Everything You Need to Know About iPhone with Cellular - Gigsky

Staying connected while traveling is now super convenient and cost-effective. A few iPhone dual sim travel tips will help you get set up with travel data on your dual-SIM iPhone.

Traveling with an iPhone

This post addresses the most common concerns (such as HELP! I deleted my eSIM) and how to avoid them. Read on to get iPhone dual sim tips for the best travel connectivity experience with a dual-SIM iPhone.

IMPORTANT! For existing customers who have already used GigSky eSIM service: If you’re transferring your service to an iPhone 11 and are not able to find your eSIM(s), or are unable to add a new eSIM, please contact support@gigsky.com.

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Does My iPhone Have eSIM?

The newest versions of iPhones, like those released since September 2018, have dual-SIM capabilities. This means in addition to a traditional, physical SIM, these devices allow users to access a secondary service through the use of an embedded SIM or “eSIM.” If you have an iPhone XS/XS Max or iPhone XR, you can use GigSky’s eSIM data service.

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An eSIM is accessed through the cellular settings an an iPhone. The GigSky app must also be downloaded in order to manage your account. A common misconception about eSIMs is that they are controlled through the GigSky app. In reality, an eSIM is simply how the data is delivered, while the GigSky app allows you to control your data plan, make purchases and monitor usage.

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How Do I Set Up eSIM On My Dual-SIM Phone? 

First, ensure you haven’t previously downloaded an eSIM on your phone. Start by going to Settings >> Cellular/Mobile. An eSIM label will show either “Off” or “On,” and will show if an eSIM is already downloaded. If you do not have an eSIM downloaded, go to the GigSky app to purchase a data plan and download an eSIM. 

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(Note: If you already have an eSIM, don’t delete it! More on that below.)

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To download an eSIM, simply download the GigSky app and purchase a plan. Since it’s possible to have more than one eSIM downloaded on your iPhone at once, it’s important to follow the download instructions carefully. This will ensure that you use the correct eSIM with your GigSky plan. 

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During the download, you will be asked to copy and paste the eSIM label. After doing so, you will need to input the label you just copied on another screen. Don’t skip this step! Be sure to paste your copied label on this screen as it will ensure you are using the right eSIM for the plan you have chosen.

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iPhone Dual SIM Travel Tips #1

When accessing eSIM through your iPhone’s cellular settings, complete the following steps: Settings>> Cellular/Mobile>> Select the eSIM label you created when you downloaded the eSIM. If you find yourself on a screen asking for a QR code or SMTP address, you are in the wrong place. You must use the GigSky app to purchase a data plan and download the eSIM.

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Why Won’t My GigSky Service Work When I Travel?

When selecting your GigSky plan, it’s common to choose the country where you live (i.e.: your home country) as your plan. This is a mistake, however, since this is probably not where you will be using your GigSky service. For example, if you live in California but plan to travel to Japan, you want to choose an eSIM plan for Japan, not for the United States.

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You’ll notice when purchasing your plan, near the bottom of the screen, there’s an option to “Change Destination.” Select that, and choose which locations you plan to travel to, based on region.

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Remember: When choosing a GigSky plan, consider where your travels will take you and plan your data around those locations.

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When Troubleshooting, Should I Just Delete My eSIM & Start Again? 

In a word? NO! 

It may be tempting, or even seem reasonable, to delete your eSIM and start over when things don’t appear to be working right. But this creates further issues. eSIMs, while not actually a physical card, work just like traditional SIM cards. Deleting an eSIM is the equivalent of taking your physical SIM out of your phone and throwing it away. If you have purchased a data plan on your eSIM and you delete it, that plan goes away.

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Remember: Your data plan DOES expire, while the eSIM itself does not. 

Your eSIM is the method by which your data is delivered. It is not the data plan. If you’re traveling and find your data plan is not working in your current location, ensure you’re using the right eSIM, that it is turned on, and that you have purchased the appropriate data plan for the location where you want to use it.

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When questions arise, be sure to contact GigSky directly at: support@gigsky.com but never, ever delete your eSIM!

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iPhone Dual SIM Travel Tips #2

If you accidentally delete your eSIM, contact support@gigsky.com to request a refund for your purchased plan. Then, repurchase the data plan and download a new eSIM.

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Can I Have Multiple eSIM Accounts On My Dual-SIM iPhone? 

While you can have more than one eSIM downloaded on your iPhone at once, you can only use one eSIM account at a time. For example, use your primary cellular data provider at home and a GigSky eSIM when you travel.

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Turning eSIMs On & Off at the Beginning & End of Travel

GigSky eSIMs need to be turned “On” and selected in order to work. However, at the end of your trip, do NOT delete your eSIM. Simply turn the eSIM “Off.” GigSky eSIMs are reusable and should not be considered disposable.

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I’m Careful with Data When I Travel, But I Still Use So Much More Than When I’m At Home. Why?

Mobile users sometimes feel frustrated by how quickly they cycle through data during travel. In daily life, we typically use much less cellular data since we connect to Wi-Fi in our homes and offices. When we travel, we’re often in unfamiliar places and rely much more on mobile cellular data to help us find directions, look up information, communicate with others and keep up with work. It’s easy to overlook how much data it takes to download emails, open attachments, send photos or navigate using a map app.

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iPhone Dual SIM Travel Tips #3 

As much as possible look for safe, reliable Wi-Fi connections and remember that GigSky offers data plans that can be tailored per day; if you plan on being out and about on certain days more than others, select the plan that best fits your needs. If Wi-Fi is activated, your device will likely connect to public Wi-Fi connections. You can decide this by setting Wi-Fi “On” or “Off.”

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iPhone Dual SIM Tips: Precautions To Take to Limit Your Use of Data When Traveling

• Turn Roaming “Off”
  For eSIM users, make sure roaming is turned “Off.” Leaving roaming “On” can create an expensive problem if you’re not on the right data plan (i.e. your home carrier versus another eSIM). By turning roaming off, you will avoid accidentally using another, likely more expensive service.
• Turn Automatic Updates “Off”
  Another area that drains data is automatic updates. Though you may think your device only updates when connected to Wi-Fi, it sometimes sees hotspot connections as an update opportunity. The best way to avoid unwanted surprises is to turn off all automatic update apps and software upgrades before you travel.
• Need more info on using an eSIM on an iPhone? – Visit our FAQ’s.

‍Follow these iPhone dual SIM tips to ensure a seamless experience when using a GigSky eSIM during your next trip. 

Have questions or comments? Visit our Help Center. Or, contact us directly at support@gigsky.com.

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Purchase a cellular data plan for your iPhone

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Check out our article on iPhone 14 Heralds the start of the eSIM-only era.

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