FAQ

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is simply a digital version of the physical SIM card in your mobile device that is used to connect that device to mobile networks.

If your device supports eSIM, then you will be able to download an eSIM and create a second line on your phone. Check device compatibility here.

When you purchase an Always Mobile travel data plan, we will send you a QR code link to download the eSIM to your device.

Why are eSIM-enabled data plans useful?

eSIMs enable a second line on your mobile device allowing data usage separate from your "Primary" line and your home country mobile carrier's data plan.

You can:

Add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region to avoid roaming charges..

Add a local data plan if you need extra data above and beyond your current monthly plan to avoid data overage charges.

Use eSIM for data and keep your voice line separate to save on monthly data costs.

Is my mobile device eSIM compatible?

iPhone: You must have iOS 12.1 or later. Check Device compatibility.

Android: Many Android devices support eSIMs. Check Device compatibility and scroll down to the section on Android.

Important: Your device must be "unlocked". When you buy a device with a contract from a mobile operator, it is common practice for them to lock the connectivity from any other supplier. In this case, your device will be considered "locked," at least until your contract expires. You can check with your operator to see if there is anything you can do to unlock the eSIM in your device.

Are voice calls and SMS included?

Only data service is available. Voice Calls and SMS/Text Messaging is not available with our eSIMs.

For iPhone devices, iMessage and Facetime can be used with your eSIM. See the next 2 FAQs for instructions.

Many customers use their phone's WiFi calling feature or third party apps for messaging and voice call needs while using their eSIM data plan.

Using iMessage with your eSIM.

To use iMessage with your eSIM, go to iPhone "Settings".

Scroll down and click on "Messages".

Click "Send & Receive".

Unclick the eSIM line and click on your email address so that a check mark appears beside the email address.

You can now send and receive messages with iMessage.

Using FaceTime with your eSIM.

To use FaceTime with your eSIM, go to your iPhone "Settings".

Scroll down and click on "FaceTime".

Scroll down to the section "You Can Be Reached By FaceTIme At".

Unclick the eSIM line.

Click your email address. A checkmark will appear beside your email address.

You will now be able to send a FaceTime call invite from the FaceTime app. The recipient will receive a link in iMessage to Join the call.

After Purchase how do I receive my eSIM?

During the store check-out process you will be asked to provide your email address.

After purchase you will receive an Order Confirmation via email. If you do not receive an Order Confirmation via email after approx. 1 minute, please check your email Spam/Junk folder.

Scan the QR code on the Order Confirmation to begin the eSIM installation process and follow the iPhone Installation Guide or the Android Installation Guide.

"Could not activate cellular data network" message on my phone.

If you are in your home country and you try to use your eSIM purchased for a international destination, your phone will display "Could not activate cellular data network". This message is normal as your eSIM will only activate once you reach the international destination covered by your eSIM data plan.

Troubleshooting connecting for the first time upon arrival at your destination.

Upon arrival at your destination, if you are unable to connect to the local data network please review the following:

1. Ensure your phone is not set to Airplane Mode

2. Ensure your primary line is set to OFF.

3. Ensure your eSIM line is set to ON.

4. Ensure Data Roaming under your eSIM line is set to ON.

5. Occasionally, some Android phones lock onto the wrong network. To fix, ensure your settings comply with Steps 2-4 above. You will need to reset your Access Point Name (APN) settings:

a. Go to "Settings" on your device.
b. Go to the "Network & Internet" section (note this may be labelled differently eg: "Connections" in different Android devices / versions)
c. Go to "Mobile Network".
d. Scroll down to Access Point Names and click on it.
e. Click on the three dot menu symbol. Click on Reset to Default, then Reset.

How fast is the network speed?

Available speeds for each destination are listed on the product pages.

5G is available across many of our destinations and availability continues to expand all the time.

4G service is available in all our countries with the exception of The Dominican Republic which currently offers 3G speed only.

Local network speeds will vary according to the local network configuration. 

How is the validity period of the data plan calculated?

The actual usage time of data plans start according to your eSIM's first connection to the local network when you arrive at your destination.

It is a good idea to have you eSIM installed before you arrive at your destination.

How to check the balance of remaining data?

For most plans, you can view the data usage by following the short link in the email Order Confirmation you received shortly after purchase (Subject line "Your new eSIM").

For some orders, you cannot view the data usage. You can go to Settings > Cellular on your iPhone to find out how much cellular data you're using. 

How do I Top-Up my eSIM data plan if I need more data or days?

Always Mobile provides all customers with Easy Top-Up.

Customers receive an email:

1. When they activate their eSIM on the destination network;

2. When they reach a low data balance of less than 100 MB of data remaining;

3. When they reach 1 day of validity remaining.

In these emails, customers can click the top-up option desired and proceed to check-out for purchase.

The data and date validity will be added to the customer's existing eSIM - so no need to go through the installation or activation process again.

Should I switch on Data Roaming when using my eSIM?

Make sure that Data Roaming for your eSIM is set to "On".

Turn off Data Roaming on your "Primary" line.

How to use Dual SIM on iPhone and set up your cellular plan with eSIM?

Dual SIM on iPhone offers you the freedom to get separate voice/SMS and data plans. At this stage, only cellular data is available on our eSIM platform. Therefore, after you scan a QR code to add the eSIM, please label it "Secondary" on the "Cellular Plan Labels" page, and then go to the "Default Line" page, choose "Use [Secondary] for cellular data only." You will see a little pop-up "Uncertified Cellular Plan," just click "OK." For more questions about Dual SIM, please check the official document on Apple's website: Apple Dual SIM Support.

Can I have multiple phones scan the same QR code?

No, but the same device can rescan the same QR code.

If I lost my eSIM QR code, what can I do?

Check your email for the original Order Confirmation containing the QR code or email us at service@always-mobile.com

Will my physical SIM card still work while my eSIM is installed?

Yes, your physical SIM can still work. We suggest turning off data roaming on your "Primary" line and turning on "WiFi Calling".

How do I remove the eSIM data plan after use?

You can use your phone's delete eSIM function.

Does Always Mobile have an Affiliate Program?

Yes! You can find more information about our Affiliate Program here.

To become an Affiliate please register here.

FAQ