FAQs
Frequently asked eSIM question for abesteSIM
📖 General & Basics
What is eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to connect to mobile networks without inserting a physical SIM card. It works just like a regular SIM, but is embedded in your device. It can be installed directly into your smartphone or other mobile devices. It is an alternative to the physical SIM card.
How to check if my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most newer phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and others support eSIM.
Go to your device’s Settings, and look under SIM card or Mobile network sections. If your device supports eSIM, you’ll see an option to add, activate, or manage an eSIM.
Dial *#06# — if your device shows an EID number, that's a good indication that it supports eSIM.
You can also check our device compatibility list to confirm.
Is my phone carrier-locked ?
To add a new travel eSIM on your phone. Please ensure your phone is carrier unlocked, which means you have no contract with your local carrier and your phone is allowed to add eSIMs from other carriers.
To check if your phone is unlocked.
- Open "Settings > General > About".
- Scroll and look for Carrier Lock. Your iPhone is unlocked if No SIM restrictions appear next to Carrier Lock.
You may also contact the seller or the carrier to confirm.
Can I use both my physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?
Yes. Most phones allow dual SIM mode, so you can keep your physical SIM for calls/SMS and use the eSIM for data.
Can I keep my original phone number?
Yes.
You can use the travel eSIM for mobile data and keep your original sim for phone calls and messages.
Enjoy the flexibility of our digital eSIM while keeping the option to use your original SIM as usual whenever you need it.
🛒 Purchase & Installation
How do I receive the eSIM after purchase?
You’ll receive an email with your QR code, SM-DP+ server address, and activation code immediately after payment received.
You can also view your eSIM details on your Order History page.
Can I install eSIM before departure?
Yes, but we recommend activating only when you're ready to use the plan, as most plans begin when connected to supported network.
You can install the eSIM in advance,but please remember to turn it off immediately after installation to prevent the validity period from starting earlier than expected.
How to setup eSIM on Apple devices?
Take the article below for reference to install your eSIM on Apple devices.
Click to view iOS installation guide in new tab
With many modern Android smartphones—such as Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 7, OPPO Find X5, and Xiaomi 13—now supporting eSIM, using a travel eSIM has become one of the best options for staying connected while abroad. This guide will walk you through how to install and activate a travel eSIM on most Android phones that support eSIM functionality.
Contents
🔧 What You’ll Need
- A valid eSIM QR code or activation information
- A stable Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection
- A compatible Android phone with eSIM support.
- ✅ Supported Devices:
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later
- Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 series, Z Fold/Flip, Note 20+
- OPPO / OnePlus / Xiaomi / Huawei: Selected models only (check eSIM compatibility)
- Android version: Android 10 or newer (recommended)
- 💡 Note: eSIM support may vary by region, carrier, or model. Make sure your device is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-enabled.
📲 Install Travel eSIM
✅ Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi or a good 4G / 5G network.
✅ Option 1: Scan QR Code (Most Common)
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or "Connections > SIM manager" on Samsung)
- Tap + Add mobile plan or Download SIM
- Choose Scan QR code and scan the eSIM code you received
- Wait for the download and activation to complete
- Label your eSIM (e.g., “Japan Travel”)


✅ Option 2: Enter Activation Info Manually
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
- Tap Add SIM > Enter details manually
- Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided
- Follow the prompts to install


🌍Use the Travel eSIM data on Arrival
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
- Choose the newly added eSIM
- Turn on Mobile Data for that eSIM
- Select the eSIM as your preferred data SIM
- Enable Data Roaming (most Travle eSIMs require this)
Need a reliable travel eSIM for your next trip?
How to setup eSIM on Android devices?
You may take the article below for reference to install your eSIM on Android devices.
Click to view Android installation guide in new tab
Traveling abroad and need mobile data without the hassle of physical SIM cards? Travel eSIMs offer a fast, flexible solution. This guide shows you how to install and activate a travel eSIM on your iPhone or iPad step-by-step.
Contents
- Before Installation
- 3 Ways to Add Your eSIM
- Activate Your Travel eSIM
- Tips for Travel eSIM on iPhone
✅ Before Installation
Ensure the following:
- A supported device (iPhone or iPad with cellular support)
- Basic Requirement: iPhone XR, XS, 11 series and newer, iPad Pro (with cellular), iPad Air 3rd gen and newer, iOS 12.1 or later (latest recommended). view more compatible iPhone models.
- Ensure your phone is carrier unlocked.
- A travel eSIM (QR code or manual activation info). Purchase a travel eSIM from abesetesim.com and we will send you the QR code instantly.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection
📲 3 Ways to Install Your eSIM
Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi or a good 4G / 5G network.
Option 1: Scan a QR Code (Recommended)
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider, for iOS 17+, you can save the QR code to your Photo then add from photo
- Activate the eSIM
- After successful QR code scan, Activate eSIM page will pop up. This is the routine steps for add eSIM to iPhone.
- If you are already at your destination for the eSIM you purchased, just follow the steps to activate the eSIM.
- If you are not yet at your destination, it may stuck in activating then shows "Unable to Activate eSIM". Just don't worry, this is normal for travele eSIM as you are not yet at your destination to connect to the supported network for this activation. Turn the eSIM off after this.
Option 2: Enter Activation Info Manually
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
- Tap Enter Details Manually
- Input the:
- SM-DP+ Address
- Activation Code
- Follow the prompts until the eSIM is installed
Option 3: Use a Installation Quick Link (If Supported)
If you have an iPhone with iOS 17.4 and later, you can use the quick installation link to add eSIM to your phone. The installation link is sent via email by abestesim.com
🌍 Activate Your Travel eSIM
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap on the newly added eSIM
- Turn on Cellular Data
- Turn on Data Roaming (needed for most travel eSIMs)
- Select the eSIM as the default line for data
- Wait a few seconds to see the signal bars appear


📌 Tips for Travel eSIM on iPhone
- Label Your eSIM by Destination
When you install an eSIM, iOS allows you to assign a label (e.g., “Japan eSIM”, “Europe Trip”, “Work US”).
➡️ Go to Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM > Cellular Plan Label
Naming each plan clearly helps you avoid confusion, especially when you use multiple eSIMs for different regions.
- Disable iMessage/FaceTime for eSIM Line (if data-only)
To avoid iMessage issues, make sure iMessage and FaceTime remain tied to your main number or Apple ID email instead of the eSIM.
➡️ Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive
➡️ Make sure your Apple ID or primary number is selected, not the travel eSIM - Switch Off Unused Lines
If you're not using your physical SIM while traveling (e.g., to avoid roaming), you can turn it off:
➡️ Settings > Cellular > Primary Line > Turn Off This Line
Want to try a travel eSIM now?
➡ Visit: https://abestesim.com to purchase your Travel eSIM instantly.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
It is recommended to install your eSIM a few hours before departure or upon arrival at your destination.
Do not install your eSIM if you are not ready to start using the data plan.
While installation alone does not trigger the service day countdown, the countdown will begin once the eSIM connects to any supported network and starts using data.
To avoid early activation in locations with unexpected coverage (such as during a layover), keep the eSIM turned off and do not enable data roaming until you're ready to use it.
📌 Reminder:
The service period starts only after the eSIM connects to a supported network and begins using data.
Can I get eSIMs for multiple countries or regions?
Yes! We offer:
- eSIMs for single region / country (e.g., Japan, USA)
- Multi-region eSIMs which allows you to use one eSIM in different countries (e.g., Europe, Asia-Pacific)
- Global eSIMs for worldwide coverage
What speeds can I expect with abesteSIM?
We provide high-speed 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity in most countries by partnering with leading local carriers. This allows you to enjoy fast and reliable mobile data just like a local SIM.
📶 Using the eSIM
How to get my travel eSIM connected?
- To activate your eSim after adding the eSIM to your device.
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap on the newly added eSIM and turn on the eSIM
- Turn on Data Roaming for this eSIM (needed for most travel eSIMs)
- Assign the eSIM as the default line for data
- Wait a few seconds to see the signal bars appear
- Sometimes you may select the network manually
How is My eSIM validity calculated?
Most data plans begin when the eSIM first connects to a supported network and starts using data — not at the time of purchase or installation.
Some plans are activated based on a pre-selected start date chosen during purchase. Some ohers may begin immediately upon installation, regardless of when you use it.
📌 Please note:
Certain plans — such as those with a fixed start date or that activate upon installation — will have a clearly stated activation policy in the product description.
Please refer to the product page carefully to understand how your specific plan will be activated.
▶️ We recommend activating your eSIM only when you're ready to use it, to avoid unintended usage of your plan.
Can I top up my eSIM?
Sorry, we currently don't support topping up the eSIM. You may need to purchase a new data plan.
Can I receive calls or SMS on an eSIM?
Most of our travel eSIMs are data-only, unless otherwise stated. This means you won’t be able to make calls or receive SMS with them.
If an eSIM includes voice calls or SMS functionality, it will be clearly specified in the product description.
Please refer to the product page for details.
Can I share data with other devices?
Yes, you can use hotspots to share the data with your friends and family members.
Can I transfer my abesteSIM to another devices?
Once you have installed your abesteSim on a device, it will be bonded to the device and ready to use. We recommend that you choose the device you wish to use the abesteSIM carefully, as it cannot be transferred to another device once it is installed.
For some eSIM, deleting the eSIM may get you failed to re-install to the same device.
Replacement under certain condition is available and please contact our support team for help.
How to check eSIM data usage?
To check your eSIM data usage, follow these general steps — note that exact steps may vary depending on your device and eSIM provider:
Use our checking tool:
Visit https://abestesim.com/pages/esim-usage-checker to access the eSIM Usage Checker dashboard, where you can view your remaining data and usage details.
Carrier notifications or USSD codes:
- Some carriers send periodic SMS or notifications about your data usage.
- Some support special USSD codes to check balance and data usage.
- For plans with USSD support, the relevant numbers will be listed in the product details.
- Dialing these numbers usually does not incur extra fees.
On your device:
iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Select the eSIM plan you want to check.
- Scroll down to see Cellular Data Usage for the current period.
- You can reset statistics manually to track usage for a specific period.
Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Data usage.
- Choose the revelant eSIM.
- View the data usage for the billing cycle or current period.
- Some Android versions or manufacturer interface may vary; check under Mobile Network settings if you can’t find it. Some devices allow you to set usage warnings or limits.
How to remove a used eSIM?
Deleting an eSIM varies slightly depending on your device:
- On iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Select the eSIM plan you want to remove.
- Tap Remove Cellular Plan or Delete eSIM.
- Confirm to delete the eSIM profile from your device.
- On Android:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Mobile Network).
- Select the eSIM you want to delete.
- Tap Remove or Delete SIM profile.
- Confirm the removal.
Note:
Deleting a travel eSIM from your phone may, in some cases, prevent you from reinstalling it again. Therefore, we recommend deleting it only when you no longer need the eSIM.
If you encounter any issues using your eSIM, please contact the abesteSIM support team for assistance.
How to set up APN on my phone?
Mostly the APN is automatically set. Sometimes you may need to configure the APN (Access Point Name) settings on your phone. Here’s how to do it:
- For iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
- Under the Cellular Data section, enter the APN information.
- Save the settings and restart your phone if necessary.
- You can find button to reset APN setting at the bottom of the page.
- For Android:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Access Point Names.
- Tap the + or Add button to create a new APN profile.
- Enter the APN details given by your eSIM provider.
- Save the profile and select it as the active APN.
- Restart your device if required.
If you don’t have the APN details, please check your purchase confirmation email or contact our support team.
How to check EID of my phone?
The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a unique identifier for your phone’s eSIM.
To find your phone’s EID:
- For iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to find EID listed among other device information.
- For Android:
- Open Settings > About Phone > Status (or SIM Status).
- Look for EID or eSIM ID.
- Alternatively, you can:
- Dial *#06# on your phone and check if the EID is displayed along with IMEI.
- Check your device packaging or original purchase documents.
If you can’t find the EID, please contact your device manufacturer or carrier support.
How to check ICCID of my eSIM?
To view the ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) of your eSIM, you need to have the eSIM profile enabled on your device. If the eSIM is not enabled, the ICCID may not be visible.
- For iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to find ICCID listed among the device details.
- For Android:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Mobile Network).
- Select the active eSIM profile.
- Look for ICCID or SIM card status to find the ICCID number.
📌If your eSIM is not enabled, you may not see the ICCID.
Please enable the eSIM first to access this information.
If you have trouble finding your ICCID, contact our support team for assistance.
Does My eSIM Have an Expiry Date Before Use?
Our eSIMs have an activation validity period of 30 to 90 days from the date of purchase.
The activation validity means the number of days you have to activate (i.e., connect the eSIM to a network) after purchase.
If you do not activate the eSIM within this time frame, it will expire and cannot be used.
📌 Good news: If your eSIM has not been activated, we offer a free replacement.
Simply contact our support team, and we’ll assist you with a new one.
👉 Please also refer to the product page for the specific activation validity of your selected plan.
🚧 Troubleshooting & In-Use Issues
What can I do if my eSIM won’t connect to the network?
Please check your eSIM settings by following these steps:
- Make sure you are at the destination the eSIM you purchased covering.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
- Turn on the correct eSIM.
- Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM.
- Go to Network Selection and check if a supported carrier is connected. Turn off auto and manually select a supported carrier.
- Wait a few seconds for your phone to detect the signal. If no signal appears, try restarting your phone.
If the problem still persists, please contact us via support@abestesim.com or our online chat.
When contacting us, please attach:
- A screenshot of your troubleshooting steps
- A screenshot of your eSIM settings page
- This will help us quicker identify the issue and assist you efficiently.
How to fix "This code is no longer valid" error?
If you see this error when trying to install your eSIM, try the following steps:
- Check if the eSIM has already been installed
In most cases, this message appears because the eSIM was already added to your device.
Go to your phone’s SIM settings and check if a new eSIM profile has already been added. - Try a stable Wi-Fi connection
Sometimes, a poor or unstable network can cause the activation to fail. Switch to a more stable Wi-Fi connection and try again. - Don’t scan the QR code directly with the camera
Instead, go to your phone’s Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add eSIM and enter the details manually or scan from there. - Restart your phone
A simple restart may resolve temporary system or network issues.
After restarting, try adding the eSIM again.
Still not working?
Contact our customer support team, and we’ll help you resolve the issue quickly.
What do I do if I delete or lose my eSIM’s QR code?
If you cannot find the code, please contact our customer support
team at support@abestesim.com or our online chat option. We will resend you
the code through email.
Why is my network speed slower than expected?
We provide 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity in most countries by partnering with top local carriers to deliver fast and reliable data service.
However, your actual data speed depends on several factors, including:
- Your Location: The quality and availability of the local network infrastructure in your current location.
- Signal Strength: Weak signals can significantly reduce speed.
- Network Congestion: High user traffic in the area can cause temporary slowdowns.
- Device Compatibility: Older devices or those not fully supporting 4G/5G may experience slower speeds.
- Fair Usage Policy (FUP): Some plans apply speed restrictions during heavy data usage to ensure fair access for all users.
- Plan type: If you purchased a plan that offers unlimited data at reduced speeds (128kbps) after the high-speed quota is used up, this low-speed connection is mainly to keep you online but will be much slower. Some modern apps and websites may time out or fail to load, which can feel like no internet access.
If you experience slow speeds, we recommend trying to manually switch carriers or moving to an area with better coverage. For instructions on how to change networks manually, please [click here].
Why does my internet speed slow down even though I have unlimited data?
Some of our plans offer unlimited data but with a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) applied by the network operators to ensure fair access for all users.
For example:
- Plans with high-speed data caps will stop or throttle speeds once the high-speed quota is used up.
- Some unlimited plans provide continuous low-speed data (e.g., Unlimited 128 kbps) after high-speed data is exhausted, but this speed may not support smooth modern internet use.
- We offer both high-speed unlimited plans with speed limits (e.g., 5Mbps, 10Mbps, 20Mbps) and truly unlimited 4G/5G plans without speed caps. However, even on the unlimited high-speed plans, operators may apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) that temporarily reduces speeds during periods of excessive usage to ensure fair network access for all users.
- Other factors influencing speed include your location, signal strength, device compatibility, network congestion, and radio frequency band.
Although speed limits may apply, operators typically restore full speed after the FUP period, which usually resets daily.
If you need any assitance with the data speed please feel free to contact our support team.
What to do if my eSIM is activated but no internet connection?
If your eSIM is activated but you cannot access the internet, you can try the following:
- Make sure you are in your eSIM’s supported coverage area or destination.
- Enable Data Roaming on your device.
- Ensure the correct eSIM profile is selected and set as the mobile data / cellular line.
- If the connection is established but still no internet, try manually switching to another available network carrier.
What to do if my Phone stuck on “Activating...” after adding an eSIM?
There are generally two main scenarios:
1. You are not yet in your eSIM’s destination:
This usually happens when you install the eSIM before arriving at the destination, in a location where the eSIM is not supported. You may:
- Wait for about 5–10 minutes; if it fails, your iPhone will show activation failed.
- Then, turn off the eSIM profile.
Once you arrive at your destination, enable the eSIM again, turn on data roaming, and activate it. - If it stays stuck too long, try restarting your phone, then turn off the eSIM after reboot.
2. You are already in the destination:
In this case, possible reasons include:
- Data roaming is not enabled.
- Your location has weak or no carrier signal.
- You may need to manually select a supported carrier via Settings > Cellular > Network Selection.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, please contact our support team for help.
How to Fix the “This Code Is No Longer Valid” eSIM QR Code Error
If you're encountering the error message "This code is no longer valid" while trying to add your eSIM, here's a structured approach to resolve the issue:
🔍 Common Causes
-
QR Code Already Used:
Most eSIM QR codes can only be used once. If you've previously scanned and installed the eSIM, attempting to use the same QR code again will result in this error. -
Expired QR Code:
Some eSIM QR codes have an expiration period. If there's a significant delay between purchasing and activating the eSIM, the code might no longer be valid. -
Incomplete Installation:
If the eSIM installation process was interrupted or not completed, the QR code might become invalid upon retry. -
Weak Network Connection:
A poor or unstable internet connection during the scanning process can lead to errors. -
Device Compatibility Issues:
Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality and is compatible with the eSIM provider's network. -
Device Switching Restrictions:
If you have previously installed the eSIM on another device, then deleted it and switched to a new phone, this error may occur. Most travel eSIMs do not support switching devices, which can cause the QR code to become invalid.
✅ Steps to Resolve
-
Verify eSIM Installation:
If this is the first time you scan the QR code to add eSIM, and the eSIM QR code is not expired. The eSIM may has already been added to your phone. You may verified the installaion by going to the Settings > Cellular or Netwokr or similiar > SIMs, check your sim list and see if there is a new eSIM added, normally the last one. If yes. It should be the one. Turn it on and go to your setttings to check if the ICCID match the ICCD of your travel eSIM. -
Restart Your Device:
A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches and refresh network settings. -
Connect to an alternative network:
- Connect to another stable Wi-Fi network. Or use 4G/5G cellular network and try again.
- Avoid using a VPN during the scanning process.
-
Re-scan the QR Code:
Go to phone settings and re-scan the QR code from phone setting >> add eSIM. -
Manual Installation:
If scanning the QR code doesn't work, use the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your eSIM provider to manually install the eSIM.
If the above steps don't resolve the issue, reach out to your eSIM provider's support team. Provide them with the error message and any relevant details so they can assist you further.
💸 Refund & Support
How Can I get a refund?
We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality travel eSIMs. We also understand that our customers may have unforeseen events after making the purchase. We offer refunds for our eSIMs under specific conditions.
Please review our Refund Policy or contact us via support@abesetesim.com. View our refund policy
What is your refund policy?
Please read our refund policy here
How to contact the support team?
please contact us via support@abestesim.com or our online chat.
When contacting us, please attach:
- A screenshot of your troubleshooting steps
- A screenshot of your eSIM settings page
This will help us quicker identify the issue and assist you efficiently.