✈️ Pre-Flight eSIM Checklist

5 minutes now = zero stress when you land.

🎯Smart move. Most travelers skip this and get stuck at the airport. Set up now with Wi-Fi = avoid 95% of eSIM problems.

✓

What You'll Accomplish

✓ eSIM installed and ready to auto-activate
✓ All settings configured correctly
✓ Know what to expect when you land
✓ Backup plan saved offline

📱 Works For

iPhone (iOS 12+), Samsung, Pixel, most unlocked phones

⏱️ Time Needed

5 minutes at home with Wi-Fi

💾 Save This

Print or screenshot this checklist for offline access

Before You Leave Home

Complete These 5 Steps

1. Install your eSIM BEFORE leaving home

Install while you still have Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your provider.

2. Turn ON Data Roaming for your travel eSIM

Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Data Roaming = ON. This is critical - most activation failures happen because this is OFF.

3. Set your travel eSIM as "Primary" for Cellular Data

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Select your travel eSIM. This ensures data uses the travel plan, not your expensive home carrier.

4. Disable your home SIM (or set to calls/texts only)

Toggle off your home carrier line OR set it to "Calls & SMS only" to avoid roaming charges from your home carrier.

5. Screenshot your QR code and save confirmation email offline

Save these to your Photos app. If activation fails, you can re-install from the screenshot even without internet.

🔒 Is Your Phone Unlocked?

Travel eSIMs ONLY work on carrier-unlocked phones. If you bought your phone on a payment plan from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc., contact them to unlock it BEFORE you travel. This can take 24-48 hours.

When You Land at Your Destination

Activation Steps at Airport

1. Turn Airplane Mode ON, wait 10 seconds, then OFF

Forces your phone to search for networks in your destination country.

2. Check that your eSIM shows "Searching..." or a carrier name

Go to Settings > Cellular. You should see a network name appear next to your eSIM within 1-2 minutes.

3. Test with a Google search or WhatsApp message

Don't assume it works - actually test data by loading a webpage.

✅ It's Working When...

You see LTE/4G/5G icon at top of screen
Settings shows a carrier name (not "No Service")
You can load a webpage or send a WhatsApp

🆘 Still Not Working?

If you followed all steps and still have no connection after 5 minutes at your destination:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Installing after you land: Many airports have spotty Wi-Fi. Install at home or hotel before departure.

Forgetting Data Roaming: "Data Roaming" must be ON for travel eSIMs - it's not actual roaming charges.

Leaving home SIM active: Your home carrier can still charge you roaming fees. Turn it off or disable data.

Not testing before you need it: Test at the airport, not when you're lost in a foreign city.

📚 Related Guides

→ New to eSIM? Read: eSIM vs Physical SIM Explained → Step-by-Step iPhone & Android eSIM Setup → eSIM Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide → Which Provider? Airalo vs Holafly Comparison

📥 Download Printable Checklist

Want this checklist offline? Press Ctrl+P (or ⌘+P on Mac) to print or save as PDF.