Help & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM

Everything you need to know about travel eSIMs — from choosing a plan to troubleshooting your connection.

All eSIM Questions Answered

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An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM profile built into your phone. Instead of a physical plastic card, your carrier settings are downloaded remotely. You can install multiple eSIM profiles on one device and switch between them without swapping hardware.

You choose a data plan for your destination on my-esim.eu, pay online, and receive a QR code by email. You scan the QR code with your phone camera to install the eSIM profile. When you arrive at your destination, you enable the eSIM and it connects to a local mobile network automatically.

Most iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) onwards support eSIM, including all iPhone 11 through 16 models. On Android, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and many flagship devices from Sony, Motorola, and others are compatible. Check the full list at my-esim.eu/compatibility. Note: iPhones purchased in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao are not eSIM compatible.

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Tap "Use QR Code" and scan the QR code sent to your email. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. The eSIM profile will appear in your cellular plan list.

On most Android phones go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Add mobile plan or Download SIM. Scan the QR code from your email. Exact menu paths differ between Samsung, Google Pixel, and other brands.

Install the eSIM profile on your device before you leave home — while you still have Wi-Fi. You can do this days in advance. Most plans activate (and start counting days) only when you first use mobile data at your destination, not at the moment of installation.

Yes. Your physical SIM stays in the tray. You can receive calls and SMS on your home number while using the eSIM for mobile data. Simply set the eSIM as the default data line in your phone settings.

Most plans on my-esim.eu are data-only plans. Some plans include voice and SMS — these are clearly labelled as "Data + Voice + SMS" in the plan selection. Data-only plans let you use internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime freely.

Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage over data, Telegram, Signal, and all internet-based messaging apps work normally over the eSIM mobile data connection.

In most cases, yes. A prepaid eSIM gives you a fixed data allowance at a known price. International roaming from most home carriers charges per megabyte or per day, which can quickly exceed the cost of an eSIM plan. See our comparison: my-esim.eu/compare/esim-vs-roaming.

When your data allowance is used up, mobile data through the eSIM stops. You can purchase a new plan for the same destination. Some plans support top-up — check the plan details page to see if a refill option is available.

You can delete an eSIM profile, but once deleted it cannot be reinstalled — the QR code is single-use. If you want to pause usage, simply disable the eSIM in settings rather than deleting it. The plan countdown pauses on some plans when the eSIM is disabled.

Common causes: (1) Data roaming is not enabled — go to Settings > Cellular > your eSIM plan > enable Data Roaming. (2) The eSIM is installed but not set as the active data line. (3) The plan has expired. (4) You are in a location without coverage from the plan's partner network. If the problem persists, contact support at [email protected].

Yes. We offer eSIM plans for individual European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, etc.) and multi-country European plans that cover 30+ countries across the continent. Browse at my-esim.eu.

Most plans connect to 4G/LTE networks. Some plans support 5G where the local network infrastructure allows it. The plan detail page shows the connectivity type (4G, 4G/5G). Actual speeds depend on network load and local coverage.

No passport or identity verification is required to purchase or activate an eSIM plan on my-esim.eu. You simply need a valid email address to receive the QR code.

Email us at [email protected] or use the contact form at my-esim.eu/contact. We respond to all support requests as quickly as possible.

Helpful resources

Need more detail? These pages have everything you need.

How to Activate

Step-by-step installation guide for iPhone and Android.

Read guide

Compatible Phones

Full list of eSIM compatible iPhones and Android devices.

Check list

Prices by Country

Compare cheapest eSIM plans for every destination.

View prices

Still have a question?

Our support team is happy to help with any eSIM question.