Question 1

What are eSIMs and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Stay connected on your travels with eSIMs on Skratch, offering quick and easy mobile data around the world. Learn more about how they work and the benefits below!

What are eSIMs?

Say goodbye to physical sims or sneaky roaming charges when you travel. A Skratch eSIM is a fully digital and fast way to get local mobile data when you travel.

Think of an eSIM like a virtual SIM card, offering you all the data usually contained on a physical SIM card but loaded onto your device over the air with no manual setup needed. Most iOS and Android devices have an eSIM chip built-in, allowing you to activate an eSIM plan straight away on your device. You can install multiple eSIM plans on your device without touching your main data plan or phone number.

Benefits of Skratch eSIMs

Flexible and Affordable: Choose a plan that suits your data needs and trip duration, including country and regional eSIMs
Best Internet Speeds: Enjoy the fastest 4G/5G internet speeds with connectivity to 400+ networks globally
Quick Setup: Activate data plans in a few seconds and easily switch between networks, no physical setup required
Easy to Track: Monitor your eSIM data usage in Skratch and top up seamlessly
Unmatched Security: Stay secure with end-to-end encryption and 100% data privacy
World Class Support: Browse our extensive lib

Question 2

Should I get my eSIM in advance before I travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s usually best to buy and install your eSIM before you travel. That way, you’ll be ready to connect as soon as you land, without needing Wi-Fi or searching for a SIM card shop. This can also be a smart way to avoid any unwanted roaming charges on arrival!

Installing your eSIM in advance doesn’t mean it’s activated - this will only happen when you arrive at the destination and connect to a local network. Likewise the validity period of your eSIM won’t start until that happens. More details on how validity periods work here.

Question 3

How many eSIM profiles can be stored on my device?

Accepted Answer

The number of eSIM profiles you can store depends on your phone model. Most smartphones let you keep multiple eSIMs saved at once, but only one or two can be active simultaneously.

Indicative limits by major devices

Apple iPhone

iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12: Up to 5–6 eSIMs stored, but only 1 active at a time.
iPhone 13 and newer: Up to 8+ eSIMs stored, with 2 active at once.
iPhone 14 (US models): eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).

Samsung Galaxy

Recent models (S21, S22, S23, Z Flip, Z Fold): Store multiple eSIMs, with 1 active at a time.
Galaxy S24 series: Support dual active eSIMs (2 eSIMs working simultaneously).

Google Pixel

Pixel 3a and newer: Store multiple eSIMs, with 1 active at a time.
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro: Support dual active eSIMs.

Other Android brands (Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Motorola, Sony, Nokia)

Most allow several eSIM profiles stored.
Usually 1 active at a time, though newer flagship models increasingly support dual active eSIMs

Question 4

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Skratch will automatically tell you if your device is compatible or not with an eSIM.

||| Note: Regardless of the phone you have, it must be unlocked from carrier restrictions to use eSIMs. Some phones are tied to a specific mobile operator and can only use data plans from that network.

If you want to double check, here are three simple ways to do so:

1. Check if your device settings include an “Add eSIM” option

Samsung: Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go

iOS: Open Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Other major Android manufacturers:

Google Pixel: Open Settings > Networks and Internet > Advanced > Add Operator If you see a QR code scanner, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Huawei: Open Settings > Mobile Networks > SIM Management submenu > Add eSIM If you see an activation code input, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Xiaomi: Open Settings > Network > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

***Motorola

Question 5

What happens to my data if I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

When you delete your Skratch account, all associated personal and account data is also deleted. This isn’t a temporary deactivation but a full deletion so please only delete your account if you don’t intend to use it again.

Question 6

Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t need to remove your physical SIM card to use an eSIM. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, which means you can use your physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time.

This setup is especially useful for travelers:

Keep your main number active on your physical SIM for calls and texts.
Use your eSIM for data while abroad, often at better local rates.
Easily switch between networks in your phone’s settings.

However, if you’d like to use only your eSIM, you can remove the physical SIM — it’s completely up to you but not recommended for the reasons above.

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