Seven mistakes first-time eSIM users make
Almost every support case comes from these seven, and all are preventable before boarding.
En bref
- The number one mistake is deleting the profile because it looks like the install failed.
- Second is forgetting to set the eSIM as the data line, so the home SIM roams instead.
| Symptom | Real cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mistake | Impact if left unfixed | Best window to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
| What you see | The mistake behind it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| When | What to do | Time needed | If you skip it |
|---|---|---|---|
Questions fréquentes
If I install at home in advance, does the validity start straight away?+
It depends on the plan. Some start counting when the profile is activated, some at the first attachment to a network in the destination, and some from the moment of purchase. The reliable answer is in the plan details and your confirmation email. If it is not clear, ask us before installing: asking costs a few minutes, whereas installing at the wrong moment is much harder to undo.
I scanned the QR on the wrong device. Can it be fixed?+
Honestly, it depends on the upstream supplier and the state of that profile, and it is not something anyone can promise in advance. Stop scanning, then send us the order reference and a screenshot of the error. The sooner it is reported, the more there is to investigate. Do not delete whatever installed on the wrong device either, because that record is part of what gets checked.
Should I buy a large bundle just in case?+
Not necessarily. Over-buying means paying for what you will not use, while under-buying and topping up mid-trip usually costs more in total. Estimate from how you actually behave, whether that is mostly maps and messaging or a daily video call, then pick the nearest size with a little headroom for days when the accommodation Wi-Fi disappoints.
How do I find out whether my phone is carrier locked before buying?+
The most direct route is to ask the operator you bought the phone from, since they are the only ones who can unlock it. Some handsets show lock status somewhere in the device information screen, though the wording and location vary by manufacturer and OS version. A practical test is to try another operator's SIM and see whether it works. Do all of this before buying a plan, not after.
I have already made one of these mistakes while abroad. Is there still a way out?+
Usually yes. Settings problems such as the wrong data line or data roaming left off take a few minutes to correct yourself. If the allowance or the validity has ended, find temporary Wi-Fi and choose between a top-up and a new plan sized to the days you have left. The hardest case is a deleted profile, because the same QR generally will not install again; there, contact us with the order reference straight away rather than waiting until the last day of the trip.
Instagram and TikTok have no web share button, so we open your phone's share sheet or copy the link instead.