Check device and coverage requirements
Use this checklist before buying a Bird eSIM or sending installation instructions. You need the device model and country of purchase, the intended destinations, and the travel or service dates. Open the selected package in eSIM plans to review its terms.
1. Check the device and carrier lock
Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and market variant using the manufacturer's guidance. Similarly named devices can have different SIM arrangements. Check the number of lines the device can keep active together if you intend to retain an existing SIM.
The device must accept service from another carrier. On iPhone, open Settings > General > About and check the carrier-lock status. An unlocked device shows No SIM Restrictions; see Apple's travel eSIM guidance. For Pixel, follow Google's carrier compatibility guidance. If the device is locked, ask its current carrier about unlocking before purchasing.
2. Match coverage to the itinerary
Check the package's covered countries against the destinations where you need data, including stopovers. Review its allowance, validity, included service, and any reduced-speed terms. A regional package name does not establish that a particular country is covered.
Buying a Bird eSIM does not transfer your existing phone number. On a compatible dual-SIM device, keep your existing line for calls and messages and select the Bird eSIM for mobile data. A number displayed with an eSIM does not establish that ordinary calling or SMS is included. Check your existing line's roaming terms separately.
For an API integration, get the selected offer and use its published coverage and service terms.
3. Review identification requirements
Before confirming a dashboard purchase, expand Identification requirements on Review purchase. Read the country guidance and the listed Required details and Optional details for the covered destinations. If the requirements cannot be loaded, retry before completing your preparation.
Collect required identification through your own authorized process. Bird displays the requirements but does not collect, verify, or store those values. Assigning a contact to an eSIM does not perform an identification check.
4. Plan installation and activation
Check which event starts package validity and any installation or activation deadline. Installation, first use, and package expiry are separate steps; do not assume that installing early preserves the full service period.
Arrange Wi-Fi or a hotspot for installation. If you have another screen, use it to display the QR code. If you have one phone, use Install on this phone when supported, or Enter details manually. Follow the installation guide for the device-specific steps.
A test-mode eSIM is useful for testing your integration, but its sample credentials cannot install a profile on a phone. Verify mobile connectivity with a purchased live package and a compatible device.
5. Verify mobile data
In a covered destination, select the Bird eSIM as the data line and follow any roaming or APN instructions supplied on its installation page. Turn off Wi-Fi briefly and open a webpage to verify the mobile connection.
If the trip has not started, you can confirm device setup but must wait until a covered network is available to verify mobile data. Keep the eSIM and order references so you can continue setup or request support without buying again.
Troubleshooting
If the phone refuses installation, record its model, the installation method, and the exact error. Confirm recovery options with support before deleting the profile or trying it on another device.
If installation succeeds but data does not, check the selected line, covered country, package status, and the supplied network settings. Follow Resolve an eSIM service issue before purchasing another package.
Next steps
Related resources
Continue with the documentation, guides and examples for this topic.