Frequently asked questions
Everything operators ask before placing their first order — answered.
What is 9eSIM and what's in the box?
9eSIM is a physical SIM-card-shaped chip that can store and run eSIM profiles. You buy a card (V0, V0 Max, or V3), drop it in any standard SIM tray, then write eSIM profiles to it from our open-source app. The box contains the card itself — no profiles are pre-loaded. A USB-C reader for direct PC writing is sold separately or as a +$9 add-on at checkout.
What's the difference between V0, V0 Max, and V3?
Storage and OS layer.
- V0: 480 KB, up to 15 profiles, ECP OS, made in China — the entry option.
- V0 Max: 1.1 MB, up to 30 profiles, ECP OS, made in China — same form factor as V0 with more memory.
- V3: 1.5 MB, up to 50 profiles, Kigen OS, made in the UK — the flagship; faster profile switching and the only one with a certified GSMA stack.
Does it work on iPhone?
Yes — but with a caveat. iOS does not let third-party apps write directly to a physical SIM, so on iPhone you'll need an external USB card reader (or one of the upcoming Bluetooth-enabled B0 / B1 cards) to load profiles. Once a profile is on the card, you switch between profiles directly on iOS via the SIM toolkit (STK) menu — no app needed.
Does it work on Android?
Yes — natively. Install the 9eSIM app from Google Play (or grab the APK from our software page), insert the card, and write profiles directly. Requires Android 10 or newer. NekokoLPA and other open-source LPA tools also work.
Can I use any eSIM profile, or only ones from 9eSIM?
Any compliant eSIM profile. The card is GSMA-format and works with profiles from any carrier or travel-eSIM provider — Airalo, Holafly, Saily, your home carrier, Eskimo, etc. We don't sell profiles ourselves; we sell the hardware that holds them.
How fast is switching between profiles?
After the first 12–18 minute setup, switching takes under 30 seconds and is done from the SIM toolkit menu directly on the phone. No need to physically swap cards or wait for activation each time.
Is the software really open source?
Yes. The LPA app and drivers are open-source — that's what lets NekokoLPA, OpenEUICC, MiniLPA, and other community-maintained tools manage 9eSIM cards. If we ever stopped developing our own app, your card would keep working with whichever community LPA you prefer. Most other physical eSIM cards are locked to a single vendor app — ours work with any open-source LPA tool.
How long does shipping take, and what does it cost?
All orders ship from China with tracking. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on destination (typically $4–9). Estimated delivery time is approximately 2 weeks.
Can I return a card?
Unused cards in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund minus the original shipping cost. Once a card has been written to (a profile loaded), it's considered activated and is non-returnable for hygiene and security reasons — but warranty still applies for hardware faults.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. All hardware ships with a 12-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects. If your card or reader stops working through no fault of your own, message support and we'll replace it.
How do I get help?
Fastest path is Telegram at t.me/simlink_ltd — usually answered within a few hours. Email support also works at service@9esim.com. Please include your order number and a short description of the issue.