Signal but no internet
Check Data Roaming is on for the Laos line and the APN is unitel3g. On iPhone, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching.
How to install your
Laos eSIM
Scan the QR from your email on Wi-Fi, set the new line for mobile data, and turn on Data Roaming for it. Your home number stays for texts. Plan days start when the eSIM first connects in Laos.
Your timeline
- 1Day before you fly5 minInstall the eSIM on Wi-Fi and set it for mobile data. No days are used until you connect in Laos.
- 2On the plane—Airplane mode on. Nothing else to do.
- 3After landing1 minAirplane mode off, Data Roaming on for the Laos line. It connects to Unitel and your days start.
Before you start
1Your phone supports eSIMDial *#06#. If you see an EID number, the phone can hold an eSIM.
2It is carrier-unlockedA phone locked to your home carrier will refuse a travel eSIM. Ask your carrier if you are not sure.
3Wi-Fi and a second screenInstall on Wi-Fi, with the QR open on a laptop, tablet, or printout so the phone can scan it.
Not sure about your model? See the eSIM phone list →
Step by step
Pick your phone
Each screen shows what you tap. Highlighted rows are the ones to press.
Install on iPhone
iPhone XS, XR, and newer · 8 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Cellular
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Cellular (Mobile Service in some countries).
2Tap Add eSIM
Your home line stays as it is. The Laos eSIM is added as a second line next to it.
3Choose Use QR Code
Pick Use QR Code. Transfer From Nearby iPhone is for moving an existing line, not for a new eSIM.
4Scan the QR from your email
Open the email or your order page on a laptop, tablet, or printout, and point the camera at the QR.
5Label the new line Laos
When iPhone asks for labels, keep your home line as Primary and name the new line Laos.
6Keep your home line as default
For Default Line choose your home line. The Laos eSIM is data only, so calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime stay on your usual number.
7Use Laos for Cellular Data
Choose Laos for Cellular Data and turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so data never falls back to your home line.
8Turn on Data Roaming for the line
In Settings, then Cellular, open the Laos line. Check Turn On This Line is on and turn on Data Roaming. After landing, turn off airplane mode; your days start when it connects.
On some iOS versions and in some countries, Cellular is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data. The steps are the same.
Install on Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 and newer · 7 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Connections
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Connections.
2Tap SIM manager
SIM manager lists every SIM on the phone. Your home SIM stays in place.
3Tap Add eSIM
Under eSIMs, tap Add eSIM. The phone starts looking for a plan to download.
4Choose Scan QR code
Pick the option to scan a QR code from your service provider.
5Scan the QR from your email
Point the camera at the QR on your laptop, tablet, or printout, then confirm to add the eSIM.
6Name it Laos and set mobile data
Rename the new eSIM Laos. Under Preferred SIMs, keep Calls and Text messages on Home and set Mobile data to Laos.
7Turn on Data roaming
In Connections, then Mobile networks, turn on Data roaming for the Laos eSIM. The APN is unitel3g and is usually set on its own. After landing, turn off airplane mode; your days start when it connects.
Menu names can differ slightly between One UI versions and regions. Look for SIM manager or SIM card manager under Connections.
Install on Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and newer · 7 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Network & internet
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
2Tap SIMs
SIMs shows your home SIM and any eSIMs on the phone.
3Tap Add SIM
Tap Add SIM (or the + button next to SIMs) to start a new eSIM.
4Choose to download a SIM
If the phone asks whether you want to download a SIM instead, tap Next.
5Scan the QR from your email
Point the camera at the QR on your laptop, tablet, or printout. The eSIM downloads in a few seconds.
6Rename it, use it for data, turn on Roaming
Open the new SIM, rename it Laos, turn on Mobile data, and turn on Roaming. Keep calls and SMS on your home SIM.
7After landing: check the line is on
Turn off airplane mode. In SIMs, the Laos eSIM should show as active for mobile data.
On older Android versions, SIMs may be under Mobile network. Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus use similar names: look for Add eSIM or Download SIM.
Can’t scan the QR?
Enter the code by hand
Below the QR in your email there is an install code that starts with LPA:1$. It holds two values. Choose Enter Details Manually (iPhone) or Enter activation code (Android), and copy them in.
- SM-DP+ Address: the part between the two $ signs.
- Activation Code: everything after the second $ sign.
- Some Android phones accept the whole code in one field. Paste it as it is.
Your Laos eSIM
Scan this QR, or use the install code below.
Install code (example)
LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678
- SM-DP+ Address
- smdp.example.com
- Activation Code
- ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678
Your real code is in your email and on your order page.
When you land
Online in the arrivals hall
- 1
Turn off airplane mode
The phone searches for Unitel. It usually connects within a minute, and your plan days start then.
- 2
Check the Laos line is on
It should be selected for mobile data. Your home line can stay on for texts.
- 3
Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM
Unitel asks for roaming on this line for the best coverage. There is no extra charge. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.
When your plan days start
Your days start when the eSIM first connects to a network in Laos, not when you install it. Install it on Wi-Fi the day before you fly, and the plan waits until you land.
Troubleshooting
If something doesn’t connect
No Service on the Laos line
Toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds, or set network selection to Automatic.
QR says already used
The eSIM is probably already on the phone. Turn it on in your SIM list instead of scanning again.
Phone will not add an eSIM
The phone may be carrier-locked or a model without eSIM. Check with *#06# for an EID.
When should I install the Laos eSIM?+
On Wi-Fi, the day before you fly. Installing needs internet, and your plan days only start when the eSIM first connects in Laos.
Can I install the same QR code twice?+
No. Each QR code can be installed once. Do not delete the eSIM during the trip. If you scanned it before, look for it in your SIM list and turn it on.
What is the APN?+
The APN is unitel3g. It is usually set automatically. Add it under the line’s mobile network settings only if data does not connect.
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?+
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your account, not the data line. It keeps working on your usual number while the Laos eSIM provides the data.
What if my phone cannot scan the QR?+
Use manual entry. The install code below the QR in your email has the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. Enter them as shown in the manual install section.
Do I need to turn on data roaming?+
Yes, for the eSIM line only. Unitel asks for it to give the best coverage, and there is no extra charge. Keep Data Roaming off on your home SIM so your carrier does not charge you.
When do my plan days start?+
When the eSIM first connects to a network in Laos. Installing it at home the day before you fly does not use any days.
No eSIM yet?
Your QR arrives by email after payment. Install it on Wi-Fi the day before you fly; days start when you land.
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