Sydney Speed Test: SYD Airport, CBD, Bondi – 5G Expectations vs Reality

31 Oct 2025

Sydney is one of the easiest places in Australia to get online fast—if you know where to stand and what your phone is actually connecting to. We spent two days running a structured sydney mobile speed test across three real traveller zones: Sydney Airport (SYD, T1/T2/T3), the CBD (Circular Quay to Town Hall via Martin Place), and Bondi (promenade, Icebergs and backstreets). We measured download, upload and latency on Australia’s big three networks with modern flagship phones, recording whether 5G was Standalone (SA) or Non‑Standalone (NSA), plus band behaviour where visible. The headline: Sydney 5G can be blistering in CBD mmWave pockets, solid but variable at Bondi, and good-enough at SYD—yet uplink and consistency still hinge on NSA 4G anchors in many spots. Below you’ll find results, practical traveller tips, and an open CSV preview you can reproduce. For more field tests in other cities, check our Destinations.

What we tested and how

Locations and times

SYD Airport
T1 International arrivals hall and kerbside
T2/T3 landside check-in zones
Airport rail platforms
Time windows: 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 (peak passenger flow)
Sydney CBD
Circular Quay ferry concourse
George St (Town Hall to Wynyard), Martin Place, Pitt St Mall
Known mmWave trial/coverage pockets near Martin Place/George St
Time windows: 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00 (lunch-time load)
Bondi
Promenade (central), Bondi Icebergs, Hall St/Campbell Pde backstreets
On the sand (middle of the beach) vs against the seawall
Time windows: 08:00–10:00 (quiet) and 16:30–18:30 (busy sunset)

Devices, SIMs and apps

Handsets: recent flagships supporting 5G n78 mid‑band and n258 mmWave (where available). Mixed iOS and Android to observe stack differences.
SIMs: local prepaid eSIMs from each national operator to avoid roaming variability. Dual‑SIM kept idle on secondary line.
Measurement: Ookla Speedtest, nPerf and Fast.com, with 3–5 runs per spot; best‑of‑median recorded. Location logged at street precision.
Network notes: we recorded SA vs NSA where the device exposed it and noted apparent bands (e.g., n78, n258). Many phones still default to NSA in Sydney even where SA is selectively live.

Results at a glance

SYD Airport (landsid e)
Typical 5G NSA downlink: 120–300 Mbps; uplink: 10–30 Mbps; latency: 18–28 ms.
Peak pockets near T1 kerbside reached ~420 Mbps down. Platforms were more variable due to structure and passenger density.
Sydney CBD
Mid‑band 5G NSA median: 300–500 Mbps down; uplink: 20–60 Mbps; latency: 12–22 ms.
mmWave pockets (where reachable line‑of‑sight): 800–1,400+ Mbps down; uplink: 70–120 Mbps; latency often sub‑12 ms. Coverage is highly directional and sensitive to body blocking.
Bondi
Promenade (mid‑band): 180–350 Mbps down late morning; often drops to 80–200 Mbps at sunset load.
On the sand: speeds typically halve compared to the seawall due to distance, downtilt and body/sea reflections; uplink can dip <10 Mbps on NSA.
Backstreets (Hall St/Campbell Pde): often outperform the beach itself (250–400 Mbps) thanks to closer small cells and better geometry.

5G SA vs NSA: SA sessions were sporadically observed in the CBD (low‑band or mid‑band), delivering steadier latency but not always higher throughput. Most high headline speeds still came from NSA with a strong 4G anchor plus wide 5G n78.

Detailed findings

SYD Airport: solid, sometimes spiky

Arrivals halls favour coverage over capacity. Expect 5G NSA in most open areas, with frequent handovers around glass and metal structures.
Best results were kerbside at T1 where devices saw cleaner sectors: ~350–420 Mbps down, 20–35 Mbps up.
Platforms showed the widest variance due to tunnel geometry; we saw 60–250 Mbps down with occasional 4G fall‑backs providing steadier uploads (~15–25 Mbps).
SA appeared briefly on one handset on low‑band, with latency improvement (to ~14 ms) but no throughput gain vs solid NSA.

Traveller tip: if your upload matters (video, large files), step outside towards open sky or near terminal windows for a better uplink path.

CBD: mmWave moments, mid‑band muscle

Mid‑band n78 carried most sessions, returning consistent 300–500 Mbps down and 25–60 Mbps up at lunchtime.
We hit mmWave near Martin Place/George St with line‑of‑sight: 1.1–1.4 Gbps down, 80–120 Mbps up. Move a few metres, turn a corner, or stand behind a bus shelter and mmWave vanishes.
SA showed on a subset of devices. It improved jitter and call setup times but didn’t beat top NSA downlink where wide 5G + robust 4G anchor was present.

Traveller tip: to catch mmWave, stand streetside with a clear view of small‑cell nodes, keep the phone unobstructed, and face the likely sector. If speeds seem oddly low, turn 90 degrees—your body can block mmWave.

Bondi: beachfront variance, timing matters

Along the seawall, mid‑band 5G posted 180–350 Mbps down late morning with 15–35 Mbps up. At sunset, crowding pushed many sessions to 90–180 Mbps down and single‑digit uploads on NSA.
On the sand, even 30–50 metres from the seawall cost ~30–60% throughput due to antenna downtilt and body/hand absorption, especially if seated.
Icebergs lookout performed well (clean elevation): 280–420 Mbps down; backstreets off Hall St often matched or beat the promenade, suggesting small‑cell offload.
SA sightings were rare at the beach during our windows. NSA dominated, and uplink limits were noticeable for live streaming.

Traveller tip: for a clear video call at sunset, step off the sand to Campbell Parade or a café window seat. You’ll likely gain a stronger uplink.

5G SA vs NSA in Sydney: what it means for you

NSA (Non‑Standalone): your 5G piggybacks on a 4G core anchor. Often delivers higher peak speeds today because 4G+5G work together with mature scheduling. Uplink may be constrained by the 4G anchor path.
SA (Standalone): true 5G core. Potentially better latency, uplink and reliability for calls and enterprise features (network slicing later). Coverage is still being optimised; some consumer devices don’t hold SA consistently.
What we observed: CBD had the best chance of SA on compatible devices; airport and Bondi leaned NSA. Peak downlink wins still came from broad NSA deployments; SA helped with jitter and call stability.

How to check: - iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > SIM > Voice & Data shows 5G status; deeper field metrics vary by model. - Android: Settings > About Phone > SIM Status, or vendor service menus. Look for “NR SA/NSA.”

Traveller setup checklist for better Sydney speeds

Update your device OS and carrier settings before you land.
Use a local eSIM for the three networks if you need redundancy. For multi‑city trips, see Destinations.
Turn off Low Data/Data Saver while testing; disable VPN for raw measurements.
Test outdoors first; then move inside near windows. Re‑run at shoulder height, phone vertical.
For uploads, prefer locations with line‑of‑sight to the street and fewer bodies between you and the cell.
If speeds jump wildly, toggle airplane mode or 5G off/on to refresh the anchor.
Need guaranteed performance for a team? Our For Business team can pre‑provision multiple eSIM profiles and fallback plans.

Pro tips: - mmWave: treat it like light—needs a clean path. A backpack, your hand, or a bus can kill it. - Bondi: early morning beats sunset for both capacity and uplink. - Airport: step outside for uplink; inside favours coverage and stability over raw speed.

Reproduce our test (step‑by‑step)

Activate a local prepaid eSIM on a recent 5G phone. Keep any secondary line idle.
Disable Wi‑Fi and VPN. Confirm 5G is enabled and not in “Auto 4G preferred.”
Install two test apps (e.g., Speedtest and nPerf). Select the same target server where possible.
At each spot, run 3–5 tests per app, 30–60 seconds apart. Log the median result.
Note SA/NSA state if exposed; record time, GPS, and any obvious obstructions (bus shelter, tree, crowds).
Repeat at different times of day to see load effects.
Export to CSV. Compare with our open dataset via the Partner Hub.

Dataset and method (open CSV)

Columns - timestamp (local), location, operator, tech (5G SA/NSA or 4G), anchor (if NSA), down_mbps, up_mbps, latency_ms, notes

CSV preview (10 rows) timestamp,location,operator,tech,anchor,down_mbps,up_mbps,latency_ms,notes
2025-03-12 08:14,SYD T1 kerbside,Operator A,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,418,32,19,Clear LOS to mast
2025-03-12 08:42,SYD T1 arrivals hall,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,236,21,23,Busy footfall
2025-03-12 09:08,Airport Rail Platform,Operator C,4G LTE,,92,18,31,Partial 5G fallback
2025-03-12 11:26,Martin Place (LOS),Operator A,5G mmWave NSA,4G+NR n258,1382,106,9,Line-of-sight small cell
2025-03-12 12:04,Pitt St Mall,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,354,41,17,Lunch crowd
2025-03-12 13:32,Circular Quay concourse,Operator C,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,287,27,20,Open sky
2025-03-12 08:58,Bondi Promenade (centre),Operator A,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,312,24,18,Morning light load
2025-03-12 17:22,Bondi on the sand,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,128,8,24,Sunset crowd; body blocking
2025-03-12 17:56,Icebergs lookout,Operator C,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,402,36,16,Elevated position
2025-03-12 18:18,Hall St backstreet,Operator B,5G SA,,368,52,14,Steady SA session

Full, open CSV and collection notes are available via the Partner Hub. You are free to use and cite with attribution.

Who should care about this

Solo travellers and remote workers needing reliable uplink for calls and cloud saves.
Teams running live content at Bondi or events in the CBD. Our For Business solutions include pre‑trip planning, eSIM pools and on‑site fallback.
Travellers continuing onward: if Sydney is a stopover before North America or Europe, line up your cross‑region eSIMs now:
For the US leg: see Esim United States or broader Esim North America.
For Europe legs: check Esim Western Europe, plus country options like Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.

FAQs

Is 5G SA widely available in Sydney?
Selective. We observed SA sessions mainly in the CBD on compatible devices. Most day‑to‑day traffic still runs NSA, which remains very fast with a strong 4G anchor.
Why are uploads so much lower than downloads?
On NSA, uplink can be constrained by the 4G anchor and RF geometry. In busy areas and on the beach, body blocking and sector load hit uplink first.
Can I rely on airport 5G for video calls?
Usually, yes—but step outside or near windows for better uplink. Terminal interiors prioritise coverage; uplink can be inconsistent at peak times.
How do I find mmWave in the CBD?
Look for small cell nodes on streets with clear sightlines (e.g., around Martin Place). Stand in open air, keep the phone unobstructed, and face the node. Small moves matter.
Does an eSIM affect speed?
No—what matters is network, band, coverage, device modem and load. eSIM is just the provisioning method. Local profiles generally beat roaming for latency.
I’m visiting Bondi at sunset—any hacks?
Test at the seawall rather than on the sand, avoid crowds blocking line‑of‑sight, and try a backstreet near Campbell Parade for a stronger sector and better uplink.

Bottom line

Sydney’s 5G delivers excellent real‑world performance where it counts, with mmWave party tricks in the CBD, dependable mid‑band almost everywhere, and predictable beach‑front variance driven by geometry and crowds. SA is emerging and helps with jitter, but NSA still wins peak throughput today. Plan your calls and uploads around line‑of‑sight and time‑of‑day, and you’ll have a smooth trip.

Next step: planning more stops after Sydney? Start with our city playbooks and regional eSIMs on Destinations.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco & the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025

Set Up eSIM on Google Pixel 9/10: Quick Guide + Troubleshooting

Travelling with a Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 and want fast, reliable data without hunting for a local SIM? Good news: with Android 15, adding and managing eSIMs is quicker than ever. This guide shows exactly what to tap to install an eSIM on your Pixel 9/10, whether you’re scanning a QR code, entering an SM-DP+ address manually, or attempting an eSIM transfer from another device. We’ll also help you check if your phone is carrier-locked, set the right data/roaming preferences for travel, and fix common activation or connectivity issues.If you’re still planning your trip, pick a plan by country or region from Simology’s Destinations – for example, Esim United States for the USA, Esim Western Europe for multiple EU countries, or country-specific options like Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain. Heading across borders? Esim North America covers the US, Canada, and more with one plan.Before you begin: compatibility, lock status and prepUpdate first: Settings > System > System update. Android 15 (or the latest available) improves eSIM reliability.Check carrier lock:If your Pixel 9/10 was bought from a carrier, it may be locked. The simplest test is to insert a SIM from another carrier and see if calls/data work. Or contact your carrier to confirm it’s unlocked for international use.If locked, eSIM activation from other providers may fail until it’s unlocked.Find your EID (sometimes needed by support): Settings > About phone > EID.Have a stable internet connection (Wi‑Fi recommended) and at least 30% battery.Know your plan’s activation timing. Some travel eSIMs should be installed just before departure or on arrival; others can be installed early and activated later.Pro tip: Save a copy of your QR code and/or SM-DP+ details in an offline note. If Wi‑Fi is patchy at the airport, you’ll still have the info handy.Install an eSIM on Pixel 9/10 (Android 15)There are three common methods. Start here: - Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. - Tap Add SIM. - Choose the option that matches your situation below.Method A: Scan a QR code (most common)On Add SIM, choose Scan QR code (or Use a downloaded SIM > Scan QR code).Point the camera at the QR your provider supplied. If it’s on the same phone, open it on another device or print it.When prompted, confirm Download SIM or Add.Name the SIM (e.g., “Simology EU”) for easy identification.If asked, choose a SIM for mobile data, calls and SMS (you can change this later).Toggle on Roaming for that eSIM if you’re travelling internationally.Method B: Enter SM-DP+ details manually (no QR)If your provider gave you an SM-DP+ address and activation code: 1. On Add SIM, tap Need help? or Can’t scan? Enter code manually (wording varies). 2. Enter: - SM-DP+ address (exactly as given) - Activation code (case-sensitive) - Confirmation code (only if requested) 3. Proceed to Download SIM, then set your data/call/SMS preferences.What is SM-DP+? It’s the server that delivers your eSIM profile. Manual entry is handy if you can’t scan or if your provider supplies codes instead of QR.Method C: Transfer your number from another device (carrier numbers)For postpaid carrier numbers (not typical for travel eSIMs), some carriers support eSIM transfer: 1. On Add SIM, select Transfer SIM from another device (if shown). 2. Keep both phones unlocked, nearby and on Wi‑Fi. 3. Follow the on‑screen prompts on both devices to move the eSIM. 4. Note: Moving an eSIM usually deactivates it on the old phone. Not all carriers support this, and it rarely applies to roaming/travel eSIMs.Set your data and dual‑SIM preferences (important for travel)After installing the eSIM: - Choose data SIM: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Preferred SIM for mobile data > select your travel eSIM. - Turn on data roaming on the travel eSIM: SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > Roaming. - Calls and SMS: - Keep your home SIM for calls/SMS if you need to receive OTPs from banks. - Set call/SMS preference to “Ask every time” if you want control per call. - Avoid bill shock: - Disable data on your home SIM (SIMs > [home SIM] > Mobile data off). - Turn off roaming on the home SIM. - APN and 5G settings: - Most eSIMs auto‑configure APN and network mode. If data doesn’t work, check SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > Access Point Names. Add the APN provided by your eSIM supplier if none shows. - Try toggling 5G/4G (LTE): SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > Preferred network type. - Hotspot/tethering: - Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. Ensure your plan allows hotspot use.Pro tip: Give each SIM a clear label (SIMs > [SIM] > Edit) like “Home” and “Simology EU” to avoid using the wrong line.Troubleshooting: Pixel eSIM won’t activate or connect1) Can’t download/activate the eSIM profileCommon causes: - No or unstable Wi‑Fi/mobile data during download. - Wrong SM-DP+ or activation code; extra spaces or case errors. - Carrier lock still active. - eSIM has already been installed on another device or exceeded download limits. - Date/time not set to automatic, causing certificate errors.Fixes to try: - Use a strong Wi‑Fi network. Turn off VPN during activation. - Double‑check the SM-DP+ address, activation code and confirmation code. Type carefully. - Restart your Pixel. - Set date/time to automatic: Settings > System > Date & time > Use network-provided time. - If your eSIM is EID‑locked by the provider, confirm the EID in Settings > About phone > EID matches what you supplied. - If you suspect a carrier lock, contact your original carrier to unlock the device for use with other carriers. - Remove any partially downloaded eSIM (SIMs > [problem eSIM] > Delete) and try again.2) eSIM installed but no signal or “No service”Ensure the line is turned on: SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > Use SIM = On.Data SIM set correctly: Preferred SIM for mobile data > your travel eSIM.Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM.Toggle airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, then off.Try network mode changes: 5G > 4G (LTE) > 3G if available.Disable “Automatically switch data” if the phone keeps flipping to your home SIM.3) Data issues: connected to network but no internetCheck APN: SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > Access Point Names. Add or select the APN given by your provider.Reset network settings: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Then reboot and re‑enable the eSIM.Turn off VPN, Private DNS (Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS > Off), and any firewall apps temporarily.Wait a few minutes after landing; roaming registration can take time.4) Calls/SMS not working as expected (dual‑SIM)Ensure calls/SMS are assigned to the correct SIM: SIMs > Preferred SIMs > Calls/SMS.If RCS/Chat messages misbehave, disable and re‑enable RCS in Messages > Settings > RCS chats.Some travel eSIMs are data‑only. Use apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime audio, etc.) for calls/messages, or keep your home SIM active for SMS/OTP.5) Still stuck?Power cycle: fully power off, wait 20 seconds, power on.Try the install again via the alternate method (QR vs SM-DP+ manual).Contact your eSIM provider with your order number, EID, IMEI (Settings > About phone), and screenshots of any error messages.Pro tips for travellers using Pixel eSIMInstall before you fly: Download the eSIM profile at home on strong Wi‑Fi, but switch data to it only when you land (if your plan timing allows).Keep your home SIM for SMS only: Turn off data and roaming on your home SIM to avoid surprise charges, but receive OTPs if needed.Offline copies: Save QR/SM-DP+ details and support contacts in an offline note or PDF.Use hotspot wisely: Pixel hotspot works well; check your plan’s tethering allowance.Battery and radios: If speeds dip, toggle airplane mode or 5G/4G, or move to clearer coverage (indoors can reduce 5G performance).Choosing the right Simology eSIMNot sure where to start? Browse by region or country on Destinations.USA trip: pick Esim United States.Multi‑country Europe: go with Esim Western Europe.For single‑country plans: Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim Spain.North America hops (US, Canada, Mexico): choose Esim North America.Managing teams on the road? Centralised purchasing and billing are available For Business.Building travel products or bundles? Partner with us via the Partner Hub.FAQCan Pixel 9/10 use more than one eSIM? Yes. You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them. Only one line can be active for mobile data at a time, and voice/SMS options depend on your device/carrier features.Do I need Wi‑Fi to install an eSIM? Strong Wi‑Fi is recommended for the initial download and activation. Some activations work on mobile data, but Wi‑Fi avoids dropouts and captive portals.What’s the difference between QR and SM‑DP+ manual entry? Both install the same eSIM profile. The QR simply encodes the SM-DP+ address and activation code. Manual entry is useful if you can’t scan.How do I know if my Pixel is carrier‑locked? If you bought from a carrier, it may be locked. Test with a SIM from another carrier or contact your carrier to confirm/unlock. A lock can block third‑party eSIM activation.Can I move my travel eSIM to another phone? Usually not. For security, many eSIMs are single‑device. Ask your provider about a reissue if you change devices. Carrier number eSIMs may support official transfer.My eSIM shows “Connected” but no internet. What now? Set the travel eSIM as your data SIM, enable data roaming, verify APN, toggle 5G/4G, disable VPN/Private DNS, and reboot. If still failing, reset network settings and re‑add the eSIM.Next step: pick your plan by country or region on Simology’s Destinations, then follow the steps above to install on your Pixel 9/10. Safe travels.

30 Oct 2025

Travel Privacy Checklist (2025): iOS & Android Settings to Toggle Before You Fly

Travelling with a smartphone means carrying your identity, payment cards, and digital life through unfamiliar networks, borders and busy spaces. Good news: you don’t need new gadgets to stay private. A few targeted settings on iOS and Android drastically reduce tracking, lock down physical access, and prepare you for loss or theft. This guide focuses on toggle-level actions you can complete in 20 minutes, plus on-the-road habits that actually stick. It’s designed for everyday travellers and teams on the move.What you’ll get: - Exact menus/toggles for iOS and Android (2025-ready) - Screenshot callouts so you can verify each setting - A downloadable one‑page PDF checklist you can save offline - Practical tips for eSIM use, roaming, and public Wi‑FiIf you’re heading to the US, Europe, or beyond, pair these steps with a local eSIM from our Destinations library, including quick picks like Esim United States, Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim Spain, and Esim North America.How to use this checklistSet aside 20–30 minutes and work through iOS/Android sections below.Screenshot callouts: after changing a setting, take a quick screenshot; keep them in an album “Travel Privacy” to re-check later.Download the one‑page PDF cheat‑sheet (linked on this article’s page) and save it to your device Files app for offline access.Teams: standardise these steps for staff via your MDM and see For Business. Partners can access rollout assets in the Partner Hub.Before you pack: account and backup hygieneThese steps reduce damage if your phone is lost, stolen, or inspected. Not legal advice—just practical hygiene.Update OS and appsiOS: Settings > General > Software Update.Android: Settings > System > System update (and OEM updates e.g., Samsung Settings > Software update).Strengthen your phone passcodeiOS: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Change Passcode > Passcode Options > Custom Alphanumeric or 6+ digit numeric.Android: Settings > Security & privacy > Device lock > Screen lock > PIN/Password (avoid patterns).Enable SIM PIN (protects your mobile line if the SIM/eSIM is moved)iOS: Settings > Mobile Service > SIM PIN > On (set a unique PIN; store it securely).Android: Settings > Security & privacy (or Security) > More security & privacy > SIM card lock > Lock SIM card.Prepare recoveryiOS: Settings > Your Name > Sign‑In & Security > Account Recovery > Add Recovery Contacts. Ensure Find My is on (details below).Android/Google: myaccount.google.com > Security > 2‑Step Verification > add backup codes and passkeys.Backup with encryptioniOS: Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now; consider Advanced Data Protection for end‑to‑end encrypted iCloud categories.Android: Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now; if offered, set backup encryption passphrase.Password manager “travel mode”Enable vault restrictions/hide sensitive vaults. Export emergency codes and store offline.Turn off “Developer options” if previously enabled (Android): Settings > System > Developer options > Off.Pro tip: Print or store offline copies of 2FA backup codes and key phone details (IMEI, SIM ICCID). Keep separate from your device.iOS: privacy toggles to switch before you flyLock screen and physical accessStolen Device ProtectionSettings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection > On.Tighten what shows on the Lock ScreenSettings > Notifications > Show Previews > When Unlocked.Settings > Face ID & Passcode > allow changes only when unlocked:Disable “Control Centre”, “USB Accessories”, “Wallet”, “Return Missed Calls” on Lock Screen if you can live without them.AirDrop and NameDrop disciplineSettings > General > AirDrop:Bringing Devices Together > Off (prevents NameDrop pop-ups).Start Sharing by > Contacts Only. Avoid “Everyone for 10 Minutes” in crowded places.SIM PIN confirmationSettings > Mobile Service > SIM PIN > On. Test by restarting the device to ensure you’re prompted.Pro tip: Add “Lockdown Mode” if you’re a high‑risk traveller: Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On (expect reduced features).Location, tracking, and radiosApp Tracking TransparencySettings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > Off (deny future requests). Review existing apps.Location Services tune‑upSettings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > On.For each sensitive app (social, camera, airline): set to “While Using” and toggle Precise Location Off where possible.System Services (bottom):Significant Locations > Off.iPhone Analytics/Improve Maps > Off.Location‑Based Alerts/Suggestions/Ads > Off if not needed.Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth hygieneSettings > Wi‑Fi > Auto‑Join Hotspot > Never.Tap your current Wi‑Fi > Private Wi‑Fi Address > On; Limit IP Address Tracking > On.Control Centre: keep Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi off when not in use (note: toggles here disconnect temporarily; use Settings to fully turn off if needed).Network and browsingSafari hardeningSettings > Safari:Prevent Cross‑Site Tracking > On.Hide IP Address > From Trackers (or From Trackers and Websites if available).Clear History and Website Data before travel.iCloud Private Relay (iCloud+): Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Private Relay > On for a quick privacy boost on public Wi‑Fi.VPNIf you use a VPN, set to connect on demand on untrusted networks.Find My and recoverySettings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone > On.Enable Find My network and Send Last Location.Add a recovery contact (see “Before you pack”).Test: Sign in to icloud.com/find and confirm your device appears.Payments and passesWallet & Apple PaySettings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Require Face ID > On. Consider disabling double‑click Side Button if it invites accidental triggers.Hide sensitive card notifications on Lock Screen: Settings > Notifications > Wallet > Show Previews > When Unlocked.Clean up boarding passes after travel.Android: privacy toggles to switch before you flyNote: Menu names vary by device (Pixel/Android One vs Samsung/others). Search within Settings if you don’t see an exact label.Lock screen and physical accessStrong screen lockSettings > Security & privacy (or Lock screen) > Screen lock > PIN/Password (avoid patterns; 6+ digits or passphrase).Lockdown modeSettings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Lockdown > Enable; add to power menu for quick use (disables biometrics until next unlock).Hide sensitive lock screen contentSettings > Notifications > Lock screen > Hide sensitive content (or “Don’t show notifications”).Disable Smart Lock conveniencesSettings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Smart Lock/Trust Agents:Turn off On‑body detection, Trusted places, Trusted devices.SIM PINSettings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > SIM card lock > Lock SIM card > set/change SIM PIN.Turn off USB debuggingSettings > System > Developer options > USB debugging > Off; or disable Developer options entirely.Samsung extras: - Settings > Lock screen > Secure lock settings > Lock network and security > On; Show lockdown option > On.Location, permissions, and radiosPermission Manager sweepSettings > Privacy > Permission manager: set Location/Camera/Microphone to “Only while app is in use” or “Ask every time”; revoke unused.Auto‑reset permissions: Settings > Apps > Special app access > Remove permissions if app isn’t used > On.Precise vs approximate locationFor non‑navigation apps, set to Approximate.Delete/limit Advertising IDSettings > Privacy > Ads > Delete advertising ID (or “Opt out of Ads Personalisation”).Disable passive scanningSettings > Location > Wi‑Fi scanning > Off; Bluetooth scanning > Off (prevents background probing).Nearby Share/NFC disciplineSettings > Google > Devices & sharing > Nearby Share > Contacts only or Off.Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > NFC > Off when not needed.Wi‑Fi auto‑connect and hotspotSettings > Network & Internet > Internet > Network preferences:Turn off “Connect to open networks”.Personal hotspot: use a strong password; WPA3 if available.Find My Device and backupsFind My DeviceSettings > Security & privacy > Find My Device > On.Offline finding (if available in your region) > On.Google backupsSettings > Google > Backup > On > Back up now.Save 2FA backup codes to a secure offline place.Browsing and trackingChrome (or your browser) privacyChrome > Settings > Privacy and security:Safe Browsing > Enhanced protection.Always use secure connections (HTTPS) > On.Clear browsing data (history, cookies, cached images) > clear before travel.Third‑party cookies > Block (if available) or at least restrict in Incognito.DNS over HTTPS: Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Use secure DNS > On.Work profile and secure container (optional)Android Enterprise Work Profile: create separation between work and personal apps.Samsung Secure Folder: store sensitive apps/data behind a second lock.Pro tip: Keep Nearby Share and Bluetooth off by default; turn them on intentionally when you actually need to share.On‑the‑road habits (quick wins)Prefer mobile data over public Wi‑Fi. Get a local eSIM from Destinations (e.g., Esim Western Europe, Esim North America, Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim Spain).If you must use public Wi‑Fi, avoid sensitive logins; use a reputable VPN and Private Relay (iOS) where possible.Don’t plug into unknown USB ports. Use your own charger or a USB data blocker.Keep Bluetooth and NFC off in crowded areas; enable only for the duration you need.Be cautious with QR codes; open in your browser, not unknown apps.Install apps only from official stores; avoid sideloading whilst travelling.After your trip, review and revert any temporary settings you changed.One‑page PDF and screenshot calloutsDownload: “Travel Privacy Checklist (2025) – One‑Pager PDF” from this article’s page and save it to Files/Drive for offline access on the plane.Screenshot callouts to capture after toggling:iOS: Stolen Device Protection On; AirDrop set to Contacts Only; Location Services System Services with Significant Locations Off; Safari “Hide IP Address”.Android: SIM card lock On; Lockdown in power menu; Wi‑Fi scanning Off; Find My Device On.Create an album “Travel Privacy” to keep all proof‑of‑settings in one place.Quick checklist (tick as you go)Update OS and apps; strong passcode/PIN (6+ digits or passphrase).Turn on SIM PIN; store the PIN securely.iOS: Stolen Device Protection On; Android: Lockdown available in power menu.Lock screen: hide previews; limit control centre/quick settings from lock screen.AirDrop/Nearby Share restricted (Contacts Only or Off).Location: “While Using”; Precise Off where possible; Significant Locations Off.Wi‑Fi: Private Address On (iOS); auto‑connect to open networks Off (Android).Bluetooth/NFC Off by default.Safari/Chrome hardened; Private Relay/VPN configured.Find My iPhone / Find My Device On with offline finding; test from web.Backups completed; 2FA backup codes saved offline.Password manager “travel mode” enabled.Public USB charging avoided; use your own charger.eSIM ready for destination; avoid unknown Wi‑Fi where possible.FAQ1) Is Airplane Mode enough to protect my privacy? - No. It disables radios temporarily but doesn’t change app permissions, tracking, or lock‑screen exposure. Use the toggles above regardless of flight mode.2) Should I carry a “travel phone”? - If you’re high‑risk, a minimal “travel build” (fresh device or factory‑reset with only essential apps) reduces exposure. For most travellers, the checklist here plus good habits is a solid balance.3) Does using an eSIM help with privacy? - Yes, eSIMs reduce SIM‑swap risk from physical theft and let you avoid insecure public Wi‑Fi by relying on mobile data. Choose a plan for your region via Destinations or direct picks like Esim United States and Esim Western Europe.4) What about device inspections at borders? - Rules vary by country. Minimise on‑device data, use strong screen locks, and keep backups. Consider a travel‑only profile. This is not legal advice—research your route and requirements before departure.5) Will Stolen Device Protection or Lockdown Mode make my phone unusable? - Day to day, no. Stolen Device Protection adds extra verification for sensitive changes when away from familiar locations. Lockdown is optional and can be toggled when you need maximum protection.6) My phone is lost abroad—what now? - Immediately: use Find My (Apple/Google) to mark as lost, attempt locate, and remotely erase if needed. Change critical passwords. For connectivity, activate a replacement eSIM from Destinations or region pages like Esim North America to stay online while resolving logistics.Next stepPick your secure, local data plan before you fly. Browse all travel‑ready options on Destinations, including quick picks for Esim United States, Esim Western Europe, and more.

30 Oct 2025