Build, launch, and operate eSIM connectivity in your app.
Explore practical guides and technical explainers for launching travel eSIMs, recurring mobile plans, and employee data connectivity. Learn how to verify device compatibility before checkout, guide QR or manual installation, track data balances, and automate top-ups and renewals.
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Choose a customer journey
Travel eSIMsSell destination data packages, deliver instant QR installation, and offer in-app top-ups inside your booking flow or travel app.Automatic renewalSchedule recurring data package renewals on an installed eSIM so subscribers stay connected across billing cycles without reinstalling a profile.Employee connectivityProvision company-paid data plans for traveling staff and remote teams, distribute private setup links, and revoke access during offboarding.Embedded connectivityBuild plan browsing, checkout, installation links, and live data balance tracking directly into your mobile app or customer portal.Coverage and networksMatch single-country and multi-country itineraries to supported local carrier networks, network speeds, and included plan capabilities.Device compatibilityVerify phone model eSIM support, carrier lock status, and installation options before checkout to prevent failed activations and refunds.
Build and operate the service
eSIM connectivity guideUnderstand how eSIM profiles, data packages, and subscriber lifecycles fit together before designing your integration.Check device and coverage requirementsConfirm device eSIM support, unlocked carrier status, and destination network coverage before presenting offers at checkout.Integrate eSIM connectivityQuery the offer catalog, place package orders, retrieve installation credentials, and track activation events from your backend.Embed a connectivity journeyMap customer accounts to eSIM orders, surface in-app installation instructions, and display remaining data allowances inside your product.Roll out employee connectivityAssign company-funded data packages to staff, send individual installation links, and cancel renewals when trips end or employees leave.Guide eSIM installationWalk users through QR code scanning or manual activation code entry on iOS and Android, and confirm data roaming is enabled.Manage recurring eSIM packagesLink an eSIM to a subscriber, turn on scheduled package renewals, and stop upcoming billing cycles when a customer cancels.Use your existing calling lineConfigure dual-SIM settings so travelers route mobile data through their Bird eSIM while keeping their primary phone number active for calls and SMS.Resolve a connectivity service issueDiagnose setup and connection issues by inspecting order status, profile installation state, and network attachment logs.Offer travel dataDeliver pre-trip eSIM packages, confirm profile installation before departure, and let travelers top up data mid-trip.Inspect usage and add a top-upCheck remaining data balances alongside carrier observation timestamps, find compatible top-up packages, and fulfill add-on orders.
eSIM explained
Is installing an eSIM the same as activating a plan?See how downloading an eSIM profile before a trip differs from activating the data package at the destination, and when the validity clock starts.Is an eSIM top-up the same as a renewal?Learn when to offer a one-time data add-on for a current trip versus scheduling a recurring package renewal on an installed eSIM.How is a travel eSIM different from a mobile plan?Compare fixed-duration travel data packages with recurring mobile plans across data allowances, voice and SMS support, phone numbers, and billing cycles.What is an eSIM?Learn how a downloadable eSIM profile connects a compatible phone to local carrier networks and how data packages attach to that profile.What is mobile number porting?Learn how transferring a phone number between carriers works, which account details are required, and why port requests get rejected.Why can eSIM usage updates be delayed?See why roaming networks report data consumption in batches and how to display observation timestamps so customers trust their remaining balance.
Make your next decision
eSIM and mobile connectivitySee how Bird supports travel eSIMs, recurring mobile plans, and employee data packages through one API.Getting startedWalk through your first catalog query, test order, QR installation flow, and usage check from start to finish.eSIM FAQsGet direct answers on device unlocks, dual-SIM voice lines, activation timing, roaming coverage, and top-ups.Plans and pricingInspect regional and country data rates, package durations, and per-order pricing before you launch.Bird vs GigsCompare API integration models, checkout control, travel data catalogs, and subscriber management between Bird and Gigs.
Plan a provider transition
Plan your eSIM launch with our connectivity team.
Share your target destinations, expected data volumes, and app checkout flow. Our team will help you match country and regional packages, design QR installation and top-up journeys, and scope your API integration.