FAQ

Get quick answers to common eSIM questions about devices, installation, data usage, calls, plans, security and troubleshooting.

Browse our regularly updated FAQ page to find the information you need and enjoy a smoother eSIM experience.

eSIMo FAQ

Device & Compatibility

Which devices are compatible with eSIMo?

Most modern smartphones are eSIM-compatible.

Apple logo

iPhone XS, XR, and all newer models (including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and current iterations).

Samsung logo

Galaxy S20 series, Z Flip/Fold series, and newer flagship models.

Google Pixel logo

Pixel 3a and all newer models.

Other Brands

Select models from Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Sony.

Important

Important: Your device must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIMo profile. Tablets (like iPads with Cellular) are supported for data-only plans, while smartwatches are currently not supported due to proprietary carrier-tethering requirements.

How do I check if my phone is unlocked?

Phone unlock settings
iPhone
  1. Go to Settings > General > About.
  2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
  3. If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked.
Android
  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (or search "Network").
  2. If you see options to select multiple networks, your phone is likely unlocked.
  3. Alternatively, contact your original carrier to verify.

How many eSIMs can I store on my device?

Most modern smartphones (such as iPhone 13 and newer) allow you to store 8 or more eSIM profiles directly on the device chip. However, you can typically only have two (2) lines active at the exact same time (Dual SIM mode) — for example, your primary home SIM and one active eSIMo travel plan.

eSIM storage illustration

Calls, SMS & Second Numbers

Can I make international calls with eSIMo?

International calls illustration

Unlike standard travel eSIMs that only provide mobile data, eSIMo offers premium plans that include international voice calling and a dedicated second phone number. You can place calls to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide directly through our secure infrastructure.

What is the "Second Number" feature and how does it work?

The Second Number feature provides you with an alternate, fully operational phone number directly inside your device. It works independently of your physical SIM card. It is perfect for:

  • Shielding your personal number while running a business or traveling.
  • Receiving 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) SMS verification codes from banking, ride-sharing, and travel apps abroad.
  • Activating secondary profiles on communication platforms like WhatsApp or Signal.
  • Receive SMS to your 2nd number
Second number feature

How do eSIMo voice calls compare to WhatsApp or Google Meet?

Voice calls illustration

While WhatsApp and FaceTime require both parties to have an internet connection and the app installed, eSIMo lets you call any standard phone number or landline globally, even if the recipient doesn't have our app or an internet connection.

Plans, Billing & Loyalty

Can I renew or top up my data plan mid-trip?

Absolutely. If you run out of data or your plan duration is expiring, you can purchase a top-up package or extend your plan instantly through your eSIMo app account. The new data will seamlessly stack onto your profile without requiring you to scan a new QR code.

Buy plan illustration

What is the eSIM Money loyalty program?

Cashback / eSIMoney

Every time you travel, buy a plan, or refer a friend to eSIMo, you earn eSIMoney credits deposited straight into your in-app wallet. These credits can be used as direct cash discounts to buy or renew future data and voice plans.

What is the difference between Local, Regional, and Global plans?

  • Local Plans: Designed for a single country (e.g., Spain only). Best value if you are staying in one place.
  • Regional Plans: Cover multiple neighboring countries within a specific continent (e.g., Europe 40-Country Pack). Perfect for backpackers or multi-city business trips.
  • Global Plans: Offer seamless multi-network roaming across over 200+ countries worldwide. Best for frequent flyers and digital nomads.
Travel plans illustration

Installation & Troubleshooting

How do I install my eSIMo profile?

We offer two ultra-simple setup methods:

1

Direct App Activation Easiest Method

Open the eSIMo app on your target device, go to your purchased plans, and click "Install Automatically." Follow the on-screen OS prompts to finalize setup.

2

QR Code Scan Requires a Second Screen

Open the activation email sent to you on a secondary screen (laptop or tablet). Navigate to your phone's cellular settings, select "Add eSIM," and scan the QR code.

3

Configure Settings Before Takeoff

Label the new line as "eSIMo Travel" and ensure your primary carrier's Data Roaming is turned OFF to avoid unexpected fees.

eSIMo app on phone

Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to install the eSIM?

Wi-Fi connection

Yes. Your device must have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or an active primary cellular data connection) to securely pull the eSIM profile from our cloud servers during the initialization process. Always install your eSIM before leaving for the airport.

How do I completely avoid roaming charges from my home carrier?

To ensure your home carrier doesn't sneak in expensive daily data fees:

  1. Go to your phone's Cellular / Mobile Data settings.
  2. Select your Primary/Home SIM and toggle Data Roaming to OFF.
  3. Select your eSIMo profile and set it as the Primary Cellular Data line with Data Roaming turned ON.
Data roaming settings

Data Usage & Tracking

How much data do I actually need for a trip?

Data consumption varies widely depending on your app habits. Here is a baseline of average travel data usage:

Activity Estimated Data Consumption
Google Maps / Navigation ~20MB – 30MB per hour
Social Media Browsing (Instagram/TikTok) ~120MB – 150MB per 10 minutes
Music Streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) ~50MB – 70MB per hour
Video Streaming (Netflix/YouTube HD) ~1GB – 3GB per hour

Data Calculator

Use our built-in In-App Data Calculator before you buy to tailor a plan matching your exact destination length and app habits.

Not sure how much data you need? Try our Data Calculator.

Calculate Now

How do I check my remaining data balance?

Simply open the eSIMo app or log into your web dashboard to see a live, real-time breakdown of your remaining gigabytes, voice minutes, and plan expiration date.

eSIMo icon Balance tracking

Security & Privacy

Are eSIMs more secure than physical SIM cards?

Yes, eSIMs provide superior physical and digital security. Because an eSIM is embedded directly onto your phone's internal motherboard, it cannot be physically stolen, swapped, or intercepted if your device is lost or stolen. This prevents bad actors from removing your SIM to hijack your 2FA authentication codes.

Security illustration

Can someone clone my eSIMo profile?

Clone protection

No. Every eSIM profile is generated with unique cryptographic tokens tied specifically to your device's unique hardware identifier (EID). Once downloaded, the profile cannot be duplicated or activated on another device.

Glossary

Want to know more about eSIM? Visit our Glossary page.

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Help Center

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