Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
1. What is an eSIM?
eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card.
2. Why choose eSIM?
- No need to swap physical SIMs
- Instant activation
- Flexible data plans
- Use across multiple countries
Device Compatibility
3. Is my device compatible with Q-Linking’s eSIM?
Most newer smartphones are supported. Please refer to the Supported Devices page for a full list.
4. How to install eSIM?
The recommended method to install your eSIM is by scanning the QR code we provide via in-app instructions and email.
A. On iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan (or Add Data Plan), then scan the QR code.
B. On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add more > Download a SIM instead, then scan the QR code.
For more details, please refer to How it Works for details.
Don’t forget to enable “Data Roaming” to start using your data!
Plans & Packages
5. What plans do Q-Linking offer?
- Day-based: 1 ~ 15 / 20 / 30-day packages
- Data-based: 1GB / 5GB / 10GB / 20GB / 50GB
- Global: Pay-as-you-go across countries (contact support)
6. How is “one day” calculated in a day-based plan?
A 24-hour period is counted as one day after the package is activated. For example, if a user starts using data in Hong Kong at 07:38 on January 1, 2019, the 1-day Hong Kong data package will be activated, and the user can access the internet in Hong Kong until 07:37 on January 2, 2019.
7. How will I receive the QR code?
We’ll send it via Email, WhatsApp, or WeChat.
Real-Name Registration
8. Do I need to complete real-name registration to use eSIM?
No registration is required outside of Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Please visit our registration page to complete your registration.
Activation & Usage
9. Do I need to activate the eSIM manually? When does the plan start?
By default, our eSIMs activate automatically. Once installed and turned on, the plan activates upon arrival at the destination.
10. What is the validity period of the eSIM and plan?
eSIM is valid for 2 years and extends with each use. Plans must be activated within 180 days of purchase and follow their stated validity period.
11. What happens if I travel from one country to another within 24 hours of activation?
If you travel to another country within 24 hours after activating your plan, and the new country is included in the coverage of your plan, the eSIM will continue to work automatically. If the new country is not covered, internet access will not be available.
12. Will my internet speed be limited each day after activation?
Q-Linking offers two types of plans: (1) unlimited data with speed throttling and (2) fixed data plans. For the first type, a certain amount of high-speed data is available each day (e.g., 1024MB per day). After using up the high-speed data, your connection will be throttled according to Fair Usage Policy, typically to 128kbps. High-speed data is reset every 24 hours, allowing you to regain fast speeds.
13. What should I do if I run out of data?
Some of our plans support top-up. If your data runs out, you can simply purchase a data top-up from our store. The additional data will be linked to your main eSIM.
14. Is hotspot and internet sharing supported?
Yes, you can use your phone as a hotspot to share internet with other devices. However, in hotspot mode, the speed for each connected device will be lower compared to normal use, and your daily high-speed data will be consumed more quickly.
15. Does the eSIM support voice calls and SMS?
No, eSIM only supports data. It does not support voice calls or outgoing SMS.
16. What if I cannot use hotspot with the eSIM?
If your eSIM works for internet access but you are unable to share hotspot, this may be due to variations in phone models or firmware. Please try the following steps:
1. Check if your phone is a carrier-locked or contract phone.
2. Ensure VPN is turned off.
3. Ensure data roaming is turned on.
4. Set the eSIM as the primary line.
5. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest iOS version.
6. Insert a physical SIM card, enable hotspot (confirm it works), then switch back to using eSIM without turning off hotspot. Try multiple times and reboot your device.
7.If none of the above works, please contact customer support.
17. Can I switch countries with the same eSIM?
Yes, global and regional plans support roaming between countries.
Payment & Refund
18. Do you support multiple currencies?
Yes, we do.
19. Do I need to pay taxes when purchasing an eSIM?
Our eSIMs are digital service products. We generally do not collect VAT/GST, except in certain regions (e.g. Australia, Singapore, EU). Please consult local tax laws.
20. Can I get a refund?
eSIMs can only be installed once. We are unable to refund once the QR code has been issued.
21. I paid but didn’t receive my QR code.
Please check your spam folder. Still missing? Contact our support.
Technical Support
22. Issues during installation?
Refer to our How it Works or contact support.
23. Can I transfer the eSIM to another device?
No, eSIMs are locked to the first installed device as per carrier policy.
24. Can one eSIM be shared among multiple users?
No, but you can share your connection via personal hotspot.