Der eSIM Ratgeber von BuddySIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is permanently integrated into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you install your BuddySIM travel data package via QR code or activation code. This allows you to surf the internet abroad while your normal SIM can remain active for calls and SMS.

Many current devices support eSIM, such as iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, as well as many iPads and smartwatches. It is also important that your device is not SIM-locked. Before purchasing, please check your model in our list of compatible smartphones.

It's best to install your eSIM before your trip while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. The data package usually only starts when you activate data roaming for the BuddySIM eSIM in the destination country and your device connects to the local network. This way, you'll be online faster after landing.

After your purchase, you will receive your eSIM data via email. On your iPhone or Android device, open the cellular or SIM settings, select "Add eSIM", and scan the QR code. Alternatively, you can manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.

Yes. For your travel eSIM to use mobile data abroad, data roaming must be enabled for the BuddySIM eSIM profile. Important: Only enable roaming for the BuddySIM eSIM and select it as the line for mobile data to avoid unexpected roaming charges from your home contract.

No. With BuddySIM, you pay the displayed package price for your eSIM data package. There is no automatic contract renewal, no traditional roaming fees, and no hidden additional costs. Once your data volume is used up, no further costs are automatically incurred.

First, check if your device is connected to Wi-Fi, if the QR code is fully visible, and if you are installing the eSIM via your mobile network settings. If scanning does not work, use the manual installation with the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your BuddySIM email. Our support team will guide you step-by-step if needed.

Check if the BuddySIM eSIM is switched on, selected as the mobile data line, and data roaming is active. Restart your device and check if there is network coverage in the country you are traveling in. If you still cannot connect, manual network selection or an APN check may help.

The APN (Access Point Name) is the gateway your device uses to access mobile data. In most cases, it is set automatically. If your eSIM is installed but not establishing a data connection, a missing or incorrect APN could be the cause. Our support team can provide you with the correct settings for your destination if needed.

Yes, in most countries you can share your data volume via personal hotspot or tethering with your laptop, tablet, or fellow travelers. Just be aware that this will consume your data volume more quickly. Whether a hotspot is available can vary depending on the destination network and tariff.

Yes. BuddySIM eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and are ideal for messengers, navigation, emails, social media, and VoIP calls. Your WhatsApp number usually remains unchanged because WhatsApp runs over the internet connection and does not depend on a local phone number.

Yes, most eSIM-enabled smartphones support Dual-SIM. You can keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts and use the BuddySIM eSIM for mobile data abroad. In your settings, make sure that mobile data is routed through BuddySIM.

Once your data allowance is used up, the data connection will stop or, depending on your plan, will no longer be usable. There are no automatic additional costs. You can purchase a new eSIM package at any time or top up your balance in the BuddySIM app and continue surfing.

If you have not yet used your eSIM or your device is unexpectedly incompatible, please contact our support team promptly. We will review your case individually and find a fair solution. As eSIMs are digital products, refunds depend on the installation and activation status.

Open Settings and go to Mobile Data. If you see "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Data Plan", your iPhone usually supports eSIM. Additionally, check under General and About to ensure no SIM lock is active.

Open Settings and search for SIM, Connections, or Network & Internet. If you see an option like "Add eSIM", "Download SIM", or "Add Mobile Plan", your Android device is most likely eSIM capable.

A SIM lock or network lock ties your smartphone to a specific provider. For a travel eSIM, your device must be unlocked. If you are unsure, check your device information or ask your mobile provider before purchasing.

Yes, many iPhones from iPhone XS, iPhone XR and newer support eSIM. Individual country or carrier versions may vary. Therefore, before purchasing, check whether eSIM is available and if there is no SIM lock.

Many Samsung Galaxy S, Fold, and Flip models support eSIM. With some A models, it depends on the model variant and sales region. Check in the SIM settings whether you can add an eSIM.

Many Google Pixel models support eSIM. It is important that your Pixel is unlocked and displays the "Download SIM" or "Add eSIM" option. After that, you can install your BuddySIM data package.

Some Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei devices support eSIM, while others do not. Since the feature is highly dependent on the model and region, you should check for the eSIM option directly in your settings.

Yes, if your tablet supports eSIM and mobile data. Many iPads with cellular functionality are suitable. Wi-Fi-only devices cannot use a mobile eSIM.

Installation means that the eSIM profile is stored on your device. Activation means that the eSIM is switched on in the country of travel, connects to the local network and uses mobile data.

Depending on the package, the validity period usually begins with the first connection to the supported network or with use in the destination country. Install the eSIM in advance, but only activate mobile data and roaming upon arrival at your destination.

Yes, for installation, you should be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Your device needs to download the eSIM profile. After successful installation, you will use mobile data via BuddySIM in the travel country.

Yes, it's even recommended. Install the eSIM at your leisure using Wi-Fi before your trip. Only switch on mobile data and data roaming for BuddySIM once you've arrived at your destination.

Choose BuddySIM for mobile data. You can continue to use your main SIM for calls and SMS. This way, your smartphone will use the BuddySIM data package abroad.

Give the eSIM a clear name like "BuddySIM Travel" or "USA eSIM". This way, you'll immediately know which line to use for mobile data on the go.

An eSIM QR code can usually only be installed once. Therefore, do not delete the eSIM if it is set up correctly. If you experience problems, contact support before removing the profile.

If you delete an eSIM profile, it often cannot be reinstalled using the same QR code. Contact support and include your order number, device model, and screenshots.

BuddySIM is typically a data-only plan. Traditional phone calls and SMS via a local number are usually not included. Calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Telegram, or Skype work via mobile data.

Yes, WhatsApp usually remains linked to your previous number. Your chats and groups will be preserved as long as you don't re-register WhatsApp or change your number.

Yes, iMessage and FaceTime run over the internet connection. Just make sure that mobile data runs via BuddySIM and your Apple ID or phone number is set up correctly.

Yes, navigation, maps, ride-hailing services, and translation apps are typical use cases for a travel eSIM. For remote regions, it is also worth downloading offline maps in advance.

Yes, apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix work with mobile data. However, videos and streaming consume a lot of data. Reduce video quality on the go if you want to save data.

For messengers, navigation, emails and some social media, 3 to 5 GB per week is sufficient for many travelers. Those who stream, work or use a hotspot should plan for 10 GB or more.

5 to 10 GB is often sufficient for two weeks. For intensive use with social media, video calls, maps, and hotspot, larger packages are recommended so you don't have to top up on the go.

Navigation usually consumes less data than videos or video calls, but it can add up over several days. Offline maps help save data volume and stay oriented even with poor reception.

This can happen if you are not yet in a supported travel country, the eSIM is deactivated, or your device does not automatically connect to the partner network. Activate BuddySIM, roaming, and try restarting your device.

This message often appears if there's no Wi-Fi, if the eSIM was activated too early before your trip, or if the installation was incomplete. Check your connection, compatibility, and SIM lock. The eSIM often only connects once you reach your destination.

After installation, your smartphone must load the new mobile profile. A restart re-establishes the network connection and often resolves issues with data routing, network registration, or old mobile settings.

Slow connection can be caused by weak reception, network congestion, buildings, incorrect network selection, or exhausted data volume. Try a different location, restart your device, and check if 4G or 5G is available.

5G depends on the device, travel destination, local network, plan, and location. If 5G is not available, your device will use 4G/LTE. For messengers, maps, emails, and travel apps, 4G is usually sufficient.

Check that BuddySIM is switched on, selected as the mobile data line, and that data roaming is active. Restart your device and, if necessary, try manual network selection or APN settings.

Some devices automatically select a weak or unsupported network. Open network selection, briefly disable automatic selection, and test another available partner network. You can then reactivate automatic selection.

Yes. Turn on Airplane mode for about 20 seconds and then turn it off again. This will force your smartphone to re-establish the mobile connection. This often helps after installation, crossing a border, or changing networks.

The APN is the access point your smartphone uses to access mobile data. In most cases, it is set automatically. If the eSIM has network coverage but no data is loading, a missing or incorrect APN could be the cause.

Open Settings, Cellular, and select the BuddySIM line. If your iPhone shows the "Cellular Data Network" section, you can check APN data there. Not every iPhone allows manual changes.

Open Settings, Network or Connections and select the BuddySIM eSIM. Under Access Points or APN, you can check existing data or enter a new APN.

When manually selecting a network, you search for available mobile networks and choose one yourself. This can help if your device automatically uses a weak or unsupported network.

Check if mobile data is running through BuddySIM and if your device allows hotspot for this data line. Restart the smartphone. Hotspot may be restricted in individual countries, networks, or tariffs.

Yes, in many countries you can share your data volume via hotspot with laptops, tablets, or fellow travelers. Please note that hotspot usage can consume data significantly faster.

The eSIM itself cannot be installed on multiple smartphones simultaneously. However, if available, you can share your personal hotspot. For multiple travelers, individual eSIM packages are usually more stable.

Your smartphone displays data usage in the mobile network settings. If your allowance is almost used up, you can top up or purchase a new data package, depending on the offer. There are no automatic additional costs.

You can reach BuddySIM support directly via the WhatsApp support button on the website or by email. For technical questions, it's best to include your order number, device model, travel destination, and screenshots.

Helpful information includes the order number, email address, device model, operating system, country of travel, current location, and screenshots of mobile network settings. This allows for a quicker check to determine if installation, APN, network selection, or coverage are affected.

If you have accidentally purchased the wrong destination or package, please contact support as soon as possible. As long as the eSIM has not been installed or used, there are more options for finding a suitable solution.

No. BuddySIM is not a subscription. You pay the displayed price for your data package. When your data volume or term expires, there are no automatic additional costs.

You usually receive your eSIM data by email shortly after purchase. Please also check your spam or promotions folders and ensure you provide the correct email address at checkout.

First, check spam, junk, and other inboxes. If you still cannot find the email, contact support with your name, the email address used, and, if possible, proof of payment or order.

Yes. You can purchase a BuddySIM eSIM for family, friends, or employees. It is important that the person has access to the QR code or activation data and uses an eSIM-compatible, unlocked device.

The available payment methods will be displayed to you at checkout. After successful payment, you will receive the eSIM information digitally via email.

Yes, regional or global eSIM packages are suitable for round trips if all destination countries are included. Check the package's country coverage before purchasing. A country-specific package is often suitable for single-country trips.

A regional eSIM covers several countries within a region, for example, Europe, Asia, or North America. This is practical if you cross borders during a trip and don't want to install multiple eSIMs.

A country eSIM is ideal if you are only visiting one destination. A global or regional eSIM is worthwhile if you are traveling to multiple countries or need maximum flexibility. Your route, data requirements, and duration of stay are decisive factors.

Yes, you can buy BuddySIM digitally as long as you have internet access. It's more relaxed to buy it before your trip with a stable Wi-Fi connection, so you can handle the QR code, installation, and settings without time pressure.

Check eSIM compatibility, SIM lock, destination, data needs, and Wi-Fi access for installation. Also, save the activation email and support link so you can quickly get help with any questions.

BuddySIM works in supported cellular networks on land. At sea, devices often connect to satellite or onboard networks, which are not part of regular eSIM packages. Use BuddySIM again near port or on land.

Yes. BuddySIM is suitable for business trips because you can book data packages in advance, get online quickly abroad, and keep your main number reachable in parallel. For teams or partner inquiries, our B2B contact is suitable.

After your trip, you can delete the eSIM if you no longer need it. However, only delete it when you are certain that you no longer wish to use the package or have it checked by support.

Yes. You can also use the BuddySIM eSIM as your sole connection, without any physical SIM card inserted. The only requirement is that your smartphone has been set up with a SIM card and registered on the network at least once before. After that, the eSIM functions independently for mobile data.