Frequently Asked Questions

ICY SIM is a global eSIM provider offering affordable data plans for 190+ countries. You buy a plan before you travel, install it on your device, and enjoy fast mobile data without surprise roaming charges from your home carrier.

ICY SIM plans are data-only. For calls and texts, your primary physical SIM stays active alongside the eSIM. You can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or iMessage over ICY SIM data — so you're never cut off from your contacts.

ICY SIM covers 190+ countries and territories with local, regional, and global plans. Popular destinations include the US, UK, Japan, Thailand, UAE, Europe, and more. Browse our Destinations page for the full list.

Yes. ICY SIM connects you to verified local carrier networks in each country. All transactions are secured with 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI DSS-compliant payment processing. Your data privacy is never compromised.

1. Local plan — works in one specific country. Best value for single-country trips.
2. Regional plan — covers a group of countries (e.g. Europe, Asia). Great for multi-country travel.
3. Global plan — works in 180+ countries worldwide. Ideal for frequent travelers or long trips across multiple regions.

iPhones from the XS (2018) onward support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, and 16 series. Your device must also be carrier-unlocked. Note: Some iPhone models from mainland China and Hong Kong are physical-SIM only. To confirm, go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM.

Many modern Android devices support eSIM, including:

1. Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
2. Google: Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series
3. OnePlus: 11, 12 Pro and newer models
4. Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13 series and newer
5. Motorola: Razr series, Edge+ series
6. Oppo: Find X3, X5, X7 series

On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About and look for "Available SIM" or "EID". If you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.

On Android: Go to Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. If the option appears, your device supports eSIM.

Yes — your device must be carrier-unlocked to use ICY SIM. A locked phone can only use its original carrier's SIM. You can check unlock status by contacting your home carrier or going to Settings → General → About (on iPhone, look under "SIM Lock" or "Carrier Lock").

Yes! Most eSIM-capable devices are dual-SIM, so you can run your home SIM for calls and texts while ICY SIM handles data. You'll choose in Settings which SIM is used for data — just switch to ICY SIM when you arrive.

ICY SIM currently supports smartphones only. While some laptops and tablets do support eSIM (e.g. iPad Pro, Surface Pro), our plans are optimized for phone use. Check our compatible devices page for the latest supported models.

Setting up your eSIM takes about 2 minutes:

1. Purchase your plan on the ICY SIM website or app.
2. Receive your QR code by email and in the ICY SIM app.
3. Go to Settings → Mobile / Cellular → Add eSIM.
4. Tap "Use QR Code" and scan it with your camera.
5. Label the plan (e.g. "ICY SIM Travel") and confirm setup.
6. When you arrive at your destination, go to Settings → Mobile Data and select ICY SIM. Enable Data Roaming.

Install your eSIM at home before departure while you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The eSIM download requires an active internet connection. Once installed, activation happens automatically when you arrive and turn on Data Roaming.

Your plan starts the moment you use data on your ICY SIM — not at the time of purchase. This means if you install it today and travel next week, your days only start counting down once you're actively using the eSIM data.

On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → select ICY SIM line → enable Data Roaming.

On Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → select ICY SIM SIM → enable Data Roaming.

If you don't enable Data Roaming, your device will use Wi-Fi only.

Try these steps if your QR code isn't working:

1. Ensure your phone camera is clean and held steady.
2. Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR code.
3. Try from the email rather than a printed copy.
4. Use "Enter Details Manually" in Settings and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email.
5. If issues persist, contact ICY SIM support — we'll resend or assist instantly.

Once an eSIM is deleted from your device, it cannot be reinstalled as most eSIM profiles are one-time-use for security reasons. This is a carrier-level restriction, not specific to ICY SIM. Always keep your eSIM installed until your trip is over.

ICY SIM offers a range of plans per destination — typically 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB with validity periods from 7 to 30 days. Pricing varies by country and region. Browse the Destinations page to see live pricing for your destination.

When your data runs out, your ICY SIM will stop working for data. Your physical SIM remains completely unaffected. You can purchase a new plan from the ICY SIM app or website at any time to top up.

ICY SIM plans connect you to local carrier networks which support 4G LTE or 5G (where available). Speeds depend on your location, network coverage, and time of day — similar to local residents using the same network.

Not currently. ICY SIM offers fixed-data plans (1GB–20GB) for transparency and value. Unlimited plans often have hidden throttling. Our 10GB and 20GB plans are more than sufficient for most trips.

Yes — most ICY SIM plans support mobile hotspot / tethering. You can share your data connection with your laptop, tablet, or travel companions. Keep in mind this will consume your data allowance faster.

Your plan's validity period begins when you first use data on the ICY SIM — not at purchase. However, if you haven't activated the eSIM within 90 days of purchase, the order may expire. Check your account for plan status.

Log in to your ICY SIM account and go to "My eSIMs". You'll see all your active and past plans with real-time remaining data shown for your current eSIM.

ICY SIM accepts all major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. All payments are secured with 256-bit SSL and processed via PCI DSS-compliant gateways.

Yes — if you haven't activated your eSIM plan yet, you can request a full refund within 14 days of purchase. Once the eSIM has been installed and data has been used, refunds are not available. For unused balance, please contact support. See our full Refund Policy for details.

Check your spam/junk folder first — the email sometimes lands there. If not, log in to your ICY SIM account and go to "My eSIMs" — your plan will be there even without the email. If you're still having trouble, contact our support team and we'll resend it immediately.

Yes! Enter your promo code at checkout in the "Promo Code" field before completing payment. Discounts are applied instantly. Follow ICY SIM on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive deals.

ICY SIM does not store your full card details. Payments are processed by a PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment provider. If you choose to save your card for future purchases, only a secure payment token is stored — never your raw card number.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Data and ensure ICY SIM is selected as the data SIM.
2. Enable "Data Roaming" on the ICY SIM line.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode on then off to force a network reconnect.
4. Restart your phone.
5. If you have signal but no data, try resetting network settings.
6. Contact ICY SIM support if the issue continues — we're available 24/7.

No Service usually means the eSIM hasn't connected to a local carrier. Try:

1. Toggle Airplane Mode off and on to force a network scan.
2. Go to Settings → Mobile → Network Selection and choose "Automatic".
3. Make sure you're in an area with mobile coverage.
4. Check if your plan is still active (log in to your account).
5. Restart your phone in a different location to re-scan networks.

Slow speeds can be caused by network congestion or location. Try these:

1. Toggle Airplane Mode off/on to reconnect to a different tower.
2. Check your APN settings — contact support for the correct APN for your destination.
3. Move to an open area with better signal strength.
4. Restart the device to clear any network caching.
5. Check if your plan has run out of high-speed data.

Unfortunately, most eSIM profiles are single-use and cannot be reinstalled once deleted. Contact ICY SIM support immediately — depending on carrier policy and your plan status, we may be able to issue a replacement or credit.

If your phone was factory reset or you switched to a new device, the eSIM profile is deleted. eSIM profiles are device-locked and cannot be transferred to a new phone. Contact ICY SIM support with your order details and we'll do our best to assist.

Try the following:

1. Force-close the app and reopen it.
2. Check your internet connection.
3. Update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
4. Log out and log back in.
5. Reinstall the app as a last resort.
6. Contact support if issues persist.