How to keep your WhatsApp (and your number) with a travel eSIM
You don’t need to change anything in WhatsApp: it keeps your number even when your data comes from the eSIM, because the app only needs an internet connection. The one thing to avoid is deleting or reinstalling it while you’re away, because the code to log back in is sent by SMS or a call to your usual SIM.
Why does WhatsApp keep my number if the data comes from the eSIM?
Because your WhatsApp account is tied to the number you registered with, not to whichever SIM is providing data at the moment.
WhatsApp needs an “internet connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi”, and it doesn’t matter where that comes from: your own operator, the hotel Wi-Fi or a travel eSIM. Your usual SIM stays in the phone with your number, and the Glowi eSIM only provides data. Your chats, groups and profile photo stay exactly as they are.
What do I need to change on my phone?
Nothing in WhatsApp. In your phone settings, two things: the eSIM must be the data line, and the phone mustn’t fall back to your SIM’s data on its own.
iPhone
- Open Settings → Mobile Data (on some versions, Mobile Service; in some countries, Cellular) → Mobile Data and tap the eSIM line.
- On the same screen, turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching. When it’s on, your iPhone can use data from both lines, and it could use your SIM’s.
- Go back to Settings → Mobile Data, tap the eSIM line → Mobile Data Options and turn on Data Roaming. Leave it off on your usual line.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs and, under Mobile data, choose the eSIM.
- If your Pixel has Automatic data switching (Pixel 8a and later), turn it off.
- On the same screen, with the eSIM selected, turn on Roaming. Leave it off on your SIM.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on some versions, “SIM card manager”) and, under Mobile data, choose the eSIM.
- On the same screen, turn off Auto data switching.
- Turn on Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming for the eSIM.
Why roaming goes on for the eSIM and doesn’t cost you anything is explained in data roaming with an eSIM. And how to install it is in our guides for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.
What if I need to reinstall WhatsApp while I’m away?
Then you do need your SIM: WhatsApp sends a 6-digit code by SMS or with a call to your number to check that it’s yours.
- Your SIM has to be switched on and have signal, and your operator has to let you receive SMS or calls in the country you’re in. Data for the app can still come from the eSIM.
- If you added an email address in WhatsApp’s settings, you can also get the code by email when you re-register your number. If you haven’t, add it before you leave.
- The easiest thing is not to get there: don’t delete WhatsApp or switch phones in the middle of a trip.
Do WhatsApp calls use the eSIM’s data?
Yes. WhatsApp voice and video calls go over the internet, so they use data from whichever line is set for data: the eSIM.
Regular calls to your number are different: they come in on your SIM, not the eSIM. How to receive them without using your operator’s data is in calls and dual SIM with an eSIM.
WhatsApp and eSIM: frequently asked questions
Does my WhatsApp number change when I use a travel eSIM?
No. WhatsApp stays on the number you registered with. The Glowi eSIM is data only and has no phone number.
Will my contacts see a different number?
No. They message and call you on WhatsApp at the same number as always, and you message them from it.
Do I need to keep my usual SIM in the phone?
It doesn’t have to provide data for WhatsApp, but it’s worth leaving it in and switched on: if you ever have to verify your number, the code is sent to it by SMS or a call.
Can I use WhatsApp on Wi-Fi only, without the eSIM?
Yes, WhatsApp works on any internet connection. The eSIM is there for when there’s no Wi-Fi: out and about, on public transport or as soon as you land.
More questions about using your eSIM are in the FAQ.