Help Center
When should I install vs. activate?
Install: before you travel
Scan the QR code on a stable Wi-Fi connection before your trip. On arrival-activated plans, installing only downloads the profile to your phone.
Activate: on first connection
On arrival-activated plans, validity starts when your phone first connects to a network the plan covers. Plans set to activate on scan start when you install. Check Activation in the plan's Technical Specs.
Installing vs. activating
Installing and activating are two separate steps. The table below describes arrival-activated plans, the most common type, where the clock starts on the first connection to a covered network rather than at install.
| Install | Activate | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before your trip | On first connection to a covered network |
| What happens | The eSIM profile is downloaded to your phone | Your phone connects to a covered network |
| Starts validity? | No, on arrival-activated plans | Yes, day 1 starts here |
| Internet needed? | Yes, Wi-Fi recommended | No separate Wi-Fi needed. Turn on the eSIM line and its Data Roaming setting |
If your plan is set to activate on scan, day 1 starts when you install the eSIM instead. The plan's Activation in Technical Specs tells you which type you have.
Already covered in your home country or in transit?
On regional or global plans, your home country or a stopover on the way may already be inside the covered area. Your phone can connect and start the validity period earlier than expected, and switching the line off afterwards does not pause it. Check the plan's coverage before you install if this matters for your trip.
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