Setup Guide

Set Up Your Israel eSIM: Quick Install Guide for 2026

July 20269 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst

3 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

Which phones work with a Israel eSIM

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. 5G eSIM requires iPhone 12 or newer.

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+. 5G on Cellcom requires Samsung S22+ or Pixel 6+.

Is your phone unlocked?

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Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status

Providers

Israel eSIM providers compared

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Israel with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.

Overall

Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5

Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Nomad full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Israel
Provider	Per GB	Rating	Best For
Nomad#1 Pick	from $3.00/GB	4.1/5	Best Budget
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
Holafly	from $2.99/day	4.3/5	Best Unlimited

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

Step-by-step eSIM installation

iOS installation (iPhone)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Use QR Code"
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Label the plan (e.g., "Israel 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 (Google Pixel)

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM
Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Name the profile (e.g., "Israel 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 setup for Israel eSIM

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Cellcom'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.

Manual APN entry

If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:

APN configuration fields
Field	Value
APN Name	From provider email
APN	Provider-specific value
Authentication	None (most providers)
APN Protocol	IPv4/IPv6

Provider-specific APN values override Cellcom's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.

5G and LTE band selection

5G is available in Israel (widespread coverage). To force a network type:

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Auto / LTE
Android: Settings > Network > Preferred network type > 5G/LTE/3G Auto

Switch to LTE-only to conserve battery in rural areas without 5G towers. 5G widely deployed

Verification

Connection test for Israel

Signal and network verification

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

"Cellcom" 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 on Cellcom: approximately 100 Mbps download. 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 Ben Gurion (TLV) with your eSIM

Before boarding

Install your Israel eSIM at home the night before departure. Open Settings on your phone, add the eSIM profile via QR code over your home WiFi, and leave it toggled off. The plan clock does not start until Cellcom's network registers the profile after you land. Airport WiFi at Ben Gurion (TLV) is unreliable for eSIM installation — boarding-gate networks often block the download entirely.

During the flight

Airplane mode stays on until you land. Use the flight time to verify your eSIM configuration: the Israel profile should be your active data line, and data roaming for that line should be ready to toggle on after touchdown.

After landing

Disable airplane mode after landing. Toggle the Israel eSIM on and enable data roaming for that line. Cellcom's 5G/LTE network picks up your profile in 45-90 seconds. Verify by loading any webpage. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($10-20 for 10-30GB / 28 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.

Leaving the airport

Navigate the airport with live data. Check transit schedules, verify your hotel booking confirmation, and message your host — all before you exit the terminal. Cellcom's 5G/LTE signal covers the airport grounds. Israel's emergency number is 100/101/102 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Israel

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 "Israel Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Israel eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Israel line only: Settings > Cellular > [Israel Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), toggle the eSIM on. Cellcom registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Israel eSIM plans on Cellcom's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Israel data is active at 100 Mbps average.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Cellcom" or "Pelephone" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Israel line shows "Cellcom" under Network. If you see "5G" in the status bar, your phone has connected to Cellcom's 5G band.

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 Cellcom 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 "Israel Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Israel eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Israel eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), enable the eSIM. Cellcom's 5G/LTE network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Israel eSIM plans on Cellcom's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Israel eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Cellcom" or "Pelephone" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Cellcom" as the connected network. A "5G" icon in the status bar confirms Cellcom's 5G connection.

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 Cellcom. 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 "Israel Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Israel Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Israel Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), enable the profile. Cellcom connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Israel plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Cellcom's 5G/LTE network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Cellcom" or "Pelephone" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "Cellcom" as the active network.

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

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Israel

Cellcom

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 "Cellcom" from the list. The phone locks onto Cellcom's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 90-100 Mbps in urban areas, 30-50 Mbps in rural coverage

Common issue: Cellcom'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 Cellcom manually from the operator list.

Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Cellcom 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.

Pelephone

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 "Pelephone" from the list. The phone locks onto Pelephone's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 60-85 Mbps in cities, 20-40 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Pelephone 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 Israel. 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. Pelephone should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Pelephone directly.

Hot Mobile

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 "Hot Mobile" from the list. The phone locks onto Hot Mobile's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 60-85 Mbps in cities, 20-40 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Hot Mobile may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Israel eSIM activations. Contact your eSIM provider for the correct APN string.

Resolution: Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Samsung). This clears saved WiFi passwords but resolves most Hot Mobile registration failures. Re-enable the Israel eSIM after the reset completes.

Dual SIM

Set up dual SIM before landing in Israel

Data line setup

Configure the Israel eSIM as primary data: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Cellcom provides 5G/LTE coverage across Israel'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 Israel line. For voice calls over data — WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram — those route through the eSIM's data connection on Cellcom.

Emergency dialing

Dial 100/101/102 from your phone at any time — emergency calls bypass SIM restrictions and connect through any available network in Israel. 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 Israel eSIM for everything including WhatsApp and iMessage. Re-enable the home SIM at night for any pending SMS codes. Carry a Type C/H adapter for charging in Israel.

Hotspot

Using personal hotspot in Israel on eSIM data

Sharing data via hotspot is straightforward on most Israel eSIM plans. Enable Personal Hotspot in Settings and connect your laptop or tablet. Cellcom's 5G/LTE network provides 60-80 Mbps typical through hotspot 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 Israel 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 Israel eSIM hotspot.

Registration

Skip Israel's SIM registration with eSIM

Buying a physical SIM in Israel requires Passport required. At Ben Gurion (TLV), the registration process at Cellcom's counter takes 15-30 minutes: passport scan, photo capture, form completion. Some carriers require biometric verification (fingerprint or face scan). An eSIM purchased online before departure skips this entire process. No documents, no counter, no registration delay.

Connect to Israel's 5G network via eSIM

Israel has widespread 5G coverage across major cities and airports on Cellcom's network. 5G widely deployed. To use 5G with your eSIM, verify your phone supports 5G (iPhone 12 or later, Samsung Galaxy S21 or later, Pixel 5 or later). Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Auto (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > 5G/LTE/3G/2G (Samsung). Average download speed on Cellcom's 5G: 100 Mbps. 5G drains battery 10-20% faster than LTE. Switch to LTE if battery life is more important than speed.

WiFi Backup

WiFi and eSIM activation in Israel

Israel has excellent public WiFi (fast and widely available). 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 Ben Gurion (TLV) 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

Israel eSIM on a multi-country trip

If Israel is one stop on a multi-country itinerary, install all country eSIMs before departure. Most phones store 8 or more eSIM profiles. Label each one clearly: "Israel 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 Israel plan on Cellcom's 5G/LTE network delivers better local coverage than a multi-country regional eSIM — starting at $3.99 for 1GB.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

At the Israel border, open Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Samsung). Disable your previous eSIM. Enable the Israel profile and set it as the active data line. Turn on data roaming for the Israel line. Cellcom's 5G/LTE network connects within 60-90 seconds. Do not delete the previous eSIM — you may need it on the return leg.

Fixes

When your Israel eSIM does not work

"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.

Slow speeds on Cellcom

Expected: 100 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area. Try forcing LTE if 5G is congested.

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 Israel

FAQ

Israel eSIM setup questions

How do I install an eSIM for Israel on iPhone?

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

How do I install an eSIM for Israel on Android?

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM. Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan. Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Israel Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Google Pixel and other Android versions.

What APN settings do I need for Israel?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Cellcom'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 Israel?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Israel. 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 Israel?

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 Cellcom?

Check the status bar for "Cellcom" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 100 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

Does Israel support 5G eSIM?

5G coverage in Israel is widespread. 5G widely deployed To use 5G, your phone must support it (iPhone 12+ or Samsung S21+) and your eSIM plan must include 5G access.

How to scan eSIM QR code for Israel?