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Using an eSIM for the first time- what you need to know
Having a dream to travel the world is the new norm today, and sharing your journey and experience in real-time with loved ones or followers is really important. But staying connected through a SIM card with roaming plans activated boosts your expenses to the next level.
But why? Why spend on high roaming charges when you can save tons of money by purchasing an eSIM from Prune? Prune fulfills your connectivity requirements at an affordable price with customized validity and data plans.
Constant connectivity is necessary, so traditional SIM cards are not a good or only option. The advent of eSIM technology has dawned a new era of convenience for travelers. If you’re gearing up for your first experience using it for travel, fret not!
In this article, we have answered all your major questions as a first-time buyer of eSIMs. So, let's delve into the depths of eSIM buying and first understand what exactly travel eSIM is.
Q. What exactly is travel eSIM?
A. eSIM is an embedded SIM, the digital version of physical SIM cards that can be integrated directly into smart devices. Having eSIMs eliminates the requirement of swapping physical SIM cards when changing carriers or traveling internationally. Instead, users can install and activate a new plan remotely, making it a hassle-free solution for those always on the move.
Q. What devices are compatible with eSIM?
A. The versatility of eSIM technology extends beyond smartphones. Currently, eSIM-supported devices include tablets, smartwatches, drones, and cars. This digital SIM card incorporates flexible communication alternatives in seamless device and service management plans
Read more: Top 5 eSIM-Supported Mobile Phones
Q. How to activate eSIM on Android phones?
A. Some customers may have chosen to forego configuring eSIM at the original phone setup while others may have done so. The good news is that Android users can still activate their eSIMs after completing the basic setup process. This flexibility is a huge benefit for users who might have acquired an eSIM plan later or needed to be informed of the possibility sooner.
A Look Ahead: The eSIM Ecosystem and Security Concerns
The widespread adoption of eSIM on Android devices presents exciting possibilities. However, some unavoidable security concerns are:
● Remote SIM Provisioning: eSIM allows for remote provisioning, which is the process of downloading and activating a mobile plan. Strong security measures are necessary to stop malicious provisioning or unwanted access, even when they are handy.
● Multi-Device Management: Managing several eSIM profiles on or across several devices gets harder as eSIM adoption increases. Having user-friendly and secure interfaces for managing these profiles will be essential.
Q. What do you need?
A. To activate eSIM in your smartphones:
● eSIM-supported smartphone
● An eSIM QR code from your network carrier
Q. How do you activate your eSIM on a Samsung phone?
● Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on the Connections option.
● Step 2: Select SIM Card Manager.
● Step 3: Tap Add eSIM. Your mobile plan will be automatically downloaded and activated on your eSIM.
● Step 4: Your phone will search for available eSIM plans. If no plans are found, tap Add using QR or Activation codes.
● Step 5: Scan the QR code or barcode within the guidelines provided.
● Step 6: Once the code is scanned, a screen asks you to turn on the new mobile plan. Click OK.
● Step 7: Your eSIM plan is now activated. You can view and manage it in the SIM Card Manager.
Q. How do you activate eSIM on Google Pixel phones?
● Step 1: Ensure your Google Pixel phone supports eSIM technology.
● Step 2: Open the Settings menu, tap on Network & Internet, then choose Mobile network. Scroll down and tap on Advanced.
● Step 3: Tap on Carrier or SIM card. You will see two options: Physical SIM card or Add carrier. Tap Add Carrier to proceed with adding an eSIM.
● Step 4: You will have two options to activate the eSIM: scan the QR code or activate using a code. You can either scan the QR code with your camera or enter the information provided by your carrier, including the activation code and other relevant data.
● Step 5: Confirm and complete the carrier account verification to activate the eSIM.
● Step 6: Return to the Mobile network settings to set your preferred default SIM.
Q. How do you activate eSIM on Android smartphones?
A. Using QR Code:
● Step 1: Open the Settings on your eSIM-supported Android phone and tap Network &
Internet.
● Step 2: Tap on the Add eSIM option.
● Step 3: If prompted with Don’t have a SIM card?, tap Next and scan the QR code
provided by your carrier.
● Step 4: Adjust your mobile network settings, enabling mobile data and roaming if required.
Manual Activation:
● Step 1: Tap the Manual option in the eSIM card app or website.
● Step 2: Note down the SM-DP+Address and Activation Code shown on the screen.
● Step 3: Tap Network & Internet in the Settings.
● Step 4: Tap the Add eSIM icon next to the Mobile network and select Enter code manually.
● Step 5: Enter the activation code and other details you noted earlier, and follow the instructions on the screen to activate the eSIM.
● Step 6: Ensure your mobile data and roaming settings are configured as needed.
Also Read: Does eSIM support Hotspot functionality?
Q. How do you install an eSIM without activation?
A. If you want to install an eSIM without activating it and without affecting its validity, follow these steps:
● Step 1: Turn on Airplane Mode and connect to a private Wi-Fi network.
● Step 2: Download the eSIM. Go to Settings on your device and tap on Network & Internet.
● Step 3: Tap the Add icon next to Mobile Network.
● Step 4: If you don’t have a SIM card, tap Next.
● Step 5: Scan the eSIM QR code in the PDF file attached to your order confirmation email.
● Step 6: Once installed, switch off the eSIM and turn off the Airplane Mode. Your eSIM is now installed but not activated.
● Step 7: When you arrive at your destination, simply turn on the eSIM, and it will connect to the local network.
Q. How do you determine whether your iOS device supports eSIM and the carrier is unlocked?
● Step 1: Open Settings on your iOS device.
● Step 2: Tap General, then select About.
● Step 3: Scroll down to the Carrier Lock section. If you see no SIM restrictions, your device is carrier unlocked.
● Step 4: Continue scrolling to the Available SIM or Digital SIM sections. If your device is
eSIM compatible, its IMEI number should be listed under Available SIM or Digital SIM.
Q. When Do I Have to Verify My Identity?
A. Customers must undergo a Know Your Customer (KYC) process before accessing any new telecommunications service in India. The subscriber's identity and address are electronically validated as part of the paperless KYC authentication procedure known as eKYC.
Q. When Will the Validity of My eSIM Data Package Expire?
A. Your eSIM data package's expiration date depends on either the amount of data used or the duration of its validity. If you do not exhaust your data before the specified time, your eSIM data package will remain valid until the given expiration date.
Q. How do you determine which eSIM is using data?
A. On iOS:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Mobile or Cellular.
3. Go to Cellular Data to view the data plan in use. The eSIM currently using data will be displayed.
On Android:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Visit the Mobile Network to locate the current plans. The eSIM-utilizing data will be displayed.
Q. How Many eSIMs Are Allowed for Installation?
A. You can install multiple eSIMs on devices that support them. The maximum number of active eSIMs varies depending on the device model. For example:
● iPhone XS, XR, and newer models Support one physical SIM and one eSIM active at a time.
● iPhone 13 and newer models: Support Dual eSIMs, meaning two eSIMs can be active simultaneously.
● For other devices, check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact number of eSIMs supported.
Q. What Happens to Unused Data After Its Validity Period?
A. Unused data cannot be used after the validity period expires. eSIM data packages are valid only for the specified time, and any remaining data is forfeited once this period ends.
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