Can I pause a travel eSIM?

Rachel Tran

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Published: September 2025

Travel eSIMs offer convenience for international travelers, but many wonder “Can I pause a travel eSIM?” when travel plans change. This is a perfectly reasonable question, especially when you have complex itineraries or want to control your connectivity costs during your trip.

This article explains what “pausing” a travel eSIM really means and what options are available to you.

I. What does “pausing” a travel eSIM mean?

Pausing a travel eSIM usually refers to temporarily stopping the usage of your data plan without losing any remaining data or validity.

In theory, it means freezing the active period of your eSIM and resuming it later, just like pausing a subscription. However, travel eSIMs are typically prepaid services with fixed validity periods, so the concept of “pausing” doesn’t apply the same way it might for other digital services.

II. What you should know about travel eSIM activation and usage

Travel eSIM activation triggers a countdown timer that cannot be stopped once the process begins. Most travel eSIMs begin counting days from the moment they connect to a supported network at your destination, regardless of whether you are actively using data or not.

Some plans allow pre-installation, but the validity countdown usually starts automatically once the eSIM is activated or the device connects to mobile data.

Most travel eSIM providers, including GIGAGO, structure their plans around specific time frames such as 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days. These periods are fixed and cannot be extended or paused through standard user controls.

III. Can you actually pause a travel eSIM?

In most cases, no — you cannot pause a travel eSIM once it has been activated.

Since travel eSIMs are typically non-renewable, prepaid plans with fixed durations, they do not include a built-in pause or hold function. The plan remains active and continues to expire even if you turn off mobile data or switch to Wi-Fi.

Some travelers attempt to work around this limitation by turning off cellular data or removing the eSIM profile from their device settings. However, these actions don’t actually pause the service or stop the validity period countdown.

IV. What are your options if you want to pause or delay usage?

If pausing your travel eSIM isn’t possible, here are some smart alternatives to help you delay usage and avoid wasting your plan:

• Delay activation if the eSIM hasn’t been used yet You can install the eSIM on your phone in advance, but avoid connecting to a mobile network until you’re ready to use it. Most eSIMs only start counting from the first connection.
• Choose a plan with flexible validity Some travel eSIMs begin their validity period only when the device connects to a network for the first time, not on the purchase date. This gives you more control over when usage starts.
• Buy a short-term plan instead of a long one If your travel schedule is uncertain, a short-duration plan minimizes the risk of unused days. You can always buy an additional plan later as needed.
• Contact your provider if your plan hasn’t been activated If your travel plans change, reach out to your eSIM provider. Some, like Gigago, may offer to adjust your start date or exchange the eSIM, as long as it hasn’t been activated.

These options can’t pause an active eSIM, but they allow you to manage your plan more flexibly before it starts.

V. What happens when you try to “pause” your eSIM

Trying to pause your eSIM manually — by turning off data or removing the eSIM from your device — won’t stop the countdown. The validity period continues to count down in the background, and when you reactivate their device, you may find that significant time has elapsed from your plan.

VI. Smart activities to pausing your travel eSIM

While you can’t pause the eSIM, you can still use it smartly to avoid wasting data or validity.

• Carefully analyze your travel itinerary to identify when you’ll actually need cellular connectivity versus when Wi-Fi will be sufficient.
  • For shorter trips or destinations with abundant Wi-Fi infrastructure, choose plans with shorter validity periods.
  • For extended trips with irregular connectivity needs, choose multiple shorter-duration eSIM plans.
• Only activate the eSIM when you actually arrive at your destination and need data.
• Choose providers that allow flexible activation or offer multiple short-term packages instead of one long plan.
• If you plan to return to the same country, check if your eSIM will still be valid for future trips.

VII. Frequently asked questions

Can I pause my eSIM if I turn off my phone?

No, turning off your phone doesn’t pause the eSIM service. The validity period continues to count down on the network side regardless of your device status.

If I don’t use any data, will the time still run out?

Yes. The validity countdown continues even if data is not used.

What if I delete the eSIM profile from my phone? Deleting the eSIM profile from your device doesn’t pause the service or stop the validity period countdown. The plan remains active on the provider’s network.

Can I uninstall and reinstall my eSIM to pause it?

No. Removing the eSIM doesn’t stop the active period or extend the plan.

Can customer service pause my eSIM plan?

Most travel eSIM providers, including major international services, don’t offer customer service pausing options due to technical and billing system limitations.

Is there any way to extend my eSIM if I couldn’t use it?

Generally, eSIM plans cannot be extended once they’ve expired. Some providers may offer replacement plans or credits in exceptional circumstances, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Should I activate my eSIM before traveling?

It’s usually best to wait until you actually need connectivity to activate your eSIM, maximizing the value of your validity period.

Can I buy now and activate later?

Yes, if the eSIM has not been activated or connected to a network.

What’s the best strategy for long trips with breaks?

For trips with significant gaps in travel, purchasing multiple shorter-duration plans often provides better value and flexibility than trying to use a single long-term plan.