How to Set Up a Travel eSIM on iPhone and Android

·Rhys Hall
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Getting a travel eSIM installed on your phone is easier than most people expect. The whole process takes about five minutes and can be done from your couch before you even start packing. This guide walks through exactly how to install a Pocket Roam eSIM on both iPhone and Android, so you know what to expect before you buy.

Before You Start: Check Your Phone is eSIM Compatible

Not every phone supports eSIM, so it is worth checking before you purchase a plan. Here is a quick overview of which devices are compatible:

Apple: iPhone 11, XR, XS, XS Max, and all newer models including the full iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 ranges. Most iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini models from 2019 onwards also support eSIM.

Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy Note 20 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series (check regional variants as some US and Hong Kong versions do not support eSIM).

Google: Pixel 3a and newer.

Others: Most recent Motorola Razr models, Sony Xperia 10 and 1 series from recent years, Oppo Find X and Reno series, and Xiaomi 12 and 13 series.

If you are unsure, the full list of compatible devices is on the Pocket Roam website.

Step 1: Purchase Your eSIM Plan

Head to pocketroam.com and search for your destination. Choose the plan that suits your trip in terms of data and duration, then complete the purchase.

Once your order is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link to your Pocket Roam data portal. Keep this email handy as you will need it for the next step.

Step 2: Activate Your Bundle and Get Your QR Code

Click the link in your confirmation email, or go directly to data.pocketroam.com and log in with the email address you used to purchase.

Inside the portal, activate your bundle. Once activated, a QR code will be generated. This QR code is what you use to install the eSIM onto your phone.

Do not share this QR code with anyone else. Each QR code can only be scanned once per device.

Step 3: Install the eSIM on Your iPhone

Here is the step-by-step process for installing a Pocket Roam eSIM on an iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular depending on your iOS version).
  3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
  4. Tap Use QR Code.
  5. Point your camera at the QR code from your Pocket Roam portal.
  6. Follow the prompts to confirm the installation.
  7. You will be asked to label the new plan. Something like "Pocket Roam" or the destination name works well.

Your eSIM is now installed on your iPhone. You do not need to activate it yet if you are travelling in the future. It will sit dormant on your device until you are ready.

A note on iOS 17 and newer: On recent iPhones, you can also add an eSIM by transferring from another iPhone or entering details manually, but scanning the QR code from your Pocket Roam portal is the easiest method.

Step 4: Install the eSIM on an Android Phone

The steps vary slightly depending on your Android device and manufacturer, but the process is similar across most phones.

Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections, then SIM Card Manager.
  3. Tap Add Mobile Plan.
  4. Tap Scan Carrier QR Code.
  5. Scan the QR code from your Pocket Roam portal.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.

Google Pixel:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network and Internet, then SIMs.
  3. Tap the plus icon to add a SIM.
  4. Tap Download a SIM instead.
  5. Tap Next, then scan your Pocket Roam QR code.

Other Android devices: Most Android phones follow a similar path. Look for SIM management under Settings, then Connections or Network settings, and look for an option to add or download a SIM. If you get stuck, the Pocket Roam support team can walk you through it for your specific device.

Step 5: Enable Data Roaming When You Land

This is the step most people forget, and it is the reason some travellers think their eSIM is not working when they land.

When you arrive at your destination, go back into Settings and make sure data roaming is turned on specifically for the Pocket Roam eSIM, not your home carrier SIM. Here is how to check:

On iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings, then Mobile Service.
  2. Tap on your Pocket Roam plan.
  3. Make sure Data Roaming is toggled on.
  4. Also check that Mobile Data is set to use the Pocket Roam eSIM, not your home SIM.

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings, then Connections (or Network and Internet).
  2. Tap SIM Card Manager or SIMs.
  3. Select your Pocket Roam eSIM and make sure it is set as the data SIM.
  4. Ensure data roaming is enabled for that SIM.

Once that is done, your phone should connect to the local network within a minute or two of landing.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Travel eSIM

Do the installation at home. You can install the eSIM days or even weeks before your trip. It sits quietly on your device and does not activate until you land and turn on data roaming. Setting it up from home means one less thing to sort out at the airport.

Turn off data roaming on your home SIM. This is important. If data roaming is enabled on both your home SIM and your Pocket Roam eSIM, your phone might use the home carrier for data in some situations, which means roaming charges. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM before you travel.

Use the Pocket Roam app to track your data. The app shows your remaining data in real time and lets you manage your eSIM without logging into the portal each time. Worth downloading before you go.

Download offline maps before you fly. Even with a reliable eSIM, having offline maps downloaded in Google Maps or Maps.me means you can navigate without burning through data, and you always have a backup if signal is weak.

Hotspot works too. Your Pocket Roam eSIM supports tethering, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion's device. Just keep an eye on your data if you are on a fixed plan.

What If I Have Trouble Connecting?

If you land and your eSIM is not connecting, try these steps in order:

  1. Make sure data roaming is enabled on the Pocket Roam eSIM (see Step 5 above).
  2. Check that your phone's mobile data is set to use the Pocket Roam eSIM, not your home SIM.
  3. Try toggling aeroplane mode on and off to force a network search.
  4. Check your data portal at data.pocketroam.com to confirm the bundle is active.
  5. If none of the above works, reach out to Pocket Roam support. The team is available 24/7 and can troubleshoot your specific device and situation.

Ready to Get Set Up?

Browse Pocket Roam's eSIM plans for your destination, buy before you fly, and have everything installed before you leave home.

Find your destination on Pocket Roam and get your travel eSIM sorted today.

 

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