Frequently asked questions

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you install a mobile data plan by scanning a QR code or tapping an install link. It works exactly like a local SIM, without visiting a shop or swapping cards.

Most recent smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XS / XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. Some models sold in certain regions (for example mainland China) do not.

The quickest check: on iPhone go to Settings → General → About and look for EID; on Android dial *#06# — if an EID number is shown, your phone supports eSIM.

Yes. A phone locked to one mobile carrier cannot use another provider's eSIM. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions", you are ready. If not, ask your carrier to unlock the phone before you buy.

Yes. Your regular SIM stays active for calls and SMS, while the eSIM handles mobile data. Just set the eSIM as your mobile data line after installation.

For most travellers, yes. You get local data rates without roaming fees, you are connected the moment you land, and you don't need to find a shop, show your passport or swap SIM cards.

Choose your destination, pick the data plan that fits your trip and complete checkout. That's it — no contract and no subscription.

No. You can check out as a guest. Just make sure your email address is correct, because that is where your eSIM is sent.

Usually under a minute after payment. You receive an email with your QR code, a one-tap install link for iPhone and Android, and manual installation details. If nothing arrives within 15 minutes, check your spam folder, then contact us with your order number.

Search your inbox for the delivery email from esimdata.co — the install link inside stays valid. If you cannot find it, write to support@esimdata.co with your order number and we will resend it. Note that an eSIM that was already installed and then deleted from the phone usually cannot be installed again.

No. Each eSIM can be installed on one device, and in most cases only once. To share data with other devices, use your phone as a hotspot.

Install it before you travel, while connected to Wi-Fi — for example a day before departure. Installing does not start your plan; validity begins only when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination.

1. Open the delivery email on your iPhone and tap Install on iPhone (iOS 17.4 or newer), or go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code and scan the QR code from another screen.
2. Tap Continue and wait a moment for the eSIM to activate.
3. Keep your primary line for calls and iMessage, and choose the new eSIM for Mobile Data.
4. When you arrive, turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM: Settings → Mobile Data → [your eSIM] → Data Roaming.

1. Open the delivery email on your phone and tap Install on Android, or go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM (Samsung) or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + (Pixel) and scan the QR code.
2. Confirm with Add / Download and wait until the eSIM is activated.
3. Set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM.
4. When you arrive, turn on Data roaming for the eSIM.

Your plan starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network in your destination country, not when you buy or install it. The validity period (for example 7 or 30 days) is counted from that moment.

No. The APN is configured automatically. If you are ever asked for one, contact us and we will send the correct settings for your plan.

This usually means the eSIM is already installed on your phone, or the QR code was scanned with a weak internet connection. Check Settings → Mobile Data — if the eSIM is listed, it is installed and you don't need to scan again. Otherwise connect to stable Wi-Fi and try once more.

Your phone is locked to your home carrier. Check Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it does not say "No SIM restrictions", contact your carrier to unlock the phone.

• Make sure you are in a country covered by your plan.
• Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM.
• Check that the eSIM is selected as your mobile data line.
• Switch Airplane Mode on and off, or restart the phone.
• Try selecting a network manually: Network Selection → turn off Automatic and choose another local operator.

Still not working? Write to us with your order number.

No. Our plans are data only. You can still call and message over the internet with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram or Viber, and your regular SIM stays active for normal calls and SMS.

Yes. WhatsApp stays linked to your regular phone number and simply uses the eSIM's mobile data.

Yes. Turn on Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Mobile Hotspot (Android) to share your data with a laptop or tablet.

Unlimited Lite gives you 1 GB of full-speed data every 24 hours, then unlimited data at reduced speed (512 kbps). Unlimited Plus gives you 2 GB of full-speed data every 24 hours (5G where available), then unlimited data at 2 Mbps. The daily allowance resets every 24 hours from first use.

Your phone shows the data used on the eSIM line: Settings → Mobile Data on iPhone or Settings → Connections → Data usage on Android. For the exact remaining balance, contact us with your order number.

The eSIM stops using data when either the data allowance is used up or the validity period ends, whichever comes first. Unused data does not carry over. If you need more, simply buy a new plan for your destination.

Speed depends on the local network, coverage and congestion. Try switching Airplane Mode on and off, or select a different local network manually. On Unlimited plans, speed is reduced after the daily high-speed allowance is used.

Only after your trip, once the plan has ended. A deleted eSIM usually cannot be installed again, so don't remove it while you still have data or days left.