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What to do when you’re traveling (Android)

Once you’ve installed your eSIM, make sure your travel eSIM handles data while your primary SIM behaves the way you want.


TL;DR checklist

  • Preferred SIM for data → set to your travel eSIM
  • Data Roaming (travel eSIM) → ON
  • Data Roaming (primary SIM) → OFF
  • Decide if you want your primary SIM ON or OFF

Step‑by‑step

1) Select the travel eSIM for data

  • Pixel / stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Preferred SIM for data → Travel eSIM
  • Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Travel eSIM

2) Enable Data Roaming for the travel eSIM

  • Pixel / stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Travel eSIM → Roaming → ON
  • Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Travel eSIM → Data roaming → ON

3) Disable Data Roaming for your primary SIM

  • Pixel / stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Primary SIM → Roaming → OFF
  • Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Primary SIM → Data roaming → OFF

Choose your scenario (Primary SIM ON vs OFF)

Scenario A — Keep your primary SIM ON (most common)

  • Pros: You can still get calls, SMS, and 2FA codes on your main number.
  • Cons: Your carrier may charge for incoming calls or SMS abroad.
  • Settings recap: Preferred SIM for data → Travel eSIM; Data Roaming (travel) → ON; Data Roaming (primary) → OFF

Scenario B — Turn your primary SIM OFF (avoid all roaming charges)

  • Pros: Blocks incoming calls/SMS on your main number (no roaming charges).
  • Cons: You won’t receive SMS or calls.
  • How: Pixel/stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Primary SIM → Use SIM → OFF; Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Primary SIM → Turn off

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