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Buy eSIM Via Whatsapp
Activation guide

How to Activate Your GleeSim Travel eSIM

Buy on WhatsApp, scan the QR code, switch on data. This guide takes you through install and set-up on iPhone and Android in about five minutes.

By M Naeem Ashraf, Media ManagerUpdated 4 min read
Buy on WhatsAppWhat is an eSIM?
Short answer

Buy your plan on WhatsApp and you get a QR code in the chat. Scan it in your phone settings while on Wi-Fi, choose the eSIM for mobile data, and turn on Data Roaming for that line when you reach your destination. It takes about five minutes.

Before you start

  • An eSIM phone. Your phone needs to support eSIM. Check the compatible devices list.
  • An unlocked phone. If it is locked to one network, ask your provider to unlock it before you travel.
  • Wi-Fi. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM. Install at home or at your hotel.
  • A second screen or a screenshot of the QR code. A phone cannot scan a QR code shown on its own screen, so open the code on a laptop or second device, print it, or ask us for the manual details.

Step by step

  1. Check that your phone supports eSIM

    Look for Add eSIM in your phone settings or check the compatible devices list. The phone must not be locked to one network.

  2. Buy your plan on WhatsApp

    Message GleeSim on WhatsApp, choose your destination and plan, and pay in the chat.

  3. Receive your QR code

    Your QR code and install guide arrive in the same chat, usually in under 2 minutes.

  4. Install the eSIM

    On Wi-Fi, scan the QR code through your phone settings: on iPhone use Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM; on Android use Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add eSIM.

  5. Name the line and choose it for mobile data

    Label it GleeSim Travel, keep your normal SIM for calls and texts, and set the GleeSim eSIM as the line for mobile data.

  6. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM

    At your destination, switch on Data Roaming for the GleeSim eSIM line only. This lets it connect to a local network.

  7. Check the connection

    Open a web page or WhatsApp. If it does not load, restart the phone and message us on WhatsApp.

iPhone and Android: where to tap

iPhone

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings, then Mobile Data (or Cellular).
  3. Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
  4. Scan the code and follow the prompts.
  5. Label the plan GleeSim Travel and choose it for Mobile Data.
  6. At your destination, turn on Data Roaming for this line.

Android

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs (on Samsung: Connections, then SIM manager).
  3. Tap Add eSIM (or Add mobile plan), then scan the QR code.
  4. Confirm and name the plan GleeSim Travel.
  5. Set it as the SIM for mobile data.
  6. At your destination, turn on Data roaming for this SIM.
Menu names change a little between phone brands and software versions. If you cannot find Add eSIM, send us your phone model on WhatsApp and we will send the exact steps.

Installed but no data?

What you seeWhat to check
No signal or "No service"Make sure the eSIM line is turned on and you are in the destination country. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line.
Signal but no internetCheck mobile data is set to the GleeSim eSIM line, not your normal SIM. Turn Airplane mode on and off.
QR code will not scanOpen it on a second screen, increase the brightness, or ask us on WhatsApp for the manual install details.
"eSIM cannot be added"Check you have Wi-Fi and that the phone is unlocked. Do not install the same QR code twice.
Still stuckRestart the phone, then message us on WhatsApp with a screenshot. A real person replies 24/7.

Good to know

  • Do not delete the eSIM from your phone before your trip ends. A deleted eSIM usually cannot be installed again.
  • Keep your normal SIM on for calls and texts. The GleeSim eSIM is for data only.
  • Install before you fly. Then you only need to switch the line on when you land.
  • Check usage and top up in WhatsApp. Message the same chat any time you need more data.
  • New to eSIMs? Read what an eSIM is first.

Frequently asked questions

How do I activate my GleeSim eSIM?
Buy your plan on WhatsApp, then scan the QR code we send you in your phone settings while connected to Wi-Fi. Choose the eSIM for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming for that line when you reach your destination.
Do I need to be in the destination country to install it?
No. You can install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you travel, then switch the line on when you land.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM?
Yes. Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM. Use home or hotel Wi-Fi.
How long does it take to install?
Usually a few minutes. Your QR code arrives in WhatsApp in under 2 minutes after you pay, and the install takes a minute or two.
Why does my eSIM show signal but no internet?
Check that mobile data is set to the GleeSim eSIM line and that Data Roaming is on for that line. Then turn Airplane mode on and off or restart the phone. If it still fails, message us on WhatsApp.
Can I scan the QR code on the same phone?
Not easily, because the camera cannot scan its own screen. Open the QR code on another screen or print it, or ask us on WhatsApp for the manual install details.
Should I delete the eSIM when my trip ends?
You can leave it installed. Do not delete it before the trip is over, as a deleted eSIM usually cannot be reinstalled. Message us if you want to top up.
Can I use my normal number while the eSIM is on?
Yes. Keep your normal SIM on for calls and texts. The GleeSim eSIM is for data only, and you can also use WhatsApp calls over data.
Does it work on iPad and laptops?
It works on tablets and laptops that support eSIM and are unlocked. See our compatible devices pages for the list.
Where do I get help if something goes wrong?
Message us on WhatsApp. A real person replies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email [email protected].

Keep reading

What is an eSIM?How to activateCompatible devicesAll FAQsDestinationsTravel eSIM blog
M
Written byM Naeem AshrafMedia Manager, GleeSim. GleeSim is a UK travel eSIM provider operated by Premier Mobile Solutions GB Ltd (company number 06814747).

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