Tracking your eSIM data usage prevents unexpected plan exhaustion mid-trip. Your phone provides built-in usage statistics, but these counters measure total data since the last reset and do not know your plan's limit. For accurate remaining-balance checks, your eSIM provider's app is the most reliable source.
This guide covers both approaches plus how to set up usage alerts.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check usage on iPhone
Go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to the 'Cellular Data' section. Each installed SIM/eSIM line shows its data consumption since the last statistics reset. Tap 'Current Period' at the top to see the start date.
To reset the counter for a new trip, scroll to the very bottom and tap 'Reset Statistics.' This sets all counters to zero. Note that iOS does not automatically reset statistics at the start of each billing cycle.
Tip: Reset your cellular statistics right before activating a new travel eSIM so the counter accurately reflects usage on that specific plan.
- 2
Check usage on Android
On stock Android and Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select your eSIM > App data usage. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data usage and select the eSIM line. Android shows a chart of daily usage over the current billing cycle.
You can set a data warning threshold and a hard limit under the same menu. When usage reaches the warning level, a notification appears.
Tip: Samsung allows per-SIM data limits under Settings > Connections > Data usage > Billing cycle and data warning. Set a warning at 80% of your travel eSIM plan's limit.
- 3
Check remaining balance in your provider's app
Open the Airalo, Saily, Nomad, or HelloRoam app and go to 'My eSIMs' or 'Active Plans.' The dashboard shows remaining data (e.g., 3.2GB of 5GB), days remaining, and plan expiration date. This is the most accurate source because it reads directly from the carrier network. Phone-level statistics can drift due to protocol overhead, background data, and measurement timing differences.
Tip: Enable push notifications in your provider's app. Most providers send alerts at 80% and 100% usage so you can top up before running out.
- 4
Set up a data usage alert
On stock Android and Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select your eSIM > Data warning & limit, and set a warning at around 80% of your plan's data allowance. On Samsung, the same option is under Settings > Connections > Data usage > Billing cycle and data warning. iPhone has no built-in alert for cellular data, so rely on your eSIM provider's app notifications, which most providers send automatically at 80% and 100% usage. If your provider does not send alerts, a third-party monitor such as Data Usage Monitor on Android or My Data Manager on iPhone can track a manually entered limit.
Tip: Set the alert threshold a few percent below what you actually need. Networks can report usage with a short delay, so a 100% alert may arrive after you have already run out.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my phone show different usage than my provider app?
Phone-level data counters include all network traffic including protocol overhead, DNS queries, and connection management data that your provider may not count toward your plan. The provider app reads usage from the carrier network, which measures only billable data. Differences of 5% to 15% between the two readings are normal.
Can I set a data usage alert on my eSIM?
On Android, you can set a data warning and hard limit under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select eSIM > Set data warning. On iPhone, there is no built-in data alert feature. Use your eSIM provider's app notifications or a third-party app like Data Usage Monitor or My Data Manager for iPhone alerts.
What happens when I use all my eSIM data?
Your data connection stops working. Most travel eSIM providers do not charge overage fees. You lose internet access until you purchase a top-up or a new plan. Your phone's Wi-Fi continues working normally. Some providers offer auto-top-up options that purchase a new data package when your balance hits zero.
Ready to choose your eSIM?
Compare plans from 20+ providers across 215+ destinations.
Compare eSIM Plans