Switch your Philippines eSIM on when you land
- Line on
- Mobile data on the eSIM
- Home roaming off
The short answer
Once you land, the eSIM line goes on and takes the mobile data role. Data roaming for it stays off unless no connection appears; the store asks for that switch then. On your home line, leave data roaming off so no roaming charge can land on your bill.
Checked October 2, 2026
On the eSIM line
The line goes on, and mobile data is its job (on an iPhone, Cellular Data). Switch off line-switching for mobile data, so your home line never takes the data back. Where no data shows after a few minutes, the store’s instructions say to put data roaming on for the eSIM line.
On your home line
On your usual SIM, data roaming goes off. The home line can stay on for calls and texts to your own number, charged at your carrier’s rates.
Give it a minute
Finding a network can take the phone a few minutes. When it connects, the phone shows the network’s name and bars beside the eSIM line.
If it fails (Switch it on after landing)
Run the not connecting checks in sequence. An eSIM installs within 30 days of buying; when your trip starts after that window, write to the store’s support before installing.
Questions
When should I switch the eSIM line on?
The moment you are off the aircraft, the line goes on and takes mobile data. Before that, it stays switched off.
At what point does the eSIM line need data roaming?
Not unless it fails to connect after a few minutes. The store asks for that switch when a line will not start; on your home line it stays off.
Is it fine to leave my home SIM on alongside the eSIM?
Yes. Your own number keeps taking calls and texts on the home line, at your carrier's rates. Data is the eSIM's job.
More help
Install your Philippines eSIM at home, before you fly
Scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, keep the eSIM line switched off, and never delete it once added. How to install a Philippines eSIM before the flight.
Data roaming and a Philippines eSIM: which switch goes where
Data roaming stays off on your home line; on the eSIM line it goes on only when no connection arrives. Why, and where the switch lives.
Philippines eSIM not connecting: the checks, in order
No signal or no data on your Philippines eSIM? Check the line, mobile data and data roaming, restart, pick a network by hand, then write to support.
Philippines eSIM refunds: when you get your money back
When the eSIM does not work, or never arrives, the refund is full. A working eSIM does not qualify. How to ask, and where the money lands.
Will my phone take an eSIM? Find out before buying
Dial *#06#: if your phone shows an EID, it has an eSIM. It must also be unlocked. Check your model below before you buy a Philippines eSIM.
Still stuck?
Orders, QR codes and refunds are handled by VietSIM support. Write with the link to your order page and your phone model.
contact@vietsim.com