How to Set Up a Travel eSIM, Step by Step
A travel eSIM gives you cheap mobile data abroad without swapping a physical SIM card. Here's how to check your phone works with one, how to install it before you leave, the settings to change when you land, how to keep your regular number for calls and codes, and what to do if it doesn't connect.
By Pond.com editors Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
- Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM; most iPhones from the XS onward and many recent Android phones do.
- Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi a day or two before you leave, but check when its validity period starts.
- When you land, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for the eSIM only.
- Keep your regular line on for calls and texts, with its data roaming switched off.
- Don't delete the eSIM until the trip is over; many can be topped up for your next trip.
Setting up a travel eSIM takes about ten minutes and can cut what you'd pay for data abroad by half or more compared with a carrier day pass. Here's how to do it without any surprises.
This article is general information. Menus vary a little by phone model and software version.
Before you buy
- Check your phone supports eSIM. On an iPhone, look in Settings for an "Add eSIM" option under Cellular. On Android, look under Network or Connections for SIM settings. Most recent phones do.
- Check it's unlocked. If you bought your phone from a carrier and haven't paid it off, it may be locked. Ask your carrier to unlock it; US carriers unlock phones that meet their rules, usually once it's paid off.
- Choose a plan that covers every country you'll visit, with enough data. For a week of maps, messaging and some browsing, 5 to 10 GB is often plenty. Compare options in how to use your phone abroad.
Install it at home
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Scan the QR code or use the provider's app to install the eSIM.
- Label the lines, for example "Home" and "Travel," so the settings are easy to follow later.
- Leave the travel eSIM switched off if its validity starts when it first connects to a network, and check the provider's instructions.
Keep the QR code or email somewhere other than your phone. On many plans, it can only be used once.
When you land
- Turn on the travel eSIM line.
- Set mobile or cellular data to use the travel eSIM.
- Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM. It's a "roaming" plan from your phone's point of view, and it won't connect without it.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line, so it can't use expensive data by mistake.
- Keep your home line on for calls and texts, if you want to receive security codes from your bank. Incoming texts are usually free, but calls may cost money, so check your carrier's rates.
If it doesn't connect
- Check data roaming is on for the eSIM.
- Restart your phone, or turn airplane mode on and off.
- Choose a network manually in the eSIM's settings. The provider will list which local networks it uses.
- Check the APN settings if the provider gives them.
- Contact the provider's support over Wi-Fi. Most reply through their app or chat.
After your trip
Switch your mobile data back to your home line and turn the travel eSIM off. Many eSIMs can be topped up for your next trip, so you don't need to delete them.
Common questions
Yes, but you'll need Wi-Fi to download it, such as at the airport or hotel. Installing it at home is easier, because you can fix any problems before you leave.
Usually not. Most travel eSIMs are data only. You can still call and message over the internet with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Wi-Fi calling, and receive texts on your regular number if you leave that line on.
Yes, if you buy a regional or global plan, such as one covering most of Europe. A single-country plan won't work once you cross the border, so check the coverage list before you buy.