How to Set Up an eSIM Before You Fly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a travel eSIM takes about 3 minutes. This guide walks you through the whole process for both iPhone and Android — and explains exactly when to do each step so nothing goes wrong. Done correctly, you'll land at your destination and have data working within seconds, without touching a SIM card or visiting an airport kiosk.

Before you start: check your phone supports eSIM

Before anything else, confirm your phone has eSIM capability. The fastest way is a single phone call — no menus, no digging through settings.

The EID is a long identification number (usually 20+ digits) tied to your phone's built-in eSIM chip. If it appears alongside your IMEI, you're good to continue. If the screen only shows IMEI numbers, your phone doesn't support eSIM and you'll need a physical SIM instead.

For the full compatibility list by model — including which Samsung and Pixel phones are supported, and a note about iPhones bought in mainland China — see our complete eSIM compatibility guide.

Step 1 — Buy your eSIM before you leave home

Head to travelren.com, choose your destination, and select the plan that suits your trip. Within a few minutes of purchase you'll receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. Keep that email handy — you'll need it in the next step.

A few things worth knowing at this stage:

• Each QR code is single-use only — scan it once and it's activated. Do not scan it again or share it.
• You can install the eSIM profile days before your trip and it will sit dormant until you activate it.
• Your home SIM (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) stays in your phone the whole time. The eSIM is just for data while travelling.

Step 2 — Install on iPhone

The steps below apply to iPhone XS and later running iOS 16 or higher. Exact labels may vary slightly across iOS versions — "Mobile Data" may appear as "Cellular" or "Mobile Service" depending on your region and version.

You'll see a prompt asking which number to use for calls, messages and data. Leave your Australian number as the default for calls and messages. We'll set up data routing in Step 4.

Step 3 — Install on Android (Samsung / Google Pixel)

Android setup varies a little by manufacturer and Android version, but the core process is identical: navigate to SIM settings, add a new eSIM, and scan your QR code.

If your phone model isn't listed here, the quickest fix is to search "[your phone model] install eSIM" — most manufacturers have a support page with exact steps for their UI.

Step 4 — Set the eSIM as your data SIM

This is the step most people miss — and it's the one that causes problems. Installing the eSIM isn't enough on its own. You need to tell your phone to actually use it for data, otherwise your phone will keep routing data through your home SIM at expensive international roaming rates.

Step 5 — Test it before you board

Take 60 seconds to verify everything is working while you still have home WiFi as a backup. This step saves a lot of stress at the airport.

1. Turn off WiFi on your phone
2. Open a browser and try to load a webpage
3. If it loads: you're done. Turn WiFi back on and you're ready to go.
4. If it doesn't connect: check Step 4 — confirm the eSIM is set as your data SIM, then toggle aeroplane mode on and off to reset the connection

Step 6 — On arrival: activate

For most countries (Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Europe, etc.), activation is completely automatic. Your phone detects the local network, your eSIM connects, and you'll see the carrier name appear in the top corner of your screen within a minute or two of landing. No action needed.

For China specifically, one extra step is required:

1. Once you've landed and have a signal, open Settings
2. Go to Mobile Service → [Your Travelren eSIM]
3. Make sure Data Roaming is switched on

This is because the eSIM technically connects to the network as a roaming SIM, and Data Roaming is off by default on most phones. Switching it on for the eSIM (not your home SIM) tells the phone it's allowed to use data on that connection. Within a few minutes the network name will appear and Google Maps, WhatsApp and everything else will work normally.

Common mistakes to avoid

These are the four things that cause 95% of travel eSIM problems:

1. Forgetting to set the eSIM as your data SIM. The eSIM installs successfully but your phone keeps sending data through your home carrier — at international roaming rates. Always complete Step 4.
2. Trying to install after landing in China. You need internet access to install an eSIM profile. Without it, you can't scan the QR code. Install at home before you board.
3. Scanning the QR code twice. Every QR code is single-use. Scanning it a second time will fail, and you may need to contact support for a replacement. Scan it once, let it install, and you're done.
4. Leaving it until the last minute. Install the eSIM at home on your own WiFi. Don't do it at the airport, on cafe WiFi, or at the departure gate — too many things can go wrong.

Related guides

• Does my phone support eSIM? The 2026 checklist
• Best eSIM for China: compared for Australians