Buy Now, Start Later: How Figabytes eSIM Activation Works

A customer asked if they could pay for an eSIM now and start it on a future date. Short answer: Yes. With Figabytes, your plan’s days start only when the eSIM activates, not when you buy it.

Below is a simple guide—based on the WhatsApp exchange in the screenshot—to help you plan installs, flights, and first connections with zero surprises.

When does an eSIM actually start?

• Your Figabytes eSIM starts counting days at activation, not at purchase.

• Activation happens the first time your phone connects to a covered local network (a cell tower that’s included in your plan).

• Until then, your plan just sits there—ready.

Two important caveats

1. Regional/Global plans can start at home
   If your plan covers multiple countries and your current country is included, installing and enabling the line can trigger activation right away.
   Fix: Install it but keep the line OFF (and Data Roaming OFF) until you travel.

2. Profile shelf life (unactivated expiry)
   eSIM profiles have a lifecycle limit (typically up to 6 months from purchase if never activated). If you don’t activate within that window, the profile can expire automatically.

   • Your plan validity (e.g., 7/15/30 days) begins at activation.

   • The profile lifecycle window is separate and is just the maximum time you can wait before activating.

   • Always check the plan page for the exact window shown at checkout.

Best-practice timelines

If you’re flying soon (same week)

• Buy now.

• Install over Wi-Fi the day before travel.

• Leave the line OFF and Data Roaming OFF.

• On arrival, turn the line ON, set Mobile Data → Figabytes, and enable Data Roaming.

If your trip is months away

• You can still buy now (lock in price/stock).

• Don’t activate until you’re close to travel.

• Keep an eye on the unactivated expiry window (e.g., 6 months). Activate before it lapses.

Safe install: prevent accidental activation

iPhone

1. Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data) → Add eSIM and install the profile.

2. Tap the new line Figabytes → Turn On This Line: OFF.

3. Ensure Data Roaming: OFF.

4. When you land: Turn On This Line: ON → set Cellular Data → Figabytes → Data Roaming: ON.

Android (Pixel/Samsung – names may vary)

1. Settings → Network & Internet / Connections → SIMs / SIM Manager → Add eSIM and install.

2. In SIM settings, toggle the Figabytes line OFF and keep Data Roaming OFF.

3. On arrival: toggle line ON → set Mobile data → Figabytes → Data roaming ON.

Real-world examples

• City break next month: Buy today, install a week before, keep the line OFF. It will activate only when your phone registers on the destination network.

• Regional plan (e.g., Europe) but you live in a covered country: Install with line OFF until departure. If you enable it at home, it may activate immediately.

• Trip postponed: As long as you’re still within the unactivated window (e.g., 6 months), you can wait. Activate on your new dates.

FAQ

Can I schedule a start date?
Not exactly; activation is network-triggered. Practically, you control the start by when you enable the line in a covered country.

Does Wi-Fi trigger activation?
No. Activation requires connecting to a mobile network included in your plan.

What if I installed it and it started too early?
Once activated, the plan days begin. If that was unintentional, contact Figabytes Support—we’ll review options case-by-case.

Can I keep my home number?
Yes. Keep your home line for calls/SMS; set Mobile Data → Figabytes for travel data.

Quick checklist before you fly

• Device is unlocked and eSIM-capable

• eSIM installed over Wi-Fi

• Line OFF + Data Roaming OFF until you land

• On arrival: Line ON → Mobile Data → Figabytes → Data Roaming ON

• If data doesn’t start: add the APN from your order and toggle Airplane Mode

Need help?

Message us anytime in the Figabytes app or email support@figabytes.com with your device model, OS version, and order ID. We’ll get you connected—on your schedule.