Preparing for Umrah involves deep spiritual preparation, but the practicalities of staying connected shouldn't be overlooked. Whether you are navigating the streets of Makkah, coordinating a meeting point with your group in Madinah, or calling home from Jeddah, having reliable data is essential.
Using an eSIM on your iPhone is the most efficient way to access 5G networks in Saudi Arabia without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant roaming fees. With an eSIM from Umrah eSIM, you can keep your original phone number active for WhatsApp and iMessage while using local 5G data for everything else.
Why Choose an eSIM for Your Pilgrimage?
Traditional roaming plans are often expensive, and searching for a local SIM kiosk at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) after a long flight can be exhausting. By choosing a digital solution, you can browse our eSIM plans and have your connection ready before you even board your flight.
On your iPhone, an eSIM allows you to connect to the fastest networks in Saudi Arabia, including STC, Mobily, and Zain. These carriers provide extensive 5G coverage throughout the Holy Sites, ensuring you can use navigation apps, stream prayers, or stay in touch with family back in the UK, US, or Asia.
Before You Begin: The Pre-Check
Before starting the installation, ensure your iPhone is compatible and ready:
- Carrier Unlocked: Your iPhone must be "unlocked." If you bought your phone via a contract and are still paying it off, check with your provider to ensure they haven't restricted it to their network.
- iPhone Model: eSIM is supported on iPhone XS, XR, and all newer models (including the iPhone 11 through 15 series).
- Stable Wi-Fi: You need a stable internet connection to download the eSIM profile. We recommend doing this at home before you depart or using the airport Wi-Fi.
How to Install Your Umrah eSIM (QR Code Method)
Once you purchase your plan, you will receive an instant eSIM QR code delivered by email. This is the most common and easiest way to install.
Step 1: Open Cellular Settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on your region).
Step 2: Add eSIM
Tap on Add eSIM. You may see an option to "Transfer from Nearby iPhone" or "Use QR Code." Select Use QR Code.
Step 3: Scan the QR Code
Position your iPhone camera over the QR code provided in your Umrah eSIM confirmation email. If you are viewing the email on the same device, you can usually save the QR code to your photos and "Open" it via the setup screen, or manually enter the details provided in the email.
Step 4: Label Your Plans
To avoid confusion, label your plans. We suggest naming your primary SIM (the one from home) as "Primary" and your new Umrah eSIM as "Travel" or "Saudi Arabia." This helps you distinguish which line is providing data.
Step 5: Configure Default Lines
- Default Voice Line: Set this to your "Primary" number so people can still call you.
- iMessage & FaceTime: Set this to your "Primary" number.
- Cellular Data: Set this to your "Travel" eSIM. Do not turn on "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to ensure you don't accidentally use expensive roaming data from your home provider.
Activation at the Destination
One of the best features of our service is that the validity starts on the first connection at the destination. You can install the eSIM in your home country (UK, US, Turkey, etc.), and it will remain "dormant."
When you land in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, or any of our focus regions, simply:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Tap on your Travel eSIM and toggle Turn On This Line.
- Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the Travel eSIM (this is required to connect to local 5G networks like STC, Mobily, or Zain).
Using Your eSIM in Other Regions
Many pilgrims travel via transit hubs like Dubai (AE), Istanbul (TR), or Cairo (EG). Our technology supports seamless 5G connectivity across these regions as well.
- In the UAE: Connect to Etisalat and Du.
- In Turkey: Use Türk Telekom and Turkcell.
- In Egypt: Access Orange and Etisalat.
Regardless of where you are, your Umrah eSIM supports personal hotspot and tethering, allowing you to share your 5G data with other devices or family members in your group.
Troubleshooting and Support
If the 5G icon doesn't appear after a few minutes of landing, try the following:
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn it on for 10 seconds and then off to force a network search.
- Network Selection: Go to Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Network Selection. Turn off "Automatic" and manually select STC, Mobily, or Zain.
- Check APN: Usually, the APN is set automatically, but ensure no old VPN profiles are interfering with the connection.
If you encounter any issues, remember that we provide 24/7 live chat support to assist you during your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I keep my WhatsApp number while using the eSIM? Yes. Since our eSIMs are data-only, you keep your own number for WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram. You do not need to change any settings in your messaging apps; they will continue to work using the data provided by the eSIM.
2. When should I install the eSIM? We recommend installing the eSIM the day before you travel while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection at home. Since the validity starts on the first connection at the destination, installing it early will not waste any of your data days.
3. Does the eSIM support 5G and Hotspots? Yes, all our plans in Saudi Arabia support 5G where available via STC, Mobily, and Zain. You are also free to use your iPhone as a personal hotspot to share data with your tablet, laptop, or other pilgrims in your group.