Using an eSIM
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Can I return my eSIM?
See moreYes. If you've purchased an eSIM and have not yet activated it, you can return it for a full refund within 60 days of purchase.
To do this:
- Go to My eSIM and click on plan details.
- If the plan has not been activated, you will see the 'Return Plan' option.
- Select it and confirm.
- Your refund will be processed automatically.Already activated your plan and having an issue with your eSIM? Contact us for assistance.
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Can I switch between eSIM profiles?
See moreYes, absolutely. One of the advantages of eSIMs is that you can have several plans on your phone at any time and switch between them instantly depending on where you are and the plan you wish to use.
Please note: Some devices will limit the number of eSIMs you can store on your phone at any one time and you may need to remove an old eSIM to use a new one.
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Can I keep my eSIM if I change my phone number?
See moreYes, your eSIM is associated with your phone rather than your operator plan or phone number.
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Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time?
See moreYes! Dual SIM technology makes this possible. You can purchase an eSIM plan from Sim Local and use this alongside your regular SIM when you travel.
This enables you to run two lines – one for work and one for home or one for travel and one for family.
You can also select one line for calls and another for data or however you choose to configure your options.
Dual SIM technology allows you to use multiple eSIMs or a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, allowing you to select which functionality you want from each.
To use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously, follow these simple steps:
1. Ensure you label your plans and give each a name that help you easily identify which is which
On iOS:
- Go to phone settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile data.
- Tap your eSIM plan and enter the name and save.
On Android:
- Go to phone settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM Card.
- Select eSIM plan and enter the name & save.
2. When you land in your eSIM destination, activate it to use the local network
On iOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile.
- Select your eSIM line.
- Select ‘turn on this line’ and turn on data roaming.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Choose mobile network.
- Turn on your eSIM.
- Turn on mobile data and data roaming.
3. Set up your Voice Line
This will be used for calls and texts. If your eSIM is data only you will want to use your physical SIM but please note you will be subject to data roaming charges.
On iOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile data.
- Select default Voice line and select your SIM or eSIM.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM card.
- Select calls and your SIM or eSIM line.
- Select texts and select your SIM or eSIM line.
4. Choose your data line (Note: Only one of your lines can use data).
On iOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile data.
- Select default Voice line and select your SIM or eSIM line.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM card.
- Choose Data Service Network.
- Select your SIM or eSIM line.
When you return home or wish to switch back you can go to your settings at any time and switch back to the plan you would like to use.
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Can I use iMessage with my data-only eSIM?
See moreYes, you can use iMessage with your data-only eSIM however, you need to ensure it is configured properly in your settings.
iMessage uses data rather than traditional SMS, so having a data connection is essential.
When you download your new eSIM, your phone will prompt you to set this up in settings to ensure it remains active.
On your iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Go to Messages
- Turn iMessage off
- Turn iMessage back on
- Select Send & Receive
- Uncheck your phone number and select your email address (this ensures you use your data).
You can reverse these steps and select your phone number when you return home to stop using your eSIM.
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How long does it take to download a profile?
See moreIt can take between 1-10 minutes for the eSIM to activate.
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I would like to switch to a new network operator, can I change my eSIM profile?
See moreYes, but you will need to purchase a new eSIM from the new network operator.
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Can the eSIM be accidentally removed?
See moreNo, the eSIM cannot be accidentally removed unless the eSIM is deleted in error.
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I bought a new device to use with an existing eSIM. Can I reinstall my existing eSIM QR code again to activate on my new device?
See moreEach unique QR code is one time use only. Therefore, once the QR code has been successfully scanned, it cannot be rescanned.
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What do I do if my eSIM device is lost or stolen?
See moreUnfortunately, we are unable to help with this. Please contact your network operator directly to discuss next steps.
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How can I top up an eSIM?
See moreOur Smartroam plans allow for top ups.
If you have purchased a Smartroam plan, you will be able to purchase an add-on through your account via My eSIM.
If you have purchased another branded eSIM, you can renew your eSIM via My eSIM, which will allow you to keep your eSIM and restart your plan benefits.
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What are local and international call minutes?
See moreWhen a plan offers ‘call minutes’, there is usually a difference between local and international minutes.
Local minutes refer to minutes for calls made within the country you are using the plan in.
International minutes refer to minutes for calls made from different countries.Some terms and conditions may apply, depending on your operator. If you're unsure, you can refer to Network Terms and Conditions for more information.
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Why don’t I see 5G in the status bar on my iPhone?
See moreTo connect with 5G services, please ensure you are in an area that has 5G coverage.
To check if the data setting is set to 5G go to Settings > go to 'Mobile/Cellular Service' > select the SIM profile you wish to activate 5G for > select 'Voice & Data' and ensure that the 5G option is selected.
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Can I use 5G with my eSIM?
See moreYes, if the Network provider supports 5G and if you are in an area where 5G coverage is supported.
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Can I receive phone calls on my primary number?
See moreYou can receive phone calls on your original primary number provided your network operator allows roaming for your plan.
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Can I make phone calls or send SMS with my eSIM?
See moreYes, if you purchase an eSIM that includes Calling & SMS feature.
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Can I use tethering (Personal Hotspot)?
See moreYes, eSIM supports the same features as SIM cards, this includes the ability to set up a mobile hotspot.
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Can I activate the same eSIM on multiple devices?
See moreUnfortunately, eSIMs are one-time scan only and can only be activated on one device.
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What happens to the unused data after the validity period?
See moreAll unused data will simply expire after the bundle validity period has passed.
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How can I check my current data usage?
See moreiOS:
Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data.
Android:
1. Go to the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Tap on Network & Internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Choose the active eSIM. Here, you can view your data usage details.
Also if you download the Sim Local app, you can track your data usage on the eSIM you have purchased. -
How do I know which eSIM is using data?
See more1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile.
3. Go to Cellular Data to see the plan used for data. -
How do I know if my laptop has an eSIM?
See moreSelect the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular .
On the Cellular screen, look for a link near the bottom of the page that says Manage eSIM profiles. If that link appears, your PC has an eSIM.
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Can I use WhatsApp with my Sim Local eSIM?
See moreYes, Whatsapp is an app that runs using your data allowance. Provided your eSIM has a data connection, you should be able to use Whatsapp as normal.