📲Installation
When to Install and Activate eSIM (Before vs At Destination)
#eSIM
6 min read
At a glance
When to install and when activation starts by plan type.
TL;DR
- Install (profile download) is safest before departure on stable Wi‑Fi.
- Activation (when use starts) depends on the plan. “First connection at destination” = install at home, starts automatically when you arrive.
- “Starts at purchase” or “Starts at install” = validity runs from that moment—don’t install days before the trip.
When to install
- When: Before departure, on stable Wi‑Fi.
- Why: Install needs Wi‑Fi; leaving the screen or closing the app can cause failure.
- Installing at destination is possible but airport Wi‑Fi may be slow or unstable.
When activation starts (by plan)
- At first local connection: Install anytime; period starts when you connect in the destination country.
- At purchase or install: Validity begins immediately—install only when you’re about to use it.
Check your plan’s start condition before installing early.
