When should I install my eSIM?
eSIM installation is the process of adding an eSIM (digital SIM card) to your phone, and that eSIM is what will let you connect to networks.
If you've purchased data for a different country/region, we recommend installing your eSIM 1-2 days prior to arriving in that country. It's important to have a strong Wi-Fi or data connection for the installation process, and we never want our customers to get stuck with a failing installation because of poor airport Wi-Fi.
If you've purchased data for a country/region you're already in, you should install your eSIM whenever you're ready to activate your data package and use the data. Just make sure you have a solid Wi-Fi (or data) connection so you can complete the installation process.
If you're using an iPhone or iPad, please be aware that your device might attempt to combine the installation and activation (depending on which iOS your device is running). So if you're already in the country/region for that particular eSIM, please refrain from installing your eSIM until you're ready to activate your data package, to avoid automatically activating it before you're ready.
- How to install an eSIM on an iPhone or iPad
- How to install an eSIM on a Google Pixel device
- How to install an eSIM on a Samsung device
- How to install an eSIM on an Android device
eSIM activation is when you switch on your eSIM data plan and make sure your device is set up properly to use your new data.
When you're ready to begin using your new data and you're physically located in the correct country or region, you can go through the activation steps to make sure your device is configured properly and we'll connect you to the best local network.
This step does not require a Wi-Fi (or data) connection because your eSIM is already installed, and it's just a matter of tweaking your device settings and telling your device to start using aloSIM for mobile data.
- How to activate an eSIM data plan on an iPhone or iPad
- How to activate an eSIM data plan on a Google Pixel device
- How to activate an eSIM data plan on a Samsung device
- How to activate an eSIM data plan on an Android device
As soon as your data plan is activated, your countdown to package expiration will begin, so make sure you don't activate your plan until you're ready to use it.