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Romania eSIM Installation: Complete Setup Steps (2026)

9 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst
  • 2 networks tested
  • 5 providers compared
  • Updated June 2026

Daniel Mercer

Lead eSIM Analyst

43 countries tested280 plans reviewed14 airports tested8 years in telecom

Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)

How we test

Published July 2026 · Updated June 2026

Compatibility

Compatible devices for Romania eSIM

iPhone

Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. 5G eSIM requires iPhone 12 or newer.

Android

Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+. 5G on Orange RO requires Samsung S22+ or Pixel 6+.

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Providers

Choosing an eSIM provider for Romania

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Romania with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.

8.2/ 10Overall

Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5

Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Nomad full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Romania
ProviderPer GBRatingBest For
Nomad#1 Pickfrom $3.00/GB4.1/5Best Budget
Airalofrom $4.50/GB4.5/5Best Overall
Sailyfrom $3.99/GB4.4/5Best Privacy
HelloRoamfrom around $3.50 per gigabyte4.4/5Coverage + Value
Holaflyfrom $2.99/day4.3/5Best Unlimited

Which provider to choose

  • Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
  • Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
  • Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
  • Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account

Installation

Installing your Romania eSIM

iOS installation (iPhone)

  1. Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Use QR Code"
  3. Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
  4. Label the plan (e.g., "Romania Travel")
  5. Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
  6. Do NOT enable data roaming yet
  7. Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular

iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

Android installation (Samsung One UI)

  1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code"
  3. Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
  4. Name the profile (e.g., "Romania Data")
  5. Set as mobile data SIM
  6. Do NOT enable data roaming yet
  7. Verify the plan in SIM manager

Manual installation (if QR fails)

If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Enter Details Manually"
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
  4. Enter the activation code
  5. Complete the setup as with the QR method

Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.

Configuration

Network settings for Orange RO

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Orange RO's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:

  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
  • Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names

A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.

Manual APN entry

If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:

APN configuration fields
FieldValue
APN NameFrom provider email
APNProvider-specific value
AuthenticationNone (most providers)
APN ProtocolIPv4/IPv6

Provider-specific APN values override Orange RO's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.

5G and LTE band selection

5G is available in Romania (urban-only coverage). To force a network type:

  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Auto / LTE
  • Android: Settings > Network > Preferred network type > 5G/LTE/3G Auto

Switch to LTE-only to conserve battery in rural areas without 5G towers. 5G in Bucharest and major cities

Verification

After setup: testing your Romania eSIM

Signal and network verification

Check your status bar: the carrier name should show Orange ROor a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.

  • "Orange RO" or roaming icon: Connected and working
  • "Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
  • "No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected

Speed test

Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds on Orange RO: approximately 75 Mbps download. Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.

Verifying data roaming is active

Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.

Dual-SIM verification

Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.

Airport Guide

Arriving at Henri Coanda (OTP) with your eSIM

Before boarding

The night before your flight, open Settings, add a new eSIM, and scan the QR code from your order email. Your home WiFi provides the clean connection the download needs. After it installs, switch the Romania profile to off. Leave it dormant until wheels touch the runway. Orange RO picks up the signal within 60-90 seconds of your phone leaving airplane mode.

During the flight

Keep airplane mode on during the flight. Confirm your Romania eSIM is set as the designated data line under Settings before you descend. Your home SIM stays active for calls and SMS verification codes.

After landing

Once the seatbelt sign is off, disable airplane mode and enable the Romania eSIM. Orange RO registers the profile in 45-90 seconds. You have maps, messaging, and ride-share access before the cabin door opens. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($8-12 for 10-20GB / 30 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.

Leaving the airport

Your eSIM is working. Open your ride-share app and request a pickup while you wait at baggage claim. By the time your bag arrives, the car is already en route. No WiFi hunting, no SIM counter, no wasted minutes. Romania's emergency number is 112 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Romania

iPhone (iOS 17+)

  1. Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
  2. Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
  3. Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Romania Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
  4. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Romania eSIM as your active data line.
  5. Turn on Data Roaming for the Romania line only: Settings > Cellular > [Romania Data] > Data Roaming > On.
  6. After landing at Henri Coanda (OTP), toggle the eSIM on. Orange RO registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect after 3 minutes, add the APN manually: go to Cellular Data Network and enter APN: "orange". Leave username and password blank.
  7. Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Romania data is active at 75 Mbps average.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Orange RO" or "Vodafone RO" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Romania line shows "Orange RO" under Network. If you see "5G" in the status bar, your phone has connected to Orange RO's 5G band.

Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If Orange RO does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).

Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)

  1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
  2. Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
  3. Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Romania Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
  4. Set the Romania eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Romania eSIM.
  5. Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
  6. After landing at Henri Coanda (OTP), enable the eSIM. Orange RO's 5G/LTE network registers within 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect within 3 minutes, enter the APN manually: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names > Add. Name: Orange RO, APN: "orange". Save and select it as active.
  7. Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Romania eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Orange RO" or "Vodafone RO" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Orange RO" as the connected network. A "5G" icon in the status bar confirms Orange RO's 5G connection.

Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select Orange RO. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

Google Pixel (Android 14+)

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
  2. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
  3. Confirm the download and label the SIM "Romania Data" for identification.
  4. Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Romania Data > Use for mobile data.
  5. Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Romania Data > Roaming > On.
  6. After landing at Henri Coanda (OTP), enable the profile. Orange RO connects within 60-90 seconds. If data fails to connect, add the APN: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [Romania eSIM] > Access Point Names > New APN. Name: Orange RO, APN: "orange". Save and set as default.
  7. Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Orange RO's 5G/LTE network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Orange RO" or "Vodafone RO" with 5G/LTE signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "Orange RO" as the active network.

Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Romania Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select Orange RO. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Romania

Orange RO

APN: "orange" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Orange RO" from the list. The phone locks onto Orange RO's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 68-75 Mbps in urban areas, 23-38 Mbps in rural coverage

Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Orange RO require data roaming to be enabled on the travel SIM line specifically. Leaving it off is the most common reason travelers report zero signal after landing in Romania. Check under Settings > Cellular > [Travel eSIM] > Data Roaming.

Resolution: Toggle airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network scan without a full restart. Orange RO should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Orange RO directly.

Vodafone RO

APN: "live.vodafone.com" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Vodafone RO" from the list. The phone locks onto Vodafone RO's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 45-64 Mbps in cities, 15-30 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Vodafone RO may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Romania eSIM activations. Enter APN "live.vodafone.com" manually under Cellular Data Network settings.

Resolution: Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Samsung). This clears saved WiFi passwords but resolves most Vodafone RO registration failures. Re-enable the Romania eSIM after the reset completes.

Digi

APN: "web.digicelgy.com" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Digi" from the list. The phone locks onto Digi's 5G/LTE band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 45-64 Mbps in cities, 15-30 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: If Digi connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Romania eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.

Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some Digi profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.

Dual SIM

Set up dual SIM before landing in Romania

Data line setup

Configure the Romania eSIM as primary data: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Orange RO provides 5G/LTE coverage across Romania's main areas. Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" so the phone never reverts to your home carrier for data. That single toggle prevents the most common cause of unexpected roaming bills during travel.

Calls and SMS

Keep your home SIM active for incoming calls and SMS. Your phone number stays reachable, and two-factor authentication codes from banks and services arrive normally via text. Outgoing calls use your home number unless you manually switch to the Romania line. For voice calls over data — WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram — those route through the eSIM's data connection on Orange RO.

Emergency dialing

Dial 112 from your phone at any time — emergency calls bypass SIM restrictions and connect through any available network in Romania. Having the eSIM active adds the ability to share live location, look up hospital addresses, and contact your embassy through data-based channels.

Battery impact

Expect 10-15% faster battery drain with two active SIM lines. Your phone maintains two radio connections simultaneously. If battery life matters during a long day, disable the home SIM and rely on the Romania eSIM for everything including WhatsApp and iMessage. Re-enable the home SIM at night for any pending SMS codes. Carry a Type C/F adapter for charging in Romania.

Hotspot

Using personal hotspot in Romania on eSIM data

Sharing data via hotspot is straightforward on most Romania eSIM plans. Enable Personal Hotspot in Settings and connect your laptop or tablet. Orange RO's 5G/LTE network provides 45-60 Mbps typical through hotspot to tethered devices. USB tethering offers the most stable connection and charges your phone simultaneously — a practical choice for hotel work sessions. WiFi tethering suits quick connections at cafes or airports.

Provider restrictions

Some budget eSIM plans block hotspot at the carrier level. If personal hotspot is grayed out in Settings, your plan does not include it. Contact your provider before departure to confirm tethering is supported. Airalo and Saily include hotspot on most plans. Holafly's unlimited plans restrict tethering on some Romania data packages — check the plan details page before purchase.

Data impact

Data drains faster through hotspot. Desktop browsers load full-resolution images and scripts that mobile browsers skip. Expect 150-200 MB per hour for browsing, 1.5-3 GB per hour for video, and 300-500 MB per hour for video calls. Disable auto-play videos and pause cloud backups on any device connected to your Romania eSIM hotspot.

Registration

Skip Romania's SIM registration with eSIM

Romania mandates identity verification for all physical SIM purchases. ID required. The process at Henri Coanda (OTP) involves a passport copy, a form, and a wait for carrier verification — 15-30 minutes minimum. Late-night arrivals face closed counters and no connectivity until morning. A prepaid eSIM requires zero documentation and activates on Orange RO's network the moment you land.

5G

Connect to Romania's 5G network via eSIM

Romania's Orange RO network provides limited 5G availability in select areas. 5G in Bucharest and major cities. Your eSIM connects to 5G automatically if your device supports it. To force 5G: iPhone — Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data > 5G On. Samsung — Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > 5G/LTE. Choose "5G Auto" to balance speed and battery life. Orange RO delivers 75 Mbps average on 5G bands. Outside 5G coverage areas, the phone falls back to LTE without interruption.

WiFi Backup

Setting up eSIM in Romania: WiFi backup plan

WiFi in Romania: good WiFi in hotels, malls, and cafes. eSIM installation requires a brief WiFi connection for the QR code scan (under 1 MB of data). Hotel WiFi works, but home WiFi before departure is the safest option. Captive portals at Henri Coanda (OTP) and public hotspots sometimes block the carrier server the eSIM download needs.

Activating without WiFi

Manual activation fallback: every eSIM order includes an SM-DP+ server address and an activation code in the confirmation email. Instead of scanning the QR code, enter these values manually. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Code. This works over any data connection, including your home carrier's mobile data. The transfer is under 1 MB.

Multi-Country

Managing eSIM profiles: Romania + other destinations

Planning a multi-country European trip (Schengen or cross-border rail) that includes Romania? Install a dedicated eSIM for each country before you leave. Single-country plans connect to the primary local carrier (Orange RO in Romania) and deliver better speeds than regional eSIMs that route through roaming agreements. Your phone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles — switching between them at each border takes 30 seconds. Label each profile with the country name for quick identification.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

Switching eSIMs at the border: go to Settings, find your SIM/eSIM list, turn off the previous country's profile, and enable Romania. Set the Romania eSIM as your data line and enable data roaming for that line specifically. Orange RO picks up within 60-90 seconds. Keep all other profiles saved — they occupy no data until re-enabled.

Fixes

Setup troubleshooting for Romania

"eSIM Not Supported" error

Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.

Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.

"Unable to Activate eSIM" error

Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.

Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.

Connected but no data

Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.

Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.

Slow speeds on Orange RO

Expected: 75 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area. Try forcing LTE if 5G is congested.

Provider-specific installation issues

  • Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
  • Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
  • Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
  • Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup

Full troubleshooting guide · Transfer eSIM to new phone

Quick Answers

Common setup questions for Romania

FAQ

Top setup questions for Romania

How do I install an eSIM for Romania on iPhone?

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Romania Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.

How do I install an eSIM for Romania on Android?

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code". Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Romania Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Samsung One UI and other Android versions.

What APN settings do I need for Romania?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Orange RO's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.

Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Romania?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Romania. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?

iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.

What if the QR code does not work for Romania?

Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.

How do I know my eSIM is connected to Orange RO?

Check the status bar for "Orange RO" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 75 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

Does Romania support 5G eSIM?

5G coverage in Romania is urban-only. 5G in Bucharest and major cities To use 5G, your phone must support it (iPhone 12+ or Samsung S21+) and your eSIM plan must include 5G access.

How to set up eSIM on iPhone for Romania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Romania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Orange RO as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $2.84 for 1GB.

How to install eSIM on Android for Romania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Romania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Orange RO as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $2.84 for 1GB.

Step by step eSIM setup Romania

See the step-by-step instructions above for Romania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Orange RO as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $2.84 for 1GB.

How to scan eSIM QR code for Romania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Romania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Orange RO as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $2.84 for 1GB.

How to configure dual SIM for Romania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Romania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Orange RO as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $2.84 for 1GB.

Related guides

Compare Romania eSIM plans

Provider pricing and network analysis

Travel guide for Romania

Pre-departure, activation, data tips

General activation guide

Step-by-step eSIM activation

Dual-SIM setup

Use both SIMs simultaneously

Remove old eSIM profiles

Free up eSIM slots on your phone

More Europe destinations

eSIM plans across the region

Nearby destinations

Get your Romania data sorted. 5 minutes, no counter.

Nomad: from $1.02/GB on Orange RO. Install at home, activate on arrival.

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