How to prepare your smartphone before a trip

Maps and translation that work without connection

Google Maps lets you download in advance the map of a city or region, remaining accessible and navigable even offline for about a year before requiring an update. Google Translate works similarly: language packages downloaded in advance, about 35-45 MB each, enable text and camera translation even without a network, for over fifty languages. For those who often need to navigate in zones without connection, our guide to offline navigation apps explores the available alternatives.

Mobile data abroad: eSIM or traditional roaming

An alternative to roaming with your operator is the eSIM purchased before departure via apps like Airalo, a marketplace that sells data plans for over 200 countries: the profile installs from home but remains inactive until your phone detects a partner network in the destination country, activating automatically on arrival. Alternatively, it's worth checking with your operator the specific conditions for abroad, since roaming offers vary greatly from company to company and from country to country.

Free space, backup and updates before leaving

Updating the operating system and main apps before departure avoids forced updates with limited data connection abroad. Freeing up storage space by deleting unnecessary files leaves room for photos and content downloaded during your trip, while a complete backup to Google Photos or iCloud protects your data in case of device loss or damage.

Download and activate any eSIM while still connected to home Wi-Fi: you'll arrive at your destination with data already ready, without having to search for a network in the first minutes after landing.