Question 1

Which network will my eSIM use?

Accepted Answer

Your eSIM automatically connects to a trusted local partner network in each country — the same towers locals use — so you get strong, native coverage without choosing an operator manually.

Question 2

Does the plan include calls and SMS, or only data?

Accepted Answer

Most Airlivo plans are data-only, which covers WhatsApp, iMessage, maps, browsing and video calls. Some destinations also offer plans with local calls and SMS — you'll see these clearly marked when choosing your package.

Question 3

Can I share my data via hotspot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hotspot / tethering works on almost all our plans, so you can share your connection with a laptop or a travel companion’s phone.

Question 4

What happens when my data runs out? Can I top up?

Accepted Answer

When your data is used up the connection simply stops — there are no surprise overage charges. You can buy a new plan or top up the same eSIM at any time from your account.

Question 5

Do I need to set up an APN manually?

Accepted Answer

Usually not — the APN configures itself automatically. If you don't get data after activating, we provide the exact APN setting for each country and our support can walk you through it.

Question 6

What internet speed can I expect?

Accepted Answer

You'll get full local 4G/LTE or 5G speeds wherever the partner network supports it — the same speed a local customer gets. There's no artificial throttling on your plan.

Question 7

Do eSIM plans expire, and when does validity start?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each plan has a validity period (for example 7, 15 or 30 days). The countdown usually starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, not when you buy it.

Question 8

How can I check how much data I have left?

Accepted Answer

You can see your remaining data in your Airlivo account under your orders. Your phone's built-in mobile-data usage counter (in cellular settings) also gives a rough live figure once you reset it at the start of your trip.

Question 9

Can I make normal phone calls and send text messages?

Accepted Answer

Most Airlivo eSIMs are data-only, so they don't carry a phone number for regular calls or SMS. You can still call and message freely over the internet using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and similar apps.

Question 10

Will WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime work on my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These apps run over data, so they work normally on your eSIM. Your WhatsApp stays linked to your original number even while the eSIM provides the internet — you never need to re-register.

Question 11

Can I use a VPN with my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An eSIM is just an internet connection, so any VPN app works over it exactly as it would on Wi-Fi or your home SIM.

Question 12

Does using an eSIM drain my battery faster?

Accepted Answer

No more than a normal SIM. If your phone is constantly searching for signal in a low-coverage area it can use more battery, but under normal conditions an eSIM uses about the same power as a physical SIM.

Question 13

Can I switch between my home SIM and my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In your cellular settings you can turn each line on or off and choose which one handles data. A common setup is: home SIM for calls and texts, Airlivo eSIM for data.

Question 14

Can I reuse my eSIM on my next trip after it expires?

Accepted Answer

Once a plan's data or validity is used up, that plan is finished. For a future trip you buy a new plan; you can often top up the same eSIM profile rather than installing a brand-new one — check your account.

Question 15

How do I stop my home SIM from running up roaming charges?

Accepted Answer

Turn off Data Roaming on your home SIM line (not the eSIM) in your cellular settings, and set the Airlivo eSIM as your data line. That way your home number still receives calls and texts, but only the eSIM uses data.

Question 16

Does the eSIM plan start the moment it's installed?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. For most Airlivo plans, validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination — not when you install it. So you can safely install the eSIM days before your trip at home over Wi-Fi without wasting time. (A few special plans may start at purchase; this is noted in the plan details.)

Question 17

Does the eSIM activate before I arrive in the country?

Accepted Answer

You can install it (download the profile) anywhere, but the plan usually activates when it first connects to a local network in your destination. So you can set it up at home; the real start happens once you arrive and select the eSIM as your data line.

Question 18

How long does activation take?

Accepted Answer

Installing the eSIM (scanning the QR and downloading the profile) usually takes a few minutes. When you arrive, turning the eSIM on and enabling data roaming lets it connect within a few seconds to a few minutes. If it doesn't connect, toggling airplane mode usually speeds it up.

Question 19

How do I check whether my plan is active?

Accepted Answer

Two ways: on your phone, if that eSIM line shows signal bars and the internet works, it's active. You can also see your plan status and remaining data in your Airlivo account or app. If the internet is on in your status bar, the plan is running.

Question 20

Is eSIM validity counted in days or hours?

Accepted Answer

Airlivo plans count validity in days (e.g. 7, 15, 30 days). Validity usually starts when the eSIM first connects to a network, and it's counted from that moment, not to the end of the calendar day. Each plan's validity is shown on its product page.

Question 21

My plan started before my travel date — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

This usually happens when the eSIM connects to a network before you arrive (for example, testing it in your home country). You can't pause the timer, but if the remaining data and days still cover your trip, it's fine. If it started early and won't cover your travel, contact Airlivo support to ask about your options.

Question 22

If I activate the eSIM late, does my plan expire?

Accepted Answer

No. A plan's validity doesn't start until the eSIM first connects to a network, so installing it and waiting doesn't burn your time. That said, some plans may have an 'install-by' or 'use-by' date — this is noted in the plan details. If unsure, install early and connect later.

Question 23

Should I turn off my home line?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to turn it off completely. If you want to keep receiving calls and texts, leave your home line on — but turn off its data roaming and use the Airlivo eSIM for internet. If you want zero charge risk (and don't mind missing calls), you can switch the home line off.

Question 24

Will I be charged for roaming if my home SIM stays on?

Accepted Answer

Simply leaving it on doesn't cost anything. Charges mainly come from your home line using the internet abroad while its data roaming is on, so keep that off. Note that some carriers may also charge a separate roaming rate for incoming/outgoing calls and texts (independent of data).

Question 25

How do I use only the Airlivo eSIM abroad?

Accepted Answer

Set the internet to the Airlivo eSIM and turn off data roaming on your home line; you can keep your home line on for calls if you like. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Airlivo eSIM, with Data Roaming off for the home line. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Mobile data > Airlivo eSIM.

Question 26

Should 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' be on?

Accepted Answer

This iPhone option (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Allow Cellular Data Switching) lets the phone use the other line for data when one has no signal. Abroad, that can make your home line roam and incur charges — so it's usually best to keep it off.

Question 27

Which should be the default voice line on iPhone?

Accepted Answer

The default voice line decides which number makes calls. If you want to call and be reached on your own number, set the voice line to your home line and use the Airlivo eSIM for data only. You can choose it in Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line.

Question 28

Can I keep receiving texts on my home line?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as your home line (physical SIM) stays on in the phone, texts to your own number keep arriving — including bank verification codes. You use the Airlivo eSIM only for internet, while SMS come through your home line. (Note: texts abroad may be subject to your home carrier's roaming rates.)

Question 29

Will bank verification texts still arrive?

Accepted Answer

Yes — as long as your home line (your own number) stays on in the phone, bank OTP/verification texts keep arriving. Don't turn the home line off for this; just turn off its data roaming. While using the Airlivo eSIM for data, your bank still reaches you on your own number.

Question 30

Will incoming calls to my home line be charged?

Accepted Answer

While abroad, calls to your own line may be subject to your carrier's roaming rates — this is independent of data and varies by carrier. The Airlivo eSIM provides internet, not calls. To avoid call charges entirely, you can switch off the home line and use internet calls like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Question 31

Which settings should I turn off to avoid a roaming bill?

Accepted Answer

Most important: turn off data roaming on your home line (your own SIM). On iPhone, also turn off 'Allow Cellular Data Switching'. Set data to the Airlivo eSIM and turn on data roaming only for it. Those three are the safest way to avoid a surprise roaming bill.

Question 32

Can I make WhatsApp calls over the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Calls like WhatsApp and FaceTime work over the internet, and since the Airlivo eSIM gives you internet, WhatsApp voice and video calls work fine. You just need enough speed and data.

Question 33

My iMessage number changed — how do I fix it?

Accepted Answer

iMessage/FaceTime can sometimes pick the eSIM line and show the wrong number. To fix it: in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, keep your own number/email selected for iMessage; do the same in Settings > FaceTime. Turning iMessage off and on also refreshes the association.

Question 34

Can I use Instagram, YouTube and TikTok on the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Airlivo eSIM provides a standard internet connection, so Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and all other apps work normally. Video uses more data, so plan your allowance accordingly.

Question 35

Do WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work on a China eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. In China local carriers block services like WhatsApp, Google and Instagram; however, travel eSIMs often route your traffic outside China, so these apps can work without a VPN. It's not guaranteed, though, so keeping a backup VPN for critical access is wise.

Question 36

Can I use banking apps on the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Banking and payment apps work over the Airlivo eSIM's internet. One thing to watch: some banks send verification codes by SMS — keep your own SIM line on in the phone so those codes arrive. Some banks may also ask for extra security checks when you log in from abroad.

Question 37

Do navigation apps work on the eSIM's internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze work fine on the Airlivo eSIM's internet; your location comes from GPS while map data loads over the internet. For areas with no connection, downloading maps offline is handy.

Question 38

Can I extend my plan's duration?

Accepted Answer

You can't extend a plan's validity (days) — once it expires, the plan ends. But if you're staying longer, you can buy a new plan or add a top-up to your existing eSIM. Just purchase a new plan for the same country in your Airlivo account.

Question 39

Can I buy a new plan for the same eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as the eSIM profile stays on your phone, you can buy a new plan or top-up for the same country/region from Airlivo and use it on the same eSIM — no need to rescan the QR. If you're going to a different country, buy that country's plan.

Question 40

Does unused data roll over to the next plan?

Accepted Answer

No. A plan's remaining data doesn't carry over when it expires or when you buy a new plan — unused data is lost. So choosing a plan close to your needs is most economical; if you run low, you can top up.

Question 41

Why is my phone using data so fast?

Accepted Answer

Background activity is usually the culprit: automatic app updates, cloud backup (iCloud/Google Photos), video autoplay, and high-resolution streaming. Turning off background app refresh and auto-updates, and watching video at lower quality, can cut usage significantly.

Question 42

How do I turn off background data usage?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh (turn off); also disable cellular data/auto-downloads for the App Store and iCloud. Android: Settings > Network & internet > turn on Data Saver; per app, Settings > Apps > (app) > Mobile data > restrict background data.

Question 43

How much data does watching video use?

Accepted Answer

Rough figures: SD (480p) ~0.7 GB/hour, HD (720p) ~1.5 GB/hour, Full HD (1080p) ~3 GB/hour, 4K ~7 GB/hour. To save data, lower the playback quality and download over Wi-Fi where possible. On a limited plan, video is the biggest consumer.

Question 44

How much data do maps use?

Accepted Answer

Maps use little data — live navigation is usually around 5-10 MB per hour. The most is used when loading maps of new areas. If you download your route offline over Wi-Fi in advance, you can navigate using almost no data.

Question 45

How many days does 1 GB of data last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your usage. For light use (messaging, maps, email, occasional social media), 1 GB can last about 2-4 days. If you stream a lot of video, 1 GB can be gone in a few hours. If you'll watch video, choose a plan with more GB.

Question 46

Is 5 GB of data enough for a trip?

Accepted Answer

For moderate use it's usually enough: for daily maps, social media, messaging and occasional video on a 1-2 week trip, 5 GB is enough for most travellers. If you'll stream heavily or use a hotspot, a 10 GB+ or unlimited plan is more comfortable.

Question 47

What is a fair use policy?

Accepted Answer

A fair use policy applies to 'unlimited' plans: the data never runs out, but after a daily high-speed allowance the speed is reduced (on Airlivo, typically down to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day). The aim is to keep the network balanced for everyone; your internet isn't cut off, it just slows down.

Question 48

How do I turn on Personal Hotspot on iPhone?

Accepted Answer

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot (or Settings > Personal Hotspot) > turn on 'Allow Others to Join'. If you have more than one line, make sure the hotspot uses your Airlivo eSIM line. On the other device, pick your phone in the Wi-Fi list and enter the password.

Question 49

How do I turn on mobile hotspot on Android?

Accepted Answer

On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > turn on Mobile Hotspot. You can see and change the network name and password there. If you have more than one SIM, make sure mobile data is on the Airlivo eSIM, then connect the other device.

Question 50

The hotspot option is missing — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

First make sure mobile data is on and the Airlivo eSIM is your data line; hotspot only works with the active data line. Try restarting the phone and toggling airplane mode. On some phones the hotspot menu is under 'Tethering'. If it's still missing, check that your device supports hotspot.

Question 51

Does using a hotspot use up my plan faster?

Accepted Answer

The hotspot itself doesn't add a charge, but the devices you connect (laptop, tablet) usually use more data than a phone — auto-updates, cloud backup, high-resolution content. So your plan drains faster with a hotspot on. Turning off auto-updates and backups on the connected device saves data.

Question 52

Is there a hotspot limit on unlimited eSIM plans?

Accepted Answer

You can usually use a hotspot on unlimited plans, but the same fair-use rule applies: once the daily high-speed allowance is reached, the speed drops for everything, including the hotspot. Some plans may limit hotspot separately; this is noted in the plan details.

Question 53

Can I use the eSIM's internet on a laptop?

Accepted Answer

Yes — turn on your phone's hotspot (Personal Hotspot) and connect your laptop to the phone's Wi-Fi to use the Airlivo eSIM's internet on the laptop. Most laptops don't support eSIM directly, so sharing via the phone is the most practical way.

Using Your eSIM