How to activate Tello from abroad
Updated August 26, 2024
If you’re planning to move to the States soon or you’re in need of a US phone number while abroad, we’ve got you covered! And it’s also super easy to do it! Now let’s jump in and see how you can activate Tello from abroad and enjoy it from anywhere in the world.
Also, some magic tricks are waiting at the end of this article. 🪄
So, you must’ve heard that Tello has THE best phone plans in the US and it offers great flexibility. Plus, Tello comes with 24/7 human Customer Support, no matter where you are or when you call!
That is why Tello is such a great option even when you’re abroad.
Bonus points: It comes with super customizable options! Tello phone plans start at $5/month and go up to only $25/month. While the 100 minutes phone plan really comes in handy when you’re abroad, the Unlimited Everything is a great choice when you get to the States.
The top 3 things to keep in mind when activating Tello from abroad are:
✅ E911 address
✅ Wi-Fi Calling
✅ eSIM
📣 First things first, start by making sure that your device is eSIM compatible (check this here). Also, make sure that your device software is up to date and it has the latest version installed.
Then it’s time to choose your favorite phone plan! You can pick from our ready-made deals or customize your plan as you like! After successfully finalizing your order, it’s time for setting things up.
Now follow us through the next steps:
Start by filling in your E911 address:
- Go to the My Settings section of your online Tello account
- Scroll down until you see the Wi-Fi Calling section.
- You will see an option called Edit below Emergency E911 Address. Click on it.
- Fill in your address and click on Save.
Android users, here are your steps: Go to Home screen > Phone icon > Tap on the Menu (the three dots on the top right corner) > Settings > Wi-Fi calling > Toggle ON Wi-Fi Calling.
iOS team, follow these: Go to Settings > Phone [or Cellular] > Wi-Fi Calling > “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” and toggle it on. A message then explains what information is sent to your carrier when you enable Wi-Fi Calling. Tap Enable.
You also might be asked to add your E911 address on the device itself, just enter the same information and tap Save.
Now it’s time to start the eSIM activation process!
The next step is to go grab some popcorn and put it in the microwave. And then, it’s time to activate your eSIM! Your eSIM will be activated within minutes or as we like to call it quicker than it takes your popcorn to start popping.
(P.S. Feel free to skip the popcorn step.)
Right now, imagine yourself already in the US, because the process here is just the same as if you were physically there:
Login to My Account – My SIM section and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera. Make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network as you will need a steady Wi-Fi connection to complete the eSIM activation.
Ta-da, time for the magic restart and for you to enjoy Tello!
Porting your US number from abroad
Oh, and we have something more! You can even port your US number to Tello while abroad.
Being physically within the US is not a requirement for the transfer. The only condition is that the number you wish to transfer to Tello must be an active US number.
The steps of porting to Tello from abroad are exactly the same as stated above, but you have to add the porting process at the end.
Once again, you can imagine yourself already in the US, because this process is the same wherever you are. Go to the Porting Section of My Account and start the party!
If you need more information about porting your number to Tello, go check out this blog article, it has it all!
On to the next one: using Tello from abroad
By enabling Wi-Fi Calling, you can make and receive calls and texts using the closest available Wi-Fi network. That could be your home, a hotel, your office, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Wi-Fi Calling uses minutes from your calling plan and doesn’t come with extra costs. You can find out more about this and see how it works right here.
Another option to make a call through Wi-Fi is by using our free “My Tello” app. You can download it from Google Play or App Store.
Keep in mind that you cannot receive calls via the App and texting is also not available via the App. The App is your go-to option only if you want to make calls.
In order to do this, just dial the destination number from the keypad (always include country code) or choose from your phone’s “Contacts” tab (ensure the number is in international format).
All Tello calling plans include calls to 60+ countries. To see if the destination you want to call (no matter where from) is included, check our International Calling page.
Tello tricks for when you’re abroad
Time to be all eyes and ears, we’ll show you some awesome tips and tricks straight from our magic hat:
🪄If you’re an iPhone user, you have another cool option to use Tello from abroad. If you’re using a local provider in your country of residence, you don’t even need a Wi-Fi connection. You can simply use the data from that local provider. Cool, right? This way, you’ll be able to use your Tello service with ease, as a free roaming option!
🪄This option can also work for certain Android devices. Your device must have one or both of these features: Backup Calling and Auto Data Switching. You’ll need to turn them on and, alongside Wi-Fi Calling.
🪄Some other thing that you might encounter is seeing a higher battery usage on iOS devices, while abroad. That’s because your iPhone is continuously trying to find a network in any given country and that’s using a lot of battery.
So, what you’ll have to do is to select a local operator. Here are the steps to do this:
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > eSIM selection -> Network selection -> Turn off Automatic -> Manually pick a local network (any).
Tello International Roaming is now live!
Since June 2024, you can easily use Tello International Roaming in over 250 countries and territories. You are now be able to make calls, send texts, surf the web or stay active on social media while abroad, all while using your Tello number.
While using roaming, your phone disconnects from your wireless network and joins another network (a local provider, that varies between the countries you’re traveling to) through some agreements between those two.
How to use Tello International Roaming?
Tello International Roaming works only through our Pay As You Go option. In order to use the roaming service, your PAYG Balance should not drop below $5 when you wish to activate this service.
Also, There are two settings under My Tello > My Settings that you need to toggle ON to be able to access the international roaming service: International Roaming and Pay As You Go Data.
Now, just go and check the rates of your destination!
Tello International Roaming and Wi-Fi Calling will be your favorite travel combo and you’ll also be able to use your Tello number anywhere! You can easily combine these two travel buddies and they’ll complement each other great, helping you save time, money and also have peace of mind wherever you travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Go on and start the activation process and let us know how it went!
Drop us a line below if you need any help or join our cool Tello Tribe community on Reddit anytime you want to ask them something!
the IOS/apple option to use a local data sim overseas is now on Android phones – specifically my Pixel 7 has that feature – called backup calling – you use tell phone service normally overseas using the data sim purchased in your local country – excellent!
I have done all the steps and it seems to work, but then WiFi calling shuts off automatically. I am not sure what is happening
Hi there,
Sorry to hear this, please get in touch with our Customer Support team, I am sure they can assist you with this issue.
Thank you for your patience!
Hello, in October we travel to the USA for 3 weeks. We’re thinking about a sim but we do not know how to install and use the esim. When I install it a week before our flight, can I insert a date ex. October 9, when the service has to start. ??
Is the installation as complex as it is shown in the video’s??
We don’t know what to do.
sincerely
Jean and Marijke
Belgium.
Hi Jean,
eSIM activation takes just a few minutes!
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone and you’re ready to join, the service will start working after a few minutes.
If you choose to activate Tello while in Belgium, you can check everything works fine by turning on Wi-Fi Calling (the only option while outside the US). Afterward, when you get to the States, the service should work normally.
Please feel free to contact our 24/7 Customer Support department if you need more information or guidance through the process: https://tello.com/contact
I just received a physical sim kit to install in a spare unlocked GSM Phone (LG G7).I don’t have a US number to port to this phone, I need a new one. I am currently in the Dominican Republic, returning to the US next week, but would like to set up the phone now to try the wifi calling and text. Can I do this or does it only work with eSIM?
Hi David,
You sure can!
Firstly, please be advised that you will need to create an account on our website: tello.com. (if you do not have one already).
Then, you will need to click on “Activate SIM” – You will find the button on top of the screen.
Enter the activation code of the SIM card and then just proceed with the order. (Fill in all the information)
You will be asked to purchase a plan as well (if you do no have one already).
All that’s left to be done now, is to finalize the order, and within seconds, you will be assigned with a new phone number automatically.
To wrap it up:
1. Activate the SIM.
2. Get the plan.
3. Enter all your billing information required.
4. Enter Payment Information.
5. Finalize the order.
If you will encounter any issues, feel free to contact our Customer Support Team available 24/7.
We appreciate your business!
Does Tello still send sim to UK?
Will US bank send mms to me in UK via Tello?
Hi there!
Unfortunately, we cannot ship sim cards out of the US. Instead, you can get an eSIM for free and the installation is easy and quick.
You can send/ receive SMSes and make/ receive phone calls while you’re connected to the Wi-Fi and have Wi-Fi calling enabled, including SMSes from banks and other 2FAs.
We appreciate your interest in our business!
I now have a Tello eSIM, which I successfully activated here in the UK.
Last year, I obtained a physical Tello SIM card here in the UK, from Amazon, who ship a range of American SIM cards to here in the UK from their warehouse in Edison, New Jersey.
Should you not be in the UK, your local Amazon may offer the same service.
If the app is only for making calls, how do I receive calls and texts?
I spend more time abroad than in the States, and this looks like a perfect option for me to keep my US number for emergencies with WiFi calling and load it up with extra data when I’m stateside. Is there any risk I’ll be kicked off the plan if I don’t return to the US often enough?
First and foremost, we extend our gratitude for choosing our service!
Rest assured, your service will not be canceled. The flexibility of Tello extends beyond the borders of the United States—you can use it from anywhere that suits your needs.
This function barely works. I can send and receive sms on wifi, but using the mobile data from the other sim (EU) doesn’t seem to work. Also, after being able to send MMS and group texts, suddenly that functionality has stopped.
Please be advised that MMS will not work with Wi-Fi calling, only iMessages or RCS messages, which is most probably what you sent.
The mobile data from a local provider should work just fine for your device as long as the phone supports this feature, as mentioned in this blog post as well:
🪄If you’re an iPhone user, you have another cool option to use Tello from abroad. If you’re using a local provider in your country of residence, you don’t even need a Wi-Fi connection. You can simply use the data from that local provider. Cool, right? This way, you’ll be able to use your Tello service with ease, as a free roaming option!
🪄This option can also work for certain Android devices. Your device must have one or both of these features: Backup Calling and Auto Data Switching. You’ll need to turn them on and, alongside Wi-Fi Calling.
The eSIM worked great in the USA, but no signal in the UK. I have a Google Pixel 7 and Wi-Fi Calling on my UK SIM card works perfectly fine, but it refuses to activate for the Tello eSIM. I have followed all the steps in these blogs, and have an E911 address listed in the USA because that was the only option, but I am in the UK. Any advice?
Hi there, Max!
Please be advised that outside the US, you can only use the service with Wi-Fi calling. It will be showing only “No Service” on your screen, but as long as you’re connected to the Wi-Fi, you should be able to make/ receive calls and send/ receive SMSes.
If the Wi-Fi calling is not working, we kindly ask you to contact our Customer Support Team, available 24/7.
I tried all the steps and unable to activate esim from Australia. I toggle wifi calling and airplane mode. Provide 911 address changed the von to usa. Nothing works.
We are sorry to hear about this!
Please reach our Customer Support Team via email, chat or phone here: tello.com/contact
I’ve got the same problem, I can’t get the eSIM to work for either voice or SMS over WiFi.
We are sorry to hear you’re having issues.
Please contact our Customer Support Team available 24/7.
Hello , I do have a US number with tello now with the calling & text service.
I situated in Singapore and often travel.
To continue using the US number to receive calls & text messages, all I have to do is to be connected to Wifi-calling .
However , in the event i am not near a office/home, there wont be any wifi to connect.
If I change my plan to include data , when I am overseas ,will i be able to receive the calls/messages/whatsapp?
Unfortunately, not for the moment.
Currently, we do not provide roaming. The only way to use the service outside the US is with Wi-Fi calling.
Is possible to use free wifi calling to make calls at egypt to egypt
Iam now at egypt and i want to call egypt phone
Is that free with wifi calling
Please be advised that Egypt is not included in our free destinations list. Therefore, you will need to have Pay As You Go credit to call Egypt.
Also, if you’re outside the US, only Wi-Fi calling will work.
See our rates for Egypt here:
https://tello.com/international-calling?destination=egypt
Will I receive text messages using the US Tello US number in Guatemala?
Unfortunately, we do not provide international roaming yet.
You can receive SMSes outside the US, only if you are using Wi-Fi calling. If Wi-Fi calling is enabled, then you should be able to use the service.
Hello,
I have followed all the steps, but my line still “activating…”. I am outside the US and I do have WiFi calling activated; it just doesn’t finish activating.
Thank you.
Sometimes it takes more time to activate.
Please check with our Customer Support Team available 24/7 as well.
Your post and the replies say that you don’t support roaming, but you actually DO support it now. Not that I want to actually use roaming unnecessarily, I’m trying to get WiFi calling working.
I can’t seem to get my Pixel (Android 14) phone to work with the eSIM. I’ve got “mobile data” and “roaming” switched off, and “switch mobile data automatically” switched on. Unfortunately, instead of the “Choose Network” setting being set to “Tello Backup Calling”, it’s showing “Disconnected”.
Nothing I’ve tried is working.
Perhaps it’s time to update this FAQ? It seems to have been written from before Android 14 and before you started offering international roaming.
Please be advised that now we do support roaming.
We kindly ask you to contact our Customer Support Team for further information. We are confident they can assist you.
It took a bunch of effort and a few calls to Tello tech support to actually get the Tello SIM/eSIM working internationally, so I’ve written up the details below. (Tello Support: feel free to use any part you’d like to update the official “how to” page.)
As of Android 14, it might be required to enable Backup Calling for the Tello SIM/eSIM in your phone. Unfortunately, in their infinite wisdom, Google decided to take away the menu option for enabling/disabling Backup Calling starting with Android 14, the “official” way to enable it is to call your carrier, but it’s not clear if that’s your local carrier (where you are) or Tello (that doesn’t know anything about this).
I decided to take things into my own hands and downloaded the “Pixel IMS” utility to let me turn Backup Calling on. I was also able to enable the menu choice of “WiFi Calling Only” for the Tello eSIM as well (otherwise there was a chance that it would try WiFi then try to use the LTE network, which would use up a lot of PAYG money)
Here’s a link to instructions for how to Install and use “Pixel IMS” and “Shizuku”. https://github.com/kyujin-cho/pixel-volte-patch/blob/main/README.en.md both of the apps are safe and come from the Play store (no sideloading) but you will need to enable developer mode to use them. If you haven’t already done that, then go to your Settings menu, and choose About phone. Scroll down and tap the Build number option seven times until you see the message “You are now a developer”.
My local carrier (in Australia) is running on a physical SIM and Tello on an eSIM. Once I had enabled Backup Calling, I turned on the “Switch mobile data automatically” and turned off “Mobile data” and “Roaming” under the Tello eSIM settings. It should actually go into backup calling mode: (screenshot) https://imgur.com/yxUhBWH As you can see from the screenshot link, the Tello eSIM went should go into Backup calling mode after flipping that switch. Now your Tello number is using either the WiFi or the local SIM connection to send/receive texts and voice calls.
To be safe, and to make sure I wasn’t actually using Tello’s international roaming unintentionally, I turned off international roaming from the Tello dashboard and I made sure I didn’t have any money in PAYG.
If after all that the Network for Tello is showing “Disconnected” instead of “Tello Wi-Fi Calling”, then you’ll need to do a reset for the network settings for your Tello SIM/eSIM. To do this, go to Setup -> System -> Reset options, and choose “Reset mobile network settings”, then choose the “Tello” from the dropdown menu, and hit the “Reset settings” button. That should do the trick, but you’ll have to go back to Setup -> Mobile and Internet -> SIMs -> Tello, and turn off the “Mobile data” and “Roaming” setting again. You might also need to confirm that “Switch mobile data” is on.
You’re now good to go and you should be able to use Tello anywhere you can get WiFi or internet from your other SIM.
Hi! Tello team, after deliberation I’m defintely interested on get one of your Plans, but I still have a question:
Can a normal SIM card been activated from abroad? most of the phones here do not support eSIM, but I can get a SIM card when my relatives come for holidays, will it work?
Thanks in advance for the assistance.
Hi there,
Unfortunately, we do not ship physical SIM cards outside of the US.
If someone from the US is able to bring one to you, you can activate it from abroad!
Please contact our 24/7 Customer Support team, if you need further guidance: https://tello.com/contact
Estoy en Argentina y decidi activar mi esim tello desde aquí. Me pide la e911 address pero no me deja poner una de aca de argentina y si pongo una de estados unidos, me dice que es invalida. Como hago para activarlo desde aca?
Hello Renata,
Indeed, you need to fill in a valid US address.
Please contact our Customer Service and they will guide you through the process: https://tello.com/contact
Hi, i’m planning to buy an esim but when i’m on the checkout stage, it kept saying “Tello is unable to tell if your phone is locked or not.” I’m 100% sure that my phone is unlocked because i already checked on my phone and all sorts of websites. Can you help me on this?
Hi Hugh,
You are getting this message because Tello con’t tell if your device is unlocked.
Unlocked and Compatible are 2 completely different unrelated requirements. Our device checker can check for compatibility only – you must check that the phone is unlocked. So even if you receive the “Awesome” message on our device checker, you still need to check if the phone is unlocked or not.
So, please contact the existing carrier to confirm the locked status of the device or with the seller of that phone.
If you’ve made those checks and everything is alright, you should be good to go.