Looking to ditch the plastic and go fully digital? This handsâon guide walks you through Zong eSIM setup and activation in Pakistan, from getting your QR to adding the plan on iPhone and Android, plus real user tips, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
WHY CHOOSE ZONG ESIM? KEY FEATURES
- Digital SIM (QRâbased): no plastic, no waiting for delivery.
- Dual SIM made simple: run your Zong eSIM with a physical SIM from any network.
- Secure by design: a oneâtime activation QR; your profile is encrypted.
- Travelâfriendly: add multiple profiles and switch as needed.
- Same network quality: eSIM doesnât change speedâZong coverage and plans remain the same.
- Futureâready: ideal for eSIMâonly phones (e.g., US iPhone 14/15 models).
CHECK COMPATIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
Most modern flagships support eSIM:
- Apple: iPhone XS/XS Max/XR and newer (including iPhone 11â15), iPad Pro/Air with cellular eSIM.
- Samsung: Galaxy S20âS24 series, Note20, Z Flip/Fold series, many Aâseries (with eSIM support).
- Google Pixel: 3 and newer (regional support varies).
Tip: Confirm by checking EID on your phone: - iPhone: Settings > General > About > EID
- Samsung: Settings > About phone > Status information > EID
If you canât find an EID, your phone likely doesnât support eSIM.
PTA & CNIC REQUIREMENTS (PAKISTAN)
- Your device IMEI must be PTAâcompliant (DIRBS whitelisted). Dial *#06# to view IMEI.
- Biometric verification (BVS) with your valid CNIC is mandatory in Pakistan.
- Keep your Zong numberâs ownership details updated to avoid failures during swap.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU START
- Valid CNIC + biometric verification
- PTAâapproved eSIMâcapable phone
- Stable WiâFi or mobile data
- Zong eSIM QR code voucher (issued by Zong)
HOW TO GET YOUR ZONG ESIM QR CODE (NEW NUMBER OR CONVERT EXISTING)
OPTION A â VISIT A ZONG CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER/FRANCHISE
- Bring your original CNIC and phone.
- Request ânew eSIMâ or âconvert my existing Zong number to eSIM (SIMâswap).â
- Complete biometric verification.
- Youâll receive an eSIM activation QR (printed or via email/SMS).
- A small oneâtime fee may apply. Plans for prepaid and postpaid are supported.
OPTION B â MY ZONG APP (IF AVAILABLE FOR YOUR LINE)
- Some users see an inâapp eSIM/SIMâswap option in My Zong App.
- If you donât see it, use Option A (franchise). Availability varies by number and region.
Important: Treat the QR code like a password. Itâs singleâuseâdonât share screenshots publicly.
ZONG ESIM SETUP ON YOUR PHONE
IPHONE (IOS 16/17/18)
- Connect to WiâFi.
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan.
- Scan the Zong eSIM QR. If prompted, enter the activation code/SMâDP+ address printed on your voucher.
- Label your line (e.g., âZong eSIMâ).
- Set Default Line for calls/SMS, configure iMessage/FaceTime, and choose the line for Mobile Data.
- Wait for activation; the Zong network should appear within a minute or two.
DATA, IMS & ROAMING
- Ensure Mobile Data is set to the Zong line you want. Toggle Data Roaming if needed.
- If you use two lines, enable âAllow Cellular Data Switchingâ for seamless data.
SAMSUNG/ANDROID (ONE UI/PIXEL)
- Connect to WiâFi.
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM. - Choose âScan QR code from service provider.â
- Scan the Zong eSIM QR. Enter activation code/SMâDP+ if requested.
- Set preferred SIMs for Calls, SMS, and Mobile Data.
- Wait for activation and Zong signal to show.
TROUBLESHOOTING & PRO TIPS
- Invalid QR or âalready usedâ: Ask Zong to reissue a fresh QR (old codes canât be reused).
- No signal after install: Restart the phone; then toggle Airplane Mode. Check APN is set to âzonginternet.â
- PTA/Device block: If IMEI isnât whitelisted, service may not work. Resolve via PTA DIRBS before activation.
- EID not found: Your device likely lacks eSIM support; use a compatible phone.
- Moving to a new phone: Use eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhoneâtoâiPhone) if available; otherwise visit Zong to reissue eSIM.
- Apple Watch/other wearables: Wearable eSIM support in Pakistan is limited; confirm with Zong before buying.
- Need help fast: Call Zong helpline 310 from your Zong number.
REAL USER EXPERIENCES (PAKISTAN)
- Franchise swap time: 10â20 minutes after biometric; scanning the QR takes under 2 minutes.
- iPhone dualâline: Many users run Zong eSIM + a travel eSIM for roamingâsuper convenient.
- Network quality: Same as physical SIM; no speed difference, but fewer SIMâtray issues.
- Gotchas: Accidentally deleting the eSIM means you must get a new QR from Zong.
RELATED: CHECK YOUR SIM RECORD
Before swapping, itâs smart to confirm how many SIMs are registered against your CNIC and tidy up inactive lines. Use our SIM tools here:
- SIM Information (Pakistan CNIC SIM check)
- Sim Owner Details
FAQS ABOUT ZONG ESIM IN PAKISTAN
CAN I CONVERT MY EXISTING ZONG NUMBER TO ESIM?
Yes. Request a SIMâswap to eSIM at a Zong franchise (biometric required). Some numbers may also see an inâapp option.
DOES ZONG ESIM WORK ON PREPAID AND POSTPAID?
Both prepaid and postpaid are supported. Plans and benefits remain the same after moving to eSIM.
DO I NEED TO VISIT A FRANCHISE?
For most users, yesâespecially for firstâtime eSIM issuance or if inâapp swap isnât available.
WHAT IF I DELETE MY ESIM BY MISTAKE?
Youâll need a new QR from Zong. The original code is singleâuse and canât be reused.
IS APPLE WATCH ESIM SUPPORTED?
Wearable eSIM support is limited in Pakistan. Confirm with Zong before purchasing a cellular smartwatch.
HOW DO I FIND MY EID?
iPhone: Settings > General > About > EID. Samsung: Settings > About phone > Status information > EID.
CONCLUSION
Zong eSIM activation in Pakistan is straightforward: confirm compatibility, get your QR via franchise or app, scan on iPhone/Android, and youâre live in minutes. Keep your CNIC, PTA compliance, and QR security in check for a smooth experience. Need to review your registered numbers first? Head to our SIM Information tools.
SIM OWNER DETAILS