Setup Guide

eSIM Setup for Latvia: Step-by-Step Installation (2026)

July 20269 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

Device compatibility for Latvia

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 LMT requires Samsung S22+ or Pixel 6+.

Is your phone unlocked?

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Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status

Providers

Which provider to choose for Latvia

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Latvia with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB. 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 Latvia
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

Latvia eSIM setup walkthrough

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., "Latvia 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 Nomad confirmation email
Name the profile (e.g., "Latvia 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

Latvia carrier settings

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for LMT'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 LMT's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.

5G and LTE band selection

5G is available in Latvia (urban-only 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 in Riga

Verification

Speed test and signal check for Latvia

Signal and network verification

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

"LMT" 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 LMT: approximately 65 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 Riga (RIX) with your eSIM

Before boarding

Add your Latvia eSIM profile 24 hours before your flight. Scan the QR code from your confirmation email while connected to stable WiFi at home. After the profile downloads, disable it immediately under Settings so the validity period does not begin. Attempting installation at Riga (RIX) over public WiFi adds unnecessary risk — the download requires a clean HTTPS connection that captive portals interrupt.

During the flight

During the flight, double-check that your Latvia eSIM is configured as the cellular data line. Do not enable it yet. Confirm that data roaming on your home SIM is turned off to prevent accidental charges the moment airplane mode switches off after landing.

After landing

As the plane parks, switch off airplane mode. Enable the Latvia eSIM under Settings and turn on data roaming for that specific line. LMT connects in 45-90 seconds. Your first notification pops up before the aisle clears. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($5-10 for 5-10GB / 28 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.

Leaving the airport

Use your Latvia data to check exchange rates before withdrawing cash from an ATM in the arrivals hall. Compare taxi and transit prices on your phone. Having data from the moment you land turns every decision into an informed one. Latvia's emergency number is 112/113 — 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 Latvia

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 "Latvia Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Latvia eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Latvia line only: Settings > Cellular > [Latvia Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Riga (RIX), toggle the eSIM on. LMT registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Latvia eSIM plans on LMT's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Latvia data is active at 65 Mbps average.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "LMT" or "Tele2 LV" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Latvia line shows "LMT" under Network. If you see "5G" in the status bar, your phone has connected to LMT'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 LMT 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 "Latvia Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Latvia eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Latvia eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Riga (RIX), enable the eSIM. LMT's 5G/LTE network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Latvia eSIM plans on LMT's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Latvia eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "LMT" or "Tele2 LV" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "LMT" as the connected network. A "5G" icon in the status bar confirms LMT'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 LMT. 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 "Latvia Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Latvia Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Latvia Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Riga (RIX), enable the profile. LMT connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Latvia plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on LMT's 5G/LTE network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "LMT" or "Tele2 LV" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "LMT" as the active network.

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

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Latvia

LMT

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

Expected speed: 59-65 Mbps in urban areas, 20-33 Mbps in rural coverage

Common issue: If LMT connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Latvia eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.

Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some LMT profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.

Tele2 LV

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 "Tele2 LV" from the list. The phone locks onto Tele2 LV's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 39-55 Mbps in cities, 13-26 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Tele2 LV'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 Tele2 LV manually from the operator list.

Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Tele2 LV 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.

Bite LV

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

Expected speed: 39-55 Mbps in cities, 13-26 Mbps outside metro areas

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

Dual SIM

Dual SIM setup for Latvia: keep your number, use local data

Data line setup

Set the Latvia eSIM as your cellular data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM. All web traffic, maps, and app data route through LMT's 5G/LTE network at $2.21 for 1GB. Your home carrier never touches data traffic, so no roaming charges accumulate.

Calls and SMS

Your home SIM handles calls and texts on your existing number. No one calling you sees a difference. SMS-based verification codes for banking apps and login services arrive on the home SIM as usual. Data-based messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram) use the Latvia eSIM's data connection through LMT.

Emergency dialing

Latvia's emergency number is 112/113. This call connects through any network, regardless of which SIM is active or whether you have data. Your eSIM gives you the additional ability to use GPS mapping to find the nearest hospital and to share coordinates with emergency responders via text or messaging apps.

Battery impact

Two active SIMs cost roughly 10-15% more battery. The phone runs separate baseband connections for each line. On days with heavy use, turn off the home SIM under Settings and leave only the Latvia eSIM active. Your home number goes to voicemail until you re-enable it. Latvia outlets are Type C/F — bring an adapter and a portable charger.

Hotspot

Tethering and hotspot with your Latvia eSIM

Most eSIM plans for Latvia support personal hotspot out of the box. Enable it under Settings > Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot (Samsung). Your laptop, tablet, or travel companion's phone connects through your Latvia eSIM on LMT's 5G/LTE network. Hotspot throughput typically reaches 39-52 Mbps typical through hotspot. Video calls over hotspot use 300-500 MB per hour. A 1GB plan supports 6-10 hours of video calling before running low.

Provider restrictions

Not every plan includes hotspot. Holafly's unlimited eSIM plans for Latvia restrict tethering to prevent network abuse. Airalo and Nomad include hotspot on their fixed-data plans. If the Personal Hotspot toggle is missing from Settings, the plan blocks it at the carrier level — no workaround exists without switching to a hotspot-enabled plan.

Data impact

Hotspot data consumption is higher than direct phone use: laptops pull desktop-resolution assets. Budget 150-200 MB/hour for browsing, 300-500 MB/hour for video calls, 1.5-3 GB/hour for streaming. Turn off cloud sync, OS updates, and auto-downloads on connected devices to protect your Latvia data allowance.

Connect to Latvia's 5G network via eSIM

LMT offers limited 5G availability in select areas in Latvia. 5G in Riga. Enable 5G on your eSIM: iPhone — Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data > 5G Auto. Samsung — Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > select 5G. Your phone needs 5G hardware (iPhone 12+, Galaxy S21+, Pixel 5+). Expected speeds on 5G: 65 Mbps in urban areas. "5G Auto" on iPhone conserves battery by falling back to LTE when 5G speed is not needed.

WiFi Backup

Activate your Latvia eSIM without reliable WiFi

Public WiFi in Latvia is good. For eSIM installation, use your home WiFi before departure. The QR code scan downloads a small profile (under 1 MB) from the carrier's server. This transfer needs a clean connection — captive portals and login walls at Riga (RIX) or hotels can interrupt it.

Activating without WiFi

Fallback if WiFi is unavailable: manual SM-DP+ entry. Your confirmation email from the eSIM provider includes a server address and activation code. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. This method works over any internet connection. Save the email offline before departure so you have the codes even without connectivity.

Multi-Country

Adding Latvia to your multi-country eSIM setup

Multi-country travelers benefit from per-country eSIM profiles. A dedicated Latvia plan on LMT runs faster than a regional eSIM because it connects to the local network directly instead of roaming. Install all profiles at home, label them by country, and switch at each border. iPhone stores 8 profiles; newer Samsung devices store 10 or more. Latvia plans start at $2.21 for 1GB.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

To switch from a previous country's eSIM to Latvia: iPhone — Settings > Cellular, tap the old country's eSIM, toggle "Turn On This Line" off. Tap the Latvia eSIM, toggle it on, and confirm it is set as Cellular Data. Samsung — Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, disable the old SIM, enable the Latvia SIM, set it as Mobile Data. LMT registers within 60-90 seconds.

Fixes

Solving Latvia eSIM issues

"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 LMT

Expected: 65 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 Latvia

FAQ

FAQ: setting up eSIM for Latvia

How do I install an eSIM for Latvia on iPhone?

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

How do I install an eSIM for Latvia 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 "Latvia 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 Latvia?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for LMT'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 Latvia?

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

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 LMT?

Check the status bar for "LMT" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 65 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

Does Latvia support 5G eSIM?

5G coverage in Latvia is urban-only. 5G in Riga To use 5G, your phone must support it (iPhone 12+ or Samsung S21+) and your eSIM plan must include 5G access.

Step by step eSIM setup Latvia