Quick answer
Starts automatically on first use
Install your eSIM before you travel. Your data plan starts automatically when you first connect to a supported network in your plan’s coverage area.
Installing the eSIM does not activate the bundle or included VPN. The validity period begins only after the network confirms first use.
Installing the eSIM is not starting the bundle
My eSIM is the reusable profile installed on your phone. A data bundle is a separate destination or regional plan attached to that profile.
You can install My eSIM before travelling. The bundle remains not started until it first connects to a supported network in its coverage area.
One reusable My eSIM can hold multiple bundles. Each bundle has its own allowance, validity and provider-confirmed status.
Activation snapshot
- InstallBefore travel
- ActivationAutomatic on first use
- Before first useNot started yet
- ValidityBegins at confirmed first use
Avoid these mistakes
- Confusing installation with activation
- Deleting My eSIM while waiting
- Assuming unknown usage means zero
- Assuming VPN access is active before the bundle
Before you travel
Prepare My eSIM while you have reliable internet, then check the bundle and phone settings before departure.
- Confirm My eSIM is installed on the correct phone.
- Check the destination or region attached to the bundle.
- Check the data allowance and validity period.
- Keep My eSIM available in your phone’s SIM settings.
- At your destination, select My eSIM for mobile data.
- Turn data roaming on for the My eSIM line when required.
Installation and preparation do not start the bundle or included VPN.
Automatic first-use activation
There is no activation choice to configure. Every bundle follows the same automatic first-use behavior.
Every bundle
Starts automatically on first use
The bundle starts when My eSIM first connects to a supported network in the plan’s coverage area.
Before provider-confirmed usage, your account shows Not started yet. It shows actual start and end dates only after they are confirmed.
How activation and validity work
Install → Connect → Bundle starts → Validity begins
- 1Install
Install My eSIM
Add the reusable eSIM profile to your phone before travel. Installation does not start the data bundle.
- 2Connect
Connect at your destination
Select My eSIM for mobile data and connect to a supported network in the plan’s coverage area.
- 3Start
The bundle starts automatically
The provider confirms first network use and the bundle becomes active.
- 4Validity
The validity period begins
The bundle remains available until its validity ends or its fixed data allowance is used.
What first use means
First use is the first provider-confirmed connection to a supported network within the bundle’s coverage area.
- Install My eSIM before travelling.
- The bundle remains Not started yet before a confirmed network connection.
- The validity period does not begin while the bundle has not started.
- The account shows the actual start and end dates after confirmation.
- The included VPN becomes available only after the bundle is active.
Built for travel
Prepare before departure without using plan validity
Install My eSIM in advance, then let the bundle start automatically when you first use it within the plan’s coverage area.
When the validity period begins
Validity is counted from the provider-confirmed bundle start, not from purchase or eSIM installation.
Automatic on first use
- Activation begins
- When My eSIM first connects to a supported network in the coverage area
- Validity begins
- At that provider-confirmed first use
The bundle page shows actual start and end dates after activation. Those provider-confirmed dates are the source of truth.
A fixed-data bundle can end earlier if its allowance is used. Unlimited bundles may show usage differently, but their validity period still controls availability.
Understand your bundle status
Your account shows lifecycle information confirmed by the provider.
Preparing
The bundle is still being prepared and is not ready for use yet.
Not started yet
The bundle has not started. It starts automatically after the first supported network connection in its coverage area.
Active
The provider has confirmed that the bundle is active. Available dates and usage appear in your account.
Used up, Expired, Cancelled, Refunded or Ended
The bundle is no longer active. The exact label reflects its confirmed end state.
How activation affects the included VPN
Installing My eSIM or preparing VPNclient does not start the bundle. VPN access becomes available only after the associated bundle is active.
- Bundle not started yetVPN access waits for the bundle to become active
- Bundle activeVPN access is available through VPNclient
- No active bundleSaved VPN access remains dormant
Prepare the VPN before travel
Download VPNclient and save your separate VPN credentials before travelling.
Set up the included VPNWhat not to do
- Do not confuse installing My eSIM with starting a data bundle.
- Do not assume the purchase date begins the validity period.
- Do not delete My eSIM because a bundle has not started yet.
- Do not buy another bundle only because the current one has not started.
- Do not assume an Active status means VPNclient is already connected.
Remember
One My eSIM can hold multiple bundles
Each bundle starts automatically on its own first supported network use and keeps its own allowance, validity and status.
If the bundle does not start as expected, check in this order
Check the installed eSIM, destination and provider-confirmed status before changing phone settings or contacting support.
- Open Account → Bundles and select the correct bundle.
- Confirm the destination or region and data allowance.
- Check whether the status is Preparing, Not started yet, Active or ended.
- If it says Not started yet, confirm My eSIM is turned on and selected for mobile data within the plan’s coverage area.
- Turn data roaming on for My eSIM when required.
- If the bundle is Active but mobile data does not work, follow the eSIM data troubleshooting guide.
- Do not delete the installed eSIM while troubleshooting.
- Contact support with the destination, bundle status and any error displayed.
Product pages referenced
This guide reflects the automatic first-use behavior, provider-confirmed bundle statuses and included-VPN behavior shown in your account.
Frequently asked questions
Does installing my eSIM start the data plan?
No. Installation does not start the bundle or included VPN. The bundle starts automatically after its first supported network connection in the coverage area.
When does my plan validity begin?
Validity begins at the provider-confirmed first network use, not when you purchase or install My eSIM.
What does Not started yet mean?
The provider has not confirmed first use. The bundle will start automatically after My eSIM first connects to a supported network in its coverage area.
Does the included VPN start when I install My eSIM?
No. VPN access becomes available only after the associated data bundle is active.
Where can I see the actual start and end dates?
Open Account → Bundles and select the bundle. Confirmed start and end dates appear there when available.
