Everything You Need to Know About iPad with Cellular - Gigsky

Traveling with an iPhone

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

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

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IMPORTANT! For existing customers who have already used GigSky eSIM service: If you are transferring your service to the 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, all those released since September 2018, have dual-SIM capabilities. This means in addition to a traditional, physical SIM, these devices allow the user 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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The eSIM is accessed on the iPhone through the cellular settings. The GigSky app must also be downloaded on your phone in order to manage your account. One common misconception is that the eSIM is controlled through the GigSky app. In reality, the 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 IPHONE?

The first thing to do is to ensure you haven’t previously downloaded eSIM on your phone. Start by going to Settings >> Cellular/Mobile. There will be an eSIM label showing either Off, or On. That will show you if an eSIM has already been downloaded. If you do not have eSIM downloaded, you have to go to the GigSky App to purchase a data plan and download the eSIM. (Note: If you do have eSIM already, Don’t Delete It! More on that below.)

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You can download the correct eSIM directly from the GigSky app after purchasing the plan you need. As it is possible to have more than one eSIM downloaded on your iPhone at one time, it is critical you follow the instructions exactly. This will ensure that you use the correct eSIM with your GigSky plan. As you are downloading, you will see a screen that asks you to copy and paste the eSIM label. After doing so, you are taken to the next screen which asks you to input the label you just copied. 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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Helpful hint: When accessing eSIM through your iPhone’s cellular settings, you should follow: Settings>>Cellular/Mobile> > select the eSIM label that was created when the eSIM was downloaded. 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 is a common mistake to choose the country where you are typically based (i.e.: your home country). However, this is probably not where you will be using your GigSky service. For example, if you live in California but are planning on traveling to Japan, you would want to choose service for Japan, not for the United States.

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You’ll notice when purchasing your plan, near the bottom of the screen, is an option to “Change Destination.” Select that, and choose which locations you are planning 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 AND START AGAIN?

In a word, NO! It can be tempting, or even seem reasonable, to simply delete your eSIM and start over when things don’t appear to be working right, but this creates its own problems. eSIM, while not actually a physical card, works just like traditional SIM cards – deleting 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 then delete it, that plan goes away.

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Your eSIM is reusable and doesn’t expire. Remember, it is the method by which your data is delivered, it is not the data plan. Your data plan DOES expire, while the eSIM does not. If you are traveling and find your data plan is not working in your current location, please ensure you are using the right eSIM on your phone, that it is turned on, and that you have purchased the appropriate data plan for the location where you are wanting to use it.

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

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If you accidentally delete your eSIM, you will need to contact support@gigsky.com to request a refund for your purchased plan. You will then need to 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 one time, you can only use one eSIM account at a time. For example, if you use your primary phone provider at home, GigSky is a great eSIM option when you travel.

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TURNING ESIMS ON AND OFF AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF TRAVEL

GigSky eSIM needs to be turned ON and selected in order for the services to work. However, at the end of your trip, do NOT delete your eSIM. Simply turn OFF the eSIM. The eSIMs are reusable and should not be considered disposable.

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I’M CAREFUL WITH DATA USAGE 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 when traveling. In our everyday lives we typically use much less cellular data, as we connect to WiFi in our homes and offices. When we travel, we often are 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 pull your emails, open attachments, send photos or navigate using a map app.

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As much as possible look for safe, reliable WiFi connections and remember that GigSky offers data plans that can be tailored per day, so if you plan on being out and about on certain days more than others, select the plan that best fits your needs. If you have WiFi activated, most likely your device will connect to public WiFi connections. You can decide this by setting WiFi ON/OFF.

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PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP LIMIT YOUR USE OF DATA WHEN TRAVELING:

• For eSIM users, make sure roaming is turned off. Keeping your roaming on can create an expensive problem if you’re not on the right eSIM, or if you are using your physical SIM and home carrier without realizing it. By keeping roaming off, you will not accidentally use another, more expensive service.
• Another area that often surprises people is automatic updates. You may think your device will only update when connected to WiFi, but it also sees hotspot connections in the same way. 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 eSIM on iPhone – Go to FAQ’s

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Have questions or comments? Visit our Help Center

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Or, contact us directly at support@gigsky.com

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Purchase a cellular data plan for you iPhone

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

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