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Below are the answers to the eSIM questions we get asked most, from the basics through to compatibility, switching profiles and international usage. If you want the fundamentals first, start with our What Is An eSIM guide, or see our eSIM Pros and Cons and eSIM vs Physical SIM guides for the bigger picture.

General eSIM Frequently Asked questions

What is an eSIM?

eSIM is short for embedded SIM. It’s a digital SIM that provides a mobile plan without the need for a physical SIM card. As eSIMs are integrated (or “embedded”) into your device, they are a lot more convenient than physical SIM cards. Unlike physical SIM cards, you can have multiple different eSIMs on your phone at once and in some cases, you can even switch between different networks on one eSIM to ensure you get the best signal and speeds possible. For an in-depth look, check out our What is an eSIM guide.

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Most newer devices will be compatible with eSIM. iPhone models after the iPhone XS/XR, Google Pixel devices after the Pixel 3 and some Samsung Galaxy models after the S20 should be compatible. To verify compatibility for your phone, check its support documentation or our eSIM compatibility checker

Can I have more than one eSIM active on my device at the same time?

This depends entirely on your phone. Most newer and top-end smartphones will allow you to have two eSIMs active at once. Though two eSIMs can be active, you’ll have to pick only one eSIM for handling data/internet and the other for handling voice calls and SMS. You cannot have both eSIMs handling data or both handling voice/SMS concurrently.

Do eSIMs affect battery life?

eSIMs don’t impact battery life in any meaningful way. Battery usage is about the same as that of traditional SIM cards.

Does eSIM give you a phone number?

Whether your travel eSIM gives you a phone number depends entirely on the provider and plan that you choose. Most travel eSIM providers mostly offer data-only plans, meaning that no phone numbers are offered and if you need to make calls or send SMS, you’ll need to use other apps.

However, there are some travel eSIM providers that do provide phone numbers with their plans. For example:

• Holafly often offers plans with calling and texting options that come with a phone number.
• AloSIM offers a USA or Canada phone number alongside $1 worth of internet calls and SMS with new plans.

Finally, if you need to receive calls or SMS and your home network plan allows it, you can do so by keeping your home plan selected as “Default Voice Line” with Data Roaming switched off whilst overseas.

eSIM installation

How do I set up my travel eSIM?

Prior to getting set up, you’ll want to check that your phone is:

• Unlocked
• Compatible with eSIMs
• Dual SIM (for the best possible setup)

Next, follow these steps:

1. Download and open your travel eSIM app. Which app should you get? Check out our eSIM reviews.

2. Look for the country or region that you require.

3. Browse plans available.

4. Confirm plan details where possible. Make sure you check for the location, data amount, validity, 4G or 5G and the available networks that you can use.

5. Purchase the plan right for you. Most travel eSIMs accept credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

6. Install your travel eSIM following the app instructions. The best apps offer installation directly from the app, with step by step guidance to help you along.

7. Clean up your phone’s settings by renaming the new plan and ensuring you turn on data roaming for your travel eSIM, while turning off data roaming on your home network’s plan.

How do I install and set up an eSIM on my device?

Once you’ve purchased a plan, your travel eSIM should walk you through the steps to install your eSIM. Most of the best travel eSIM apps offer three types of installation:

• Directly from the app: The easiest option, a click of the button from the app which will guide you through the steps required.

• QR code: Point your phone’s camera at a QR code, click the resulting link and install.

• Manual: Add various internet settings manually. Not the easiest and certainly not our preferred method!

When should I install my eSIM?

In most instances, you’re best off installing your eSIM prior to traveling to your destination, but it depends on the activation policy of the specific plan purchased. 

Most plans will activate once you’ve:

• Arrived in a new country.
• Switched your phone on.
• Turned airplane mode off.
• Connected to a network.

For these plans, it’s best to install prior to traveling.

However, there are some plans on some providers that begin the validity period as soon as you install them. For these plans, we’d recommend either holding off until you’ve arrived in your new country and have an internet connection or installing in your home country at the very last minute. 

eSIM Management

How do I switch between multiple eSIM profiles?

Here’s how to switch between eSIM profiles on iOS:

1. Go to the Settings menu.

2. Select “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” or “Mobile Service”.

3. Find the eSIM profile you want to switch on and toggle “Turn on This Line” to on.

4. If you already have more than one eSIM active, you’ll get an alert informing you that you can only have two eSIMs active at once and need to turn one active eSIM profile off. 

5. Next, go back and scroll to the top of the Cellular/Mobile Data/Mobile Service page and ensure that your preferred travel eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.

6. If you wish to receive calls, make sure that the “Default Voice Line” option shows your preferred mobile network.

How do I manage my eSIM data usage while traveling?

Most travel eSIMs are essentially prepay/pay as you go, meaning you only pay for what you use. You’ll typically pay for a certain amount of data and then be able to track data usage from the eSIM provider’s app. 

Some providers such as Airalo even offer iOS widgets that will allow you to keep an eye on your data usage right from your home screens.

Can I remove an eSIM from my phone?

Unless you’ve installed too many eSIMs and have run out of space, we generally don’t recommend removing eSIMs from your phone as usually there aren’t really any benefits to doing so. It can also mean that if required again in the future, you’ll need to re-install eSIM profiles instead of simply “topping up”.

If you need to, on iOS you can delete plans by:

1. Going to Settings > “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” or “Mobile Service”.
2. Finding the plan you want to delete and tapping on it.
3. Scrolling to the bottom and tapping on Delete eSIM.

Can I pause an eSIM plan once it’s been activated?

Generally, you can’t pause your eSIM plan. Once activated, the validity timer will begin and won’t stop, even if you turn the eSIM off in your settings.

How can I manage multiple eSIM profiles on my device? 

Most phones that support eSIMs will allow the storage of multiple eSIM profiles on your device. Apple claims that you can store 8 eSIMs at a time, but we were able to install 17 before we weren’t able to install any more. After that, we’ve had to delete older eSIMs to make room for new ones. Remember that you can only have 2 eSIMs active at any one time.

How do I change my eSIM label?

To change your eSIM’s label (or name):

1. Go to Settings > “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” or “Mobile Service”.
2. Tap on the plan you want to rename.
3. Tap “Cellular Plan Label” or “Mobile Plan Label” and name your plan with a Custom Label or select one of the preset options.

eSIM Usage

Can I use my travel eSIM in multiple countries?

Absolutely. Travel eSIMs can be purchased for a single country or multiple. Usually the big eSIM providers offer regional plans that work in a number of countries or throughout a whole continent. These are more expensive than single country plans however, especially at higher data amounts. 

Example: Portugal vs Europe vs Global plans on Airalo:

When and why do I need to verify my identity to buy an eSIM?

Certain plans in certain countries from certain providers (mostly Airalo) require eSIM customers to verify their identity before activating a new plan. 

Travel eSIM apps like Airalo use “Know Your Customer” – KYC to identify their customers’ identity and address. This means you will have to upload a document such as your passport for verification. If an eSIM plan requires verification, you will be warned in advance of purchase.

What countries require it? We’ve seen it required for UAE and Maldives only. Our details were verified within a few minutes.

What should I do if I can’t connect to a network with my eSIM?

Try these steps if you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your eSIM:

1. Ensure the travel eSIM:

• Is activated via the provider’s app.
• Profile line is turned on.
• Is the selected service for Mobile Data within Settings.
• Has data roaming switched on.

2. Restart your device. 

3. Speak with your travel eSIM provider for assistance.

Can I use Personal Hotspot?

Most travel eSIMs do offer personal hotspot. We’re yet to test one that doesn’t, but it’s not a given. Most apps don’t show whether each plan offers personal hotspot so if you absolutely need it, be sure to contact the provider in advance or check our reviews.

Can I receive phone calls on my home number?

Yes you can as long as your home plan allows it. All you need to do is ensure that your home plan is selected for “Default Voice Line” within Settings > “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” or “Mobile Service” .

Will I be charged if I use more data than I paid for?

Most travel eSIMs are prepay/pay as you go, meaning that it’ll be impossible to exceed your data allowance. However, make sure to check with your eSIM provider to understand their specific policy.