Apple iPhones from the XS onwards have dual SIM capability, either dual eSIM, one eSIM and one nano-SIM card, or two nano-SIM cards (eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland). An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to use a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM.
What you need
- A carrier-unlocked iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later, with iOS 12.1 or later. We recommend installing the latest version of iOS.
- The GigSky app V5.0 or later.
- A strong WiFi connection.
Install the GigSky App
- Go to the App Store and download the GigSky app.
- Select Allow to let the GigSky app use your location services.
- Select Allow to let the GigSky app send notifications (this is required to send you information when your data plan is running low).
Use the app to purchase a cellular plan.
- Open the app.
- Search for the country you would like to purchase a data plan for.
- Select a data plan from the ones displayed.
- If you are not already a GigSky customer, you will need to create an account. If you already have an account, tap "Log In" at the bottom of the screen and enter your account credentials.
- Add a payment method.
- Tap Buy Plan to purchase the data plan.
- Follow the instructions on the next few screens to download and install your new eSIM. If you are prompted to choose a Cellular Plan to turn off, so that you can install your GigSky eSIM, we recommend that you do not choose the eSIM for your domestic service provider.
- When the Cellular Setup is complete, you'll be prompted to choose a label your GigSky eSIM. We recommend that you change the label to "GigSky".
- For Cellular Data, select the eSIM of your domestic service provider if you're still at home before traveling, or your new GigSky eSIM if you're at your destination and want to start using GigSky data. Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching turned off so that you don't accidentally start using your domestic service provider's data when traveling, incurring roaming charges.
Now, configure the iPhone settings to ensure that your GigSky data service is working correctly. If you didn't note the name of your new GigSky eSIM, we have created a video to help you identify which eSIM is the correct one for your GigSky service:
- If your new eSIM is not already turned on, do that now:
- Go to Settings > Cellular and tap your new eSIM.
- Toggle Turn On This Line to turn the eSIM on.
- Select your new eSIM to be used for mobile data.
- Go to Settings > Cellular and tap Cellular Data.
- You should be able to see an entry with the label you created earlier. Tap that entry to select your new eSIM.
- Make sure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned off. This will stop your device accidentally using your domestic service provider's data if the GigSky service is not available for some reason.
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IMPORTANT: Now turn off mobile data for any apps you don't need it for:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll down until you see a list of apps with switch toggles next to them.
- Switch off the apps you don't want to use mobile data.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom and turn off:
- Wi-Fi Assist
- iCloud Drive
- iCloud Backup
You're now ready to use your GigSky mobile data plan.
**** NOTE: NEVER DELETE YOUR ESIM WITHOUT CONTACTING GIGSKY SUPPORT ****
For further Apple support on eSIM, you can visit the Apple eSIM support page here.
