Question 1

Does my iPhone or iPad support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Open Settings > General > About and scroll down.

- If you see an EID row, the device supports eSIM. An EID is 32 digits long.
- If there is no EID row, the hardware cannot use an eSIM.

Carrier Lock is on the same screen, so you can check both in one trip: "No SIM restrictions" means the device is unlocked.

Question 2

Does my Android phone support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Dial *#06# on the keypad. If a 32-digit EID appears next to the IMEI, the hardware supports eSIM. This is the quickest check and it works on most Android phones.

Menu paths if you prefer:

- Pixel: Settings > About phone > SIM status > EID.
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, look for "Add eSIM".

Pixel owners: Google states that every Pixel 4 and later works with eSIM, wherever it was bought and whichever carrier sold it. The only exceptions are the older Pixel 3a and Pixel 3.

Question 3

How do I check that my phone is unlocked?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means the phone is unlocked. Only your current carrier can unlock an iPhone, and it can take a few days.

Android: there is no single path that works on every phone. Ask your carrier whether the device is unlocked.

Question 4

There is no EID on my device. What now?

Accepted Answer

No EID means the hardware cannot use an eSIM, whatever the model number suggests. eSIM support is built into the hardware, so no software update adds it, and a LineCast eSIM will not install.

- Run the check on the exact device you will travel with, not a spare.
- Use another phone that does show an EID.

Please check before you buy. Device incompatibility is not grounds for a refund.

Question 5

Why does the same phone model support eSIM in one country but not another?

Accepted Answer

The same model can differ by the region and the carrier it was sold through, which is why a model list is the least reliable check. The EID test answers it for the device in your hand.

- In China mainland, only iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM.
- All iPhone 14 and later sold in the United States are eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray.
- Every Pixel 4 and later works with eSIM, with no regional or carrier exceptions.
- Pixel 3a is the exception only if it was bought with Verizon service or in Japan.
- Pixel 3 is the exception if it was bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan, or with service from a US or Canadian carrier other than Sprint and Google Fi.

Question 6

How do I install an eSIM on iPhone?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap "Use QR Code" and scan the QR code from your order.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and activate.
4. When asked, label the new line (e.g. "Travel").

If you are not sure the device supports eSIM, check for an EID first. See Device compatibility above.

Question 7

How do I install an eSIM on Android?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
2. Tap "+" or "Add SIM".
3. Choose "Download a SIM instead" (or "Use QR code").
4. Scan the QR code from your order and follow the prompts.

Menu names vary by manufacturer. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.

Question 8

Where do I find my eSIM QR code?

Accepted Answer

Your QR code is available in two places:

1. On the order confirmation page immediately after purchase.
2. In the confirmation email sent to your email address.

You can also retrieve it anytime via My Orders using your order number and email.

Question 9

My eSIM won't install. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Try these steps:

1. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
2. Verify your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
3. Restart your device and try scanning the QR code again.
4. If you entered details manually, double-check the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
5. Make sure you haven't already installed this eSIM — each QR code is one-time use.

If the issue persists, check My Orders or reply to your order confirmation email with your order number.

Question 10

I installed the eSIM but have no signal.

Accepted Answer

After installing your eSIM:

1. Make sure you've arrived in your destination country — the plan activates on first network connection there.
2. Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > turn on Data Roaming.
3. Set the eSIM as your data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your eSIM line.
4. Restart your phone.

It may take a few minutes to register on the local network.

Question 11

The QR code won't scan.

Accepted Answer

If your camera won't recognize the QR code:

1. Make sure you are scanning from your device's Settings app (not the camera app).
2. Ensure adequate lighting and hold the phone steady.
3. Try zooming in if the QR code is small on screen.
4. Use the manual installation option instead — copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your order details and enter them in your eSIM settings.

Question 12

I accidentally deleted my eSIM. Can I reinstall it?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, eSIM profiles are one-time use. Once deleted from your device, the same QR code cannot be used again. Please reply to your order confirmation email with your order number and we will assist you.

Question 13

I'm not receiving 2FA or verification codes.

Accepted Answer

If you have a voice + data plan with a real phone number:

1. Make sure your eSIM line is set as the line for receiving SMS.
2. Check that you have network signal.
3. Restart your phone and wait a minute for the network to reconnect.

Note: Data-only plans do not include a phone number and cannot receive SMS or calls. You need a voice plan for 2FA and verification codes.

Question 14

What is an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate a cellular plan by scanning a QR code. Your phone can have both your regular SIM and an eSIM active at the same time.

Question 15

Can I keep my regular SIM active while using the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM — your existing physical SIM (or primary eSIM) stays active for your home number, while the LineCast eSIM provides connectivity abroad. You can choose which line to use for data, calls, and texts.

Question 16

How long does my plan last?

Accepted Answer

Your plan duration begins when you first connect to a network in your destination country — not when you install the eSIM. Install it before you travel so it is ready when you land. The duration depends on the plan you purchased (e.g. 7 days, 14 days, 30 days).

Question 17

Can I reinstall my eSIM on a different device?

Accepted Answer

No. Each eSIM profile can only be installed on one device and is one-time use. Once installed, it cannot be transferred to another device. If you need service on a different device, please purchase a new plan.

Question 18

Can I get a refund if my device doesn't work with the eSIM?

Accepted Answer

No. By agreeing to our Terms you confirm that your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. All purchases are final once payment is processed. Device incompatibility is not grounds for a refund. LineCast may issue refunds at its discretion for provisioning failures or errors on our side (e.g. a bad activation code, duplicate charge). Reply to your order confirmation email with your order number if you believe the issue is on our end.

FAQ & Support

Device compatibility

eSIM Installation

Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

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