not require a camera.

Multi-Country

Comoros eSIM on a multi-country trip

If Comoros is one stop on an African multi-destination trip, install all country eSIMs before departure. Most phones store 8 or more eSIM profiles. Label each one clearly: "Comoros Data," "France Data," etc. At each border, disable the previous country's eSIM and enable the next one. The switch takes 30 seconds under Settings > Cellular. A single-country Comoros plan on Comoros Telecom's 4G network delivers better local coverage than a multi-country regional eSIM.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

At the Comoros border, open Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Samsung). Disable your previous eSIM. Enable the Comoros profile and set it as the active data line. Turn on data roaming for the Comoros line. Comoros Telecom's 4G network connects within 60-90 seconds. Do not delete the previous eSIM — you may need it on the return leg.

Fixes

What to do when setup fails

"eSIM Not Supported" error

Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.

Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.

"Unable to Activate eSIM" error

Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.

Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.

Connected but no data

Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.

Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.

Provider-specific installation issues

Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup

Full troubleshooting guide · Transfer eSIM to new phone

Quick Answers

Common setup questions for Comoros

FAQ

Your Comoros setup questions answered

How do I install an eSIM for Comoros on iPhone?

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Comoros Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.

How do I install an eSIM for Comoros on Android?

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code". Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Comoros Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Samsung One UI and other Android versions.

What APN settings do I need for Comoros?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Comoros Telecom's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.

Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Comoros?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Comoros. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?

iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.

What if the QR code does not work for Comoros?

Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.

How do I know my eSIM is connected to Comoros Telecom?

Check the status bar for "Comoros Telecom" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: 3G speeds. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

How to scan eSIM QR code for Comoros?