Data-Only SIM Card or eSIM: What It Is and When to Use One

A data-only SIM card is a SIM that gives you mobile internet but no phone number, so you cannot make normal calls or send SMS. It is useful for travel, tablets and laptops, or as a second line for data while your main SIM stays in the phone for calls and bank codes.

What a data-only SIM is

A data-only SIM is a SIM card that provides mobile data but no phone number, so it cannot make normal calls or send SMS. It is designed for internet access only. You use it in a phone, tablet or laptop to get online, and all your communication happens through apps that work over data.

A data-only SIM connects your device to a mobile network for internet access. Because it has no phone number attached, you cannot use it for standard voice calls or text messages. Instead, you rely on apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and other internet calling services that work over data. This makes it a straightforward way to get online without a contract or a monthly bill for calls and texts.

You can buy a prepaid data-only SIM as a physical card or as an eSIM. A physical card needs to be inserted into your device. An eSIM is a digital profile that you install on your phone. Both give you the same thing: mobile internet without a phone number.

Data-only SIM card vs data-only eSIM

A data-only SIM card is a physical chip you insert into your device. A data-only eSIM is a digital profile you install on your phone. The eSIM is bought online and delivered as a QR code, so there is no card to post or collect. Both give you mobile data only, with no phone number.

The main difference is how you get it and how you install it. A physical data-only SIM card is a small chip that you put into your phone, tablet or laptop. You might buy it in a shop or order it online and wait for delivery. A data-only eSIM is a digital profile. You buy it online and receive a QR code. You scan that code to install it on your phone. There is no plastic card and no postage.

For travel, an eSIM is often more convenient because you can buy and install it before you leave. You do not need to find a shop or swap tiny cards. If your phone supports eSIM, you can keep your main SIM in the phone for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for data. Most recent phones support a physical SIM and an eSIM together. To learn more about the differences, see our guide on eSIM vs physical SIM.

Calls, texts and bank codes

A data-only SIM or eSIM has no phone number, so you cannot make normal calls or send SMS. This means you cannot receive bank codes or other verification texts on that line. To keep receiving calls, texts and bank codes, keep your main SIM in the phone for those services and use the data-only plan for internet access.

If you need to receive bank codes or other one-time passwords by SMS, you must keep your main SIM active. A data-only plan cannot receive those messages because it has no phone number. Most recent phones let you use a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time. You can set your main SIM for calls and texts, and your data-only eSIM for mobile data. This way, you stay reachable on your usual number while using the data plan for internet.

For more on how this works, read our guide on calls, texts and OTPs on a data eSIM.

When a data-only plan makes sense

A data-only plan makes sense when you need internet access but not a new phone number. It is useful for travel, for tablets and laptops with cellular support, and as a second line for data while your main SIM handles calls and texts. It is also a simple option for a prepaid data-only SIM if you want to avoid contracts.

Here are common situations where a data-only plan is a good fit:

• Travel: You want mobile data abroad without paying roaming charges. You keep your main SIM for calls and texts, and use a data-only eSIM for internet.
• Tablets and laptops: If your tablet or laptop has cellular support, a data-only plan gives it internet without tethering to your phone.
• Second line for data: You have a phone with dual SIM support and want a separate data plan while your main number stays for calls and bank codes.
• Short-term use: You need data for a few days or weeks and do not want a long contract.

A data-only plan is not suitable if you need a local phone number for calls or SMS. In that case, you need a regular SIM with a number.

How to set one up

To set up a data-only eSIM, check your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible, buy a plan online, scan the QR code to install it, then turn on data roaming if required. For a physical data-only SIM, insert the card and set the correct APN if needed. Always keep your main SIM active for calls and texts.

1. Check your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. You can check your phone supports eSIM before you buy.
2. Buy a data-only eSIM online. Choose a plan for your destination. You can browse eSIM plans by country to find one.
3. Install the eSIM. You will receive a QR code. Scan it in your phone settings to install the eSIM profile. The exact menu name may differ by phone model and country.
4. Turn on data roaming if required. Some plans need data roaming enabled to work. Check your plan details. The setting is usually under Mobile Network or Cellular settings, but the exact name varies by phone model.
5. Keep your main SIM active. Leave your main SIM in the phone for calls, texts and bank codes. Set the data-only eSIM as your data line.

If you use a physical data-only SIM, insert it into the SIM tray. You may need to set the correct APN (Access Point Name) in your phone settings. The APN details come with the SIM. Again, keep your main SIM in the phone for calls and texts if your phone supports two SIMs.