Setup Guide

Pakistan eSIM Installation: Complete Setup Steps (2026)

July 20269 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst

1 network 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

Phone compatibility for Pakistan data

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

Provider options for Pakistan

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Pakistan 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 Pakistan
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

How to set up the eSIM for Pakistan

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., "Pakistan 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., "Pakistan 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

Jazz APN settings for eSIM

Automatic APN configuration

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

Verification

Is your Pakistan eSIM connected

Signal and network verification

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

"Jazz" 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 Jazz: approximately 18 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 Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI) with your eSIM

Before boarding

Add your Pakistan 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 Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI) 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 Pakistan 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. If you have not installed a VPN yet, do it now over in-flight WiFi — Pakistan restricts VoIP services, and downloading a VPN app after landing may not work.

After landing

As the plane parks, switch off airplane mode. Enable the Pakistan eSIM under Settings and turn on data roaming for that specific line. Jazz connects in 60-120 seconds. Your first notification pops up before the aisle clears. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($3-8 for 5-15GB / 28 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.

Leaving the airport

Use your Pakistan 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. Pakistan's emergency number is 15/115/1122 — 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 Pakistan

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 "Pakistan Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Pakistan eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Pakistan eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI), enable the eSIM. Jazz's 4G network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Pakistan eSIM plans on Jazz's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Pakistan eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Jazz" or "Telenor PK" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Jazz" 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 Jazz. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

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 "Pakistan Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Pakistan eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Pakistan line only: Settings > Cellular > [Pakistan Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI), toggle the eSIM on. Jazz registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Pakistan eSIM plans on Jazz's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Pakistan data is active at 18 Mbps average.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Jazz" or "Telenor PK" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Pakistan line shows "Jazz" 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 Jazz 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).

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 "Pakistan Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Pakistan Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Pakistan Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI), enable the profile. Jazz connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Pakistan plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Jazz's 4G network.

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

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

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Pakistan

Jazz

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 "Jazz" from the list. The phone locks onto Jazz's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 16-18 Mbps in urban areas, 5-9 Mbps in rural coverage

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

Telenor PK

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 "Telenor PK" from the list. The phone locks onto Telenor PK's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 11-15 Mbps in cities, 4-7 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Telenor PK may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Pakistan 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 Telenor PK registration failures. Re-enable the Pakistan eSIM after the reset completes.

Zong

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 "Zong" from the list. The phone locks onto Zong's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 11-15 Mbps in cities, 4-7 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: If Zong 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 Pakistan 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 Zong 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.

Dual SIM

Configure your home SIM and Pakistan eSIM together

Data line setup

Assign the Pakistan eSIM as your data-only line under Settings. Jazz handles all internet traffic — maps, messaging apps, email, and browser. Your home SIM stays active in the background but carries zero data. This configuration prevents accidental roaming charges from your home carrier while keeping your primary number reachable.

Calls and SMS

Leave your home SIM active for voice and SMS only. Incoming calls reach you at your regular number. Outgoing calls default to the home SIM unless you select the travel line before dialing. Two-factor codes from your bank, email, and social accounts arrive via SMS on the home SIM — no interruption. Pakistan blocks VoIP apps. Use a VPN over the eSIM data line for WhatsApp calls.

Emergency dialing

In an emergency, dial 15/115/1122. The call routes through the strongest available network in Pakistan, even if your eSIM data has run out. With active data, you can also access location sharing, translate medical terms in real time, and pull up your travel insurance policy number.

Battery impact

Dual SIM uses 10-15% more power than single SIM. Both radios stay connected to their respective networks. For long days away from a charger, consider disabling the home SIM and keeping only the Pakistan eSIM on Jazz's network. SMS verification codes can wait until you are plugged in at the hotel. Pakistan uses Type C/D/G power outlets.

Hotspot

Personal hotspot on Jazz's network in Pakistan

Turn on personal hotspot to share your Pakistan eSIM data with a laptop or second device. On iPhone: Settings > Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot. Jazz's 4G network delivers 11-14 Mbps typical through hotspot to connected devices. Standard web browsing on a tethered laptop uses about 60-80 MB per hour. Email with attachments adds roughly 30-50 MB per hour.

Provider restrictions

Tethering restrictions depend on the provider and plan tier, not on Pakistan's network. Fixed-data plans (1GB-20GB) from Airalo and Saily include hotspot. Unlimited plans from Holafly may restrict it. Check "Hotspot/Tethering" in the plan feature list before checkout. A grayed-out toggle in Settings means the plan blocks it server-side.

Data impact

Connected devices use data aggressively. A MacBook with open browser tabs consumes 100-300 MB/hour in background refreshes alone. Before connecting to your Pakistan hotspot, close unnecessary tabs, pause Dropbox and iCloud sync, and disable macOS/Windows automatic updates. These steps can save 1-2 GB per day of hotspot use.

VPN

Pakistan VoIP restrictions: VPN required before departure

VoIP services do not work on Jazz's network in Pakistan without a VPN. WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Telegram voice, and Skype are all affected. Text chat and media sharing in these apps function normally — the block targets real-time audio and video streams only. Install a VPN before you board: NordVPN or ExpressVPN are reliable in Pakistan. Surfshark offers a budget option. Test the connection at home to confirm your subscription is active. Do not wait until arrival — VPN app downloads may be blocked on Pakistan's network.

VPN use for personal privacy is generally legal

Affected apps: Blocked: WhatsApp calling, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom (audio), Google Duo/Meet, Viber, Telegram calls, Discord voice. Working without VPN: text chat, photo/video sharing, voice messages (pre-recorded), document transfer in WhatsApp/Telegram/iMessage.

Registration

Skip Pakistan's SIM registration with eSIM

Pakistan mandates identity verification for all physical SIM purchases. Passport and biometric (NADRA) required. The process at Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI) involves a passport copy, a form, and a wait for carrier verification — 15-30 minutes minimum. Late-night arrivals face closed counters and no connectivity until morning. A prepaid eSIM requires zero documentation and activates on Jazz's network the moment you land. Pakistan also requires IMEI registration for physical SIM cards — a process that can take up to 24 hours to complete. eSIM bypasses IMEI registration entirely.

WiFi Backup

Setting up eSIM in Pakistan: WiFi backup plan

WiFi in Pakistan: limited public WiFi — unreliable outside major hotels. eSIM installation requires a brief WiFi connection for the QR code scan (under 1 MB of data). Hotel WiFi works, but home WiFi before departure is the safest option. Captive portals at Islamabad (ISB) / Lahore (LHE) / Karachi (KHI) and public hotspots sometimes block the carrier server the eSIM download needs.

Activating without WiFi

Manual activation fallback: every eSIM order includes an SM-DP+ server address and an activation code in the confirmation email. Instead of scanning the QR code, enter these values manually. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Code. This works over any data connection, including your home carrier's mobile data. The transfer is under 1 MB.

Multi-Country

Managing eSIM profiles: Pakistan + other destinations

Planning a multi-stop Asian itinerary that includes Pakistan? Install a dedicated eSIM for each country before you leave. Single-country plans connect to the primary local carrier (Jazz in Pakistan) and deliver better speeds than regional eSIMs that route through roaming agreements. Your phone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles — switching between them at each border takes 30 seconds. Label each profile with the country name for quick identification.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

Switching eSIMs at the border: go to Settings, find your SIM/eSIM list, turn off the previous country's profile, and enable Pakistan. Set the Pakistan eSIM as your data line and enable data roaming for that line specifically. Jazz picks up within 60-90 seconds. Keep all other profiles saved — they occupy no data until re-enabled.

Fixes

Pakistan eSIM installation problems

"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 Jazz

Expected: 18 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area.

VPN configuration after setup

Pakistan restricts VPN usage. Download your VPN app before arrival — installation may be blocked once you connect to a local network. Configure obfuscation or stealth mode if your VPN supports it. Saily pairs eSIM data with NordVPN in a single account, which simplifies the setup for privacy-conscious travelers. A prepaid eSIM on 4G LTE gives your VPN the stable cellular backbone it needs to stay connected.

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 Pakistan

FAQ

Setup questions for Pakistan eSIM

How do I install an eSIM for Pakistan on iPhone?

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

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

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Jazz'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 Pakistan?

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

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 Jazz?

Check the status bar for "Jazz" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 18 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

Step by step eSIM setup Pakistan