Using an eSIM while you travel is a convenient way to make sure that you don’t get charged exorbitant fees for using your mobile data in other countries.
If you’ve just decided to buy an esim online, you might be at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed. Let’s break it all down, and discuss the best ways to make sure your eSIM works for you.
When to use your eSIM
The temptation is to simply activate and use an eSIM immediately upon purchasing it. Generally, eSIMs are only valid for a certain amount of time after they’ve been activated. Therefore, if you activate your eSIM early, you’ll have time at the end of your trip without an eSIM.
To avoid this being an issue, get your eSIM set up one to two days before you depart. This will ensure that your eSIM is running smoothly, and you’ll be totally ready to connect as soon as you’re at your destination.
If you’re traveling as part of a large group, it may be wise to coordinate this process. That way, if anyone has any issues with the process, you can quickly help one another out.
Setting up with Android
The process for getting an eSIM set up on your Android device is perfectly simple, so let’s run through it here to be sure that you’ve got it.
QR Code
- Navigate to your settings app, and then select the ‘Network & Internet’ tab.
- Select ‘Mobile Network’ from the list of options.
- Tap ‘Download a SIM’, or ‘eSIM manager’.
> Either of these options may be available on your Android device, so if you can’t find one of them, make sure to look for the other. - Your phone will prompt you to scan the QR code you received from your carrier – do this.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your eSIM.
Manual
- As with the QR code method, navigate to your settings app, then to ‘Network & Internet’, and ‘Mobile Network’.
- Depending on your device, select either ‘Download a SIM’ or ‘eSIM manager’.
- Instead of scanning a QR code as prompted, press ‘Enter details manually’.
- Type in the details from your carrier, and follow on-screen instructions to get set up.
Setting up with Apple
Apple has made this process simple, so let’s walk through setting up an eSIM in your iPhone.
QR Code
- After acquiring the QR code, open the camera app and scan it.
- After a moment, the ‘Mobile Data Plan Detected’ notification should appear – press that.
- Select ‘Continue’, and then ‘Add Mobile Data Plan’.
- Enter the confirmation code your carrier provided, and you should be set up.
Manual
- Open the Settings app.
- Select ‘Cellular Data’, or ‘Mobile Data’
- This word choice depends upon the model of iPhone you’re using.
- Select ‘Add Mobile Data Plan’.
- Select ‘Enter Details Manually’, and add the information that your carrier provided you for the eSIM. After a moment, you should be set up.
After setting up your eSIM, you should be free to access your network as normal. It’s a simple process that allows you to share your trip with friends and family across the world!
