eSIM Starter Guide
New to eSIM? Start here โ what an eSIM is, whether your phone works with it, and how it fits alongside your normal SIM.
What is an eSIM?An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you activate a mobile plan by scanning a QR cโฆIs my phone compatible with an eSIM?Most phones from 2019 onward support eSIM โ including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S aโฆHow is an eSIM different from a physical SIM?They work the same way for data, calls and texts. The only difference is there's no plastic card โ the SIM is stored digitally inโฆCan I keep my WhatsApp and phone number while using an eSIM?Yes. Your Airlivo eSIM only provides data. Your regular SIM stays in the phone, so your WhatsApp, phone number, calls and texts keโฆDo I need to remove my physical SIM?No. Your eSIM and physical SIM run side by side. Just set the eSIM as your data line while travelling and keep your home SIM in foโฆWill I still get calls and texts on my normal number?Yes, as long as your home SIM stays in the phone. To avoid roaming charges, turn off data roaming on your home line and use the AiโฆWhat does 'eSIM' actually mean?eSIM stands for 'embedded SIM'. It's a small chip built into your phone that does the same job as a plastic SIM card, but you actiโฆIs an eSIM safe and secure?Yes. An eSIM is at least as secure as a physical SIM โ the profile is encrypted and stored in a protected chip. Because it can't bโฆWhat's the difference between a travel eSIM and roaming?Roaming uses your home carrier's network abroad, often at very high per-MB rates. A travel eSIM gives you a separate local data plโฆ