Getting Started with loyoMobile

What is eSIM?

An eSIM profile contains carrier and network subscription information, just like a normal SIM card. However, instead of coming in the form of a physical chip, the operator profile information is downloaded directly into the eSIM chip in your phone.

This means your phone has to support eSIM if you want to use it.  

Is my phone eSIM capable?

As the eSIM technology advances, it becomes more prominent and you can find many phone models supporting it. We tried to summarize it and compile a single list that contains most phone models.

The sure way you can verify if your phone is compatible: 

  • iPhone
  • Samsung
  • Google Pixel

list of compatible phones: 

  • iPhones introduced in Fall 2018 and later (iPhone XS/XR and all newer models)
  • iPads: 10.2, Air, Mini 2019, Pro 11, Pro 12.9
  • Google Pixel 3/3a and all the later models
  • Samsung phones like Galaxy S20 and others.
  • and many more.

See full list below.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

Some models have exceptions depending on models and markets. Operator-locked devices: If your device is locked to a specific carrier due to a contract, it needs to be unlocked first to be able to use the eSIMs sold on our platform.

  • iPhone
  • Samsung:
  • Operator locked devices:

 

Full List of supported phone models

Apple phones that support eSIM

  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 mini (coming soon to US
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Max
  • iPhone 12 Max Pro
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2020)
  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPad Air (3rd Generation)
  • iPad Pro (3rd Generation)
  • iPad Mini (5th Generation)

Google phones that support eSIM

  • Google Pixel 3/XL
  • Google Pixel 3a/XL
  • Google Pixel 4/XL
  • Google Pixel 4A 5G
  • Google Pixel 2/XL
  • Google Pixel 5
  • Google Pixel 5a
  • Google Pixel 6
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro

Samsung phones that support eSIM

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold
  • Samsung Galaxy S20
  • Samsung Galaxy S20+
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
  • Samsung Galaxy S21
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ 
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
  • Samsung Note 20+
What is an eSIM QR code?

A QR code is simply a representation of a download link plus activation code for your eSIM profile. It is used to easily connect to the eSIM server and download the eSIM profile to your phone. 

It is easier to scan a QR code than typing a long string of text, but if for some reason you are unable to scan the QR code, you will have the option to activate your eSIM by entering the required information manually.

Please note that QR codes can be used only once. Once a QR code is scanned and an eSIM profile is downloaded, it cannot be used to download the same eSIM again, whether it is on the same or another device.

Shall I buy before or after I reach my destination?

It is up to you.

We recommend buying and setting up the eSIM shortly before travel so you can start using it as soon as you land. You can keep the eSIM off until you arrive at your destination.

I already have an eSIM in my phone, can I add another one?

Yes, you can. You can store several eSIM profiles in your phone, but you need to choose only one that will be active along with your primary physical SIM. So, the dual SIM functionality means having both:

  • Your primary physical SIM, and
  • One of your stored eSIM profiles active at the same time.

 

💡 Did you know?

Starting with iPhone 13, Apple made it possible to have 2 eSIMs active at the same time, while primary physical SIM card is off. We expect this to become more popular in the future.

Can I buy eSIM for somebody else?

Yes. You can buy the eSIM and pass the QR code to a friend, colleague, or family member. Anyone with an eSIM capable device can use the QR code to download the eSIM.

Using & Managing eSIMs

How to set up my eSIM?

In order to activate your new eSIM, follow the following steps.

*Installing the eSIM will activate it, only do it before you want to use the eSIM. 
We recommend installing it a day or two before traveling to your destination.

Prerequisites:

  • eSIM capable phone
  • eSIM QR code (received by email or through the MobiMatter app/web)
  • Good WiFi connection, preferably not a satellite connection (found on ships or airplanes) or free WiFis (like in airports or cafes) , as these might not work.

Installing the eSIM Step by Step

Can I use hotspot with my eSIM?

Yes, you can use a hotspot with your eSIM. 

In order to make it work please:

  • Disconnect WiFi
  • Use data from your eSIM
  • Restart the phone
  • Then turn on your hotspot

If it still not working:

  • Make sure the correct APN is in the hotspot section.
How to label the eSIM?

Your phone will automatically label your eSIM. This may create a confusing situation where you don't know which one is the correct one or even label two eSIMs with the same label.

We recommend labeling your eSIM with its order number
That way, you will know exactly what eSIM you are looking at. In addition, you will have easy access to the order number and you could easily check your usage and refer back to the eSIM in the app.

You can add after that the name of the location it is for, how much data you have in the plan etc. 

How to do it:

Go to Settings->Cellular and click on the eSIM. Then click on "Cellular Plan Label" and change freely.

Which networks will my eSIM connect to?

Our eSIM will automatically connect to a major local mobile network.

For comprehensive information regarding compatible networks, many of our products include network details listed in the product descriptions.

If you want to enquire about a specific network or country, please contact us.
Simply specify your desired package and country, and our dedicated 24/7 support team will promptly provide the necessary network compatibility details.

 

To ensure a smooth connectivity experience, we recommend checking the network coverage in your intended travel areas, especially if you plan to visit remote or less populated areas.

Can I transfer the eSIM to another device?

You will need a new QR code to transfer the eSIM to another phone and continue to use it. Not all operators support this.

 

Please Contact Us

It will give you personalized guidance.

Can I use the same eSIM package in multiple countries or destinations?

Yes. If you buy a package that works in multiple countries, you can move between them and it will continue to work.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot eSIM connection issues
How to Fix: "Failed to Activate" error or eSIM stuck in 'Activating...' status

This is a very misleading situation courtesy of the new iOS, but actually, nothing to worry about.

 

With the iOS 16 update, iPhone now tries to connect the eSIM to the network immediately upon downloading it. If you have airplane mode on, or you are downloading a foreign eSIM connection, it may fail to connect to a network in the country you are in, and you will get this error, or it will be stuck in 'Activating...' status for a long time. 

 

You can simply restart the phone, and keep the eSIM in OFF status until you need to use it. Then you can turn it on and complete the setup.

How to Fix: "This code is no longer valid" error

In vast majority of cases, this means that the eSIM has already been downloaded, either on the same phone, or on a different phone. 

  • If you know that you downloaded the eSIM before, and either it is deleted, or you want to use in another device, please contact us to guide you on what can be done, depending on the operator whose eSIM you were using.
  • If this is your first time downloading the eSIM and you are getting this error, most likely it has already been downloaded without you being aware of this. Go to Settings-Cellular menu in your phone, and check the connections in the list - typically the last one will be the latest downloaded eSIM.

If none of the above applies to your case, try restarting the phone, changing internet connection, disable any VPN you may be using, and try again. If still getting this error, contact us for support.