You want to keep your mobile bill low, but you also don't want to run out of data at the worst possible moment. One way to handle both is to add data only as you need it, and auto-charge is simply a way to automate that. This guide covers what auto-charge is, how it helps you avoid running out of data, who it suits (and who it doesn't), how to set it up, and what to check if something isn't working. It's written for anyone new to eSIMs.
- Auto-charge adds data for you when your balance drops below a set level
- Adding data as you go helps you avoid both running short and paying for data you don't use
- With Bloomy, auto-charge top-ups are currently 10% off in total
- Auto-charge is off by default. You choose to turn it on and can turn it off at any time
- Data only: no phone number, SMS or regular calls, but app calls on WhatsApp and similar apps can work
What is auto-charge? How it works
Auto-charge adds a plan you've chosen to your eSIM when your remaining data falls below a level you set in advance. You don't have to keep checking your balance and topping up by hand, so you're less likely to find your connection has suddenly stopped.
Pay for what you use, add what you need
Buy a large plan up front and the data you don't use often goes to waste. Pick a small plan and you risk slow speeds or a scramble to buy more when it runs out. Adding data a little at a time as you need it reduces both the worry of running short and the cost of leftover data. Auto-charge is a way to do this with as little effort as possible.
How it differs from a manual top-up
With a manual top-up, you buy more data yourself when your balance gets low. Auto-charge does the same thing automatically once the conditions you set are met. Manual top-ups may be all you need day to day. But when you're busy, traveling or on a work trip and don't have time to watch your balance, it helps to know your data will be topped up for you.
Benefits and when to use it
- Less chance of running out: Data is added automatically when your balance gets low, so you're less likely to lose your connection while you're on the move or working.
- No paying for data you don't need: In months when you're not sure how much you'll use, you don't have to commit to a large plan up front.
- Less hassle: You don't have to check your balance and top up by hand every time.
Who it's good for
- People whose data use changes from month to month and is hard to predict
- Travelers, business travelers and people on long stays abroad who don't have time to keep track of their data
- People who mostly use Wi-Fi and just want mobile data to cover the gaps
When it may not be the right fit
If your monthly use is steady and predictable, or you want your spending fixed to the cent, it may be simpler to choose a plan with the right amount of data yourself. Auto-charge is one convenient option, and not everyone needs it.
Bloomy auto-charge is 10% off (better value than a manual top-up)
At Bloomy, extra data costs 5% less than a new purchase when you top up manually, and 10% less in total with auto-charge. These are the current discounts and may change.
So turning on auto-charge isn't just easier than topping up yourself whenever you're running low. It also costs less. You can turn it on or off at any time in My Account, and we'll email you before and after each automatic top-up.
Tips for saving data and money
- Connect to reliable Wi-Fi whenever you can, for example at home, at your hotel or in a café.
- Use auto-charge in months when your usage is hard to predict, and top up manually in months when it's steady.
- Check your balance, expiry date and history in My Account from time to time to get a sense of how much you typically use.
- Look at settings that use data too. For example, lower the video autoplay quality and set apps to update over Wi-Fi only.
What to check before you choose
When you're picking an auto-charge setting or a top-up plan, look beyond the price. Checking the points below helps you avoid surprises later.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Amount of data added each time | Too little and you'll need another top-up soon. Too much and you may not use it all. |
| When data is added (the balance threshold) | The level at which data is added decides whether the top-up arrives before you lose your connection. |
| Supported countries and coverage | Check in advance that the plan works in the countries you're going to. |
| Price and payment terms | Knowing what each top-up costs and how you'll pay makes it easier to estimate your monthly spending. |
| Turning it on and off | Check that you can stop it right away if you no longer need it, so you don't worry about overspending. |
Plan details, prices and supported countries may change. Please check the latest information shown at the time of purchase or setup.
How to get started
It takes three steps: choose a plan, set up your eSIM, then turn on auto-charge if you want it.
1. Choose a plan
On our eSIM comparison page, choose a plan by country, data amount and number of days. If you're new to eSIMs, it's a good idea to start with a standard data plan to get a feel for how much you use.
2. Check your balance and history in My Account
After you buy a plan, you can see your remaining data, expiry date and usage history in My Account. Once you know how much you use, it's easier to choose a top-up size and decide whether to turn on auto-charge.
3. Turn on auto-charge if you need it
Auto-charge is off by default. If you decide you want it, you can turn it on from the settings page. You can turn it off again at any time, so you can use it just for a trip and switch it off when you get back.
Troubleshooting: auto-charge not working or can't connect
- Check your balance and expiry date: In My Account, make sure you haven't used up your data and that your plan hasn't expired.
- Check that auto-charge is on: Auto-charge only works if you've turned it on. Make sure it hasn't been switched off by mistake.
- Check your device settings: Make sure airplane mode is off, data roaming is set correctly and the right eSIM line is selected for mobile data.
- Check your signal: Connection quality and speed can vary with local network congestion and coverage. Moving to a different spot can help.
If none of this fixes the problem, contact our support team and tell them how you've been using the eSIM. That makes it easier to find the cause.
Things to know before you use it
- Bloomy eSIM is a data-only eSIM. It doesn't include a phone number, SMS or regular voice calls. If you need a number for calls or SMS verification codes, keep your home-country SIM active or check other options. You may be able to make app calls on WhatsApp and similar apps whenever you have a data connection.
- Auto-charge is off by default and only works if you turn it on. You can turn it off at any time.
- A fair use policy applies. Prices, terms, supported countries and plan details may change. Connection quality and speed can vary with local network conditions, your device, coverage and congestion.
What you can do with Bloomy
Bloomy eSIM makes it easy to compare plans, even for first-timers, and My Account lets you check your remaining data and history after you buy. If you're not sure how much data you'll need, try a standard plan first and add auto-charge if you need it. Over time, you'll work out what suits you best. To find an eSIM for your destination, use our comparison page to search by country, data amount and number of days.
Related links
- How to Save on Mobile Data: Tips for Staying Connected with Auto-Charge
- My Account (balance, top-ups and auto-charge)
- Set up auto-charge
- eSIM comparison page
FAQ
Does auto-charge turn on by itself?
No. It's off by default and only works if you turn it on. You can turn it off at any time, so you can use it only when you need it.
How much can I save?
It depends on how you use your data. You avoid paying for a large plan in months when you won't use it, so you get better value from what you buy. Checking your usage in My Account first will help you choose the right amount of data.
Where can I see my remaining data?
You can see your remaining data, expiry date and usage history in My Account. Checking it regularly makes it easier to decide when to top up and whether to use auto-charge.
Does it include a phone number or SMS?
No. Bloomy eSIM is data-only, so it doesn't include a phone number, SMS or regular voice calls. If you need these, please look at other options as well.
Summary
Adding data only as you need it helps you save money and stay connected. If you want to keep using data without watching your balance, try auto-charge. If your usage is steady, choosing a plan yourself may suit you better. Pick whichever fits the way you use your phone. For more practical tips on cutting your data costs, see this article.
eSIM guides for popular destinations
- eSIM guide for South Korea (prices, networks, setup)
- eSIM guide for Thailand (prices, networks, setup)
- eSIM guide for United States (prices, networks, setup)
- eSIM guide for Australia (prices, networks, setup)
- eSIM guide for Canada (prices, networks, setup)
