How FairSIM eSIM works

Everything from what an eSIM is to the one setting that fixes most “no connection” problems. Five minutes to read, one tap to install.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Where a physical SIM is a plastic chip you swap in a tray, an eSIM is a small chip soldered to the board that stores a downloadable profile. Install a profile and the phone behaves exactly as if you had inserted a SIM from that network.

Every iPhone since the XS has an eSIM next to the physical SIM slot and can run both at once. That is what makes travel eSIMs work: your home SIM keeps your number for calls and two-factor codes, and the FairSIM eSIM carries the data at the local wholesale rate.

A FairSIM profile stays on your phone after the trip, and you can top it up from My eSIMs whenever you need more data. There is nothing to post or pick up. Every country and regional plan is listed in the eSIM store, with coverage, data guidance and local tips for each destination.

Watch the setup

See how to install your FairSIM eSIM in under 2 minutes.

Prefer reading? Follow the steps

Pressing play loads the video from YouTube.

Is my phone compatible?

FairSIM is available for iPhone. Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. iOS 17.4 or later unlocks the one-tap install with no QR code.

Works with FairSIM

iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and later
iPhone 12 series
iPhone 13 series
iPhone 14 series
iPhone 15 series
iPhone 16 series
iPhone 17 series

Does not work

iPhone 8, X and older
iPhones bought on a carrier contract that are still carrier-locked
iPhones purchased in mainland China, and some Hong Kong and Macao dual-physical-SIM models

To check: open Settings, General, About. If you see an EID number, your iPhone has an eSIM. Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock should read “No SIM restrictions”.

How to check

How to get started

Four steps from choosing a plan to using data abroad.

Pick a destination and a plan
Search for the country or region in the eSIM store and choose a plan. Plans show data, validity and the full price. Nothing is added at checkout.
Pay on the web or in the app
Card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay when your browser offers them, in the currency you see. The eSIM is ready in seconds and appears in My eSIMs.
Install before you fly
Open My eSIMs on your iPhone and tap Install on iPhone: on iOS 17.4 and later the eSIM installs in one tap with no QR code. You can also show the QR code on another screen and scan it with your iPhone. iOS asks you to label the line: call it something like FairSIM Japan.
Land, turn on data roaming, connect
At your destination, turn your FairSIM line on, choose it for mobile data, and turn on Data Roaming for it. Your phone joins the partner network within a minute.

Install before you travel, activate on arrival

Most people assume installing starts the clock. It does not. These are two different moments.

Installing

Downloads the eSIM profile onto your phone. Needs Wi-Fi or data. Does not start the clock. Do it at home, a day or a week ahead, so nothing depends on airport Wi-Fi.

Activating

Happens when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination. The plan's validity typically starts at that moment. Keep the line off until you land if you want every day of validity to count.

Turn on Data Roaming for your FairSIM line

This is the most common reason an eSIM doesn't connect. A travel eSIM roams on a local partner network, so your phone needs your permission. It never costs extra: roaming is what you paid for.

Your line won't be called FairSIM.Your phone gives it a default name, such as Secondary. Inside the line, you'll see the network name Sky IE.

Open Settings, then Mobile Service.
Tap Secondary. This is your FairSIM line; iPhone may also call it Travel or another default name.
On the Sky IE screen, turn Data Roaming on.
Go back, tap Primary (your home line) and turn its Data Roaming off, so it never bills you.
Under Mobile Data, choose Secondary.

Setup questions

My eSIM is installed but I have no connection. What do I check first?

Data roaming. On iPhone, open Settings, then Mobile Service, tap your FairSIM line (Secondary by default) and turn Data Roaming on, then choose that line under Mobile Data. On Android, open Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs. This one setting explains most connection problems.

Should I delete the eSIM when my trip ends?

No. Keep it installed and turn the line off. You can top it up later from My eSIMs. If you delete it, contact support before trying to install it again.

Can I install the eSIM on a second phone?

An eSIM profile installs on one device. If you change phones mid-trip, contact support with your order details.

Does installing the eSIM use my data or start the plan?

Installing needs an internet connection, Wi-Fi is fine, and downloads a tiny profile. The plan's validity typically starts when the eSIM first connects at your destination, not at install.

What should I name the line during install?

Something you will recognise in Settings later, such as FairSIM Japan. iOS asks for a label during setup; the default is Travel.

Where do I find the QR code or manual details?

In My eSIMs. On iOS 17.4 and later you do not need them: Install on iPhone sets the eSIM up in one tap. Otherwise, open the eSIM in My eSIMs to show its QR code or its manual details.