COTA eSIM

Frequently asked questions

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eSIM basics & compatibility2 questions

What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM profile installed straight onto your phone with no physical card. It sets up in minutes via a QR code or activation link.

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

The quickest check: dial *#06# — if an EID number appears next to the IMEI, your device has eSIM hardware. Seeing Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM on iPhone, or Settings → Connections/Network → SIM manager → Add eSIM on Android, is just as good a sign. You can also search for your model in our supported devices list.

Purchase & payment2 questions

Which payment methods are supported?

Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payments run on Stripe; on the web you may also see additional local methods depending on your country. Your card details never reach us — they go straight to Stripe.

Can I buy without an account?

Yes, you can check out as a guest with your email; we send a one-time verification code to that address before the order is confirmed. Your QR code is emailed to you, and if you later sign in with the same email you will find those guest orders and eSIMs in your account.

Installation & activation2 questions

How do I install my eSIM?

Three ways: (1) on iPhone, tap the install link on the order screen and iOS loads the profile directly; (2) scan the QR code from another screen (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM; Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM); (3) paste the activation (LPA) code for manual setup. You need Wi-Fi or an existing data connection while installing.

I can't scan the QR code — can I install manually?

Yes. The order screen has a "Manual install" section with an activation code starting `LPA:1$...`; on your device choose "Enter details manually" during eSIM setup and paste it. Some devices ask for the SM-DP+ address and the activation code separately — those are exactly the parts of the code separated by `$`.

Usage & coverage2 questions

How do I check my remaining data?

The eSIM detail screen in the app shows used and remaining data plus the package expiry. We refresh those values from the network regularly, and you can pull to refresh manually. Your phone's own data counter only measures what the handset counted, not the operator's official meter — trust the value we show.

What happens when my data runs out?

The connection stops and nothing extra is charged — there is no surprise overage bill. We notify you at 80% of your allowance and again when it is fully used (if notifications are on). To carry on, just buy a new package in the app.

Wallet & refunds2 questions

What is the wallet and how does it work?

The wallet is your account balance. You can top it up by card, and you also earn balance from referral rewards and credit codes. Choosing "Wallet" at checkout pays for the whole order from your balance; if the balance is not enough you need to pay that order by card (there is no split payment).

How do I top up my wallet?

Open the Wallet screen in the app, pick or type an amount and pay by card. The balance lands in your account as soon as the payment provider confirms it. You need to be signed in to top up.

Troubleshooting2 questions

The eSIM installed but I have no internet

Try in order: (1) is data roaming ON for the eSIM line; (2) is the COTA line selected as the data line; (3) toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds; (4) restart the device; (5) some Android devices need the APN entered by hand — if the package page lists an APN, add it to the line's settings; (6) if it still fails, switch network selection from automatic and manually pick one of the operators listed on the package page. If none of that helps, contact support WITHOUT deleting the eSIM.

I get "cannot add eSIM" or "invalid code" during install

Three usual causes: the device is carrier-locked, there was no internet connection during setup, or the code has already been used once (the same QR cannot be installed twice). Also make sure you copied the whole code — everything from `LPA:1$` to the end. If none of these apply, contact us with your order number.

Account2 questions

How do I sign in — is there no password?

There is no password. You enter your email address, we send a one-time 6-digit code, and you sign in with that code. With no password to remember, there is no password to steal either.

The verification code never arrived — what should I do?

Check your spam folder first and re-read the address letter by letter. The code is valid for only a few minutes, so request a new one if it has expired. Corporate mail filters can delay the message; if it keeps failing, try another address or contact us.

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