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 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.
Can I extend my eSIM plan validity?
The validity of a package that is already running cannot be extended, but you can top up: a top-up adds a new package with its own data AND its own validity days. Packages run one at a time - the top-up waits in queue and activates automatically when your current package ends (data used up or days expired), and its own days start counting from that moment. In practice this keeps you connected longer, even though the current package's own end date does not move.
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.
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.
What should I do if I see a 'No network' message after activating my eSIM?
If you see a 'No network' message after activation, try these steps in order: (1) Toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off. (2) Confirm data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line. (3) Manually select a network in cellular settings. (4) Restart your phone. If the issue continues, contact eSIMno support via WhatsApp or email.
What smartphones support eSIM?
Most modern devices support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 through S25 series, Google Pixel 4 and later, Huawei P40 and later, and many recent iPads. Check our full compatibility list before purchasing to confirm your device is supported.
Can I install multiple eSIMs on the same phone?
Yes. Modern iPhones and Android devices support multiple eSIM profiles - typically 5 to 8 stored profiles, with 1 or 2 active simultaneously. You can install eSIMs for different countries and switch between them in settings without removing any.
Do I need to remove my eSIM after my trip?
You don't have to remove it. Once your data plan expires, the eSIM simply stops providing data. You can leave the dormant profile on your phone and reuse it next time by purchasing a new plan, or delete it from cellular settings to free up an eSIM slot.
Will my home phone number receive calls while I use the eSIM?
Yes - if your home SIM stays installed and active, calls and SMS to your home number arrive normally. The eSIM only handles data; voice service stays on your home line. Just remember that incoming calls and texts to your home number while abroad may trigger roaming charges from your home carrier.
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.
Can I buy an eSIM for someone else as a gift?
Yes. Purchase the eSIM with your own details, then forward your order confirmation email - or share the "Install eSIM" link from it - with the recipient so they can install it on their own phone (the email contains the QR code and the manual SM-DP+ / activation codes). Make sure their device is eSIM-compatible first - installation usually cannot be reversed once completed.
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.
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 should I do if I lose my activation QR code?
You can't really lose it - your QR code is in your order confirmation email, and also in the install pop-up on the website. To reopen it any time before activation, tap "Install eSIM" in your order email, or sign in at esimno.com and go to Profile > My eSIMs > Install. Both show the QR code together with the one-tap install link and the manual SM-DP+ / activation code. Note the install codes are one-time-use: once the eSIM is installed on a device they can't be reused - reopen the installer (My eSIMs > Install) to display a fresh QR if you need one.
Can I make phone calls or send SMS?
eSIMno is a data-only service, so you can't make traditional voice calls or send SMS through the eSIM line. However, you can use messaging and calling apps over data - WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal, and Google Meet all work normally.
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 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 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 install my eSIM before traveling?
Yes - setting it up before your trip is the easiest approach. Your confirmation email contains the QR code, a one-tap install link and the manual SM-DP+ / activation codes (the same options are also available via sign in > Profile > My eSIMs > Install). While on Wi-Fi at home, install it with the one-tap link on your phone, or - to use the QR - show it on another screen or a printout and scan it with the phone you are setting up (not another phone). Installing 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 its Data Roaming off until you are ready to start - if your plan covers the country you are in right now, turning the line on connects and starts the countdown immediately, even if you do not browse anything. Please note: once installed, an eSIM is considered used and is no longer eligible for a refund.
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.
