Visible eSIM: Plans, setup, and how to activate

Does Visible support eSIM technology?

Visible supports eSIM technology on compatible, carrier-unlocked phones with an active Visible plan. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you can download an eSIM and activate Visible service digitally. If you’re unfamiliar with how that works, our guide to what an eSIM is explains the basics.

Visible is an app-based prepaid carrier owned by Verizon, and its plans run on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks. Like several other carriers that support eSIM, Visible lets you get an eSIM when you sign up with a compatible device. You can bring your own eligible phone or purchase one through Visible.

Visible doesn’t operate physical stores, so most account setup and management happens online and through the Visible app. That includes activating your eSIM, managing your plan, and getting help if something goes wrong during setup.

Visible eSIM plans and pricing

Visible service costs the same whether you use an eSIM or a physical SIM card. The eSIM simply gives you a digital way to activate service, so you don’t pay extra for an eSIM or need a special Visible eSIM plan.

Visible currently offers three prepaid plans to join:

Visible also offers annual versions of its plans. Upgrades and promotions — such as Bring a Friend — may temporarily lower the monthly or annual price.

The eSIM itself doesn’t have a separate charge, but regular Visible service isn’t free. You still need a paid plan after activation. Visible does offer eligible users a 15-day free trial, which we’ll cover below.

If you travel outside the US, Visible also offers Global Pass. On the base Visible plan, it costs US$10 per day in 140+ countries and US$5 per day in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Visible+ and Visible+ Pro include roaming in Mexico and Canada along with a limited number of Global Pass days.

Visible is primarily designed as a US mobile service, so international roaming can become expensive on a longer trip. If you mainly need mobile data abroad, a travel eSIM like Saily may be a better fit because you can buy a prepaid data plan for your destination instead of paying a daily roaming fee.

The information about the features and pricing in this review was last verified on the provider’s official website, specifically its English-language site, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

Visible’s 15-day free eSIM trial: How it works

Visible offers a free 15-day eSIM trial that lets eligible users test the network before paying for a plan or transferring their existing phone number. You don’t need a credit card to start the trial, and because it uses an eSIM, Visible doesn’t need to mail you a physical SIM card.

During the Visible eSIM trial, you get a temporary phone number and can keep using your existing carrier and phone number at the same time. The trial includes unlimited data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, domestic calling, and unlimited mobile hotspot use at speeds up to 5 Mbps. International service and other add-ons aren’t included.

To qualify for the Visible free trial eSIM, you must be in the US, have a compatible eSIM-capable phone, and meet Visible’s eligibility requirements. Current Visible members, people who have used Visible service within the previous 12 months, and people who have already taken a trial within the previous 12 months aren’t eligible.

If you decide to stay with Visible, you can select a paid plan, enter your billing information, and transfer your existing number to Visible if you want to keep it. If you don’t sign up, you can simply let the trial expire without being charged.

So, does Visible offer a free eSIM? Not exactly. The Visible eSIM itself is free, and eligible users can try the service free for up to 15 days. After that, you’ll need to choose a paid plan to continue using Visible service.

The information about the features and pricing in this review was last verified on the provider’s official website, specifically its English-language site, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

Which phones work with a Visible eSIM

A Visible eSIM works with an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone that is compatible with the Visible network and running up-to-date software. If you bring your own device, Visible recommends checking its compatibility with your phone’s IMEI before signing up.

Visible eSIM compatibility covers many recent phones from major manufacturers, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S and Z models, Google Pixel phones, and selected Motorola devices. 

It is worth noting, however, that eSIM support can vary by model, region, and carrier, so having an eSIM-capable phone doesn’t automatically mean it will work with Visible. You can also check our list of eSIM-compatible devices before activating service.

Phones purchased directly from Visible are eSIM compatible with its network. If you bring a phone from another carrier or retailer (BYOD — Bring Your Own Device), it must be carrier unlocked and pass Visible’s compatibility check before activation. Visible doesn’t require a service contract, but an existing carrier may have its own requirements before it will unlock your phone.

You can also use Visible eSIM with another line on a dual-SIM phone. Depending on the device, that second line may use another eSIM or a physical SIM card. Your phone’s settings let you choose which line to use for cellular data, calls, and messages.

The information about the features and pricing in this review was last verified on the provider’s official website, specifically its English-language site, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

How to get your Visible eSIM and QR code

Your Visible eSIM is normally downloaded through the Visible app over Wi-Fi rather than activated by scanning a QR code from an email. After you sign in, verify your account, and follow the activation prompts, the app downloads your Visible service to your phone.

Visible does provide an eSIM QR code, but it’s mainly a fallback if the standard activation process runs into a problem. If that happens, Visible directs you to a QR code in the “Account overview” section of your account. The code is only available during activation, so you shouldn’t expect to receive a permanent Visible eSIM QR code by email.

If you have another phone, tablet, or computer available, display the QR code there and scan it with the phone you’re activating. On an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, you can also save the QR code as an image and select it from Photos during eSIM setup. If you can’t use a QR code, some Android devices let you enter the Visible eSIM activation code manually instead. For more background on how these codes work, see our guide to eSIM QR codes.

If your Visible eSIM download stalls or activation fails, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and the latest version of the Visible app, then restart your phone and try again. Visible also lets existing users redownload an eSIM through the app under “Account” > “Your devices” > “Switching phones is SIMple.”

If you still need help, contact Visible support. It can be useful to have your phone’s IMEI and EID available. On an iPhone, you can find the EID under “Settings” > “General” > “About.” On a Google Pixel, go to “Settings” > “About phone” > “SIM status” and look for “EID.”

The information about the features and pricing in this review was last verified on the provider’s official website, specifically its English-language site, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

How to activate a Visible eSIM

You can activate a Visible eSIM yourself without visiting a store. You can sign up for service online or in the Visible app, but the eSIM setup and activation process is handled through the app on both iPhone and Android.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A compatible, carrier-unlocked phone that supports eSIM technology.

• A stable Wi-Fi connection.

• The latest version of your phone’s operating system.

• The Visible app installed.

• Your phone’s IMEI. Keeping the EID handy can also help if you need support.

• If you’re transferring your number, you'll need your current carrier’s account number, transfer or port-out PIN, and service ZIP code.

To set up your Visible eSIM:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi and open the Visible app.

2. Sign in to your Visible account or follow the prompts to create one and choose a plan.

3. Complete Visible’s device compatibility check if you’re bringing your own phone.

4. If you want to keep your current number, enter the account and transfer information requested for your existing carrier. You can also activate Visible with a new number and transfer your old number later.

5. Follow the prompts in the Visible app to download and install your eSIM.

6. Complete the device-specific setup prompts on your iPhone or Android phone.

7. Wait for Visible to confirm that activation is complete, then test cellular data, calling, and texting.

Visible says eSIM activation usually takes only a few minutes, but can take up to 15 minutes.

The information about the features and pricing in this review was last verified on the provider’s official website, specifically its English-language site, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

How to activate a Visible eSIM on an iPhone

Open the Visible app and sign in to your account. If you’re bringing your own iPhone, confirm the device when prompted, then follow the in-app steps to activate your Visible eSIM. The app will guide you through downloading the eSIM and connecting it to the Visible network.

If the eSIM doesn’t install automatically, Visible may start its QR code activation process. You can display the Visible QR code on another device and scan it, or, on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, save the QR code as an image and go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM” > “Use QR code” > “Open photos.” Then follow the prompts until you see the cellular setup confirmation.

During Visible eSIM activation, your iPhone may also display Apple’s “Add cellular plan” screen. Tap “Add cellular plan,” choose which line you want to use for iMessage and FaceTime, select the Visible eSIM for cellular data if appropriate, and continue until Visible confirms that activation is complete.

How to activate a Visible eSIM on Samsung, Pixel, and other Android phones

Open the Visible app, sign in, and follow the activation prompts. Visible will download the eSIM and guide you through connecting it to the network. Once setup is complete, make sure mobile data is turned on.

If you need to add or check the eSIM manually, the menu depends on your phone:

• Samsung: Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager.” Select “Add eSIM” if it appears.

• Google Pixel: Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” and open the eSIM or SIM settings. Visible currently directs Pixel users to look for the “Download a SIM instead?” option.

• Other Android phones: The exact menu varies by manufacturer and Android version. Look for an option to add or download an eSIM under your mobile network or SIM settings.

If the normal download fails, Visible may instead prompt you to activate with a QR code or enter an activation code manually. After the eSIM connects, Visible displays a success screen and returns you to the app. Activation can take up to 15 minutes.

How to transfer a Visible eSIM to a new phone

A Visible eSIM isn’t portable like a physical SIM card, so you can’t simply remove it from one phone and insert it into another. Instead, you transfer your Visible service to the new phone through the Visible app.

Before you start, make sure the new phone is carrier unlocked, compatible with Visible, connected to Wi-Fi, and running the latest available operating system. You should also install the latest version of the Visible app and have the new phone’s IMEI ready.

To transfer a Visible eSIM to a new phone:

1. Open the Visible app on the new phone and sign in to your account.

2. Go to “Account” > “Your devices.”

3. Under “Switching phones is SIMple,” tap “Switch now.”

4. When asked where you want your eSIM, choose “A new phone.”

5. Confirm that you’re using the phone you want to activate.

6. Enter the new phone’s full IMEI and tap “Next.”

7. Complete Visible’s activation checklist and verify your account using the code sent by text or email.

8. Follow the prompts to download the Visible eSIM to the new phone.

9. Complete any remaining iPhone or Android setup prompts and wait for the Visible network to connect.

Visible says the eSIM transfer may take up to 15 minutes. If the automatic download runs into a problem, the app may offer QR code activation instead.

Visible eSIM limits and troubleshooting

Visible is a prepaid service designed around one phone line per account, which can be disadvantageous if you need more than one. For example, those looking for a family plan will need a separate account and email address for each. Additionally, international coverage depends on your plan. The base Visible plan will need Global Pass for service abroad. Visible+ and Visible+ Pro include roaming in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands and some complimentary Global Pass days.

If your Visible eSIM is not working, the fix depends on where the activation process failed:

• The eSIM is stuck on “Activating.” Visible says activation can take up to 15 minutes. Wait for that period, then restart your phone. If it still hasn’t connected, toggle airplane mode on for at least 30 seconds and turn it off again.

• The eSIM was installed, but it has no service. Make sure the Visible line is enabled and selected for cellular data. Restart the phone and toggle airplane mode on and off. Visible also recommends removing unused SIM profiles that could interfere with the active eSIM. If the problem appears to be network related, our guide to Verizon eSIM not activating covers additional connection troubleshooting.

• The QR code won’t scan or no longer works. Return to the Visible app and restart the eSIM download or transfer process. Visible only displays its QR code during activation, so an old code may not be usable for a later attempt. If you still can’t activate, contact Visible support.

• No service appears after transferring the number. Check the transfer status in your Visible account first. If the port is still being processed, service may not be fully available yet. Once the transfer is complete, restart the phone and check the new line again.

• The phone is locked to another carrier. Contact the carrier that locked the phone and request an unlock. A carrier-locked device won’t be eligible for Visible activation.

• The device isn’t eligible. An eSIM-capable phone can still fail Visible’s network compatibility check. Enter the phone’s IMEI in Visible’s compatibility checker before trying to activate it.

If these steps don’t fix the problem, Visible eSIM support is available through the Visible app or online chat. Visible can also re-download the eSIM through “Account” > “Your devices” > “Switching phones is SIMple” > “Switch now” > “My current phone.”

When a travel eSIM makes more sense than a Visible eSIM

A Visible eSIM and a travel eSIM serve different purposes. Visible is a prepaid US mobile service with unlimited domestic data, a US phone number, and calling and texting. A travel eSIM is designed primarily to give you mobile data during a trip and can run alongside your existing phone line.

Visible makes sense for US residents who want an ongoing domestic phone plan and need a US number for calls and texts. If you’re traveling abroad, though, international service can involve daily Global Pass charges. On the base Visible plan, Global Pass costs US$5 a day in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands and US$10 a day in more than 140 other countries. Visible+ and Visible+ Pro include some additional international benefits.

A travel eSIM can be a better fit when you mainly need data overseas or only need service for the length of your trip. You can install it before departure, keep your regular SIM active, and choose a data package for your destination instead of paying for roaming by the day.

Saily is one option. Visitors to the US can choose an eSIM for the USA, while frequent or heavy travelers can consider Saily Ultra, which includes unlimited data in supported destinations. If you also need calls and texts, you can add an eSIM with a phone number.

The information about the features and pricing in this comparison was last verified on the providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!