eSIM How to

What is an eSIM?

Have you ever wished you could switch mobile carriers without fiddling with those tiny SIM cards? That’s where eSIMs come in. Short for "embedded SIM," an eSIM is a built-in version of the traditional SIM card. Instead of popping a card in and out of your phone, you can activate a mobile plan digitally — it’s as simple as scanning a QR code or following a few steps in your phone’s settings.

The best part? You can use an eSIM alongside your physical SIM card, giving you dual-SIM functionality. This means you can have two phone numbers on the same device—perfect for separating work and personal calls, or for keeping a local number while traveling abroad. No more juggling SIM cards at the airport or worrying about losing one!

How to install an eSIM

Once your purchased your Blacktel eSIM card you get a QR-Code or Link. Just scan or follow on your device and your phone will guide you through the setup of your eSIM on your device.

Nearly all new Android and iOS devices will support eSIMs, however you can check with our constantly updated device compatibility list, if your device supports adding eSIMs to it.

Best approach

• ✅ Install before you travel – do it while you have reliable Wi-Fi.
• 🚫 Don’t activate yet – wait if your plan starts counting after activation.
• 🌍 Activate on arrival – turn it on in Settings and enable mobile data once you land.

• Turn off any VPN connection.
• Make sure you have a strong and stable internet connection.
• Remove old or expired eSIMs you no longer use.
• Check that your device software is up to date.

eSIM with phone number?

Most eSIMs are data plans for fast internet connection. However, eSIMs from United States, United Kingdom and our Global eSIMs come with a phone number. Please have a look at the DATA / CALL / SMS plan to have voice calls and text messages enabled

Along eSIMs, Blacktel also provides buying real phone numbers to use with calls and SMS

How to buy eSIM

Just add credits to your Blacktel via Card, Bitcoin, Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies. You can then buy eSIMs or real phone numbers instantly and add it to your Blacktel virtual phone.

Manage eSIM

Once you purchased your eSIM you can manage and track your used data in your Blacktel Dashboard. You see the current status of your eSIM as well as if you already activated it. Did you know? Most eSIMs come with a first-activation policy. This means your data plan and validity period only begin once you activate the eSIM on your device.

Top-Up eSIM

If your eSIM run out or your need more data for your internet connection, you don't need to buy a new eSIM! Just check your Top-Up possibilties from your eSIMs in your Blacktel Dashboard and add more data, calls or SMS to it.