Can WhatsApp be used with eSIM?

When preparing for an international trip, many people worry about whether they can continue to use WhatsApp to stay in touch with family and friends when switching to a travel eSIM. This is a completely reasonable question, especially when WhatsApp has become an indispensable messaging application in daily life. This article will answer in detail about the compatibility between WhatsApp and eSIM, along with specific instructions to help you stay connected throughout the trip.

I. Can WhatsApp be used with eSIM?

Yes. WhatsApp is fully compatible and works normally with eSIM.

WhatsApp does not depend on the type of physical SIM or eSIM, but only requires the device to have an Internet connection and an authenticated phone number. When you switch to an eSIM, whether it’s a primary eSIM or a travel eSIM, your WhatsApp account will still work as normal as long as the phone number registered with WhatsApp remains the same or you can re-verify the number if needed.

II. How does WhatsApp work with SIMs and eSIMs?

WhatsApp is essentially an internet messaging app, which explains why it works seamlessly with both traditional SIMs and eSIMs.

WhatsApp authenticates your account via phone number, regardless of the type of SIM you use.

When you sign up for WhatsApp, the app sends a verification code to your phone number, via SMS or call. Once verified, your WhatsApp account will be tied to that number. Whether you use a physical SIM or an eSIM, as long as your device has a network connection (WiFi or mobile data), you can still use WhatsApp normally. This means that you can absolutely use WhatsApp with an eSIM without any problems.

III. How to set up and use WhatsApp with a travel eSIM

Setting up and using WhatsApp with a travel eSIM is simple if you follow the steps correctly.

Typically, a travel eSIM is a data eSIM, which does not come with a phone number, or if it does, it is a different phone number than the one you registered with WhatsApp. However, you do not need to re-register your WhatsApp account. When switching to a travel eSIM, you just need to make sure that the device still retains the WhatsApp application that was previously logged in. If you install WhatsApp on a new device or delete and reinstall the application, you may need to re-verify the phone number – in that case, make sure that you can receive verification codes via the old number.

Some devices that support dual SIM will allow you to use both the main SIM and the eSIM at the same time, which is very convenient for keeping in touch via WhatsApp while using mobile data from the travel eSIM.

IV. Benefits of using WhatsApp with eSIM travel

Significant cost savings compared to using international roaming services from domestic carriers. For example, Viettel’s 7-day data package costs 350,000 VND for 7GB, while Gigago’s US travel eSIM has 2 options: a daily package with 1GB/day for only 205,000 VND/7 days or a 10GB/7 days package for only 329,000 VND. You can continue to make video calls, text, send images, files to relatives or business partners without worrying about international roaming costs.
The ability to maintain seamless communication: With eSIM from reputable international providers like Gigago, you can connect to the Internet as soon as you arrive in any of the more than 200 destinations that Gigago supports. Thanks to that, WhatsApp always works stably, without interruption.
Allows you to keep your main phone number: You don’t need to inform people about your new temporary phone number, don’t worry about missing important messages, and don’t have to re-login to apps that require phone number authentication.

Not having to remove or install the SIM helps protect the main SIM and avoid risks such as losing a physical SIM when traveling.

V. Notes when using WhatsApp with eSIM

Although using WhatsApp with eSIM is quite simple, you should still pay attention to a few things to ensure a seamless experience.

Manage your data capacity wisely. WhatsApp tends to automatically download media files such as photos, videos and documents when you connect to a mobile network, which consumes a lot of data if you participate in many large chat groups. Therefore, you should go to WhatsApp Settings, select Storage and data, then turn off the feature of automatically downloading media when using mobile data, only keeping it automatically downloaded when connected to WiFi.
For routine tasks like video calling or sending large files, take advantage of free WiFi at hotels, restaurants or public places to help extend the life of your eSIM plan.

If you change devices while traveling, make sure you can receive verification codes sent to your WhatsApp registered phone number. If you don’t have access to your old SIM, you may not be able to verify your account.