About to adopt eSIM technology? Excellent decision! eSIMs are a simple, economical, and ultra-convenient solution to stay connected wherever you go. Not sure where to start? We’ve gathered all the essential information here to guide you through your first steps.
Where to get an eSIM?
Most carriers already offer eSIM plans, but few truly enhance the connection experience. Even big names like Verizon still admit to encountering performance and compatibility issues with dual SIM phones.
With Vostra, switching to an eSIM is a breeze: simply buy, download, and activate a prepaid plan. By collaborating with local carriers worldwide, we guarantee you optimal service quality at ultra-competitive rates. No more dropped calls, weak signals, or exorbitant roaming fees!
Our catalog covers hundreds of countries and regions. To get your Vostra eSIM, it’s very simple:
- Go to the Vostra website or download our app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
- Choose the destination for your next trip.
- Select the plan that best suits your needs, in terms of data and validity.
How to install an eSIM
Now let’s move on to the next step: installing your eSIM. Thanks to the integrated technology of eSIM-compatible phones, activating and configuring your data plan is effortless. No need to handle physical SIM cards anymore: an unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone is all you need to get started.
Once your Vostra eSIM is purchased, you will receive an email detailing each step of its installation. To provide further assistance, we have also revamped our installation guide to offer you a comprehensive and accessible resource.
You have three simple methods to install your Vostra eSIM on your device:
Direct Installation
On iPhone:
- Open the Vostra app on your phone
- Go to My eSIMs then select the desired eSIM
- Tap on Details, then on View Instructions
- Choose Direct, then tap on Install eSIM
- Follow the step-by-step guide by tapping Next, then Continue twice, and wait a few minutes for activation
- Once the installation is complete, tap on Done
- Add a label to your new plan (e.g., « Vostra »), tap on Done, then on Continue
- Set your primary line for calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime, then select the Vostra eSIM for your mobile data
- Make sure the Allow Cellular Data Switching option is disabled
- Tap on Continue.
The installation page will close automatically.
On Android:
- Open the Airalo app
- Go to My eSIMs, select your eSIM and tap on Details
- Tap on View Instructions, then on Direct
- Tap Install eSIM, then Allow, and wait a few minutes for activation to complete.
You will then see a confirmation of successful installation.
Installation via QR Code
Prepare the QR code in Vostra
- Open the Vostra app
- Go to My eSIMs, click on the eSIM to install and tap on Details
- Tap on View Instructions, then select QR Code
- Tap on Share QR Code, then on Save Image.
On iPhone:
- Make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile)
- Tap on Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Open Photos and select the saved QR code
- Tap Continue twice and wait a few minutes for activation
- Tap on Done, add a label (e.g., « Vostra »), then tap on Done and Continue
- Choose your primary line for calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime
- Select the Vostra eSIM for cellular data, make sure Allow Cellular Data Switching is disabled, then tap on Continue. The installation page will close.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- Tap on Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Gallery/Photos Icon.
- Select the saved QR code, tap on Done, then on Add.
- Wait a few minutes for activation. The installation page will close.
Manual Installation
- Once you have accessed the Airalo app
- Go to My eSIMs, select the eSIM and tap on Details.
- Tap on View Instructions, then on Manual.
You will then see the SM-DP+ address and your activation code.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile) > Add eSIM.
- Tap on Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually.
- Copy and paste the SM-DP+ address and the Activation Code (and confirmation if requested) from the Vostra app.
- Tap on Next, then on Continue twice and wait a few minutes.
- Once activated, tap on Done, then add your label (e.g., « Vostra »).
- Choose your primary line for calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime.
- Select the Vostra eSIM for mobile data, make sure Allow Cellular Data Switching is disabled.
- Tap on Continue. The installation page will close.
On Android:
- Swipe down and go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- Tap on Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Enter activation code.
- Copy and paste the Activation Code from the Vostra app.
- Tap on Done, then on Add, and wait a few minutes for activation.
The installation page will close.
You now have all the steps to easily install your Vostra eSIM, whether via direct installation, QR code, or the manual method, for both iOS and Android.
How to connect to the Internet upon arrival?
With your Vostra eSIM, no need to wait! Depending on the chosen offer, your eSIM will activate either immediately after installation or as soon as you connect to a network in your destination country. Not sure which plan applies to you? A quick look at your activation policy will clarify.
Once there, go to your smartphone’s settings and choose your eSIM as the primary source for cellular data. Don’t forget to disable the « Allow Cellular Data Switching » option to avoid unexpected charges on your original plan. And just like that, you’re online, ready to browse with peace of mind!
3 steps to troubleshoot your internet connection
Struggling to get a signal or stay connected? Here are some tips to easily improve your connection:
- Adjust Roaming: Depending on your eSIM, you may need to enable or disable data roaming. Check your eSIM instructions to determine the ideal configuration.
- Update your APN: Some eSIMs require an Access Point Name (APN) to be entered. Check the provided instructions and, if necessary, follow them to correctly modify your settings.
- Check your signal level: Make sure you have enough bars for 3G or 4G/LTE. If you’re in an area with good coverage and nothing seems to work, try a full restart of your phone. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on to attempt a new connection.
How to make a call on a Dual SIM iPhone
With the Dual SIM feature of smartphones, you can simultaneously use an eSIM and a physical SIM card. This configuration allows you, for example, to use the eSIM’s mobile data to access the Internet, while keeping the physical SIM card for making and receiving calls.
To easily switch between your two lines on an iPhone with iOS 12.1 (or a later version), make sure you meet the following conditions:
- Own an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or a newer model.
- Have an unlocked phone or have plans from the same carrier.
How to proceed?
- Open Settings > Cellular Data (or Mobile Data) and choose the line you want to set as default for calls and messages not in your directory.
- Each time you wish to switch from one of your lines to the other, go back to Settings > Cellular Data/Mobile Data and activate the desired line by selecting Turn On This Line.
You can thus switch between your different lines at will, with ease and fully enjoying the benefits of Dual SIM on your iPhone.
How to deactivate or delete an eSIM
The ability to save multiple eSIMs on your smartphone (even after their validity has expired) allows you to easily switch from one network to another. However, if you wish to remove an eSIM or put it on standby, you can easily do so from your phone’s settings.
Delete an eSIM
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Go to the Cellular or Mobile section.
- Select the relevant eSIM line.
- Choose the option Remove Mobile Data Plan, which may also appear as Remove eSIM or Delete Mobile Plan, depending on your device model.
Deactivate an eSIM temporarily
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Go to the Cellular or Mobile section.
- Select the desired eSIM line.
- You will see an option to activate or deactivate it: switch it to Off. You can then reactivate it later, whenever you need it again.
You are now ready to fully enjoy your eSIM experience!
Need extra help? Check out our Help Center for more tips and advice on using your Vostra eSIM.
