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.
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 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 tether or use Personal Hotspot with my eSIM?
Yes. Your eSIMno plan supports tethering and Personal Hotspot at no extra charge. Activate the Personal Hotspot feature in your device settings and connect other devices as you would with any cellular plan. Data used while tethering counts toward your plan allowance.
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.
Which eSIM is best for travelling to USA?
eSIMno is an excellent option for travelers heading to USA. We offer a diverse range of eSIM plans - including regional, local, and lifetime options - with reliable coverage on local networks.
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.
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.
Will my own number still work while I use the eSIM?
Yes, if you want it to. As long as your main line stays switched on, your own number keeps working while the eSIM handles your mobile data. But abroad, your mobile operator usually charges roaming fees for calls and texts on that number, even for calls you answer. If you don't need your number during the trip, turn off your main line in your phone's SIM settings to avoid these fees. We don't recommend making or answering regular calls on your own number abroad; call over the internet instead, with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime, using your eSIM data. If you need a code by SMS, for example from your bank, you can switch the line back on for a moment.
How long is the validity of the USA eSIM plans?
Validity depends on the plan you choose, from 1 day to 180 days. Lifetime plans have no fixed end date: the data stays on your eSIM as long as you top up the same eSIM at least once every 12 months.
How do I activate the USA 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 USA eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a local network at your destination.
Does the eSIM work in rural areas and small towns?
Coverage depends on the partner network's reach in USA. 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.