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Common eSIM Installation Questions
Important: PikaSim displays your eSIM details (QR code, ICCID, activation code) on-screen immediately after purchase. We do not send emails for privacy reasons, so it's crucial to screenshot or save this information before leaving the page.
If you lost your eSIM info or closed the page before saving it:
Email support@pikasim.com with as much of the following information as possible:
- Date and approximate time of your purchase
- Country/destination of the eSIM package you purchased
- Data amount and validity (e.g., 5GB for 7 days)
- Payment method used: Credit card (Stripe) or Cryptocurrency
- Amount paid (if you remember)
The more details you provide, the faster we can locate your order and resend your eSIM information.
Max Privacy is a filter option on PikaSim that shows only eSIM packages that do NOT route your data through Hong Kong or mainland China.
Why this matters for privacy:
- Data surveillance laws: China has extensive data retention and surveillance laws that require telecom providers to store and potentially share user data with government authorities
- No encryption guarantees: Traffic routed through Hong Kong/China may be subject to inspection or logging without your knowledge
- Metadata collection: Even encrypted traffic can reveal metadata (which sites you visit, when, how often) that may be logged
- National Security Law: Hong Kong's national security law expanded government access to data passing through the region
How to use Max Privacy:
When browsing eSIM packages on any country page, look for the "Max Privacy" toggle or filter. When enabled, you'll only see packages from providers that route traffic through privacy-respecting jurisdictions.
Note: Max Privacy packages may be slightly more expensive or have different data options, but offer stronger privacy protection for security-conscious users.
Global eSIMs: All of PikaSim's Global eSIMs (multi-country coverage) are automatically Max Privacy and never route through China or Hong Kong.
For iPhone XS, XR, and newer models:
- Make sure you're connected to WiFi
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM
- Use your camera to scan the QR code we sent you
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation
- Label your eSIM (e.g., "PikaSim Travel")
- Enable Data Roaming for your eSIM plan
Pro Tip: Screenshot your QR code from the purchase confirmation screen so you can scan it from another device!
For Google Pixel, Samsung, and other eSIM-compatible Android devices:
- Make sure you're connected to WiFi
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections)
- Tap Mobile Network or SIM Manager
- Select Add eSIM or Download a SIM
- Scan the QR code we sent you, or enter the activation code manually
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup
- Enable Data Roaming and Mobile Data for your eSIM
Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on your Android device manufacturer (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.).
If your device is having trouble scanning the QR code, try these solutions:
- Manual Entry: Use the activation code shown on your purchase confirmation screen. Enter it manually instead of scanning
- Display QR code on another device: If you screenshotted your QR code, open it on a computer or tablet, then scan with your phone
- Increase brightness: Make sure your screen brightness is turned up when displaying the QR code
- Clean your camera lens: Wipe your phone's camera for a clearer scan
- Adjust distance: Move your phone closer or further from the QR code
Important: Always screenshot your QR code and activation details from the purchase confirmation screen before leaving the page!
Yes, Data Roaming must be enabled for your eSIM to work when traveling.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Select your eSIM plan (e.g., "PikaSim")
- Toggle Data Roaming to ON
For Android:
- Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks
- Select your eSIM
- Toggle Data Roaming to ON
Important: Don't worry about roaming charges! Your PikaSim eSIM is pre-configured with included data, so there are no surprise fees.
Yes! Most modern phones support Dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use both simultaneously.
Benefits of Dual SIM:
- Keep your home number active for calls and texts
- Use your eSIM for affordable data while traveling
- Switch between carriers without swapping physical SIM cards
- Have separate work and personal numbers on one device
How to set it up:
- After installing your eSIM, go to Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android)
- Choose which SIM to use for Mobile Data (select your eSIM)
- Choose which SIM to use for Calls and Messages (usually your home SIM)
- You can switch between them anytime in settings
If your eSIM is installed but you're not getting a connection, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your device: Turn your phone off and on again
- Enable Data Roaming: Make sure Data Roaming is ON for your eSIM (see "Do I need to enable Data Roaming?" above)
- Select correct data SIM: Go to Settings and make sure your eSIM is selected as the Mobile Data source
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off
- Check activation time: Your eSIM activates when you first connect to a network in your destination country
- Manual network selection: Go to Settings → Cellular → Network Selection and manually select a carrier
- Check APN settings: Make sure APN is set correctly (usually auto-configured)
Still not working? Contact support@pikasim.com with your order number and device details.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Scroll down to see data usage by app for each SIM
- Your eSIM will be listed separately from your physical SIM
On Android:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network
- Select your eSIM
- Tap App data usage to see breakdown
iOS users with Apple Wallet: If you added your eSIM to Apple Wallet, you can view data usage directly in the Wallet app for quick access!
Important: Each eSIM can typically only be installed once. If you delete your eSIM profile from your device, you may not be able to reinstall it using the same QR code.
Before deleting an eSIM:
- Make sure you've used all your data or the validity period has expired
- Take a screenshot of your eSIM details just in case
- Contact support if you need to transfer your eSIM to a new device
How to delete an eSIM:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Select eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Select eSIM → Delete eSIM
Need to transfer? Contact support@pikasim.com for assistance.
Your eSIM validity period starts when you first connect to a mobile network, not when you purchase it or install it.
This means you can:
- Buy your eSIM weeks before your trip
- Install it on your device before you travel
- The countdown only begins when you land and connect to the network in your destination
Example: If you buy a 7-day eSIM for Japan on January 1st and install it that day, but don't travel to Japan until January 15th, your 7 days will start on January 15th when you first connect in Japan.
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before you travel so you have connectivity as soon as you land!
Quick Check:
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data. If you see "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM", your device supports eSIM.
On Android: Go to Settings → Network & Internet. If you see "Download a SIM" or "Add eSIM", your device supports it.
Devices with eSIM support:
- iPhone: XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (all models) and newer
- Google Pixel: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (all models) and newer
- Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series and newer; Note 20 and newer; Fold/Flip 3 and newer
- Other: Many recent models from Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei
For a complete list, visit our Device Compatibility Checker.
Yes! You can easily add more data to your existing eSIM:
- Visit pikasim.com/top-up
- Enter your ICCID (found in Settings → Cellular → Your eSIM) or Order Number
- Select additional data package
- Complete payment - no account required!
- Data is added to your existing eSIM instantly
No reinstallation needed! The new data is automatically added to your current eSIM profile.