One of the most common questions we get is "should I turn on my eSIM now or wait?" The short answer: install it at home, but don't activate it until you arrive. Getting the timing right means you'll get the full value out of your plan. Here's how it works.
There's an important difference between installing and activating your eSIM:
Install your eSIM at home before you travel, while you're on Wi-Fi. This downloads the eSIM profile to your phone so it's ready to go.
Activate (turn on) your eSIM only when you arrive at your destination.
Most Roamly plans start their validity countdown when you first connect to a mobile network at your destination. If you activate too early, you could burn through validity days before you even arrive.
For example, if you have a 7-day plan and activate it 2 days before your trip, you'll only have 5 days of data when you actually get there.
Go to Settings > Mobile Data and make sure your Roamly eSIM is toggled off. Turn it on when you land.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and keep the Roamly SIM disabled. Enable it when you arrive at your destination.
Keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts while you're travelling. Just make sure data roaming is turned off on your regular SIM to avoid carrier charges. Use the Roamly eSIM for mobile data only.
Action | When |
|---|---|
Buy your plan | Before your trip |
Install the eSIM | Before your trip (on Wi-Fi) |
Activate the eSIM | When you arrive at your destination |
