Does airplane mode turn off your eSIM?
Yes. Airplane mode switches off every mobile line, eSIMs included, but the eSIM stays installed. Turn airplane mode off on landing, then turn on your travel line and its Data Roaming.
Do this now
- Turn on airplane mode before take-off. Your eSIM stays installed.
- Turn Wi-Fi back on in airplane mode for in-flight Wi-Fi, if offered.
- On landing, switch airplane mode off and let your phone find a network.
- Open your mobile line settings (see the paths below) and tap your travel line.
- Turn your travel line on, and turn Data Roaming on for that line only.
- Choose the travel line for mobile data in the Mobile Data setting.
- Turn airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off, if you still have no signal.
Does airplane mode turn off your eSIM?
Yes, but your eSIM stays installed. Airplane mode switches off every mobile line, eSIMs included. Nothing is deleted, and your eSIM comes back when you turn airplane mode off. You can also turn Wi-Fi back on in airplane mode, for in-flight Wi-Fi.
What should I do when I land?
Turn airplane mode off, then switch your travel line back on. Most of the time it's one setting.
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → tap your travel line → switch on Turn On This Line and Data Roaming.
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data → choose your travel line.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → turn on Data roaming.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → set your travel eSIM as the preferred SIM for Mobile data.
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap your travel eSIM → turn on Use SIM and Roaming, then set Mobile data to it.
Data Roaming must be on for the travel eSIM and off for your home line. Keep it off on your home line, so your phone uses the travel eSIM for data abroad.
Will airplane mode start my plan?
Usually not. Most plans start when your eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination, so airplane mode on the flight keeps everything ready. A few plans start on install, and the plan page says which.
Still no signal after landing?
Try a quick reset first. Turn airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off. The phone searches for networks again. On iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Centre and tap the airplane mode switch. If you still see no signal, read eSIM showing No Service? and why your eSIM isn't working abroad.
What to do next
Once you're online, check your usage on your eSIM page. It shows data left and the expiry date. Got a plan that won't start? Read when your plan starts. Still stuck? Contact us with your order number.
Can I make calls on my travel eSIM?
The travel eSIM is data only, so there are no calls or texts on it. Once you land, call and message over data with WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Does installing my eSIM at home start the plan?
No, on most plans buying or installing at home doesn't start the clock, so set up before you fly.
Will my home number still get texts?
Yes, if your home SIM stays in the phone. Keep it in, and texts to your home number still arrive while you use the travel eSIM for data.
