FAQs

Once you purchase your Cedar Mobile eSIM, you’ll receive an email within minutes with your installation link and QR code.

Can’t see it? Check your spam or junk folder just in case.

Before you start (quick checklist)

Make sure you’ve got the basics covered:

• Your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible
• Wi-Fi is strong and stable
• Latest iOS or Android software is installed
• VPN/firewall is turned OFF
• Screen Auto-lock is disabled (so setup isn’t interrupted)
• Don’t interrupt the installation once it starts

Tip: Install your eSIM before you travel (highly recommended). 

iPhone Setup

Option A: Quick install (iOS 17.4 or later)

1. Install your eSIM

• Tap the CedarHub link in your email
• Scroll down to Installation > iOS
• Tap Activate New eSIM > Activate > Continue
• Wait 1-2 minutes until it says Done

If prompted, select:

• Travelling/Abroad
• Data only
• eSIM + Current SIM
• Low Data Mode = Not now

2. Check it’s installed

• Go to Settings > Mobile Data/Cellular
• You’ll see your new eSIM in the SIM list (even if it says “Activating” - that’s normal)
• It might be labelled as Travel, Business or Mobile data

3. Important (before travel)

Your phone may switch data to the eSIM automatically. Switch it back for now:

• Go to Mobile Data
• Select your Primary (home) SIM

4. Final prep

• Turn Data Roaming ON (for your eSIM)
• Then switch the eSIM OFF until you land

Optional: Rename it (e.g. Cedar Europe)
so it’s easy to find later.

• Go to your SIM list
• Tap Mobile Plan Label
• Tap Edit custom label
• Enter a new name (e.g. Cedar Europe)
• Tap back to save

5. When you land

• Turn Airplane Mode OFF
• Turn your Cedar eSIM ON
• Turn your Primary SIM OFF (or keep on with roaming OFF)
• Ensure Data Roaming is ON (for the eSIM)
• Set Mobile Data = Cedar eSIM

You’ll connect automatically within a minute or two.

Option B: Install with QR code (older iOS)

• Tap the CedarHub link in your email
• Scroll down to Installation > QR Code
• Go to Settings > Mobile Data/Cellular > Add eSIM
• Tap Use QR Code
• Scan your QR code (from screenshot or another device or printout)
• Tap Continue
• Follow prompts to install

Then follow the same iOS Steps 2-5 as above.

Android / Pixel Setup

Option A: Quick Install (with Android
Link)

1. Install

• Tap your CedarHub Link in your email
• Scroll down to Installation > Android
• Tap Setup on Set up your eSIM
• Tap Settings on the Activate your eSIM page

2. Check it’s installed

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
• Your new eSIM will appear in the SIMs list
• It may be labelled eSIM, SIM2 or Carrier

3. Prep for travel

• Turn Roaming ON
• Then switch the eSIM OFF until you arrive

Optional: Rename it (e.g. Cedar Europe)
so it’s easy to find later.

• Go to your SIM list
• Tap Mobile Plan Label
• Tap Edit custom label
• Enter a new name (e.g. Cedar Europe)
• Tap back to save

4. When you land

• Turn Airplane Mode OFF
• Turn your Cedar eSIM ON
• Set:

i) Mobile Data = Cedar eSIM

ii) Calls & Texts = Primary SIM

• Ensure Roaming is ON (eSIM only)

You’ll be connected within a minute or two.

 

Option B: Install with QR code (old way)

• Save or screenshot your QR code
• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
• Tap Add eSIM > Scan from photo
• Select your QR code
• Follow prompts

Then complete the same Android Steps 2-4  as above.

Using your Primary SIM (optional)

Want to keep receiving texts or calls?

• Leave your Primary SIM ON
• Turn OFF Data Roaming on your Primary SIM (this is essential to avoid roaming charges)
• NOTE: Double check before your depart with your home mobile provider, as some still charge for receiving calls and texts when overseas

Need help?

Visit our Help Centre or chat with Aura, our friendly 24/7 support bot.

An eSIM (that’s short for embedded SIM) is a new digital technology version that lives right inside your phone or device. No more old fashioned plastic SIMs and finding a paperclip - it’s all done electronically and way more convenient.

How much data you need totally depends on how you use your phone – are you a map-checking, music-loving, TikTok-scrolling, Netflix-bingeing travel adventurer, or more of an “email and chill” kind of explorer? Let’s break it down so you’re never caught off-guard abroad.

First things first: what’s a GB?

Think of it like this - 1 GB (Gigabytes) = 1000 MB (Megabytes), and every app you use is nibbling (or chomping!) away at it. Here's a helpful summary sheet to help you out:

Quick guide to help you along:

3 GB for 7+ days
Perfect for: quick check-in, light browsing, and saying "Hi" to mum on WhatsApp.

Lasts: around 7-10 days if you keep it low key ... even more if it’s just emails.

5 GB for 15+ days
Do everything in Small, plus sprinkle in some tunes, Insta-stories, and Google Maps.

You’re looking at ~2-3 weeks of good vibes.

10 GB for up to 30 days
All of Medium’s perks, but double the freedom - more social media, more music, and map hopping.

Should keep you sorted for ~3-4 weeks.

20 GB for up to 30 days
You’re living the digital nomad life: Google Meets, video shares, your favorite TV series episode (you just had to know!), TikTok marathons and so much more.

Still good for ~3-4 weeks

Bonus tip: Need more? No panic! Cedar Mobile lets you top up at the same price as buying a new eSIM.

Let’s do a deep drive - What uses what?

Google Maps: ~ 60 MB/hour
Pro tip: download your route via hotel Wi-Fi and save your data for more important things.

Email: ~20-30 MB/hour for basics.
Add attachments and photos ... and it climbs up fast.

Internet Browsing: ~50 MB/hour
Not too bad

Messaging (WhatsApp, etc.): ~50 MB/hour
If you attach Pics and videos? They’ll use even more.

Music Streaming:

• Standard: ~50 MB/hour
• High Quality: ~150 MB/hour

Best to download your playlist at home.

Video Calls (Zoom, Google Meet): ~300 MB+/hour
Save these for your hotel Wi-Fi.

Speed Tests: up to 600 MB/test Depending on which speed test you use, you can chew up a lot of data.

YouTube:

• SD: ~500 MB/hour
• HD: ~3-4 GB/hour
• 4K: ~15-20 GB/hour ... wow!!

Download first on your Wi-Fi, watch later - your data will thank you.

Social Media:

• TikTok: ~1 GB/hour
• Snapchat: ~700 MB/hour
• Instagram: ~600 MB/hour
• Facebook: ~500 MB/hour
• Twitter (X): ~400 MB/hour

It adds up really fast!

Netflix:

• SD Movie (2 hours): ~2 GB
• HD: ~1 GB+ for 15-20 mins
• 4K/UHD: ~7 GB+/hour (ouch!)

Download before leave home - watch your favorite movies/series later on the go.

If your smartphone was released in or after 2019/2020, there’s a good chance it’s already eSIM-ready. But not worth the risk - let’s do a quick check!

Here are 4 super easy ways to find out:

1.The Super Quick Check

Dial *#06# on your phone ... lf you see an EID number pop up, congrats - your phone’s is eSIM compatibility (EID = Embedded Identity Document).

2. iPhone users,

• Head into Settings
• Tap Cellular or Mobile Data
• See “Add eSIM”? Your iPhone is eSIM-ready.

3. Android lovers,

• Go to Settings
• Tap Connections
• Then SIM Manager
• If you see “Add eSIM”, you're good

4. Google Pixel

• Go to Settings
• Tap Network and Internet
• Then SIMs
• Tap add SIM
• If you see “Set up an eSIM”, all OK

Still not sure?

We've also got a handy list of compatible phones and devices.

Great question! Before you jet off on your travels - or buy a new digital eSIM - it’s a good idea to check whether your phone is locked. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and we’ll walk you through it.

How to check if your phone is locked?

 iPhone users guide:

1. Head to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Go into About
4. Scroll down to Carrier Lock or Service Provider Lock
   - If it says SIM Locked ... your phone’s still locked.
   - If it says No SIM restrictions ... you’re unlocked and ready to travel.

Android users:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Go to Mobile Networks
4. Tap Mobile Operators
5. Turn off Select automatically to see what pops up
   - If you only see your usual Home provider, sorry, you’re still locked.
   - If see a list of mobile network provider names appear, your phone is unlocked and travel-ready.

Google Pixel fans:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Go to Network and Internet
4. Tap Mobile Network
5. Look for Network operator
6. Turn off Select automatically to see what pops up
   - If you only see your usual Home provider, sorry, you’re still locked.
   - If see a list of mobile network provider names appear, your phone is unlocked and travel-ready.

Bonus option: Just ask!

Still unsure? Call your mobile network operator and ask them if your phone is locked. They are the only ones that unlock the phone for you ... so be nice when you chat with them.

Installation means downloading your eSIM onto your phone.

Activation is a two-step party:

1. First, your phone activates the eSIM itself - this gets everything set up and ready.
2. Then, when you land in your destination, It activates again - this time, our Cedar Mobile data plan connects to the local mobile network and goes live.

Pro tip:
You’ll need internet and a phone that’s eSIM compatible and unlocked. So best get sorted before you jet off.

Remember: your data plan only kicks in when you're actually on the ground in your destination country.

Just double-check that your phone isn’t locked and is eSIM compatible, your VPN and firewall are turned off and your phone has the latest software downloaded on it - no surprises at the airport, please!

You've got 2 options:

1.Before you jet off

This is the best and smoothest way to go. We recommend installing and activating your eSIM the day before you fly out. That way, you’re ready when yiu land at your destination.

2. When you arrive

Decided to leave it to last? (always the optimist). You can activate your eSIM once you land. Just make sure you’ve got Wi-Fi handy - your eSIM needs a lnternet to activate.

Want the step-by-step details? Check out: How to activate my eSIM?

Welcome to your destination! Let’s make sure your phone’s all set so you’re connected and avoiding those nasty and expensive roaming charges.

A) If you got it all sorted before you took off. Well done!

B) If you’re installing and activating your eSIM for the first time - Now that you’ve landed in your destination. No worries, better late than never!

For details go to FAQ "How do I activate my eSIM?" when you land.

Once you've picked the data package for your travels and hit “pay now” button, typically in just 1-2 minutes, your inbox will receive:

i) First up: your Order Confirmation

ii) Then: your iOS and Android Link/QR code email.

NOTE: Don’t forget to check in your spam or junk folder just in case your emails decide to go there.

Travel tip: download and install your new digital eSIM before you leave home. That way, when you land and your phone greets the local mobile network, your Cedar Mobile data plan will be ready to connect instantly - no drama.

And the best part? Your eSIM plan’s validity timer only starts once you connect at your destination.

Just two - simple and sweet!

1. If iPhone: best via iOS Link or QR code.
2. If Android/Pixel: best via Android Link or QR code.

Yes! To get your eSIM up and running, you’ll need a strong and stable internet connection - either hop onto Wi-Fi or make sure your Primary (Home) SIM is switched on and using its mobile data.

If you haven’t activated your eSIM yet, it’ll stay valid for 180 days from the date you bought it.

Once you do activate and it locks into the mobile network provider in your travel destination, the countdown begins!

Your eSIM will expire either when you’ve used up all your data or when your data plan hits its expiry date- whichever comes first.

But don’t worry! We’ll pop an email into your inbox with handy updates when your data’s getting low - at 50%, 20%, and 10%, plus a friendly reminder when you’ve got just 1 day left on your plan.

If you want to do a quick manual check, go back to the iOS and Android Link/QR code email we sent you and click for your data usage - very easy.

Alternatively, go to our CedarHub for full details.

Pro tip: Save any binge content downloading for your hotel Wi-Fi on your travels.

Next up, ensure your phone is set to Low Data Mode (on iPhone) or Data Saver (on Android and Google Pixel). It will stop background apps and updates from using your data plan. And super nice, it won’t slow your speed.

Heads-up: Running internet speed tests might seem innocent, but they can consume through 300 - 600 MB of data per test!

Want the full details on data usage and savings? Check out the above FAQ: How much data do I really need?

Sometimes things don’t always go to plan. That’s why every Cedar Mobile eSIM data plan comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee!                                               

You’re eligible for a full refund if:

• Your eSIM just won’t install or activate or
• Your travel plans change before you activated your eSIM, or
• You found out your phone is locked or incompatible with eSIMs

Note: refunds go right back to your original payment method and you'll need to send in your request within 30 days of buying.

Need step-by-step help? We’ve got the details all laid out for you. See: Troubleshooting - Want a refund?

With Cedar Mobile you can not only travel the world, but be rewarded while you travel.

Currencies & Points

Cedar Rewards uses a simple global points system based on:

100 Cedar Rewards Points = US$1

All purchases are automatically converted into US dollars for Rewards calculations, regardless of the currency used at checkout.

1. Earning Cedar  Rewards Points

Every time you purchase a Cedar Mobile eSIM or top up, you will earn 5% back of your purchase in Cedar Points.

For example:

If your purchase is US$24:

5% of US$24 = US$1.20

US$1.20 = 120 Cedar Points earned

Standard rounding rules apply to all points calculations.

You can redeem your Cedar Points on future purchases.

To keep rewards simple and flexible, points can be redeemed in 100 point bundles:

• 100 points = US$1 discount
• 200 points = US$2 discount
• 500 points = US$5 discount
• 1000 points = US$10 discount

For example:

• If you have 80 points, you will need to wait until you reach 100 points before redeeming.
• If you have 310 points, you can redeem 300 points.

To redeem your points:

1. Open the Cedar Rewards icon

2. Select “Redeem”

3. Choose how many points you would like to redeem

4. A discount code will be generated for use at checkout

More Ways to Earn

You can also earn Cedar Rewards Points through additional activities:

• Download the Cedar Mobile App - 100 points
• Submit a review - 50 points
• Share on Facebook - 50 points
• Share on Instagram - 50 points

2. Refer a Friend

You can invite friends to Cedar Mobile through the Cedar Rewards on our website or by sharing through Facebook.

To refer a friend:

1. Open the Cedar Rewards icon

2. Go to “Refer a Friend”

3. Enter your friend’s email address or share your referral link

4. Send the invitation

Your friend will receive a 25% discount on their next Cedar Mobile eSIM purchase.

Once your friend completes a qualifying purchase, you will also receive your own 25% reward discount for a future purchase.

Please note:

• Referral rewards are activated only after a successful qualifying purchase
• Only one 25% reward can be used per purchase
• Referral rewards cannot be combined with Cedar Points redemptions
• Referral rewards are non-transferable and linked to your Cedar Rewards account
• Only one app download, one Facebook share, and one Instagram share permitted per account.

3. How Refunds Work

Refunds on Purchases

If a purchase is refunded, any Cedar Points earned from that purchase will automatically be removed from your account.

For example:

• If you earned 50 points from a purchase that is later refunded, those 50 points will be deducted from your balance.

Refunds on Redeemed Rewards

If you redeemed Cedar Points for a discount reward and later received a refund, the redeemed points are not automatically returned.

Please contact Cedar Mobile Support if you would like redeemed points reviewed for manual restoration.

 

Facts are “Unlimited” data plans are not truly Unlimited high-speed data.

They give you some high speed data, then slow down your speeds - usually when you’re in the middle of something really important.

At Cedar Mobile, we call that misleading - instead we give you no tricks, no restrictions, no speed reductions or caps, no “fair usage polices”, no fine print. Just honest, value-packed high speed data plans from the world's leading mobile networks that let you know exactly what you’re getting, including Wi-Fi hotspots.

Travel with confidence with Cedar Mobile.

We like to keep things simple and easy! At Cedar Mobile, we happily accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express - and if you're feeling fancy, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. All transactions are settled in US dollars (USD).

No new number, but you still keep your home number. Your new Cedar Mobile eSIM is all about data. But don’t worry - you can still call and chat away using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and all your other favourites.

Oh yes, you can use both, but only at a time. When you’re off travelling, switch your eSIM to handle the data and give your wallet a break from those expensive roaming fees.

Pro tip: give your eSIM an easy-to-spot name like “Cedar Mobile” so you don’t mix them up!

Absolutely! Turn Data Roaming ON for your Cedar Mobile eSIM, and make sure your Primary (Home) SIM and Data Roaming are both turned OFF that way, you won't get those big telco roaming fees,

Yes you sure can - iPhones can store up to 10 eSIMs, while most Android and Pixel phones handle up to 10 too. Usually, you can have two active at once - either two eSIMs or one eSIM and one physical SIM. Label them clearly, e.g., "Cedar Mobile - Spain", so you know who’s who!

If you accidentally deleted your eSIM, you can reinstall it on the same phone using the same iOS and Android Link or QR code.

Note - once it’s been activated, that iOS and Android Link/QR code is locked to your device. Definitely no hopping the eSIM to a different phone.

No! Once that iOS and Android Link/QR code is installed on your phone, it's tied to your device's unique ID.

Yes ... All Cedar Mobile eSIMs are totally Wi-Fi hotspot friendly.

No sneaky fine print, no “fair usage” limits, no daily caps, no restrictions, no speed slowdowns. Just full high-speed data!

Topping up is easy! During your data plan’s validity period, we’ll send you email updates when you hit 50%, 20%, 10% - and one final update when you’ve got just one day left.

Every time, you’ll get a one-click link to add more data if you want - either the same amount or a different plan.

Alternatively, go to our CedarHub to recharge or top up.

But if your plan has expired, sorry you can not top up - it’s time to purchase a new digital Cedar Mobile eSIM. But just remember the price of recharge or a new eSIM is just the same ... just at our everyday budget friendly rates.

Keeping tabs on your data is simple and easy! Just click the link in your Cedar Mobile eSIM iOS and Android Link/QR code email - it’ll take you to your data plan dashboard. There, you’ll find a Check Usage button, tap it to see how much data you've got left.

We’ll also send you friendly reminders when you hit 50%, 20%, 10%, and when you’re down to your last day. Think of them as your data fairy godmothers. Just remember, the updates are not live and can be fashionably late - up to 2 hours behind real-time.

Alternatively, go to our CedarHub to check your data usage.

If you want super-accurate data stats?

iPhone:

• Tap into Settings,
• Next go to Cellular or Mobile Data
• Scroll down to see your Cedar Mobile plan usage, called Current Period
• This will list your Cedar Mobile usage to date and which apps are gobbling up your data e.g. YouTube, Weather, Uber, etc.

Android:

• Head to Settings
• Next go Network & Internet,
• Next - Data Usage or Mobile Network
• You’ll find your Cedar Mobile data plan usage and app-by-app breakdown (WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, etc.)

Google Pixel:

• Head to Settings
• Next go Network & Internet,
• Next - SIMs
• Select Carrier for your SIM card
• Tap App data usage
• You’ll find your Cedar Mobile data plan usage and tap Android OS to see app-by-app breakdown (WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, etc.)

Yes!

Let’s say you’ve got 1 GB and 2 days left on your current 30 day plan, and you treat yourself to a new 5 GB / 30 day top-up. Now you have 6 GB of data that’s good for 32 days!

The answer is a Yes but also No!

Yes, you can pass your iOS and Android Link/QR code to someone else - but only if you haven’t already activated it on your device. It’s like giving someone an unopened gift.

No, you can’t transfer the actual data from your eSIM once it's activated. It’s yours and yours alone.

BUT you can share your internet using your phone’s Personal Hotspot. So you can still share your data with your friends and family.

No stress. Once an eSIM has expired, it cannot be used or topped up - but you can easily grab a new one! Good news: the price is exactly the same whether you’re topping up or starting fresh. So super easy to order a new eSIM.

Once you turn off both your Primary SIM and Roaming Data, you will not be receiving calls and texts, or be able to call home on your old number ... but you are saving on those expensive roaming fees and definitely no bill shock when you get home.

If you really want to, you can turn your Primary SIM back ON to receive calls and texts from home - just remember to keep Data Roaming OFF to avoid paying expensive roaming fees.

BUT just remember:

i) Some mobile network providers charge you for receiving calls and texts even when you overseas ... so best to check before you depart, just in case yours does!!

ii) But the good news is that you will receive those OTP texts some banks send to confirm credit card payments!

Absolutely no! Not our Pleasing Different style.

Cedar Mobile does not track your location or internet activity. We only log the basics (because the law says we must): such as - when you’re connected, how much data you’ve used and which mobile network you were on to maintain service quality.

ICCID stands for Integrated Circuit Card Identifier. It’s a special 19 to 20-digit serial number that’s basically your SIM card’s ID number. Every SIM has one, and they all start off with the numbers 89.

If you need help from us, we'll ask you for this number. You’ll find it on the Cedar Mobile email with your iOS and Android Link/QR code.

We believe in giving you the best value in terms of convenience and flexibility. Travel plans change, flights get missed or delayed, holidays get extended ... that’s why most of our top data plans give you a full 30 days - just a little extra peace of mind on your travels.

Buying a Cedar Mobile eSIM is the smarter choice when it comes to flexibility and saving big on those expensive roaming charges during your travels. Why pay more to use your home SIM overseas when there’s a better way?

If you’re planning to settle into one country for a longer stay (say, three months or more) and need a local number, then a local SIM might make sense. But if you’re hopping between countries, you’ll probably face the hassle of juggling multiple SIM cards, paying separate activation fees, showing ID at every stop, and constantly swapping them out.

That’s why Cedar Mobile is a pleasingly different alternative. With us, you get budget-friendly pricing, high-speed data in over 200 countries and regions, and a super simple setup - no tricks, no surprises, plus our money back guarantee.

At Cedar Mobile, we don't believe in slowing you down. All our data plans come with zero speed restrictions, no sneaky "fair usage" limits and absolutely no throttling. Just high-speed data for your travels from the world's leading networks.

Whether you're streaming, scrolling, or navigating your way through a new city, our plans are built to keep you connected without the drama. Most of our plans are 5G-ready too! Just search your destination and check the Technical Specs for what speed to expect and who are our global mobile partners in that country.