Data Roaming on Your eSIM Only, Not Your Home Line: Quick Setup Guide

Short answer: to use an eSIM abroad without roaming charges from your home carrier, do three things: set the eSIM line as your mobile data line, turn on data roaming for it, and make sure data roaming is off on your home line. You do this once, when you land, and it takes less than a minute.

Why do you need roaming on for an eSIM?

The eSIM you bought connects to a local network at your destination, and as far as your phone is concerned, that's browsing on a foreign network. So without data roaming turned on for the eSIM line, the phone simply won't connect.

Roaming on the eSIM doesn't cost you anything extra: you're using data you've already paid for. Surprise charges only come when roaming is left on for your home line.

How to do it on iPhone

Go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data and select the eSIM line.
Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching", so the phone doesn't switch to your home line when the signal is weak.
Go back to the Cellular screen, tap the eSIM line and turn on Data Roaming.
Tap your home line and make sure Data Roaming is off.

How to do it on Android

Menu names vary slightly between manufacturers and models, but the principle is the same.

Samsung

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
Under Mobile data, choose the eSIM line.
If there's an option for automatic data switching, turn it off.
Go back to Connections > Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming. The setting applies to the line chosen for data, which is the eSIM.

Google Pixel and other Android phones

Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
Choose the eSIM line and turn on Mobile data and Roaming.
Choose your home line and turn off Mobile data and Roaming.

For screen-by-screen detail, see our full guide to turning on roaming for the eSIM only.

How to check everything works

Turn off Wi-Fi and open a website or app. If it loads, you're browsing through the eSIM.
Check the signal icon for the eSIM line at the top of the screen or in Control Center.
If there's no internet after a few minutes, turn airplane mode on and off, or restart the phone.

Common mistakes

Turning on roaming on both lines. That's a sure way to get roaming charges from your home carrier.
Forgetting to select the eSIM as the data line. The phone will keep trying to use your home line for data.
Leaving automatic switching between lines on. With weak signal, the phone may quietly switch to your home line.
Deleting the eSIM when data doesn't work. In most cases a QR code is single-use. Contact support before deleting anything.

Frequently asked questions

Does turning on roaming for the eSIM cost money?

No. Data comes out of the plan you already bought, with no extra charges.

Can I receive SMS on my home number while using data on the eSIM?

Yes. Turning off data roaming on your home line only blocks data. The line stays in the phone, but check your home carrier's rates for calls and SMS abroad. More on using two numbers at once.

When should I change these settings?

You can set things up at home after installing, but turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you land. Haven't installed yet? Read when to install an eSIM: before the flight or after landing.

What if there's still no internet?

Contact our support through the live chat on the website, or go through the checklist in eSIM not connecting after landing.

Don't have a travel eSIM yet?

Choose a destination, scan the QR code at home, and when you land turn on roaming for the eSIM line only. See all destinations.

Popular destinations: eSIM for Thailand · eSIM for Greece · eSIM for Europe · eSIM for the USA