Question 1

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

Accepted Answer

The quickest way is to dial *#06# on your phone — if you see an 'EID' number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also check Settings: on iPhone look for 'Add eSIM' under Cellular, and on Android look for 'Add eSIM' under the SIM manager.

Question 2

Which iPhone models support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onward supports eSIM — including the iPhone SE (2020) and newer, and the entire iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 lineups. iPhones bought in mainland China are the main exception and do not have eSIM.

Question 3

Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max support eSIM and how do I install it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max all support eSIM. After buying a plan, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, scan the QR code we email you, and set the Airlivo eSIM as your data line. It takes about two minutes.

Question 4

Do Samsung phones support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Samsung flagships from the Galaxy S20 onward support eSIM, along with the Note 20, the Z Fold and Z Flip series, and many recent A-series models. Add it under Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.

Question 5

Which Android phones support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Google Pixel 3 and newer, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and recent phones from Motorola, Oppo, Huawei and others support eSIM. The surest check is to dial *#06# and look for an EID number.

Question 6

My phone doesn't support eSIM — what are my options?

Accepted Answer

If your phone has no eSIM support, an Airlivo eSIM won't work on it. You'd need a phone that supports eSIM, or a traditional physical travel SIM. Check our compatible devices list to be sure before buying.

Question 7

Can I store several eSIMs on one phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most modern phones can store multiple eSIM profiles — often eight or more — though usually only one or two can be active at a time. You can keep past travel eSIMs installed and just switch the active one in settings.

Question 8

Does an eSIM work on an iPad or tablet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your iPad or tablet has cellular support and eSIM. Most cellular iPads from 2018 onward and many Android tablets support eSIM. Look for an 'Add eSIM' option under the cellular/mobile data settings.

Question 9

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM is tied to the device it was installed on and generally can't be moved to another phone by re-scanning the QR code, since each code works only once. If you switch phones mid-trip, contact support to see what options are available.

Question 10

How do I find my EID number?

Accepted Answer

Dial *#06# on your phone and the EID appears alongside the IMEI. On iPhone you can also find it under Settings → General → About, and on Android under Settings → About phone → SIM status. Any phone with an EID supports eSIM.

Question 11

Do US iPhones have a SIM slot, or are they eSIM-only?

Accepted Answer

iPhone models sold in the United States (iPhone 14 and newer) are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM tray. iPhones sold in most other countries, including Turkey and Europe, keep a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM.

Question 12

Is my phone carrier-unlocked, and how do I check?

Accepted Answer

For an eSIM to work, your phone must be carrier-unlocked. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About — if it says 'No SIM restrictions', it's unlocked. On Android, ask your carrier or test with another carrier's SIM. To be sure, checking with the carrier you bought the phone from is the most reliable way.

Question 13

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most modern phones support Dual SIM, so you can keep your physical SIM and your Airlivo eSIM active at the same time. Your own number stays available for calls and texts, and you use the Airlivo eSIM for data.

Question 14

Can I use two eSIMs at the same time?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your device. iPhone XS and later store multiple eSIMs but usually keep one eSIM active at a time; iPhone 13 and later can keep two eSIMs active simultaneously. Many newer Android phones also run two eSIMs together. You can keep your Airlivo eSIM alongside another eSIM.

Question 15

Can I use an eSIM on tablets and smartwatches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as they are cellular models. eSIM-capable iPads and smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch can use an eSIM; Wi-Fi-only models cannot. An Airlivo eSIM can also be installed on compatible tablets and watches.

Question 16

How do I turn off the eSIM temporarily without deleting it?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to delete the eSIM — you can turn it off temporarily. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > the line > turn off 'Turn On This Line'. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > switch the eSIM off. When you turn it back on, your plan continues where it left off (if it hasn't expired).

Question 17

How do I delete the eSIM from my phone?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > the line > 'Delete eSIM'. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > eSIM > 'Remove/Delete'. Caution: eSIM QR codes are usually single-use, so if you delete it you may not be able to reload it with the same code — don't delete unless you're sure.

Question 18

If I delete the eSIM, is my plan cancelled?

Accepted Answer

Deleting it doesn't restore the plan's remaining data or days, and because the profile is usually a single-use QR you often can't reload it — so in practice you lose the plan. If the plan is finished, deleting is fine; but if you'll still use it, don't delete — just turn it off temporarily.

Question 19

Does a factory reset delete the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Factory-resetting the phone (or 'Erase All Content and Settings') removes eSIM profiles, and you usually can't reload them with the same QR. Avoid resetting your phone during a trip; if you must, contact Airlivo support first.

Question 20

Should I delete the eSIM before resetting my phone?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily — a factory reset removes the eSIM anyway. What matters is not resetting if you still have a plan to use, or talking to Airlivo support about your options before you reset. If your new phone supports eSIM, you may need to install a fresh profile.

Question 21

Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?

Accepted Answer

eSIMs are tied to the device and can't be moved directly between platforms (iPhone ↔ Android); QR codes are also usually single-use. If you switch phones, you'll often need to install a new eSIM/plan. Share your situation with Airlivo support and they'll show you the best way.

Question 22

Do I need to delete the eSIM after my trip?

Accepted Answer

You don't. An expired eSIM does no harm and can stay on the phone; you can delete it later if you like. If you'll return to the same country, you can sometimes add a new plan/top-up to the same profile, so don't rush to delete. If you want to keep your phone tidy, deleting is fine too.

Question 23

Can I install a travel eSIM on a 4G or 5G router?

Accepted Answer

Only if the router supports eSIM, and most home routers use a physical SIM rather than eSIM. Some newer 4G/5G routers do accept eSIM: look for an 'Add eSIM' option or an EID number in their settings. If your router only has a physical SIM slot, a travel eSIM can't be installed on it — instead, share your phone's internet over Wi-Fi.

Question 24

Can I use a travel eSIM in a MiFi or portable Wi-Fi router?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the model. Most MiFi and pocket routers use a physical SIM; only a few recent models support eSIM (they show an 'Add eSIM' option or an EID in their dashboard). If yours supports eSIM and is unlocked, you can install the Airlivo eSIM; if not, use your phone's hotspot instead.

Question 25

Can I use a travel eSIM in a USB modem?

Accepted Answer

Almost no USB modems (dongles) support eSIM — the vast majority use a physical SIM. Unless the manufacturer lists eSIM support and an EID, you won't be able to install a travel eSIM on it. The simplest option is to install the eSIM on your phone and share its internet over Wi-Fi or USB.

Question 26

Do 5ber and eSIM.me adapters work with travel eSIMs?

Accepted Answer

These adapters turn an eSIM into a physical card for phones without eSIM. They can technically work with many travel eSIMs, but they aren't guaranteed — installation can fail, and we don't provide support for them. If your phone supports eSIM natively, skipping the adapter is far more reliable.

Question 27

Can I use a travel eSIM on a phone that does not officially support eSIM with an adapter?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Adapters such as 5ber or eSIM.me load an eSIM profile onto a physical card, which can add eSIM-like functionality to a phone without native eSIM. It works with some travel eSIMs but not all, setup can be fiddly, and we can't guarantee or support it. A phone with built-in eSIM is always the safer choice.

Question 28

What happens to my eSIM if my phone is stolen while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Because the eSIM is built into the phone, a thief would have the profile inside it, but they can't pop it out and move it to another device like a physical SIM. Lock the phone as soon as possible with 'Find My iPhone' or 'Find My Device' and tell your carrier about your primary line. For your Airlivo plan, contact support to review your options.

Question 29

Can I protect an eSIM with a PIN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Just like a physical SIM, you can set a PIN for the eSIM in settings (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → the line → SIM PIN; Android: Settings → Security or SIM manager → SIM lock). Note the PIN carefully — if you forget it, you'll need the PUK to unlock it.

Question 30

Do travel eSIMs have PIN and PUK codes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An eSIM can have a PIN (to lock its use) and, like a normal SIM, an associated PUK to unlock it if the PIN is entered wrong too many times. Many data eSIMs ship with no PIN enabled by default. If you need the PUK for your Airlivo eSIM, contact support.

Question 31

What should I do if my eSIM PIN is locked?

Accepted Answer

If you enter the PIN wrong three times, the eSIM locks and asks for the PUK code. Don't keep guessing PINs, because using up the PUK attempts can permanently disable the profile. Contact Airlivo support for the PUK and unlock instructions.

Question 32

Can I install a travel eSIM on a company or work phone?

Accepted Answer

Only if your company allows it. On phones managed with MDM, eSIM installation may be blocked by corporate policy; on an unrestricted work phone it works like any other. Check with your IT department before buying a plan.

Question 33

Can MDM or a company profile block eSIM installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your phone is managed by your employer (MDM), the organization's policy can block installing eSIMs or adding new lines. If you see the option greyed out or a restriction notice, talk to your company's IT department. On a personal phone you won't have this limitation.

Question 34

Why does my Xiaomi phone not show the 'Add eSIM' option?

Accepted Answer

Not all Xiaomi phones support eSIM — it depends on the model and regional version. Dial *#06# — if no EID appears, that device has no eSIM. If your model should have it, update MIUI/HyperOS to the latest version, since the option sometimes appears after updating. Check our compatible devices list before buying.

Question 35

Why does my Google Pixel not show 'Download a SIM' or 'Add eSIM'?

Accepted Answer

Almost all Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward support eSIM, except some regional variants (for example, certain Pixels sold in Asia). Dial *#06# to check for an EID, update Android to the latest version, and look under Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → 'Add eSIM' / 'Download a SIM instead?'. If no EID shows, that device doesn't support eSIM.

Question 36

Can the same phone model support eSIM in one country but not another?

Accepted Answer

Yes. eSIM support depends on the regional variant of the model. The best-known case is the iPhone: units sold in mainland China have no eSIM, and some Samsung and other Android models in certain regions also ship with it disabled. Check your specific unit by dialing *#06# to see whether it has an EID.

Question 37

Why do some Chinese or Hong Kong versions of phones not support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Mainland China iPhones have no eSIM (they use dual physical SIM), and some Hong Kong and Macau models don't either. For other brands, variants from those regions may also ship with eSIM disabled, often due to local regulations. If you bought the phone there, dial *#06#: no EID means no eSIM.

Question 38

Does eSIM work on a refurbished iPhone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the model supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later) and isn't a mainland China unit. Check two things: that the phone is carrier-unlocked, and that it has an EID (Settings → General → About). A refurbished, unlocked iPhone uses the Airlivo eSIM just like a new one.

Question 39

Can I use a travel eSIM on a phone that is still being financed by my carrier?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the phone is unlocked. Many carriers sell phones already unlocked even when you pay in installments, but some lock them until the balance is paid off. If it's locked, a third-party eSIM may fail — ask your carrier whether your phone is unlocked.

Device Compatibility