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.
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 use the eSIM to make video calls?
Yes - apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams all work over your eSIM data. Video calls use about 200-400 MB per hour depending on quality, so factor that into your plan choice if you make long calls regularly.
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.
Is the eSIM connection secure?
eSIM connections are as secure as standard cellular connections - encrypted by the carrier network. For added security on public networks (cafes, airports), use a VPN. The eSIM profile itself is digitally signed and can't be cloned like a physical SIM.
How do I top up my United States eSIM?
To top up your United States eSIM data, log in to the 'My eSIMs' section in the eSIMno Center on our website or mobile app. Select the eSIM you want to top up and follow the on-screen instructions to add more data without losing your current connection.
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.
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.
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. On a data-only plan the eSIM carries data and your voice service stays on your home line. On a voice plan the eSIM line has its own calling and SMS in addition to your home number. Either way, remember that incoming calls and texts to your home number while abroad may trigger roaming charges from your home carrier.
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.
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.
Will the eSIM work on my iPad?
Yes, if your iPad model supports eSIM. iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and standard iPad (7th generation and later with cellular) all support eSIM. Installation works the same way as on iPhone.
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.
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.
Can I make phone calls or send SMS?
It depends on the plan you choose. Most eSIMno plans are data-only: on those you cannot place regular calls or send SMS from the eSIM line, but messaging and calling apps work normally over the data connection - WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal and Google Meet. We also offer voice plans in selected destinations, and on those calling and SMS work from the eSIM line itself, which comes with its own French phone number and unlimited calling across Europe. Every plan card shows which type it is, so check the plan type before you buy. If you are looking at a voice plan, please also read who you can call and text, and what happens to the phone number - both are explained in their own questions below.
What data plans are available for the United States eSIM?
eSIMno provides various data plans ranging from 1 GB to unlimited data, with options from 7 days to 90 days of service. Plans also include regional and lifetime options for travelers who want flexibility across multiple destinations.
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.
What happens when my data plan runs out?
When you use up your data allowance, your connection stops until you top up or purchase a new plan. You can top up directly from the eSIMno Center while connected to Wi-Fi, or buy a new plan if your validity period has expired.
Does the eSIM work in rural areas and small towns?
Coverage depends on the partner network's reach in United States. 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.
What network speeds can I expect?
Most eSIMno plans connect at 4G/LTE or 5G speeds depending on local network availability and your device's capabilities. Speed varies by location, network congestion, and signal strength. In major cities and tourist areas, expect speeds comparable to local mobile carriers.
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.
Can I receive verification codes (OTP) on a voice eSIM?
Yes. Incoming SMS reaches your voice eSIM from anywhere in the world and is free, so one-time codes from banks, WhatsApp, Google or Telegram do arrive - on a French number, since that is where the number is issued. There is one important limit, and we would rather you hear it from us than discover it later: the number changes roughly every 30 days. That makes it fine for a code you need while you are travelling, but wrong as the permanent number on your account. If you register it for two-factor authentication or move your WhatsApp to it, you can lose access to that account once the number changes. Keep your own number for anything you need long term.