Boost Mobile eSIM: activation, transfer and travel

How to get a Boost Mobile eSIM

Boost Mobile says to make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, then purchase a Boost Mobile plan that supports eSIM if you do not already have one. Its help page points you to a supported-device list, so check your device against that list before buying.

Boost Mobile's eSIM explainer names these compatible phone families:

• Apple: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, iPhone 14 and newer.
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 and up, Galaxy Note 20, Z Flip and Z Fold series.
• Google: Pixel 3 and newer.

Boost Mobile's welcome page also provides installation guides for iPhone, Samsung, Motorola and Google Pixel. For help getting started, Boost Mobile lists its Activation Specialists at (866) 957-8278.

Boost Mobile eSIM activation and QR code

Boost Mobile requires an eSIM-compatible device and a stable Wi-Fi connection. Its eSIM page also tells you to download the My Boost Mobile app and log into your account.

For QR-code installation, Boost Mobile gives this sequence:

1. Scan the QR code, as directed by Boost Mobile.
2. Sign in to your Boost Mobile account.
3. Follow Boost Mobile's on-screen instructions to download your eSIM.

Boost Mobile also offers an eSIM setup tool that activates your device using the ICCID number on your current SIM card. Its help page says activation takes a few minutes in most cases, rather than promising a fixed completion time.

If you delete your eSIM, Boost Mobile says you can usually reinstall it, but you need a new activation QR code or download link from your carrier or eSIM provider. Do not assume the original QR code is enough to reactivate the plan.

Moving your Boost Mobile eSIM to a new phone

Boost Mobile describes a transfer as typically involving deactivation of the eSIM on your old device, followed by scanning a new QR code or downloading the profile on your new phone. That is its general description, not a promise that every phone uses the same transfer process.

Boost Mobile's pages we checked do not state a device-specific transfer sequence or how you obtain the replacement QR code for a phone change. Ask Boost Mobile for the transfer instructions for your device rather than treating its deletion-and-reinstallation advice as a complete transfer guide.

For the new phone, Boost Mobile's stated requirements still apply: it must be unlocked and support eSIM. Boost Mobile lists its Activation Specialists at (866) 957-8278 if you need activation help.

Boost Mobile abroad: roaming or a travel eSIM

Boost Mobile advertises Global Roaming at an introductory $10/month per line. It includes 1 GB of monthly data, plus talk and text within your destination and back to the U.S. Boost Mobile says data service ends after 1 GB until the next billing period unless you buy more. Extra data costs $10 per GB, with up to an additional 9 GB available.

For Mexico and Canada, compare Boost Mobile's separate North America Connect add-on first. Boost Mobile lists it at $10/month with unlimited talk and text in North America and 5 GB of data in Mexico/Canada.

Mexico: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$37.99 in our price table. That gives you a larger stated data allowance than Boost Mobile's North America Connect, but at a higher listed price. Boost Mobile's add-on also explicitly includes talk and text.

Canada: Ubigi lists 10 GB for 7 days at US$15.00. Compare that shorter validity and larger data allowance with Boost Mobile's $10/month North America Connect and its 5 GB in Mexico/Canada.

Europe: Saily lists 1 GB for 7 days at US$4.99. That is a lower listed entry price than Boost Mobile's $10/month Global Roaming, with the same stated data amount but a shorter validity. Boost Mobile's Global Roaming also includes talk and text.

Japan: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$24.99. For a data-heavy trip, compare that allowance with Boost Mobile's 1 GB included in Global Roaming and its $10-per-GB extra-data charge.

For Boost Mobile roaming, check destination coverage and eligibility before enabling the add-on. Boost Mobile advertises coverage in 90+ countries, requires a compatible device and plan, and warns that coverage is not available in all areas. It also says voicemail, call-waiting and some domestic data applications may not work as expected abroad.

Boost Mobile's help page gives this app sequence to activate Global Roaming:

1. In the Boost Mobile app, tap View Details on the line you want to manage.
2. Scroll down to Recommended Add-Ons.
3. Under Global Roaming, tap Explore.
4. Tap Enable Global Roaming.
5. Tap Submit Payment to activate the add-on.

Boost Mobile's marketing page gives a different app route: Manage Add-Ons, then Enable Global Roaming, then Confirm & Add. Follow the route that matches the Boost Mobile screen you see.

Boost Mobile says billing starts as soon as you enable Global Roaming, with an automatic $10/month charge until you cancel. Its help page says billing ends at the end of the billing cycle after you disable it. Enable it with that timing in mind, not merely because you have started planning.

Boost Mobile also directs customers to its separate international eSIM service for data abroad and says that service requires an unlocked phone. For a travel eSIM alongside your Boost line, Boost Mobile says dual SIM lets you set your default number for voice and data after activating the second plan.