Is your Motorola compatible with eSIM? How exactly do you activate it? These are the questions we constantly receive from travelers who want to enjoy local data abroad without complications. In this guide, we answer everything in detail.
eSIM is now a standard technology in most mid-range and high-end smartphones, but the activation process varies by manufacturer and model. Here is the specific guide for Motorola.
Which Motorola models are eSIM compatible?
eSIM compatibility depends on the specific model and, in some cases, the market where it was sold. Some carriers in specific countries sell locked versions that do not support eSIM.
As a general rule, Motorola models launched from 2019-2020 onwards include eSIM support. To check if your specific model is compatible:
- iPhone / Apple: Go to Settings → General → About. If you see "EID Number", your phone has eSIM.
- Android (Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel): Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Manager. If you see an option to "Add data plan" or "eSIM", your phone is compatible.
If you purchased the phone with a carrier contract, it may be locked to third-party eSIMs. In that case, contact your carrier to request unlocking (it's free in many countries once the contract ends).
How to check compatibility before purchasing
Before purchasing an eSIM for your Motorola, check these three points:
1. Does your model have eSIM? Search for your exact model on the manufacturer's website. Compatible model lists are updated every year. Don't assume all models in a range have eSIM: within the same series, some may have support and some may not.
2. Is it unlocked? A phone purchased with a carrier contract may have restrictions on using eSIMs from other providers. Call your carrier or check your network settings to see if there are portability restrictions.
3. How many eSIMs does it support simultaneously? Most modern phones support one physical SIM + one active eSIM, although they can store multiple eSIM profiles. Some recent models (iPhone 15 onwards in the USA) are eSIM-only, with no physical slot.
If you have any questions, the PuraSim support team can help you verify compatibility before you make your purchase.
How to activate eSIM on Motorola step-by-step
The activation process is very similar across all compatible devices. Here is the generic guide and specific variations:
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Data Plan
- Scan the PuraSim QR code or select "Enter Details Manually"
- Name the plan (e.g., "PuraSim Travel")
- Configure which line to use for data: select the PuraSim plan
- Enable "Data Roaming" in the PuraSim plan settings
On Android (Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel):
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
- Select "Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM"
- Scan the PuraSim QR code
- Accept the terms and wait for the profile to download
- Select the PuraSim plan as the data line
- Enable data roaming if required by the system
The entire process takes between 3 and 8 minutes. If you encounter any problems, PuraSim support is available in Spanish to assist you.
Optimal settings for travel
Once the eSIM is installed on your Motorola, there are some additional settings that improve the user experience during travel:
- Mobile data → Data line: select the PuraSim plan. This way, all data goes through the eSIM without using your local SIM's roaming.
- Calls and SMS: keep your local SIM for calls and SMS. This way, you continue to receive calls on your usual number.
- iMessage/FaceTime (iPhone): configure them to work through the data eSIM to avoid consuming international SMS.
- Automatic updates: disable them or configure them for WiFi-only during travel. System updates can consume GBs without you realizing it.
- Airplane mode in flight: activate it during the flight, but then deactivate it manually (not full airplane mode, just deactivate WiFi if there isn't any). The eSIM needs to register on the local network upon arrival.
With these settings, your Motorola will be optimized to maximize the performance and duration of your PuraSim data plan.
Common problems and how to solve them
The vast majority of activations go smoothly. But if you have any issues, here are the most frequent solutions:
eSIM does not connect at destination:
- Verify that "Data Roaming" is enabled on the PuraSim eSIM (many phones have it disabled by default)
- Try to manually select the network: Settings → Mobile data → Network → Manual selection
- Restart the phone with the eSIM activated
QR code does not work:
- Verify that the QR code has not been used before (it can only be scanned once)
- Make sure the phone is connected to WiFi before scanning
- Contact PuraSim to resend the code if there was a problem
Slow speed:
- Verify that you are using data from the correct eSIM (not your local carrier's)
- Some buildings or areas have weak coverage, try moving
- Restart the data connection
Frequently asked questions
How many eSIMs can I have installed on my Motorola?
Most modern devices support storing multiple eSIM profiles (up to 8-10 in some cases), but only one or two can be active simultaneously. You can save profiles from different countries and activate the one you need for each trip.
Does the eSIM disappear if I do a factory reset?
Yes. When you do a factory reset, all installed eSIM profiles are deleted. Keep the original PuraSim QR code in a safe place in case you need to reinstall it. Contact support if you lost the code.
Can I transfer the eSIM to another phone?
Not directly. eSIM profiles are linked to the device for security. If you change phones, you need to contact PuraSim to issue you a new QR code for the new device (applies according to plan conditions).
What is the difference between eSIM and virtual SIM?
They are the same concept with different names. The eSIM (embedded SIM) is the physical chip integrated into the phone. The 'virtual SIM' or 'eSIM profile' is the software that downloads the carrier profile to that chip. All PuraSim plans are standard eSIM.
Does the eSIM affect the phone's warranty?
No. eSIM is a standard manufacturer feature. Using an eSIM from a different carrier than the original does not affect the device's warranty. It is equivalent to using a physical SIM from any carrier.
Activate your eSIM before you leave and arrive connected from the very first moment.
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