What is an eSIM?
A traditional SIM card is a small, physical chip that you insert into your phone to connect to a mobile network. An eSIM (embedded SIM), on the other hand, is a digital version of that SIM—built directly into your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. It works the same way as a regular SIM but eliminates the need for a physical card.
Instead of swapping SIM cards for different networks or countries, you install eSIM profiles (like the Roamless eSIM) digitally onto your device and get connected instantly. Many modern smartphones and devices now support eSIM technology, making connectivity more flexible and convenient than ever before.
How does an eSIM work?
You can think of the eSIM on your device like a container, into which you can add different eSIM profiles from different providers (like Roamless). Most modern devices can hold 8-10 eSIM profiles but only allow you to use one eSIM at a time alongside your physical SIM card. (Note: iPhone 13 and above models for the US-market have no physical SIM slots but instead 2 eSIMs, allowing you to use 2 eSIM profiles at the same time).
Once you download an eSIM (profile) on your device, you can find it listed under your SIM cards, turn it on, and select it to use it for mobile data when you need it, and turn it off if you're done using it. It's similar to swapping SIM cards in and out, only much easier and with none of the hassle.
Please note that if your device only has 1 eSIM slot, and if your primary SIM from your local operator is an eSIM, you will need to turn it off to use a travel eSIM like Roamless.
You can use your regular SIM and an eSIM at the same time
You can store up to 8-10 eSIM profiles on your device (depending on your device make and model). You can choose to only use a single eSIM or if applicable, you can have your regular SIM card and an eSIM active (turned on) on your device at the same time.
If you have 2 SIMs active (your primary SIM and your eSIM) you will see two stacked signal bars (on iOS devices) or two side-by-side signal bars (on Android devices) on your device's status bar. Under your device settings, you can specify which SIM to use for calls, which SIM to use for SMS messages and which SIM to use for mobile/cellular data.
The Roamless eSIM
The Roamless eSIM is a global, data-only eSIM that offers automatic connectivity in 200+ countries. In other words, once you install the Roamless eSIM on your device, you can turn it on and choose to use it for mobile connectivity in any one of the 200+ destinations where Roamless has coverage, as long as you have money or an active data plan in your Roamless account.
Roamless eSIM is free to install
You can install and activate your Roamless eSIM for free and test it with up to 500MB of free data as a new user. This way you can make sure everything works before topping-up your wallet or buying a data plan. (Please note that Free eSIM feature is available in most destinations, but turned off for a few others.)
You only need to install the Roamless eSIM once
You only need to install the Roamless eSIM once. After that you simply can turn it on, use it for mobile data and turn it off until you need it again. You don't have to deal with deleting and activating an eSIM every time you travel to a new country. You also don't have to worry about the eSIM expiring, as the Roamless eSIM itself has no expiration date.
Roamless works automatically in 200+ destinations
Once you configure your device settings, the Roamless eSIM will automatically connect to the network in your destination when you turn it on. You won't have to set anything up over and over again. Simply travel to your destination, turn on your Roamless eSIM and you're online.
Roamless works on multiple networks in most destinations
In most destinations, Roamless works on multiple networks, so you can also manually select and change networks as needed. This is particularly helpful if the current network you're connected is weak on signal or congested with slower than usual speeds at your particular location.
This also makes the Roamless eSIM a great back-up data source for when you're at your home country. It essentially allows you to have access to different network(s), ready for use on-demand.
You can install your Roamless eSIM on a different device
In case you need to move your Roamless eSIM to a new device, you can do so by:
Deleting the eSIM from your old device,
Installing the Roamless app on your new device & logging in,
Activating the Roamless eSIM again, like usual.
There are no limitations to how many times you can delete and install your Roamless eSIM.
Your Roamless eSIM can be deleted and re-activated as many times as you need, giving you ultimate flexibility.
Your account balance and data plan(s) also remain safe when you delete your Roamless eSIM; so no worries. You can delete & re-install in peace.
Roamless eSIM is data-only
Please note that the Roamless eSIM is 'data-only'. You do not get a phone number assigned to your eSIM.
You can use the Roamless eSIM for mobile data in 200+ countries
You can use iMessage, Facetime, Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Line and other chat/call/video apps as usual with the Roamless eSIM; no changes necessary
If you need to make phone calls (and of course avoid using your regular SIM card) you can use the Roamless in-app calls feature to make calls 200+ destinations using your pay-as-you-go balance