No signal, no data, or stuck on activation? Walk through these troubleshooting steps before contacting support. Most eSIM issues are fixed in under five minutes.
· By The Plan Match Desk· Prices verified weekly
Common issues
Turn on Data Roaming (Settings > Cellular > eSIM line > Data Roaming). Travel eSIMs register as roaming even in the destination country. This is the #1 fix.
Set your eSIM as the active data line. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select eSIM. Android: Settings > Network > SIMs > set eSIM for mobile data.
Use the built-in camera or eSIM setup screen. Zoom in on the QR code. If it still fails, enter the activation code manually from your confirmation email.
Restart your phone. If still stuck, toggle airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off. Make sure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi) during activation.
Step by step
1. Settings > Cellular > verify eSIM is turned on. 2. Tap your eSIM line > turn on Data Roaming. 3. Go back > Cellular Data > select your eSIM line. 4. Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 30s, toggle off. 5. If no change, restart iPhone. 6. Still broken? Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings.
5-minute fix
1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > verify eSIM is enabled. 2. Tap eSIM > turn on Roaming. 3. Set eSIM as default for Mobile Data. 4. Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 30s, off. 5. Restart phone. 6. Still broken? Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
5-minute fix
1. Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > verify eSIM active. 2. Tap eSIM > turn on Data Roaming. 3. Set as preferred SIM for Mobile Data. 4. If stuck, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Search Networks manually.
5-minute fix
Contact your eSIM provider if: the eSIM shows as 'Not Activated' after 30 minutes, you see 'eSIM Carrier Lock' errors, or you accidentally deleted the profile. Airalo has 24/7 chat support. Holafly and Saily offer email and chat support.
Provider support
About 70% of "eSIM not working" issues are solved by turning on data roaming. Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad all register as roaming profiles. Your phone treats them like a foreign carrier, even if you're in the destination country. Without data roaming enabled, your phone blocks data on that line.
If your eSIM connects to a network but still has no internet, the APN (Access Point Name) might need manual configuration. Check your provider's setup guide for the correct APN. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > eSIM line > Cellular Data Network. On Android: Settings > Network > SIMs > eSIM > Access Point Names. Most providers set APN automatically, but some carriers require manual entry.
Install and activate your eSIM at home before departure. Verify it connects (you should see a signal bar even if you don't have local coverage). Set it as your data line. Turn on data roaming. This way you confirm everything works while you still have your home Wi-Fi as a backup for troubleshooting.
FAQ
The most common cause is that data roaming is turned off. Go to Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > turn on Data Roaming. Travel eSIMs connect as a roaming profile even in the destination country, so data roaming must be enabled for them to work.
Make sure you're scanning with the built-in camera or the eSIM setup screen (not a third-party QR app). Check that the QR code image is sharp and well-lit. If it still won't scan, try entering the activation code manually. Find this in your purchase confirmation email from Airalo, Holafly, or your provider.
Check that your eSIM line is selected as the primary data line. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your travel eSIM. On Android: Settings > Network > SIMs > select your eSIM for mobile data. Also verify your data plan hasn't expired or run out of data.
For travel eSIMs: contact the provider. Airalo allows re-downloading unused plans from their app. Holafly and Saily may issue a replacement. For carrier eSIMs: contact your carrier for a new QR code. Never delete an eSIM before confirming you have a backup or replacement.
