Can I install an eSIM before I travel?

Installing vs. activating an eSIM – what's the difference?

To successfully use the purchased eSIM service on your device, first you need to install and activate your eSIM profile. These processes are two separate actions that follow each other (starting with installation) to achieve an eSIM connection. 

Installing an eSIM

To install an eSIM, first make sure to check whether your phone supports eSIM connections. If it does, find a suitable eSIM service provider and download their eSIM profile app to your phone. Once the installation is complete, use the app to browse their data plans and other eSIM services. 

The installation process can differ depending on your phone model and OS. Luckily, learning how to install an eSIM on iPhone is easy and takes only a few minutes. Same goes for installing an eSIM on Android and other smartphones.

Activating an eSIM

After deciding which data plan you want to use, buy and activate it using the steps provided in the eSIM app. You may be wondering, “When should I activate my eSIM?” or “Can I activate the eSIM before I travel?” While typically activation is best done once you arrive at the destination (in this way, you’ll ensure you don’t waste your eSIM data while still at home), you can also do so before your journey (for instance, while on the way to the airport).

The most common ways of activating an eSIM profile include:

• Activation codes

• Carrier apps

• Manual entry (entering activation details through your device’s settings)

• Carrier websites

• eSIM QR codes (usually used to add or install an eSIM profile)

After you’ve finished, you might still have some doubts, whether your eSIM is truly active. If you want to know how to check if an eSIM is activated on your iPhone or other device, simply navigate to your device’s SIM menu and you’ll find the answer.

Installing an eSIM before you travel

So you’ve got your eSIM app, found the best data plan, and bought it. Should you activate it before leaving for your trip? Or can it wait until you touch down at your destination?

What are the benefits of installing an eSIM before travel?

The benefits of installing an eSIM before reaching your destination depend solely on your preferences. For example, if you’re the one who tends to worry about every travel detail, activating an eSIM before your flight can help you achieve peace of mind. Along with this benefit, activating an eSIM before traveling can also help with: 

• Troubleshooting. If there’s any problem with your eSIM connection, it's better to find out earlier rather than later, right?

• Avoiding roaming charges. If you activate your eSIM before going to another country, your phone will only use the data packet you’ve already paid for (unless you run out of data, switch to a physical SIM card, or deactivate your eSIM).

• Time saving. If you’re worried about how long it takes to activate an eSIM, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Activating your eSIM before arrival to your destination usually takes just a few seconds and grants immediate access to the internet upon your arrival, allowing you to save minutes (or even hours, in some rare cases) without proper connection.

What are the disadvantages of installing an eSIM before travel?

Installing your eSIM before the trip is a beneficial practice. However, it too does come with some disadvantages.

• Data waste. Since an eSIM starts using data immediately after the activation, it might result in some data waste. And if there’s Wi-Fi on your plane, you might not use any of that data at all before you set foot at your destination.

• Network performance uncertainty. If you’re visiting the country for the first time, you may want to test the local internet speed before using your data plan. Installing an eSIM before the journey eliminates the option to do so for free (because you’ve already paid for the data plan).

Installing an eSIM during travel

If your traditional SIM card offers great roaming prices, it makes sense not to use an eSIM while traveling. However, if things suddenly change, installing an eSIM during the trip is also an option that along with other benefits of eSIM, provides notable advantages and downsides.

What are the benefits of installing an eSIM during travel?

Installing an eSIM during your journey can be a great idea if you’re in a sudden need of a cheaper internet connection and don’t want to use a traditional SIM card. Installing an eSIM in the middle of your travels can offer useful benefits.

• Maximized data usage. Installing and activating an eSIM only when you need it can help you save data and avoid overpaying for the data you won’t be using.

• Flexibility with providers. Installing an eSIM from a local carrier can offer you wider data plan options and cheaper deals.

• Cost savings. Since most providers offer various types of eSIM data packages (from 1GB to 10 GB and more), you can save money by buying only the necessary amount of data.

What are the disadvantages of installing an eSIM during travel?

While installing an eSIM during your trip can be helpful in case you need quick internet access, there are a few downsides you should be prepared for in such a situation.

• Initial connectivity issues. You may not get immediate access to your internet data upon activating your eSIM, leading to unexpected delays and other inconveniences.

• Time consuming process. If it’s the first time you need to enable your eSIM, you might spend too much time navigating the best providers, prices, and data packages.

Tips for eSIM installation

While preparing for your vacation (or business travel), consider following some of our tips for a smooth and simple eSIM setup.

• Research eSIM providers. Even if you’re not planning on using an eSIM during your trip, it’s good to know how to get an eSIM and which one to choose. Take some time to look into the service providers and read the reviews. It will help you save time in case of an urgent need for an eSIM service.

• Install an eSIM early. Most providers recommend installing your eSIM app a day or two before your trip to avoid looking for public airport Wi-Fi networks or using your roaming data.

• Check the activation procedures. Make sure you know how to activate your eSIM before going on your trip. It will save you time.

• Learn how to switch profiles. Most mobile phones are equipped with a dual SIM connection (allowing you to keep the primary line active). Learn how to switch to your physical SIM card or disable the eSIM, just in case. 

• Monitor data usage. Even if you’re using an eSIM with a prepaid data package, monitor your usage to avoid exceeding the plan’s limits. If you don’t use an eSIM, checking your current period roaming data can help you prevent the overuse of roaming data and save some money.

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