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Find answers to common questions about eSIMs, plans, activation and more.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you simply scan a QR code to download a data plan straight to your device. It works exactly like a regular SIM — just faster and more convenient.

Most smartphones released since 2018 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many more. You can check your specific device using the compatibility checker on our website.

Your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM from another provider. On iPhone go to Settings → General → About and look for SIM Lock. On Android go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager. If unsure, contact your home carrier.

Yes — most modern smartphones support multiple eSIMs stored at once, though only one or two can be active at a time. This means you can keep your home plan active and switch to your InstantESIMs plan when you land abroad.

Your eSIM QR code is delivered to your email inbox within seconds of purchase — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

You can purchase at any time, but we recommend buying before you leave so you can activate your plan as soon as you land — without needing Wi-Fi to set it up.

We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Yes — simply enter the recipient's email address at checkout and the QR code will be sent directly to them.

After purchase you will receive an email with a QR code. Go to your phone's SIM or Mobile Data settings, select Add eSIM or Add Data Plan, then scan the QR code. Full step-by-step instructions are included in your confirmation email.

Your plan validity starts when you first connect to a local network in your destination, not when you purchase or install the eSIM. So you can install it in advance without wasting any of your data or days.

If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can enter the activation details manually. The confirmation email includes both the QR code and manual activation codes as a backup.

eSIM QR codes are single-use and device-specific once scanned. If you need to transfer to a different device, please contact our support team before activating.

Yes. Our eSIMs are data-only plans. Your physical SIM and home number remain active — you can still receive calls and texts on your regular number while using InstantESIMs data abroad.

When your data allowance runs out, your connection will stop. You can purchase a new plan at any time to top up — simply buy a new plan from our website.

Yes — many of our plans cover multiple countries or entire regions. Check the coverage tab on each plan page to see exactly which countries are included.

Our eSIMs connect to local 4G and 5G networks in your destination country, giving you fast, reliable data comparable to what locals experience.

Our plans are data-only. For calls and texts, your home SIM remains active alongside the eSIM so you can use your regular number, or use internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype over your data plan.

Yes — all our eSIMs support hotspot tethering, so you can share your data connection with a laptop, tablet or other devices while travelling.

All our eSIMs have a 180-day pre-activation period from the date of purchase. As long as you activate within 180 days, your plan validity will start from the moment you first connect abroad.

First make sure data roaming is enabled on your device. Go to Settings → Mobile Data and ensure the InstantESIMs plan is selected as your data plan with roaming turned on. If you are still having issues, contact our support team and we will help you get connected.

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, contact our support team with your order number and we will resend it immediately.

No — once an eSIM is deleted from your device it cannot be reinstalled. Do not delete your eSIM unless your plan has fully expired.

Try toggling aeroplane mode on and off to force a network reconnection. If that does not work, go to your Mobile Data settings and manually select your InstantESIMs plan. If the issue continues, contact our support team.

This depends on your plan. Most of our plans cover land-based networks only. Cruise ship connectivity uses satellite or roaming networks which are not included. Check the coverage details of your specific plan before travelling.

Yes — simply purchase a new plan from our website. You can buy and install multiple eSIMs on your device, or purchase a new plan for the same destination.

If your eSIM has not been activated we offer a full refund. Once an eSIM has been scanned and activated, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis.

You can reach our support team 24/7 via live chat on the website or by emailing support@instantesims.com. We aim to respond to all emails within 2 hours.

Yes — we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you experience a genuine technical issue with your eSIM that our team cannot resolve, we will provide a full refund.

Yes — all payments are processed through Shopify's secure checkout, which is PCI DSS compliant. We never store your card details on our servers.

You need a Wi-Fi or data connection to download and install the eSIM profile onto your device. We recommend doing this before you travel while connected to your home Wi-Fi. Once installed, no internet connection is needed to use it abroad.

Still need help?

Our support team is available 24/7 via live chat or email.

💬 Start Live Chat✉ support@instantesims.com