Goal: activate your eSIM at the right time, as soon as you arrive, so you don’t lose valid days before your trip.
Most eSIM plans start either at activation (when you scan or install the QR code), or at the first network connection in the country.
👉 To avoid any unpleasant surprises, the safest option is to activate your eSIM on arrival, once you’re connected to the local network.
Here are the essential steps to complete before you get on the plane to ensure a smooth and fast activation at your destination:
🔄 Update your phone (iOS / Android) and charge it to 100%.
📱 Install your provider’s app (Airalo, SimOptions, aloSIM…) and log in.
📤 Download or display your QR code and keep the activation code (SM-DP+ / Code) offline (screenshot or PDF).
🔐 Disable your VPN or firewall if you use one.
📶 On your main line, keep Calls/SMS enabled, but turn off mobile data during installation.
⏱️ Check that Date & time → Set automatically is enabled.
💡 Tip: to stay fully independent, download offline maps (Google Maps) and save the QR code in Files or Photos for offline access.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, here’s how to activate your eSIM on iPhone or Android 👇
Turn on the airport Wi-Fi or keep mobile data off for now.
Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code (or use manual activation with SM-DP+ + Code)
Once the plan is detected → Continue → Add plan
Name the line (e.g., Travel)
Under “Default line for mobile data” → choose the travel eSIM
Cellular/Mobile Data → Options → Data roaming: On
Restart your iPhone if prompted.
Turn on the airport Wi-Fi or keep mobile data off for now.
Settings → Connections / Network & Internet → SIM / SIM manager → Add eSIM / Add plan
Scan the QR (or enter SM-DP+ + Code manually)
Confirm → Name the line (e.g., Travel)
Under “Default mobile data” → choose the travel eSIM
Mobile network → Data roaming: On
Restart if necessary.
If you don’t get mobile data after activation, try these simple fixes:
✅ Enable roaming and automatic 4G/5G:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Options → Roaming (ON)
Android: Mobile network → Roaming (ON), then “Preferred network type” → Auto 4G/5G
📶 Enter the APN provided by your eSIM provider:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → [your eSIM line] → Cellular Data Network → APN
Android: Mobile network → Access Point Names (APN) → create or enter the APN
🔍 Try manual network selection if needed.
🔁 Toggle mobile data off/on or restart your device.
📶 Activate your eSIM first on Wi-Fi (more stable), then switch to mobile data.
📞 Keep your main SIM for calls/SMS/WhatsApp and use the eSIM for data.
🕐 Keep automatic date & time enabled.
🔥 Hotspot / tethering: often allowed, but sometimes limited depending on the plan.
📲 Keep the provider’s app installed to track usage, top up, or contact support.
If your eSIM still doesn’t work, here’s what to check in order:
📶 Mobile data enabled on the travel eSIM.
🌍 Roaming enabled.
📡 Auto 4G/5G network (no forced 2G/3G).
✈️ Airplane mode ON/OFF for 5 seconds.
🔁 Restart the phone.
🛜 APN entered exactly as provided.
📲 Manual selection of the partner carrier.
🧪 Reset network settings if there’s no signal.
🆘 Contact the provider’s support via the app.
It depends on the plan: either when you activate it (scan/install) or when you first connect to a local network in the country. To preserve your valid days, the safest option is to activate it on arrival.
Install the eSIM using the QR code you saved offline, then switch to mobile data. You can also do the first sync later on Wi-Fi at your hotel or a café.
Keep your main line for WhatsApp/calls/SMS and set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line.
Yes. You can often pre-add/install the eSIM without starting it (depending on the plan). Just avoid turning on mobile data for that eSIM before you’re in the country.
In most cases, yes — but it may be limited or blocked depending on the operator and the plan. Check the offer details before buying.
