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Airalo top-up guide: Cost, steps, and alternatives
Run low on Airalo data mid-trip? Here's how to top up your eSIM, check what you've used, and decide whether a top-up beats an unlimited plan.
Run out of data on your Airalo eSIM mid-trip? Here’s the short answer: open the Airalo app or website, pick the eSIM you want to top up, and add the data package you need. The catch: not every Airalo plan supports top ups, and an Airalo top up usually costs the same as the original plan with no discount.
Below, we walk through how to activate an Airalo top up step by step, how to check your remaining data three different ways, and when an unlimited travel eSIM from Holafly is a better fit.
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How to activate Airalo top up: Step-by-step
You’ve checked your Airalo app, and you’re dangerously close to running out of data. It’s time for that Airalo eSIM top-up.
Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to your Airalo account (either through the website or mobile app).
- From your Airalo data packages, choose the eSIM plan you want to top up.
- Select the top-up option you want, including how many gigabytes you need.
- Proceed with payment to get your data!
How much does an Airalo top up cost?
Typically, an Airalo eSIM top up costs as much as a new eSIM for the same destination. Not all Airalo eSIMs offer top-up options. If that’s the case with your plan, you’ll need to purchase another eSIM data plan to stay connected.
This information can be found on the Airalo website when browsing through different eSIM plans. It is listed in the Additional Information section of the eSIM description.
Disclaimer: All prices in this article are accurate as of April 23, 2026, and are subject to change.
When should you top up your Airalo eSIM?
Airalo will send you a push notification through the Airalo app if you’re running low on data or if the plan you’ve purchased is close to expiring.
Typically, you’ll receive this notification when you’ve gone through 75% and then again at 90% of your data budget.
Be sure to look out for that notification. If you miss it and keep on using your data, you soon won’t be able to connect to the internet or use apps.
You don’t have to wait for that notification, though. There are ways to monitor your data spend. Here’s how.
How do I check how much data I have left?
There are three ways to check how much data you have left on your Airalo eSIM plan.
1. Check the Airalo website:
- Navigate to the Airalo official website.
- Login to your Airalo account. You’ll find the login option at the upper right corner of the interface.
- Navigate to the “My eSIMs” or “Account” section.
- Select the eSIM plan you want to check.
- Look for options such as “View Data Usage” or “Check Data Balance.”
You will be able to see your current data usage and remaining balance there.
2. Check your data through the Airalo app on your phone:
- Open your Airalo app.
- Navigate to “My eSIMs”.
- Check the eSIM for which you want to track usage.
- The data bar should display how much data you have left.
Airalo eSIM not working? Here’s how to know if you’re eligible for an Airalo refund.
3. Check your data is through your device’s settings.
However, keep in mind that this method includes all the data you’ve used in your current billing cycle, or since you last reset the statistics.
If you’ve accessed the internet via other methods besides Airalo’s eSIM, these numbers can be somewhat inaccurate.
If you’re using an Android:
- Navigate your phone’s “Settings App.”
- Tap on the “Network and Internet Options.”
- Tap the “Data Usage Option or Mobile Network Option.” Here, you’ll find information on your data usage.
If you’re using iOS:
- Go to your device’s “Settings” App.
- Tap on “Cellular/Mobile Data.”
- Tap “Current Period Roaming.”
It’s also worth noting that there’s a specialized Airalo widget for iOS devices. It displays your eSIM information, letting you track your data with a glance at your home screen.
Once your data gets low, Siri will also show the Airalo widget on top of your “Smart Stack,” making it easy to see when you need a top-up.
Wondering if Airalo is the right choice for you? Here’s an honest Airalo review.
What if your Airalo eSIM doesn’t support top ups? Get Holafly
Not every Airalo eSIM supports top-ups. You can check before you buy. Airalo lists whether a plan is rechargeable under the “Additional Information” tab on each eSIM listing. If your plan turns out to be non-rechargeable, you can buy another Airalo eSIM or switch to another provider. If your goal is to avoid running out of data entirely, Holafly offers prepaid and postpaid unlimited plans.
Holafly Plans is our subscription model, starting at $49.90 USD per month for unlimited data across 170+ destinations. Better suited to digital nomads or long-term travelers than buying a new eSIM for every trip.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 1 million customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
FAQs: Airalo top up online
You don’t load a balance on Airalo, as each eSIM is bought separately. So, how to top up Airalo eSIM? Log in, go to “My eSIMs,” tap your plan, pick an Airalo eSIM top-up package.
Restart your phone or toggle airplane mode. Those are Airalo’s recommended fixes. If the button itself is missing, can Airalo be topped up at all? Only if rechargeable. Otherwise, buy a new Airalo eSIM or choose an Airalo alternative.
Yes, if your eSIM is rechargeable and not expired. “Airalo top up not available” means the plan is non-rechargeable. An Airalo top up expired eSIM means the validity period ended. Either way, buy a new Airalo eSIM.
No. Once the validity period ends, the Airalo eSIM top-up button stops working. An expired Airalo eSIM is a one-way trip, and validity can’t be extended per Airalo’s policy. You’ll need to buy a new Airalo eSIM to stay connected.
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Originally from Michigan USA and currently based in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armin Tanovic has five years of experience writing content and copy for both US and European marketing agencies. He’s written for travel brands like TravelPerk, and loves an adventure in the great outdoors. You can catch him off the beaten path exploring mountains and coastlines while drawing his writing inspiration from the scenery.
