Xiaomi has just given a global launch to two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded Leitzphone edition of the Ultra. There’s no sign, however, of the 17 Pro, which launched in China with an additional display mounted next to the rear cameras.
Technology
How to stay connected no matter where you travel in the world
These days, we are so reliant on our phones that it’s important to be able to use them when we travel. After all, imagine landing in another country only to find out you can’t make phone calls, send texts or even open your email to pull up your hotel reservation.
What about using the map to find out where you’re going? And who wants to spend their vacation trying to figure out how to get their phone to work abroad instead of just having it work when they get there?
What makes this all worse is if you discussed this with your phone company beforehand and were assured your phone would work, only to arrive and it doesn’t.
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Smartphone with a SIM card displayed next to it (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Will my phone work abroad?
This happened to Jack, who wrote to tell us about his situation. When he arrived at his destination — despite already confirming with his phone service provider that his wife’s new iPhone would work properly — she could not make or receive calls. Eventually, they ran out to buy a SIM card to use, only to discover that the phone only accepts eSIM and does not have a SIM card slot. Unfortunately, this situation is all too common. So, how can you stay connected no matter where you travel in the world? Here are some tips.
A couple taking a selfie on vacation (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024
What are my phone options when traveling abroad?
Even though our phones have become more sophisticated and the globe is more connected, getting your phone to work in another country (or countries) isn’t so straightforward. Each phone company has its own policies, and each device has capabilities and limitations when installing other SIM cards. This means that when you travel, you essentially have five options to use your device abroad:
1. Pay for an international plan: Some phone providers have international plans. You essentially pay more on your monthly bill for the time you’re traveling, and you can use your phone. However, there may still be restrictions in terms of how many calls and texts you can make and/or how much data you can use. Be sure to check this.
2. Buy an international SIM card: If you don’t want to pay more for your phone plan in order to be able to use your phone internationally as is, then you can buy an international SIM card. These come in the form of an eSIM (a downloadable sim card) or a physical SIM card that you can put in your phone, swapping with the one you normally use or inserting it in the other slot as some phones have more than one sim card slot for this very reason. ESIM cards can be purchased online/downloaded, and physical SIMs are generally purchased in the country upon arrival. They can typically be purchased at the airport.
3. Use data only: Some people opt to only use data plans when they go abroad, as they may not need to make phone calls or send SMS. They may use communication apps like Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger, map applications, etc., with no need for a calling/texting plan. Some phone companies offer this or have specific rates for data used abroad.
4. Use Wi-Fi only: This isn’t always recommended, as it is important to be able to use your cellphone when traveling. However, for many years, people traveled this way. So, if you’re up for it and the situation allows for it, then you can decide to use Wi-Fi only during your travel, perhaps at your accommodation or in public areas. However, be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, as it can pose security risks to your personal information. Some people may also try this Wi-Fi-only option out first, and then, if they need it, they can purchase a sim card, as some cities have free Wi-Fi all over. You can also consider purchasing a mobile hot spot.
5. Buy a prepaid phone abroad: If none of the options work for you (we’ll cover more on why this could be below), you can also opt to buy a cheap phone while abroad. This option could also be ideal for someone who will be outdoors a lot or traveling to an area that may be less safe, so you don’t want to risk bringing your actual phone.
A woman looking at her cellphone while on vacation (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO SET UP FREE MESSAGING ON YOUR PHONE WHILE TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY
How to ensure you’re connected while traveling
If you want to be absolutely sure you’ll be able to use your phone while traveling, follow the steps below. At least if one option is not available or does not work, you’ll know what other options are out there so you don’t end up in a bind and unable to use your phone.
Step 1: Before you travel
Before you travel — and, in some cases, before you even purchase your phone — there are some things you’ll want to verify before hitting the road to ensure your phone will work abroad:
Check device compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked, can use eSIM technology and/or if it has a sim card slot. Again, some devices even have two slots, so you don’t have to risk losing that tiny sim card you normally use when you’d swap it out. Most newer iPhones (specifically, iPhone XS and newer), Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices support eSIMs. This is important to know if your carrier does not have a suitable international plan.
Check mobile standards: Contact your phone manufacturer for verification about which mobile standards your phone uses. A GSM-compliant phone is more likely to work around the world than a CDMA-compliant phone.
Check your carrier’s options: Every mobile service provider understands that their customers might need to travel overseas occasionally and has specific service plans for this. Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees. Be sure to understand how this works and confirm prices, scenarios, etc.
If needed, purchase an eSIM: If an international plan is not an option, look into purchasing an eSIM for the country you’re going to. Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers’ websites or apps before you arrive, and there are also new companies out there that offer this. Be sure to check that your device is compatible with the company and understand their rules. For instance, some companies require you to install the eSIM once you’re in that country, so you won’t want to install it before.
Opt to buy a physical SIM card or prepaid phone when you arrive: Even people who have phones that are compatible with eSIM can still run into unexpected problems. Otherwise, some people may just prefer to purchase a physical SIM card that they can insert into their phone when they arrive. This also goes for prepaid phones. We’ll cover this more in a bit.
Check cell signals where you’re going: Even if your device is technically compatible, it could be the case that where you’re going it won’t matter due to the infrastructure. For example, if you’re traveling somewhere very remote, you may not have connectivity regardless. Of course, in some cases, you may not be able to know this until you arrive.
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A woman holding up her phone with eSIM displayed on her device (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION
Step 2: When you arrive
When you arrive at your destination — depending on which option you’ve opted for — you’ll have to set it up to get it working. This may look slightly different depending on the carrier and device, but generally, these are the next steps:
To use your international phone plan from your provider
If you’ve already spoken to your phone provider and paid for an international plan, they should be able to tell you how to set this up on your unique device when you arrive. But generally, you’ll need to turn on data roaming.
Turn on data roaming on iPhone:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Cellular Data Options (or Mobile Data Options)
- Toggle on Data Roaming
Turn on data roaming on Android:
(Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on the device model and Android version.)
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Network & Internet (or Connections)
- Tap Mobile Network (or Cellular Networks)
- Toggle on Data Roaming
To use an eSIM
If you’ve decided to go with the eSIM option, you’ll need to activate it. Usually, you download it and activate when you arrive at your destination, but not always. This, again, should be clarified before purchasing the eSIM, as many companies are strict about their return policies. Typically, you can use a QR code to activate that plan via the eSIM card on your cellular device.
BEST PREPAID SIMS & ESIM CARDS FOR TRAVELERS
To purchase and use a physical SIM card
If you plan on buying a physical SIM card when you arrive, sometimes the best place is at the airport. This way, you can use your phone right away.
Install a physical SIM card on iPhone:
- Locate the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone.
- Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.
- Remove the SIM tray and place your new SIM card into the tray.
- Reinsert the SIM tray back into the iPhone.
- Your iPhone should automatically detect the new SIM card and connect to the network.
Install a physical SIM card on Android:
(Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on the device model and Android version.)
- Locate the SIM tray on the side or back of your Android device.
- Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.
- Remove the SIM tray and place your new SIM card into the tray.
- Reinsert the SIM tray back into the Android device.
- Your Android device should automatically detect the new SIM card and connect to the network.
To buy a prepaid phone
If the above options don’t work for whatever reason, you can also purchase a disposable phone for travel. Similar to purchasing a physical sim card once you arrive, purchasing that prepaid phone at the airport may be best, as they can help you get connected immediately.
A man on his phone while on vacation (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 3: When you get back home
When you’re finished with your trip, and you’re back home, you’ll want to use your normal phone again.
If you had an international plan:
- Contact your phone provider to ensure your international plan is deactivated or adjust it according to your future needs.
- Confirm that your domestic plan is active and that your settings are back to normal.
If you had an eSIM:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.For iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Select your eSIM plan > Remove Cellular Plan.For Android: Open Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Advanced > Select your eSIM plan > Delete.
- For iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Select your eSIM plan > Remove Cellular Plan.
- For Android: Open Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Advanced > Select your eSIM plan > Delete.
- Ensure your primary SIM is active and set as the default for calls, messages and data.
If you had a physical SIM card:
- Remove the international SIM card from your phone.For iPhone: Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.For Android: Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.
- For iPhone: Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.
- For Android: Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to press into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it.
- Reinsert your domestic SIM card back into your phone.
- Ensure your phone connects to your home network and all settings revert to your domestic plan.
BEST TRAVEL ADAPTERS OF 2024
Kurt’s key takeaway
Don’t let all these options overwhelm you. Remember, the key is to plan ahead and choose the method that best fits your needs and destination. Whether you’re team eSIM, physical SIM card or even considering going old school with a prepaid phone, there’s a solution out there for every globetrotter. And hey, let’s not forget the most important part of traveling — actually enjoying your trip. Once you’ve sorted out your phone situation, make sure to put it down every now and then to soak in the sights, sounds and experiences of your destination. After all, isn’t that what traveling is all about?
How has technology changed how you experience and document your travels, and do you think these changes have enhanced or detracted from exploring new places? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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The 17 and 17 Ultra will apparently be available soon in the UK, Europe, and select other markets. The 17 — pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 — will cost £899 / €999 (about $1,200), while the larger and more capable Ultra starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). The limited-edition Leitzphone will be substantially more expensive at £1,699 / €1,999 ($2,300), though it includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, along with a few extra accessories.
The 17 is an extremely capable small-ish flagship, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and large 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery (though sadly smaller than the 7,000mAh version launched in China). I won’t be writing a full review of the 17, but did spend a week using it as my main phone, and found that the battery cruised past the full-day mark, though wasn’t quite enough for two full days of my typical usage. That’s far better battery life than you’d find in similarly sized phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
The cameras impress too, with 50-megapixel sensors behind each of the four lenses, selfie included. Pound for pound, you won’t find many better camera systems in any phone this size.
1/10
The Ultra, unsurprisingly, takes things to another level. It’s much larger, with a 6.9-inch display, and weighs a hefty 218g. Despite that, the 6,000mAh is actually smaller, though I found it delivered pretty similar longevity.
The enormous camera is, as ever for Xiaomi’s Ultra phones, the highlight. There are 50-megapixel sensors for each of the main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, with a large 1-inch-type sensor behind the primary lens. The periscope telephoto is even more impressive: 200-megapixel resolution, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x, the equivalent of 75-100mm. Xiaomi isn’t the first to pull off a true zoom phone — Sony’s Xperia 1 IV got there first in 2022 — but the telephoto camera here is far more capable than that phone’s, with natural bokeh and impressive performance even in low light.
The camera capabilities are supported by Xiaomi’s ongoing photography partner Leica, but it’s the pair’s Leitzphone that really emphasizes that. Slightly redesigned from the 17 Ultra Leica Edition that was released in China last December, this includes Leica branding across the hardware and software, a range of Leica filters and shooting styles, and a rotatable rear camera ring that can be used to control the zoom. It’s the first Leica Leitzphone produced by Xiaomi — after a trio of Japan-only Sharp models — and comes with additional branded accessories, including a case with a lens cap and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Xiaomi has plenty of other announcements alongside the 17 series phones at MWC this year, including a super-slim magnetic power bank, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro tablets, and a smart tag that supports both Google and Apple’s tech-tracking networks.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
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Free apps are supposed to cost you nothing but storage space. But in this case, they may have cost millions of people control over their own internet connections.
Google says it has disrupted what it believes was the world’s largest residential proxy network, one that secretly hijacked around 9 million Android devices, along with computers and smart home gadgets. Most people had no idea their devices were being used since the apps worked normally, and nothing looked broken.
But behind the scenes, those devices were quietly routing traffic for strangers, including cybercriminals.
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STOP GOOGLE FROM FOLLOWING YOUR EVERY MOVE
Google says it disrupted a massive residential proxy network that secretly hijacked about 9 million Android and smart devices. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
How your device became part of a proxy network
According to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, the network was tied to a company known as IPIDEA. Instead of spreading through obvious malware, it relied on hidden software development kits, or SDKs, that were embedded inside more than 600 apps. These apps ranged from simple utilities to VPN tools and other free downloads. When you installed one, the app performed its advertised function. But it also enrolled your device into a residential proxy network.
That means your phone, computer or smart device could be used as a relay point for someone else’s internet traffic. That traffic might include scraping websites, launching automated login attempts or masking the identity of someone conducting shady online activity. From the outside, it looked like that activity came from your home IP address. You wouldn’t see it happening, and in many cases, you wouldn’t notice any major performance issues.
Google says in a single seven-day period earlier this year, more than 550 separate threat groups were observed using IP addresses linked to this infrastructure. That includes cybercrime operations and state-linked actors. Residential proxy networks are attractive because they make malicious traffic look like normal consumer activity. Instead of coming from a suspicious data center, it appears to come from someone’s living room.
What Google did to shut it down
Google says it took legal action in a U.S. federal court to seize domains used to control the infected devices and route proxy traffic. It also worked with companies like Cloudflare and other security firms to disrupt the network’s command-and-control systems. Google claims it also updated Play Protect, the built-in Android security system, so that certified devices would automatically detect and remove apps known to include the malicious SDKs.
However, Google also warned that many of these apps were distributed outside the official Play Store. That matters because Play Protect can only scan and block threats tied to apps installed through Google Play. Third-party app stores, unofficial downloads and uncertified Android devices carry far greater risk.
IPIDEA has claimed its service was meant for legitimate business use, such as web research and data collection. But Google’s research suggests the network was heavily abused by criminals. Even if some users knowingly installed bandwidth-sharing apps in exchange for rewards, many did not receive clear disclosure about how their devices were being used.
Google’s investigation also found significant overlap between different proxy brands and SDK names. What looked like separate services were often tied to the same infrastructure. That makes it harder for consumers to know which apps are safe and which are quietly monetizing their connection.
300,000 CHROME USERS HIT BY FAKE AI EXTENSIONS
Hidden software inside more than 600 apps allegedly turned phones and computers into internet relays for cybercriminals. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
7 ways you can protect yourself from Android proxy attacks
If millions of devices can be quietly turned into internet relay points, the big question is, how do you make sure yours isn’t one of them? These steps reduce the risk that your phone, TV box or smart device gets pulled into a proxy network without you realizing it.
1) Stick to official app stores
Only download apps from the Google Play Store or other trusted app marketplaces. Some apps hide small pieces of code that can secretly use your internet connection. These are often spread through third-party app stores or direct app files called “APKs,” which are Android app files installed manually instead of through the Play Store. When you sideload apps this way, you bypass Google’s built-in security checks. Sticking to official stores helps keep those hidden threats off your device.
2) Avoid “earn money by sharing bandwidth” apps
If an app promises rewards for sharing your unused internet bandwidth, that’s a major red flag. In many cases, that is exactly how residential proxy networks recruit devices. Even if it sounds legitimate, you are effectively renting out your IP address. That can expose you to abuse, blacklisting or deeper network vulnerabilities.
3) Review app permissions carefully
Before installing any app, check what permissions it requests. A simple wallpaper app should not need full network control or background execution privileges. After installation, go into your phone’s settings and audit which apps have constant internet access, background activity rights or special device permissions.
4) Install strong antivirus software
Today’s mobile security tools can detect suspicious app behavior, unusual internet activity and hidden background services. Strong antivirus software adds an extra layer of protection beyond what’s built into your device, especially if you’ve installed apps in the past that you’re unsure about. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
5) Keep your devices updated
Android security updates patch vulnerabilities that proxy operators may exploit. If you’re using an older phone, tablet or Android TV box that no longer receives updates, it may be time to upgrade. Unpatched devices are easier targets for hidden SDK abuse and botnet enrollment.
6) Use a strong password manager
If your device ever becomes part of a proxy network or is otherwise compromised, attackers often try to pivot into your accounts next. That’s why you should never reuse passwords. A password manager generates long, unique passwords for every account and stores them securely, so one breach does not unlock your email, banking or social media. Many password managers also include breach monitoring tools that alert you if your credentials appear in leaked databases, giving you a chance to act before real damage is done. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
7) Remove apps you don’t fully trust
Go through your installed apps and delete or uninstall anything you don’t recognize or haven’t used in months. The fewer apps running on your device, the fewer opportunities there are for hidden SDKs to operate. If you suspect your device has been compromised, consider a full reset and reinstall only essential apps from trusted sources.
ANDROID MALWARE HIDDEN IN FAKE ANTIVIRUS APP
Threat groups and state-linked actors allegedly used compromised devices to mask online activity and automate attacks. (Photo Illustration by Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaway
Residential proxy networks operate in a gray area that sounds harmless on paper but can quickly become a shield for cybercrime. In this case, millions of everyday devices were quietly enrolled into a system that attackers used to hide their tracks. Google’s takedown is a major move, but the broader market for residential proxies is still growing. That means you need to be cautious about what you install and what permissions you grant. Free apps are rarely truly free. Sometimes, the product being sold is you and your internet connection.
Have you ever installed an app that promised rewards for sharing bandwidth, or used a free VPN without thinking twice about it? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Related Article
This week, Anthropic delivered a master class in arrogance and betrayal as well as a textbook case of how not to do business with the United States Government or the Pentagon.
Our position has never wavered and will never waver: the Department of War must have full, unrestricted access to Anthropic’s models for every LAWFUL purpose in defense of the Republic.
Instead, @AnthropicAI and its CEO @DarioAmodei, have chosen duplicity. Cloaked in the sanctimonious rhetoric of “effective altruism,” they have attempted to strong-arm the United States military into submission – a cowardly act of corporate virtue-signaling that places Silicon Valley ideology above American lives.
The Terms of Service of Anthropic’s defective altruism will never outweigh the safety, the readiness, or the lives of American troops on the battlefield.
Their true objective is unmistakable: to seize veto power over the operational decisions of the United States military. That is unacceptable.
As President Trump stated on Truth Social, the Commander-in-Chief and the American people alone will determine the destiny of our armed forces, not unelected tech executives.
Anthropic’s stance is fundamentally incompatible with American principles. Their relationship with the United States Armed Forces and the Federal Government has therefore been permanently altered.
In conjunction with the President’s directive for the Federal Government to cease all use of Anthropic’s technology, I am directing the Department of War to designate Anthropic a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security. Effective immediately, no contractor, supplier, or partner that does business with the United States military may conduct any commercial activity with Anthropic. Anthropic will continue to provide the Department of War its services for a period of no more than six months to allow for a seamless transition to a better and more patriotic service.
America’s warfighters will never be held hostage by the ideological whims of Big Tech. This decision is final.
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