What is eSIM activation?
Installation means adding the eSIM to your phone
Activation means turning on the eSIM so it can connect to a local mobile network
When should I activate my eSIM?
Activate your eSIM when you arrive at your destination and are ready to use mobile data.
Understanding your eSIM settings
There are two separate settings that both need to be turned on for your eSIM to work:
Setting | What it does |
eSIM Line (On / Off) | Turns the eSIM active or inactive on your device. When Off, the eSIM cannot connect to any network. |
Data Roaming (On / Off) | Allows your eSIM to use mobile data on local networks abroad. Must be On for data to work overseas. |
Both settings must be On for the eSIM to provide data while you are travelling.
How to activate your Pelago eSIM
Turn off data roaming for your Primary SIM
This helps prevent roaming charges on your main SIM
iPhone (iOS): Settings → Mobile Service → Under SIMs, click on “Primary” → Ensure that Data Roaming is toggled off
Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Ensure that Data Roaming for Primary SIM is toggled off
We recommend turning off your Primary Line to avoid roaming charges.
However, if you still want to receive calls and messages on your main number:Keep your Primary Line turned on
Make sure Data Roaming is turned off for your Primary Line
Turn on your Pelago eSIM
Make sure both the eSIM line and Data Roaming are turned on
iPhone (iOS): Settings → Mobile Service → Under SIMs, click on the eSIM that was just installed → Toggle on “Turn on this line” → Toggle on “Data Roaming”
Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Under eSIM, toggle on the eSIM → Mobile Networks → Toggle on Data Roaming for eSIM
What happens after I activate my eSIM?
Once you turn on your Pelago eSIM and activate it, your phone will try to connect to a local mobile network.
How do I know if my eSIM is working?
Your eSIM is working when:
Your phone shows a mobile network signal
You see a network indicator such as 4G, LTE, or 5G
You can use mobile data to open a website or app
Your phone may show a different network indicator depending on your device, destination, and available network. You do not need to see 5G for your eSIM to work.
Tip: Turn off Wi-Fi and try opening a website to check that your Pelago eSIM is providing mobile data.
My eSIM is activated, but I still cannot use the internet
If you have already turned on your eSIM Line and turned on data roaming for your Pelago eSIM but you cannot access the internet, refer to our article on Connectivity Issues for troubleshooting steps.
Activation FAQs
What does “Pending Activation” mean?
“Pending Activation” means your eSIM is installed but has not connected to a local mobile network yet.
If you have just arrived at your destination:
Wait up to 10 minutes for your eSIM to connect automatically
Keep your Pelago eSIM turned on
Once connected, your eSIM should provide mobile data
My eSIM is still showing “Pending Activation” after 10 minutes
You can try connecting to a network manually:
iPhone (iOS)
Go to Settings
Tap Mobile Service
Under SIMs, select your eSIM plan
Tap Network Selection
Turn off Automatic
Manually select an available network
Android
Go to Settings
Tap Connections
Select Mobile Networks
Tap Network Operators
Turn off Automatic
Manually select an available network
What's next: eSIM Connectivity
Your Pelago eSIM is now installed and activated, so it should be ready to use!
If you cannot connect to a mobile network or face issues with connectivity while using the Pelago eSIM, refer to our article on Connectivity Issues for troubleshooting steps.