An eSIM is one of the best inventions ever. Gone are the days of needing to wait days, sometimes even a week or more (if the delivery was slow), for a physical SIM that you then need to fiddle around with to ensure it works. And god forbid, you lost the SIM ejector tool and couldn’t get your old SIM out.
eSIMs have given us the freedom to swap SIMs as we please, which is an absolute blessing if you’re traveling and need a temporary SIM for data. They’re easy to set up, but here are four tips to help you through the process.
Install Your eSIM While Connected to Wi-Fi
You’ll find it easier to install your eSIM before you travel when you have a reliable internet connection, like your home Wi-Fi. How you install an eSIM depends on the provider. Most often now, it’s through a QR code, but you might also need to download the eSIM provider’s app or follow an activation link.
Exact instructions vary by eSIM, but installation information should be easy to find online or in the information you receive after you purchase an eSIM. If you buy a Holafly eSIM, for example, you can check the Holafly website for details on how to download the eSIM through the app, QR code, or a manual code. You can also find help with any issues you might have, like where to find a QR or manual code.
Configure Your Mobile Data and Roaming Settings
Once you’ve downloaded and activated your eSIM, it’s advised to turn off your existing SIM. You can do this when you leave for your destination and go outside the area where your standard SIM is usually active.
If you’re worried about deactivating your existing SIM, make sure you select the new eSIM as your preferred mobile data connection. It’s relatively easy to do.
Once you’ve downloaded your eSIM, go to your mobile network settings to see your standard SIM and the new eSIM as available SIMs. In each SIM’s settings, you should be able to choose which one you want to use as your preferred mobile data connection.
The exact step-by-step varies depending on your device, so Google ‘How to set preferred mobile data connection on X device’, and you should find a guide to walk you through it.
You may also need to enable data roaming on your travel eSIM, depending on the provider. Switch off data roaming on your regular SIM to avoid unexpected international charges.
Check When Your Plan Will Activate
Installing and activating an eSIM are different. Some plans activate immediately after installation, while others activate only when you connect to a supported network at your destination. Always check the provider’s activation policy before setting anything up. You don’t want to eat into the duration of the SIM’s validity without realizing.
Once installed, you can leave your eSIM switched off until you arrive, as long as your provider’s instructions allow it.
Test Your Connection and Keep Your Activation Details
Once you arrive, you can check whether your phone connects to the intended mobile network and whether mobile data works.
Check the eSIM provider’s troubleshooting or FAQ section for advice if your data isn’t working. It might simply be that you didn’t activate the eSIM correctly. If you can’t find a solution, many eSIM providers offer reliable 24/7 customer support.
Never delete the eSIM profile unless you’re told to. Reinstalling it may require a replacement activation code.
If in doubt, contact the customer support of the provider you purchased the eSIM from. You’re unlikely to have any issues, but if you do, there are plenty of ways to find a solution.