Is your phone ready for an eSIM? Checking support and carrier unlock

A travel data eSIM is a profile installed on your phone's built-in eSIM chip. To use one, your phone needs two things: eSIM hardware, and no carrier lock preventing it from using another network. Neither depends on how you pay. Here's how to check both, and how to install your eSIM once it arrives.

Check 1: does your phone support eSIM?

On iPhone, open Settings → General → About and scroll down. If you see an “EID” number or an “Available SIM” / “Digital SIM” entry, your iPhone has eSIM capability. You can also look in Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular) for an “Add eSIM” option.

On Android, open Settings and search for “eSIM” or look under Network & internet → SIMs. An option such as “Add eSIM”, “Download a SIM” or “Add mobile plan” indicates eSIM support. On many phones you can also dial *#06# — if an EID appears, the phone has an eSIM chip.

Be aware that the same model can differ by region: some phones sold in certain markets ship without eSIM, and some models sold in other regions are eSIM-only. If the settings above don't appear, assume your phone doesn't support eSIM and check with the manufacturer.

Check 2: is your phone carrier-unlocked?

A phone that's locked to a carrier will refuse to use another network's profile, even if it supports eSIM. Phones bought outright from the manufacturer are usually unlocked; phones on contract or financed through a carrier are often locked until the contract terms are met.

• iPhone: Settings → General → About → look for “Carrier Lock”. “No SIM restrictions” means unlocked.
• Android: there's no universal setting. Some phones show a “SIM lock” or “Network unlock” status in Settings. The reliable way is to ask your carrier whether your device is unlocked, or try a SIM from a different carrier.

If your phone is locked, ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel. We can't unlock a phone, and an eSIM can't bypass a carrier lock.

Installing your eSIM

1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Installing needs internet access.
2. Open the QR code on a different screen (laptop, tablet, printed page).
3. iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR code. Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM / Download a SIM, then scan.
4. If scanning isn't possible, use the manual activation code (the LPA string) from your order.
5. Label the new line clearly, e.g. “Travel”.

Most eSIM QR codes can only be installed once. Don't delete the eSIM profile after installing unless you're sure you no longer need it.

Keeping your home number

Most eSIM-capable phones can keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts while using the travel eSIM for data. In mobile settings, set the travel eSIM as the line for mobile data and turn off data roaming and automatic data switching on your home line. Calls, texts and other services on that line may still incur carrier charges; check your home tariff.

When you arrive

• Turn on the travel line and enable data roaming for that line — travel eSIMs often connect via partner networks, which the phone treats as roaming.
• Give it a minute to register on a network. Toggling airplane mode on and off can help.
• If there's still no data, check that the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data, then contact support with your order number.

Checking usage and topping up

You can check remaining data and, where available, buy a top-up from the usage page using the order ID from your order lookup. Top-up options are shown only when the network supports them for your eSIM.