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Managing eSIM on your phone.

How do I switch between eSIM and SIM?

You can choose which SIM/eSIM you would like to use for data and switch between them in your Settings. Go to your Settings Click on Mobile Data Click on the SIM/eSIM you want to use for mobile data (if you’ve named your SIM/eSIM, it will be easy to differentiate them). If you want to stay connected to data at all times, then turn on “Allow Mobile Data Switching.” By turning on Allow Mobile Data Switching, you will let your phone switch between your SIM and eSIM depending on connectivity and coverage. But if you’re roaming and only want to use your new data plan bought off the ZIM@SBB app, then turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching. Follow these steps to turn on Allow Mobile Data Switching. Go to your Settings Click on Mobile Data Turn on Allow Mobile Data Switching

How do I see which eSIM/SIM has a stronger signal?

Once you’ve installed your eSIM, you’ll be able to see a set of signal bars in the top right corner of your phone. Swipe down from the top of your phone to open the control centre. There you will see the signal bars for each line. If you’re using your physical SIM, your eSIM line will show service but no data. If connected to WIFI, your eSIM line will show WIFI calling. With Allow Mobile Data Switching turned on, you will see which line actively uses mobile data.

How do i delete my eSIM?

To delete your eSIM, follow these steps. Go to your Settings Click on Mobile Data Tap on your eSIM plan. Tap “Remove Mobile Data Plan”. With your eSIM removed, you cannot connect to data through that line. If you have any contacts saved on your eSIM line, they will move to your physical SIM. If you’ve got more than one data plan on your eSIM, deleting your eSIM will not stop your subscriptions. Go to the ZIM@SBB app and cancel your subscription.

Using the App.

How do I download the App?

You can download the app via the Apple Appstore or the Google Play Store.

How do I buy a data package?

First, you’ll need to download ZIM@SBB the App from the Apple AppStore or Google Play store. You’ll need to set up an account. You can use an existing Apple ID, Google or Facebook. Or use an email address and password. Upon opening the app, you will select your location, choose the data package that you’re satisfied with and purchase it. You can pay by Paypal, Google Pay or Credit Card. You can activate your new data plan right after purchase.

ZIM@SBB offers plans in the following destinations:

EUROPE:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
AFRICA:
South Africa, Tunisia.
AMERICAS:
Mexico, United States.
ASIA:
China, Hong Kong, Israel, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Turkey.
OCEANIA:
Australia, New Zealand.

How do I use my data plan?

Once you’ve downloaded your eSIM, you can choose to activate your plan immediately or later on. When using your new data plan, ensure your Data Roaming is enabled. Also, to ensure you’re using your new plan, pick ZIM@SBB as your default line for data in your Settings.

How do I check how much data I have left?

Go to the ZIM@SBB App dashboard to check how much data you have left.

What happens when I runout of data?

ZIM@SBB will let you know when you’ve used up 80% of your data. So make sure to top up before you run out. If you do run out, you’ll need to switch to your physical SIM or WIFI to get online and buy another data plan.

How do I buy more data?

Go to the ZIM@SBB App Dashboard, choose your new data package and purchase it.

How many data plans can I have?

You can purchase different plans and install up to 5 eSIMs at once.

What if I bought multiple data plans?

If you’ve bought multiple plans for one location, the functioning plan will be the last one you purchased. The data used will be in the order you purchased each data package.

Refund policy.

How do I ger a refund?

To get a refund, you’ll need to contact us through the live chat in the Help section of the App. In your message, please share the data plan’s order number, the location you chose and your reason for wanting a refund; or you can request it through our app in the settings of our App. We will process your refund the same way you made your payment (e.g. credit card, PayPal).

When can I receive a refund?

You can receive a refund if your data plan does not work, and the fault lies with the mobile provider or ZIM@SBB. In this case, the first step will be letting our Support Team know about your connection issues. If our Support Team cannot resolve the problem, we will reimburse you for the days you could not connect to data.

When can’t I receive a refund?

You can’t receive a refund if you cancel your order after you’ve activated your data plan. We do not appease buyer’s remorse. Once you have bought and activated your data plan through our app, we will not support cancellation and refund.
You can’t receive a refund if you provide us with an incorrect email address. We can forward the eSIM to a different email, but we can’t guarantee that the recipient of the wrong email won’t use the eSIM.
You can’t receive a refund if your phone is not eSIM compatible. ZIM@SBB provides a list of all eSIM compatible phones on our website. Alternatively, customers can always contact our Support Team for questions about their phone’s compatibility.
You can’t receive a refund if you change your mind about your purchase or mistakenly choose “Activate Plan Now” instead of the preferred date. Once the eSIM is issued, we can’t prevent its use. As aforementioned, we do not serve buyer’s remorse, and we ask customers to please be sure before making purchases.
You can’t receive a refund for any other reason not specified on this page.
Please note: our return policy applies to all purchases made through the application ZIM@SBB. Please read them carefully before making a purchase. An eSIM is a digital product, and once shipped by email ZIM@SBB cannot prevent its use. For this reason, after you have purchased an eSIM from your provided email, it is no longer possible to return the eSIM or receive a refund for the reasons explained.

General

Compatible devices:

iPhones with eSIM

iPhone 14. Source: iPhone official site

  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE 2 (2020)
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 Mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

*On iPhone 13 and 14 models, you can have two eSIMs activated at the same time.

*iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don’t have eSIM capability.

*iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards in the USA.

iPads with eSIM (only iPads with 4G connectivity):

  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
  • IPad 10th generación (modelo 2022)

Samsung phones with eSIM

Source: Samsung official site

  • Samsung Galaxy S20
  • Samsung Galaxy S20+
  • Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5g
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S21
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Samsung Galaxy S23+
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE* (Models from China or from Hong Kong do not admit eSIM)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
    Samsung Galaxy A54 (SCG21 (Japanese Model), SC-53D (Japanese Model), SM-A546B/DS (International Model), SM-A546S (Korean Model), SM-A546U1 (International Model))

*The following Samsung devices are not compatible with eSIM:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G
  • Samsung S20/S21 (US versions)
  • Galaxy Z Flip 5G (US versions)
  • Samsung Note 20 Ultra (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
  • The following models purchased in South Korea: Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G y el Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

*Depending on the country of origin, your device may not support eSIM. Please check if the device in your location supports this feature.

Google phones with eSIM

  • Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service)
  • Google Pixel 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM)
  • Google Pixel 3 XL
  • Google Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service)
  • Google Pixel 3a XL
  • Google Pixel 4
  • Google Pixel 4a
  • Google Pixel 4 XL
  • Google Pixel 5
  • Google Pixel 5a
  • Google Pixel 6
  • Google pixel 6a
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • Google Pixel 7a
  • Google Pixel 7
  • Google Pixel 7 Pro
  • Google Pixel 8
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Google Pixel Fold

*Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are not compatible with eSIM.

*Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM.

Huawei phones with eSIM

The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro are the first cell phones from the Chinese manufacturer to support eSIM.

  • Huawei P40
  • Huawei P40 Pro
  • Huawei Mate 40 Pro

The Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM.

Oppo phones with eSIM

  • Oppo Find X3 Pro
  • Find N2 Flip
  • Oppo Reno 5A
  • Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Oppo Reno 9A
  • Oppo Find X5
  • Oppo Find X5 Pro
  • Oppo A55s 5G

Please note that the OPPO Lite line does not support eSIM. 

Sony phones with eSIM

  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
  • Sony Xperia 10 IV
  • Xperia 10V
  • Xperia 1 IV
  • Sony Xperia 5 IV
  • Sony Xperia 1 V
  • Sony Xperia Ace III
  • Sony Xperia 5 V 

Xiaomi phones with eSIM

  • Xiaomi 12T Pro
  • Xiaomi 13
  • Xiaomi 13 Lite
  • Xiaomi 13 Pro
  • Xiaomi 13T Pro

Motorola phones with eSIM

  • Motorola Razr 2019
  • Motorola Razr 5G
  • Motorola Razr 40
  • Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
  • Motorola Razr+
  • Motorola Edge+
  • Motorola Edge 40
  • Motorola Edge 40 Pro
  • Motorola Edge 40 Neo
  • Motorola G52J 5G
  • Motorola G52J 5G Ⅱ
  • Motorola G53J 5G
  • Motorola G84

Sharp phones compatible with eSIM

  • Sharp AQUOS sense4 lite
  • Sharp AQUOS Sense6s
  • AQUOS sense 7
  • AQUOS sense 7plus
  • Sharp AQUOS Wish
  • AQUOS wish 2 SHG08
  • AQUOS wish3
  • AQUOS zero 6
  • Simple Sumaho6
  • Sharp AQUOS R7
  • Sharp AQUOS R8
  • Sharp AQUOS R8 Pro

Rakuten phones compatible with eSIM

  • Rakuten Mini
  • Rakuten Big-S
  • Rakuten Big
  • Rakuten Hand
  • Rakuten Hand 5G

Honor phones compatible with eSIM

  • Honor Magic 4 Pro
  • Honor Magic 5 Pro
  • Honor 90 
  • Honor X8

Other eSIM-compatible devices

  • Gemini PDA
  • Fairphone 4
  • DOOGEE V30
  • Oneplus Open
  • OnePLus 11
  • Oneplus 12
  • HAMMER Blade 3
  • HAMMER Explorer PRO
  • HAMMER Blade 5G
  • Nokia XR21
  • Nokia X30
  • Nokia G60 5G
  • myPhone NOW eSIM
  • Vivo X90 Pro
  • Vivo V29 Lite 5G (eSIM Supported only in Europe)
  • Oukitel WP30 Pro

What exactly is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into many of today’s phone models. This technology lets you activate your new data plans without switching out your physical SIM.

Will an eSIM work with my physical SIM?

The answer is yes. Phones compatible with eSIMs have built-in technology that lets you stay connected to your physical SIM. This aspect is Dual SIM; you can decide which SIM you’d like to use for data and switch back as you please.

Troubleshooting

Why does my device say it’s locked?

If you’ve bought a phone from a mobile provider with a built-in contract, the provider will prevent you from using other mobile services. Your phone will be considered ‘locked.’ If your phone is locked, you cannot install and use an eSIM. You can wait until your contract expires. Or contact your mobile operator to cancel your current contract and unlock your phone.

Plans not available.

You can’t buy data packages for locations outside the areas we cover. We are working on adding these locations in the future. We want people connected, everywhere, at all times.

Transferring my eSIM from one phone to another.

You can transfer eSIM plans from your old phone to your new phone. With both phones present. Follow these steps. Connect your old phone to WIFI or data from your physical SIM Delete your eSIM plan on your old phone (follow the steps provided in “How do I delete my eSIM?) and wait about five minutes On your new phone, install the ZIM@SBB app from the backup. Open the app You won’t need to log in because you installed the app from the backup. You can now re-install your eSIM (follow the steps provided in “How do I re-install my eSIM) Any existing data plans that were on your old phone will be transferred over (because it is the same eSIM).

Setting up my eSIM.

How do I download my eSIM?

Once you buy your new data plan, you will see an option to “download” your ZIM@SBB eSIM.

When should I set up my eSIM?

ou will need internet connection to set up your eSIM, so we recommend that you install and activate your eSIM just before your departure.
You can wait until you arrive in the country to activate your eSIM, but please remember that you will need a Wi-Fi connection to perform the installation process.

Label your SIM Card and eSIM.

To easily differentiate your physical SIM card from your eSIM, give them a name when installing the eSIM. The names will be useful when choosing which SIM/eSIM you want to use for data. If you change your mind, rename your SIM/eSIM card by going to your settings. Here are the steps to follow:

Go to your settings on your device.
Click “Mobile data” or “Mobile network”, depending on your device.
You will see a list of your available SIM/eSIM cards . Select the one you want to rename.
Tap “Mobile data plan label” and give it a name.
Save the changes.
This way you can easily tell your physical SIM card from your eSIM and choose which one you want. you want to use for the data.

Your messaging.

While connected to a ZIM@SBB data plan, you can text your contacts through several messaging apps. Such as Whatsapp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger.

Your default for mobile data.

Your default line for mobile data is either your physical SIM or your eSIM, depending on which one you prefer to use for data consumption. If you have purchased a new data plan via the ZIM@SBB app, you should set your eSIM as your default line. If you purchased your data plan before your trip, use the data from your physical SIM and switch to your eSIM when you arrive at your destination. Switching between your SIM and eSIM for data can be done in your settings. Refer to Section 4 for instructions on how to switch them.

Travelling with your eSIM.

How do I set up data roaming?

Data Roaming needs to be turned on for your data plan(s) to work. Follow these steps to enable Data Roaming. Go to your Settings, Click on Mobile Services, Tap on your eSIM plan, Scroll down to Data Roaming, Tap to switch it on.

Purchasing a plan before travel.

You can buy an eSIM plan 30 days before travel. Log in to your account, pick the location you’d like to buy a plan for and make sure you fill in the correct travel dates. Scroll up to Section 2 under “How do I buy a data package” to see the list of locations where ZIM@SBB offers data plans. After buying your data plan, “Activate ZIM” when you arrive at your destination and are ready to use data, make sure your Data Roaming is on, open the ZIM@SBB app and follow the activation process.