How do I activate the Internet eSIM?
Your eSIMno order confirmation email contains your QR code, your SM-DP+ address and activation code, a one-tap install link, and an "Install eSIM" button - so you can install right from the email. The same options are also on the website: sign in at esimno.com and go to Profile > My eSIMs > your plan > Install. To install, use any ONE of these methods: (1) on the phone you are setting up, tap the one-tap install link/button (iPhone on iOS 17.4+ or Android 9+); (2) use the QR code - because a phone cannot scan its own screen, show this QR on another screen (computer/tablet) or a printout and scan it WITH the phone you are setting up (never with someone else's phone, or the eSIM would install on that phone); or (3) enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. Your Internet eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a local network at your destination.
Do I need to deactivate my original SIM?
We recommend turning off cellular data and data roaming on your original SIM while abroad to avoid accidental roaming charges. You don't need to physically remove the SIM - just disable data and set the eSIM as your primary data line.
What customer support is available if I have issues?
eSIMno offers 24/7 support via WhatsApp and email. Our human support team - not bots - handles installation help, troubleshooting, billing questions, and refund inquiries. Most issues are resolved within minutes during business hours and within a few hours overnight.
Can I switch the eSIM to a different phone after activation?
Generally no. Once an eSIM is activated on a device, it's tied to that device. If you switch phones, you'll need to install a new eSIM. Some carriers offer eSIM transfer features, but eSIMno plans don't currently support transfer between devices.
Will the eSIM affect my phone's battery life?
Running two SIM lines (physical + eSIM) uses slightly more battery than one, since the phone monitors both networks. The difference is usually 5-10% over a full day. To minimize impact, disable the line you're not actively using or turn off cellular data on the inactive line.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
Unlimited plans provide unlimited data at high speed (4G/5G) up to a fair-use threshold defined per plan. Beyond that threshold, speeds may be reduced to 128 Kbps for the remainder of the validity period - still usable for messaging and basic browsing, but slower for streaming and video calls.
How can I verify if my eSIM is activated?
There are two clear indicators: (1) your phone's status bar shows the local carrier name once you arrive at your destination, and (2) the data icon (4G, LTE, or 5G) appears next to the eSIMno line in your cellular settings. If neither shows up, toggle airplane mode off and on, or restart your phone.
What payment methods does eSIMno accept?
eSIMno accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. All transactions are processed through secure encrypted gateways, and we don't store full card details on our servers.
How do I set up the eSIM on my device?
The fastest way is straight from your order confirmation email, which now contains - for each eSIM - the QR code, a one-tap install link, and the SM-DP+ / activation codes. On the phone you'll use, tap the one-tap install link; or, to use the QR, show it on another screen or a printout and scan it with that same phone (not another phone); or enter the codes manually. The email also has an "Install eSIM" button that opens your eSIM's detail page and launches the install pop-up (sign in if prompted), and you can reach the same pop-up anytime via Profile > My eSIMs > find your plan (shown as "Ready to install") > Install. After installing, turn Data Roaming ON for your eSIMno line (iPhone: Settings > Cellular; Android: Settings > Connections/Network) - without it the eSIM installs but shows no internet. Full guide in Help & Support.
Should I enable data roaming for the eSIM?
Yes - you must enable data roaming for the eSIM line, even though there are no roaming charges. The eSIM connects to a local partner network and your phone treats this as roaming. Enable it: iPhone > Settings > Cellular > eSIMno line > Data Roaming ON; Android > Settings > Network > SIMs > eSIMno > Roaming ON. This setting only affects the eSIM, not your home SIM.
How can I purchase the Internet eSIM?
You can purchase your eSIM directly from the eSIMno website - select a Internet plan and complete the payment. Within minutes you'll receive an order confirmation email that contains everything you need to install: a QR code, a one-tap install link, the SM-DP+ address and activation code, plus an "Install eSIM" button. You can install straight from that email, or sign in anytime and go to Profile > My eSIMs > Install to get the same options.
Can I use the eSIM right after purchase or do I need to wait?
Yes - you can install it immediately after purchase. Your order email arrives within minutes and contains the QR code, a one-tap install link and the manual codes, plus an "Install eSIM" button; you can also sign in > My eSIMs > Install any time. Installing right away does not start your plan - the validity countdown only begins when the eSIM connects to a mobile network inside your plan's coverage area. Keep the eSIM line and Data Roaming off until you are ready to start; if your plan covers the country you are in right now, turning the line on starts the countdown immediately.
Does the eSIM work on cruise ships or airplanes?
eSIMs use ground-based cellular networks, so they don't work in flight or at sea outside coastal coverage. They activate as soon as you connect to a partner network on land. For in-flight or maritime data, you'll need the airline or ship's onboard Wi-Fi.
Can I get a refund after purchase?
Refunds are not available once an eSIM has been installed or activated - install codes are one-time-use, so an installed eSIM is considered used even if no data has been consumed. If you have not installed your eSIM yet and want a refund, contact support within the refund window stated at checkout. We recommend reviewing plan details carefully before purchase to avoid any issues.
How can I check my data usage?
Log in to the eSIMno Center on our website or mobile app to see your remaining data balance and usage history. You can also check usage in your phone's cellular data settings - most devices show data consumed per line.
Can I use the eSIM on more than one device?
Each eSIM profile is tied to a single device once activated. If you need data on multiple devices (e.g., phone and tablet), you can either purchase separate eSIMs for each device or use the Personal Hotspot feature on your phone to share data with other devices.
When should I set up my eSIM?
A Wi-Fi connection is required to install your eSIM, so we recommend setting it up before you leave home. Activation can happen later, either right before departure or after you land at your destination - but the initial QR scan needs Wi-Fi.
Does the eSIM work in rural areas and small towns?
Coverage depends on the partner network's reach in Internet. Major cities, tourist areas, and highways typically have strong 4G/5G coverage. Remote rural areas may have weaker signal or fall back to 3G. Download offline maps before heading off the beaten path.
How long is the validity of the Internet eSIM plans?
The validity of eSIM plans varies from 7 days to 90 days depending on the plan you choose. Lifetime options are also available for travelers who don't want their data to expire after a fixed period.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number while using an eSIM?
Yes. Your WhatsApp number stays linked to your home SIM, so all your chats, contacts, and groups remain unchanged. WhatsApp uses data (not the SIM line directly) for messages and calls, so it works seamlessly over your eSIMno data.
Can I share data from my eSIM with someone else's phone?
Yes, through Personal Hotspot. Activate hotspot on your phone, share the password, and the other device connects to your data. Data used by connected devices counts toward your eSIM plan, so monitor usage to avoid running out faster than expected.
Can I use my SIM card and eSIM at the same time?
Yes. On dual-SIM devices (most modern iPhones and Android phones), you can run your physical SIM and the eSIM simultaneously. Use your home SIM for calls and SMS, and the eSIM for mobile data. Keep in mind that leaving your home SIM active may trigger roaming charges if you use it for calls or texts abroad.