Activation & Data
When your plan starts
Your Simju plan does not start the moment you pay. It starts when you first connect to a mobile network at your destination. That means you can buy well ahead of your trip, install the eSIM at home while you have solid Wi-Fi, and still keep every one of your validity days for when you actually land. The clock only begins ticking on that first connection abroad.
This is good news for planners. Order today, get your QR code by email straight away, and set everything up in a quiet moment before you travel. Nothing counts against your allowance until you arrive and switch the line on.
Install now, activate on arrival
Installing and activating are two separate steps. Installing simply adds the eSIM to your phone. Activating is when it connects to a network abroad and your plan begins. We recommend installing before you leave home, then triggering activation once you land. If you would like the full walkthrough with screenshots, our getting started guide covers it step by step.
How to trigger activation when you land
Once you arrive at your destination, a couple of quick steps get you online:
- Turn on the Simju eSIM line. In your phone settings, find the Simju plan you installed and make sure it is switched on and set as your line for mobile data.
- Enable data roaming for that line. This sounds alarming, but it only tells the eSIM to use the local partner network. Your Simju data plan does not charge roaming fees.
- Toggle airplane mode. Switch airplane mode on for about ten seconds, then off again. This nudges your phone to search for and lock onto a local network.
Give it a minute or two. When you see the network name appear and a data signal, you are connected and your plan is live.
How validity days and data work
Every Simju plan has two parts: a data allowance (for example, a set number of gigabytes) and a validity period counted in days. Both start from that first connection abroad. Your plan runs until you either use up the data or reach the end of the validity window, whichever comes first. When either runs out, you can simply buy another plan and install it the same way. Data-only plans include hotspot sharing, so you can bring a laptop or tablet online too, and your original physical SIM and number stay active throughout for WhatsApp, iMessage and calls.
Tips to make your data last
- Connect to trusted Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and airports for large downloads and video calls.
- Download maps, playlists and shows before you go, so you are not streaming them on mobile data.
- Turn on your phone's built-in data saver and switch off background app refresh.
- Set video streaming to standard rather than high definition when you are on mobile data.
- Keep an eye on your usage in your phone's settings so there are no surprises.
If it will not connect
Most connection hiccups clear up quickly. Work through these:
- Confirm the Simju line is switched on and selected for mobile data.
- Check that data roaming is enabled for the Simju line.
- Toggle airplane mode off and on again, or restart your phone.
- Make sure you have actually arrived at your destination country, since the plan will not activate before you get there.
- Try selecting a network manually in your settings if automatic selection is not picking one up.
Still stuck? Our team is on hand around the clock. Head to the help centre for more troubleshooting, or email us at support and we will get you online.