eSIM Guide & FAQ
Updated October 12, 2026
Waysim · waysim.co · Support: support.waysim.co
Install your Waysim eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land. For any problem, open the live chat in the app or visit support.waysim.co — we are here to help.
1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a mobile plan onto your phone. Your Waysim eSIM gives you mobile data abroad, while your regular SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS.
2. Before you buy
- Your phone must support eSIM. iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later support eSIM. Many recent Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android phones do too. Check the compatibility list in the app. A quick test: dial *#06# — if you see an EID number, your phone likely supports eSIM.
- Your phone must be unlocked. A phone locked to your home carrier cannot use another carrier's eSIM. Ask your carrier if you are not sure.
- Choose the right destination. Check that the country or region you are visiting is listed on the plan page.
3. Buying and paying
- Choose your destination and a plan.
- Read the pre-purchase notice and tick both boxes.
- Choose a cryptocurrency and network.
- Send the exact amount shown, on the network shown, before the timer ends.
- After the payment is confirmed on the blockchain, your eSIM appears under My eSIMs, usually within minutes.
Sending a different coin, using another network or sending to an old address can cause your payment to be lost. If you send too little, too much or too late, the amount we receive is added to your Waysim Balance; if you would rather have it sent back, contact support within 30 days.
4. When to install
Install your eSIM before your trip, while connected to stable Wi-Fi. For most plans, the validity period starts only when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination. Some plans start counting at installation — the plan page shows which.
5. Install on iPhone
One-tap install (iOS 17.4 or later): in the app, open your eSIM and tap Install. Confirm Add eSIM and follow the steps.
QR code: open the QR code in the app on another screen. On your iPhone go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code and scan it.
Manual: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually. Copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the app.
When asked, give the new line a label such as "Waysim Travel". Choose your home number as the default for calls and SMS.
6. Install on Android
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code from service provider.
- Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM (or Download a SIM instead) → follow the steps and scan the QR code.
- Other brands: look for SIM manager or Mobile network → Add eSIM.
If you cannot scan, choose "Enter code instead" or "Enter manually" and paste the activation code from the app.
7. When you arrive
- Turn on the Waysim line.
- Set it as the line for mobile (cellular) data.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the Waysim line. This is required.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier.
- If the plan details list an APN, enter it in the Waysim line's mobile data settings.
The first connection can take a few minutes. If nothing happens, restart your phone.
8. Check usage and top up
Open My eSIMs to see the remaining data and days. If your plan supports top-ups, tap Top up to add data to the same eSIM without reinstalling it.
9. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| No signal | Check the Waysim line is on, restart your phone, then select a network manually in the line's settings. |
| Signal but no internet | Make sure Data Roaming is on for the Waysim line and mobile data uses that line. Turn off any VPN. |
| eSIM will not install | Connect to stable Wi-Fi, check the phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. Each QR code works only once. |
| Data runs out quickly | Apps update in the background. Turn off auto-updates and background refresh, or top up. |
| Slow internet | Speed depends on the local network. On unlimited plans, speed is reduced after the daily high-speed allowance. |
| I deleted the eSIM | Do not delete an eSIM with data left. Contact live chat; reinstalling may not be possible. |
Still not working? Open the live chat and send us the ICCID from the app, your location and screenshots of your mobile settings.
10. Frequently asked questions
Does my eSIM come with a phone number? No. Plans are data-only unless the plan page says otherwise. You can call and message through apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
Can I keep my home SIM active? Yes. On dual-SIM phones you can keep your home number for calls and SMS and use Waysim for data. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM.
Can I use a personal hotspot? Yes, you can share data from your phone. Plans cannot be used in routers or other non-phone devices.
Can I have several eSIMs on one phone? Yes. Most iPhones and many Android phones store several eSIMs, but only one or two can be active at once. Label them to avoid confusion.
Can I install the same eSIM on two phones? No. Each eSIM can be installed on one device only.
Can I move my eSIM to a new phone? Not after it has been installed. If you change phones before installing, install it on the new phone.
When should I buy? Any time before your trip. For most plans, validity starts only on arrival.
I bought the wrong country. What now? If you have not installed the eSIM yet, contact live chat. We will cancel it and credit the full price to your Waysim Balance, or switch you to the right plan.
Can I get a refund? Refunds go to your Waysim Balance. If an eSIM does not work because of a technical or network fault, we replace it or refund the price to your balance. Money is sent back to your wallet only where the law requires it or when the service failed completely and could not be fixed. Customers in the EU, EEA and UK also have a right of withdrawal. See the Refund & Replacement Policy at waysim.co/refund.
Which cryptocurrencies can I pay with? The available coins and networks are shown on the payment screen.
I paid but see no eSIM. Blockchain confirmations can take a few minutes. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, contact live chat with your transaction hash.
What is Waysim Balance? Store credit you can use for any Waysim plan. Refunds and replacement credits go there. It cannot be withdrawn or transferred.
Can I delete the eSIM after my trip? Yes, once your data or validity has run out.
11. Need help?
Open the live chat in the Waysim app — our support team handles every question, from installation to replacements. Help articles: support.waysim.co. Support email: support@waysim.co.