Quick answers
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers about eSIMs, compatibility, plans, install, top-ups, and getting help. Need something longer? Visit the help center.
Getting started
The basics — what an eSIM is and how esimple works.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. It does everything a plastic SIM does — connects you to a mobile network — except there is no tray, no card, and no need to visit a shop. You activate it from the phone you already own.What does "eSIM" stand for?
"Embedded SIM." The chip is soldered into the phone at the factory; you swap profiles, not hardware.What is esimple?
esimple sells travel data eSIMs for 200+ destinations. Pick a country, pick how much data you need, install in minutes, connect as soon as you land — no roaming charges, no SIM swap at the airport. Browse destinations.How does an eSIM work?
An eSIM stores a network profile in software. When you install a plan, your phone connects to a local carrier in the destination country the same way it would with a physical SIM — same speeds, same 4G/5G coverage where available.How do I get an esimple eSIM?
Pick a destination on our site, choose a plan, complete checkout. We email you an activation QR code within seconds. You scan it from your phone settings, and you are done.Which countries does esimple cover?
Over 200 destinations across every continent except Antarctica. Browse the full list on the Destinations page or use the coverage checker.Why use an eSIM instead of roaming?
Roaming is convenient but expensive — most carriers charge per-day or per-MB fees that add up fast on a long trip. A local eSIM gives you the same connection at local data prices, often a fraction of roaming.What is the disadvantage of an eSIM?
Older phones do not support eSIM at all. Switching devices is also harder than with a physical SIM — you cannot pop the chip out and put it in the new phone. You have to install a fresh profile.Is esimple legit?
Yes. esimple is operated by a Singapore-registered entity, accepts payments through Stripe, and runs on the same network infrastructure used by major international carriers.
Phone compatibility
Will it work on your phone? Almost certainly yes — but the details matter.
Will my phone work with an esimple eSIM?
Most phones released after 2018 support eSIMs. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Run a coverage check and we will confirm compatibility before you buy.Which iPhones support eSIMs?
iPhone XS / XR and later — every model from 2018 onwards. iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US are eSIM-only; outside the US they keep the physical SIM tray.Does my Android support eSIM?
Most Google Pixel phones from Pixel 3 onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip, Galaxy Note 20+, and many newer mid-range Androids do. The coverage checker confirms in seconds.Is my phone locked? Does that matter?
Yes — your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use any eSIM. If you bought it outright it is almost certainly unlocked; if you got it on a carrier contract it may not be. Your carrier can unlock it for free once the contract is up.Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time?
On most modern phones, yes. You keep your home physical SIM active for calls and texts, and use the esimple eSIM for data — the best of both, with no roaming charges.Can I have two phone numbers on one phone?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. The esimple eSIM is data-only and does not include a number, but your existing line stays active alongside it.How many eSIMs can my phone hold?
iPhones can store up to eight profiles and run two at once. Most Androids support up to seven profiles with two active simultaneously. You can keep old plans installed for future trips without conflict.Does the iPhone 14 have a SIM tray?
iPhone 14 and later sold in the United States have no SIM tray — eSIM only. Models sold elsewhere keep the physical tray and also support eSIM.
Plans & data
What is included, what is not, and how to size the right plan.
Are esimple plans data-only?
Yes. Every esimple plan is data-only — no calls, no SMS, no phone number. For voice and texts, use WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, or any other data-based app.Can I make calls or send texts?
Not over the cellular network with an esimple eSIM. But you can call and message freely over data using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal, iMessage, Google Meet, or any other VoIP app — that uses your eSIM data, no extra cost.Does esimple give me a phone number?
No. esimple does not assign a phone number to your eSIM. If you need to receive verification SMS or take a call from someone who only has your number, keep your home SIM active alongside the esimple data eSIM.Will iMessage and WhatsApp work?
Yes. Both apps need a number only for first-time setup; once verified on your home number, they keep working over any data connection — including your esimple eSIM. No reconfiguration needed when you switch.How much data do I need on a trip?
Casual users (maps, messaging, social) get by on 0.5–1.5 GB per day. Heavy streamers and remote workers run 2–4 GB per day. Use our data calculator for a tailored estimate.What happens when my data runs out?
Your eSIM stops carrying data and reconnects when you top up. You do not lose the eSIM — just add more data and you are back online in seconds, on the same profile.Can I top up my eSIM mid-trip?
Yes. Top up from your phone in seconds — same eSIM, same profile, no re-installation. The new data is added to your existing plan and the validity timer resets to the new plan length.Does esimple offer regional plans?
Yes for some regions. We have multi-country bundles (e.g. Europe, Asia, Middle East) that work across several destinations on a single eSIM. Check the destination page for any country you plan to visit — regional options are listed alongside the single-country plans.Does esimple support 5G?
Yes, where the local carrier and your device both support it. 5G availability depends on country and the partner network we use in that country — most plan listings indicate whether 5G is available.Can I share an eSIM across devices?
No. Each eSIM is bound to one device at a time. You can move it between your own devices by uninstalling first and reinstalling on the new one, but two phones cannot use the same eSIM simultaneously.How do I avoid roaming charges?
Turn off your home SIM data roaming before you travel, then install and activate the esimple eSIM as your data line. Your home line stays active for calls and SMS at its usual rate; all internet traffic routes through the esimple eSIM at local data prices.Can I gift an esimple eSIM to someone?
Yes. At checkout, switch the recipient mode and enter the gift recipient’s name and email — they get the activation email directly. You pay; they connect.
Install & activate
When and how to get your eSIM running.
When can I install my eSIM?
Install as soon as you complete checkout — the activation email arrives within seconds. Most travellers install at home before they fly so they are ready the moment they land.When does my plan start counting down?
The plan validity timer starts the first time your eSIM connects to a network in the destination country, not when you install. You can safely install ahead of your trip without losing days.How do I install on iPhone?
Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan the QR from your activation email. Label the plan, finish setup, and you are done.How do I install on Android?
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR Code. Wording varies slightly by manufacturer; on Pixel it is Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.Can I install before I land?
Yes, and we recommend it. Install at home over Wi-Fi to avoid scrambling for signal at the airport. The plan timer does not start until you actually connect to a network at the destination.Can I reinstall an eSIM?
Yes, as long as you stay signed in to the same esimple account. Reinstall from your account page if you swap phones, factory-reset, or accidentally delete the profile.How do I set up a hotspot with an esimple eSIM?
Same as any data SIM. On iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → on. On Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot. Confirm the data line is set to your esimple eSIM. Hotspot usage counts against the same data allowance.When is it safe to delete my eSIM?
When the plan is expired, fully used, or you no longer need it. Deleting frees up a profile slot. If the plan still has unused data and validity, you can reinstall it later from your account.
Account & support
Sign-in, payments, refunds, getting help.
How do I sign in?
Enter your email on the sign-in page. We send a one-tap magic link — click it from the same device and you are signed in. No passwords to remember, nothing to reset.Does esimple have a mobile app?
Not yet — the site is fully mobile-friendly and manages everything an app would (purchase, install, top up, view usage). A dedicated app is on the roadmap.How do I get a refund?
See the refund policy for the full terms. In short: if your eSIM never installed, never connected, or has a verifiable defect, contact us within 30 days and we will refund in full.I did not receive my activation email — what now?
Check spam and promotions folders first. If still missing after 10 minutes, sign in to your account — the QR code and install instructions are also available there. If you cannot sign in, contact support.How is my data protected?
All traffic between your phone and our partner networks uses the same encryption a regular carrier provides. We do not sell your data, and we store only what we need to run your account and provision your eSIM.How do I contact support?
Email support@esimple.ai. We answer within a few hours during business hours and same-day on weekends.Where can I find your privacy policy?
See the full policy at /legal/privacy.
Still have questions?
We answer support email within hours. Or browse plans for your next destination.