First prepaid eSIM in the Philippines - Smart Communications

You can instantly add a new SIM to your phone by scanning a QR code on the Smart prepaid eSIM pack.
This is a great way to turn an iPhone into a dual-SIM device, or to simply add a third SIM to your phone.
Not all phones support eSIMs. Check for compatibility before buying a prepaid eSIM from Smart.

[@medinagarry]

Thanks for the info, this is a good news for balikbayans from the US who only have esims capable iphones.

[@Claro1993]

And also tourists from America looking for a prepaid eSIM.

[@bnkrazie]

You cleared several things for me. I'm traveling to the Philippines in less than a month. I was told about the Smart esim and it seems good for my stay. Appreciate the content.

[@DouglasKB0SDQ]

I am checking lazada every day still no stock Love your videos GOD bless

[@a.johnson9827]

Thank you for making this video. I find it very helpful. For people worried about their physical SIM being stolen, you can lock your SIM with a PIN code at the cellular options. Just make sure you keep that PIN code somewhere safe. Hope this helps as well. 👍👍

[@2nixPH]

Thank you for the review. I was planning to add an eSIM on my phone. You've answered my questions.

[@karenl.8480]

Thanks for this video Sir. Very informative and straight to the point.

[@Rigiretireinfo]

Salamat Po Manong. Very in informative, clear, and concise. Hopefully, when I retire, I can ditch my multiple phones whilst I am in the PI and the States. Thanks.

[@marubinooo]

Very concise and precise, thank you sir!

[@ranimungcal]

Very informative👍bec.prepaid esim are new in the philippines but its sold out everywhere☹️thanks for these info.

[@InduIgence]

The frustration on your face when you dropped your phone says it all :D :D :D Thanks for making this video! Considering on using Smart as backup.

[@chito604]

Very imformative video, thank you gadget addict!

[@javesuan]

Thanks for this very informative video Sir.

[@fullbox4314]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@simonpeterms]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@rv_PH]

Very helpful, indeed, thank you for his video ü

[@cowboymcq6711]

Thanks for the video dude

[@godaryll]

Very helpful! ❤️

[@LouIgi1106]

Plan to get one of these soon for my iPhone when I renew my plan, but it’s so annoying to hear that scalpers are taking advantage of the cheap price.

[@temiongcecilio]

Thanks for sharing. Question: Can you install/use the same eSim on two phones at the same time?

[@sh3lieMa3]

I wonder if we can have a family member buy an eSim and activate it, say in the USA before flying out?

[@anthonylauron6050]

Thank you for sharing this video. I have a quick question, for how many days are the validity of eSims from Smart, is it only for 30days or until such time you want to keep it for a year or two? Looking forward for reply, because I am needing an eSim actually I’ll be flying next month for a vacay to the PH. Thank you.

[@webdev217]

Linus is that you dropping things all the time?

[@williamnale7835]

Firstly, I'm a fan of your street clearing videos. Thanks. My question is, I have a dual physical SIM Realme as well as an iphone 12 mini with a esim/psim. I have a TMobile line on the esim and I want to move that line to the Realme. I already have a Smart sim on the phone. Short of having a new psim mailed to me here in the Philippines from TMO, is there any way to get that number over to the Realme?

[@chadvlog3373]

Where did you buy the esim? can you try to do a vlog for the globe esim version?

[@johntang9743]

how's your pixel 6 dual sim experience with e-sim and a physical sim?

[@Alibadbad]

April 2024 you can now use your existing phone number from physical sim to esim

[@jayem1826]

Globe's eSim is Postpaid only. Smart does pre paid, but Smart doesn't do Apple watches with cellular. Maybe you know the answer? I know in order to use my Series 8 cellular I need a minimum of iphone 14 with eSim. Then I wonder if I can activate the cellular on my watch with a Globe plan. Sound accurate? TIA

[@mikechico1984]

very helpful.

[@perrinsunga]

Been checking every few hours on Lazada or Shopee if ever they have stock again lol

[@renzomercado5297]

Thanks for the video bro. I have a question, what if I’ll use the same provider but my physical sim is postpaid, and the esim prepaid. How am I gonna manage what data i’ll be activating. Can I choose to activate the prepaid data when browsing the internet? This is bec my postpaid is only limited to FB and viber. Wanted to use the prepaid for general browsing. It would be better also if the esim is a diff provider but Globe is yet to release their prepaid esim.

[@jc84909]

I'm assuming i can buy this ahead of time before my trip to Manila, scan the QR code and then activate it when i arrive?

[@Marion-Jing.2023]

Thank you for your sharing sir. But my iPhone 14plus can’t search DITO’s 5G band. It can only use 4g. Do you have the same situation?

[@jasperbenedicttang]

Hello, can you transfer Esim from one phone to another phone directly? Kasi with globe postpaid every time mag change phone you have to request a new QR code with the same number.

[@toffeeavatar5011]

Excellent… now I need to save for a new android 😂❤

[@guodongli6220]

Thanks for your info. Can you plz tell us where to buy an Esim

[@alexlambino949]

I am wondering if Smart is allowing the transferring of my physical sim number to a new esim? Thanks!

[@user-jt9ze4fz4s]

Where did you get/bought your smart esim?

[@RenPat]

waiting for the gomo eSim 👌

[@GadgetAddict]

Hopefully soon. GOMO is a great candidate for eSIM, because it's just a virtual network under Globe anyway.

[@Emerson-gr8uc]

The phone still needs to be able to install the esim. older phones Like the Samsung Note 10 plus can not install esim. so check and see if your phone has the ability to buy an esim.

[@krauserromanov5854]

Hi Gadget Addict, I have a question, I'm currently located in the US, if I purchase an eSim from Smart and scanned it to my android phone, will it work right away and go into roaming so I can receive OTPs, text messages etc? Thanks!

[@tridagger-x]

Thanks Bro, Can i convert my physical sim to eSIM?

[@user-kd3oo8oe5u]

if I setup a SIM PIN, will it be universal for all other device?

[@karloimmanoel]

❤❤❤

[@domdom-hh9tx]

how do i register the prepaid esim on an ipad, knowing that the ipad cant receive otp messages

[@jeannep8378]

good stuff

[@DavePCTechJapan]

how about activate it on roaming?

[@karloimmanoel]

love ❤🎉❤

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

Hopefully Globe and Dito release their eSim options as well. I was just looking at the Google Pixel 6a the other day because it's about time that I upgraded my phone. Unfortunately it had one sim slot, and another for eSim.

[@JaelLo-uu3zm]

globe does have esim but postpaid only. did you mean prepaid esim?

[@jerichorojas09]

Globe will release prepaid esim by the end of September

[@lilolovesleila2989]

will smart esim work with apple watch celluar?

[@Scy416]

can u link where u bought it? cant seem to find it brother

[@iMadrid11]

Can you use the Smart eSim prepaid for Apple Watch cellular? Globe had the exclusive eSim activation for Apple Watch cellular.

[@GadgetAddict]

Good question. I have no idea. If the watch supports eSIMs, it should work, right?

[@iMadrid11]

@@GadgetAddict Not according to Apple. There is special proprietary eSim activation process from the carrier for the Apple Watch cellular. Only Globe has it and it’s a postpaid plan. You can’t do it on your own like the QR code process. Since the Apple Watch doesn’t have a camera. Unless somebody can demonstrate it’s possible. Perhaps a next video suggestion idea “Gadget Addict | Apple Watch cellular Smart prepaid eSim activation”

[@novelynsanmiguel8819]

Na xpried din po ba sya at bakit sabi ng iba kailngan nakaplan bago makpag avial ng esim globe?

[@jmcastor4334]

Can you share the link where to buy pls, I can't find it in Lazada shoppe

[@ajestrada7064]

Where did you buy this?

[@brucenadonza3655]

Does it work on locked phones?

[@PopCapMusicTrending]

Will it expire if I don't put a regular load on it? Asking for a friend. Would you happen to know if the phone requires special hardware for eSIM to work or if it is entirely software-based and antenna?

[@GadgetAddict]

I don't know, but I would assume it's the same as the physical SIM. You probably have to load it and make a chargeable call/SMS every now and then.

[@BortonMaverickNYC]

Do you know if eSIM data only will work with grab Philippines? Trying to use grab and wonder if all you need is data only and work or you need PH number text calls. Thanks.

[@lorenciomnemoposyno8282]

Can it still receive call and txt without the load?

[@fame4263]

where to buy?

[@bjornjonsson7061]

Can i deside what number on the esimcard gone be ?

[@SouLec077]

Sir this e-sim available to all type of phones ?

[@anlsoft]

What happens if you scan the qr code on both phones

[@jmtolentino6397]

if i install this, can i remove it and change it to another e sim?

[@wenzjayy]

I noticed your phone is a pixel phone and if I'm not mistaken you're still based in PH. I heard that the Pixel phone's 5G signal is region blocked even if the carrier here supports the 5G frequency so it doesnt work here in 5G unless probably rooting it (and can no longer use banking apps like Gcash, BPI, UB, BDO, etc ). Is this true?

[@GadgetAddict]

That's true. Google software block the 5G in those countries where they don't officially sell their phones. They say it's to ensure a good user experience but that sounds like nonsense. The phone is capable of working on 5G here, but they just won't allow it. You can root your phone and enable the 5G. But personally I don't want to do that.

[@wenzjayy]

@@GadgetAddict thanks for the reply, I wanted to get one but guess I'll never be able to unless they officially sell it here in PH (which is probably never haha)

[@GadgetAddict]

For me, I'm okay with just using 4G/LTE. It would be nice if the 5G worked, but I can live without it.

[@enicnarferallah9278]

I already activated my smart prepaid Esim, but I can't receive or send some messages. What do I need to do?

[@guardamanojangennil6563]

Quick question ,Can I used the US version IPhone 15 here in the Philippines and use smart or globe esim since they don’t have the physical SIM card slot.

[@jakexake2940]

Absolutely yes, just buy the Asian or Philippines esim.

[@NonChalant34]

thanks for the info, i have a question though, my mom's phone is "smart" locked, when the globe e-sim arrives as well, will it be possible for a "smart" locked cp as well? thanks again

[@GadgetAddict]

You'd probably have to get it unlocked first. "For Globe Business and Globe Postpaid customers, the account holder can request for unlocking provided that their subscription is already out of contract and has no remaining balance from the previous bill."

[@user-sw7sk1yw2b]

Can this be used as roaming?

[@koufax174]

How do you register esim Airglo on new iPhones

[@DaLoganFrost]

Dude, Just found you last week with the bus sting! Been living in the Philippines for 17 years. Love your work. Was wondering if I can drive down from Clark and watch you work on the road one of these days? If not, it's OK. Just love your IMPORTANT work in Manila. Take care 🙂

[@thenicfury]

How did you order google pixel phone?

[@whoAREyou6490]

not available in lazada

[@MarcRitzMD]

My Note 20 is dual sim and had the option to add an eSim. Does it mean, I can have three connections?

[@GadgetAddict]

You can add an e-SIM but it will make you choose which two numbers you want to be active. It won't allow all 3 to be active at the same time.

[@insanecoolaid7299]

This brings up another question, can you use one number in two-three- however more phones you have?

[@GadgetAddict]

You cannot. Before you can install the e-SIM into another phone, it must be deleted from the first phone.

[@insanecoolaid7299]

@@GadgetAddict Have you tried it? Does it give a warning to the other phone? (Not badgering or anything, just curious)

[@GunnerExtra-cb9jq]

you dont hsve another smart sim card??

[@Izuraka05]

right, you still need to register the esim of the smart

[@smile-lv5mv]

ist possible to transfer my old smart number in esim.

[@synysterflip2202]

What do you mean by "register"?

[@user-gl3sv9ph2p]

For example, you installed an e-sim, and you want to go back to physical sim to another phone, is it possible?

[@GadgetAddict]

If the phone holding the e-SIM is reported as lost or stolen, you can visit a Smart store and have a physcial SIM issued, with the same number.

[@solidpain9098]

A physical SIM card is still proteced by PIN if stolen.

[@robinvonsummer]

Do you know if it's possible to use e sim with an iPhone from the U.S. (they don't have physical sim card slots anymore). I just chatted with the Smart support and they told me I still need a physical sim card slot, which surprised me tbh... Also, thanks for the video! :)

[@Claro1993]

As long it’s unlocked (no sim restrictions from AT&T, T-mobile,etc.) it will work.

[@koumin1514]

where can I buy the esim?

[@TC-kf9zw]

If you can use both at the sametime, how does your phone know which one you are using? Also does the smart esim come with its own number or how does that work for someone coming from a different country?

[@GadgetAddict]

Your phone will ask you which sim you want to use as the default for outgoing calls and SMS. If you don't want to select a default, you can tell it to ask you every time. The Smart e-sim gives you a new number (+63 philippines mobile number), just like a regular SIM.

[@renzomercado5297]

Does this also apply with data? Which data will I want to activate? Given it’s the same provider.

[@arondyte318]

Can you use a physical sim + an e-Sim on a cellular iPad?

[@GadgetAddict]

A quick google search suggests that you cannot use two eSIMs on an iPad, even though some iPhones support this. What I can't find, is a specific answer about using a 1 physical SIM and 1 eSIM on the iPad. So unfortunately, I don't know. Sorry.

[@danilodelmundo6418]

Thats cool and very understood. Y do i need to used this esim ..

[@GadgetAddict]

Many modern phones only support 1 physical SIM. Meaning that if you want to have dual SIM, you must add an eSIM. There are other advantages too.

[@joeyvillanueva5285]

Does it work on all iphones and androids? Even the older ones?Or do they have to be a certain newer model for the eSim to work?

[@GadgetAddict]

Not all phones support eSIM. You have to ensure your phone supports them 👍

[@joeyvillanueva5285]

Thanks@@GadgetAddict . I was just wondering so I asked. Thanks dude. Nice to see you doing tech videos again as well. 😃

[@romenick18]

As far as I know samsung phones from US/Canada has the esim feature only other countries has 2 physical sims

[@joeyvillanueva5285]

I see. Thanks @@romenick18 .

[@StealthCarrier]

Thank you for posting this. My fiancée is in Philippines. I want to buy an iPhone 15 here from US, can I send her the phone and buy her an eSIM online and she installs it onto a US phone for use in Philippines?

[@GadgetAddict]

Smart are selling prepaid or pay as you go eSIMs. But I wouldn't recommend sending an iPhone 15 here, at least not by courier. Technically it would need an import permit. Aside from that, she'll get hit with MASSIVE customs duties because it's beyond the P10, 000 De minimis. Then you also have the question about whether the iPhone sold in the US is using the same LTE/5g bands as what's being used in the PH. You'd be better off buying her the phone through lazada, from a big company like "beyond the box"

[@cscs237]

What if my phone with esim is unusable? How do i transfer?

[@jeannearc9879]

Wait, so both the sim cards are working at the same time?

[@GadgetAddict]

Yes, that's right.

[@feintheart]

1. can you use 1 e-sim from two different phones? 2. the qr code is provided by the card (or whatever that it's called), what if it got lost and someone found it, then try to use it, what happens next?

[@GadgetAddict]

You can only use the eSIM on one phone at a time. Even if someone found your QR code, they cannot install the e-SIM onto their phone, until you delete it from your phone. But still, I recommend you try to keep the QR code private and safe.

[@bennygalguerra1381]

Pwede pala DITO sa iPhone?

[@IOXY3]

Pwede ba ako bumili neto kahit nasa ibang bansa ako?

[@nothingparticular6649]

I kight have missed it, but gonna ask anyway. What if you lost the qr code?

[@GadgetAddict]

You'll have to go to the smart store and have them issue you a physical SIM with the same number. Just take a photo of the QR code and store it somewhere safe.

[@nothingparticular6649]

@@GadgetAddict gotcha, thanks

[@GamingLiveHDChannelPH]

So basically keep your eSIM Card in a very Safr Place as for the most part Downloading your Phone Number

[@GadgetAddict]

Yep. Although it can't be installed on a different phone without first deleting it from your current phone.

[@6wheeler1]

Can i use the Esim in a locked phone or it just for unlocked phones?

[@GadgetAddict]

If your phone is carrier locked to another network, it most likely won't work. If you're already beyond the contract length, you can have the telco unlock it.

[@TALENTADO65]

I am here in Canada , if i visit the Philippines temporarily and then I will use that E=sim in the Philippines, can I able to use that number from my e-sim in the Philippines when i return to Canada ?

[@GadgetAddict]

Potentially, yes. If you pay for a roaming promo. Although I don't know whether the SIM registration would affect you, since I assume you'd be entering as a tourist. Allegedly tourist registered SIMs have a cut-off period, but many people have suggested that it's not actually happening.

[@TALENTADO65]

thank you so much Sir for the info@@GadgetAddict

[@aubreyutong6746]

How about on ipad

[@KenYu10]

I’m using eSim now in abroad. Now can I activate this eSim from Philippines even if I am not in the Philippines? If yes, I will ask my sister to buy one for me.

[@GadgetAddict]

I haven't tried it. Since it's only P99, maybe you should just try 👍 let me know :)

[@jirogregory8932]

What if i lost the QR code? They can install it on other phones or No?

[@GadgetAddict]

You wouldn't have any way to install it. You'd have to visit a Smart store and they'd issue a physical SIM with the same number. In the future they'll be able to re-issue lost QRs - based on what I've read.

[@berrychan5788]

can esim work on old phone, mine the iphone 5C

[@GadgetAddict]

I don't think the iPhone 5C had support for eSims.