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Part of the complete guide to eSIMs

eSIM not working? Here is the fix

Most eSIM problems come down to three settings. Check them first, then pick your symptom below for the exact fix on your phone.

Updated September 27, 2026 · SimVala editorial

eSIM troubleshooter

1. Your phone

2. What is happening?

Almost always one of the big three: data roaming off, or your phone still using the home line for data.

Try these in order. Tick each one off as you go.

Still stuck after all of these? Contact support with the order details from your dashboard. Never send your account number.

Check these three first

They fix the large majority of eSIM problems abroad, and take under a minute.

  1. 1

    The eSIM line is switched on

    iPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap your travel eSIM, turn on Turn On This Line.

    Android: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, tap the eSIM, turn on Use this SIM. Samsung: Connections, SIM manager.

  2. 2

    Data roaming is on for the eSIM

    iPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap your travel eSIM, turn on Data Roaming.

    Android: Pixel: SIMs, tap the eSIM, Roaming. Samsung: Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming.

  3. 3

    The eSIM is chosen for mobile data

    iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data, choose your travel eSIM.

    Android: Pixel: SIMs, Your primary SIMs, Data. Samsung: SIM manager, Primary SIM, Mobile data.

Every problem, and how to fix it

Find your symptom. Fixes are in the order to try them.

eSIM installed but no internet

Almost always one of the big three: data roaming off, or your phone still using the home line for data.

  1. 1Data roaming is on for the eSIMiPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap your travel eSIM, turn on Data Roaming.Android: Pixel: SIMs, tap the eSIM, Roaming. Samsung: Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming.
  2. 2The eSIM is chosen for mobile dataiPhone: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data, choose your travel eSIM.Android: Pixel: SIMs, Your primary SIMs, Data. Samsung: SIM manager, Primary SIM, Mobile data.
  3. 3Turn off your VPN for a momentSome VPNs block the first connection on a new network. Switch it off, check data works, then turn it back on.
  4. 4Toggle airplane modeOn for 30 seconds, then off. The phone re-registers on the local network.
  5. 5Check the APN (Android)iPhone: iPhone sets the APN from the eSIM automatically, so skip this unless your order page gives one.Android: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, the eSIM, Access Point Names. Travel eSIMs usually set this for you. If your order page lists an APN, add it here.
  6. 6Restart the phoneA full restart clears most stuck connections.

eSIM says No Service or SOS only

The phone is not registering on a local network yet. Check the line is on, then let it find a network.

  1. 1The eSIM line is switched oniPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap your travel eSIM, turn on Turn On This Line.Android: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, tap the eSIM, turn on Use this SIM. Samsung: Connections, SIM manager.
  2. 2Make sure you are in the plan's countryA plan for one country will not connect in another. Check the country on your order page.
  3. 3Toggle airplane modeOn for 30 seconds, then off.
  4. 4Pick a network by handiPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap the eSIM, Network Selection, turn off Automatic and choose a local network.Android: SIMs or Mobile networks, Network operators, turn off Choose automatically, then pick a local network.
  5. 5Restart the phoneThen give it a minute after it boots to find the network.

eSIM won't install or activate

Usually a weak connection, a code that was already used, or a carrier lock.

  1. 1Use stable Wi-FiThe eSIM downloads over the internet. Join good Wi-Fi and try again.
  2. 2Check it did not install alreadyiPhone: Settings, Cellular. If a new line is listed, the install worked, even if you saw an error.Android: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs (Samsung: SIM manager). A new eSIM listed there means it worked.
  3. 3Remember codes install onceMost eSIM codes can only be used one time. Do not delete an installed eSIM to try again.
  4. 4Check the phone is unlockediPhone: Settings, General, About should show Carrier Lock: No SIM restrictions.Android: Ask your carrier. A locked phone can refuse other providers' eSIMs.
  5. 5Update and restartInstall any pending software update, restart, then try once more.

eSIM QR code won't scan

Show the code bigger and brighter, or skip scanning and enter it manually.

  1. 1Show it bigger and brighterOpen the code on a laptop or second phone, turn the brightness up, and hold steady.
  2. 2Only have one phone?iPhone: On iOS 17.4 or later, open your order in Safari, touch and hold the QR code, and tap Add eSIM.Android: Copy the activation code from your order page and use the manual option instead.
  3. 3Enter it manuallyiPhone: On the scanner, tap Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.Android: On the scanner, tap Need help? (Pixel) or Enter activation code (Samsung) and paste the code.

eSIM data is slow

On a daily plan, you may have used today's full-speed allowance. Otherwise it is usually network or settings.

  1. 1Used today's allowance?Daily plans give 1 GB at full speed per day, then a slower speed until the next day. Full speed comes back automatically.
  2. 2Turn off Low Data ModeiPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap the eSIM, Data Mode: choose Standard.Android: Turn off Data Saver in Settings, Network & internet.
  3. 3Let it use 4G or 5GiPhone: Settings, Cellular, tap the eSIM, Voice & Data: choose 5G Auto or LTE.Android: Mobile networks, Preferred network type: choose the fastest option.
  4. 4Switch off your home SIM for a whileRunning two lines at once can slow data in some areas. Turn the home line off and compare.
  5. 5Move, or try laterIndoors, rural areas, and busy events all slow mobile data on any network.

eSIM data ran out

When a plan's data or days are used up, it stops. Buy another plan to carry on.

  1. 1Check what is leftYour order page shows the plan. Your phone's usage screen shows data used on the eSIM line.
  2. 2Buy another planPick a plan for the same country and install it the same way. Your balance pays for it in seconds.
  3. 3Watch the big data usersVideo, cloud photo backup, and app updates use the most. Set them to Wi-Fi only while you travel.

Can't call or text on my eSIM

Travel eSIMs are data only, so they have no phone number for calls and texts.

  1. 1Use your home line for calls and textsKeep your home SIM on for calls and texts. Your home carrier may charge roaming for them.
  2. 2Call over data insteadApp calls work over the eSIM's data. For landlines and businesses, use calling minutes.
  3. 3Need a local number?A virtual number gives you texts and calls in that country, with no SIM needed.

My eSIM disappeared

It is usually just switched off or hidden. Only a deleted eSIM is truly gone.

  1. 1Look in the full SIM listiPhone: Settings, Cellular. Turned-off lines still appear there. Tap it and turn it on.Android: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs (Samsung: SIM manager). Switched-off eSIMs are listed too.
  2. 2If it was deletedMost eSIM codes cannot be installed again. Contact support with your order details and we will help.
  3. 3Before resetting your phoneA full phone reset can erase eSIMs. If your phone asks, choose to keep them.

The last resort: reset network settings

If nothing above worked, resetting network settings clears any stuck configuration. It also forgets saved Wi-Fi passwords, so only do it after trying everything else.

iPhone: Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings.
Android: Settings, System, Reset options, then the option to reset mobile network or Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth settings.

Prevent problems before you fly

  • Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
  • Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you travel.
  • Label the lines Home and Travel so you can tell them apart.
  • When you land: line on, data roaming on for Travel, Travel chosen for data.

Still stuck? Contact support with the order details shown in your dashboard, and tell us your phone model and what you tried. Never send your account number: it is your login, and we will never ask for it.

Keep reading

Full guideInstall on iPhoneEvery step, and the right settings.Full guideInstall on AndroidMenu paths for every brand.Full guideDoes my phone support eSIM?Check your exact model.Full guideAvoid roaming feesKeep your home line from charging you.

Sources

Menu names checked on 2026-09-27. They can differ slightly by phone, OS version, and country.

eSIM troubleshooting questions

Why is my eSIM not working?+

Most often one of three settings: the eSIM line is switched off, data roaming is off for the eSIM, or your phone is still using your home line for data. Fix those, then toggle airplane mode.

Why does my eSIM have signal but no internet?+

Usually data roaming is off for the eSIM, or the eSIM is not chosen for mobile data. Turn both on, switch off any VPN, and restart if needed.

Why does my eSIM say No Service?+

The phone has not registered on a local network yet. Make sure the line is on and you are in the plan's country, toggle airplane mode, or choose a local network by hand.

Do I need to turn on data roaming for an eSIM?+

Yes, for a travel eSIM. Travel eSIMs usually connect as a roaming line and that roaming is included in the plan. Keep roaming off on your home line to avoid charges.

What does Unable to complete cellular plan change mean?+

The eSIM could not finish installing, usually because of a weak connection, a code that was already used, or a carrier lock. Check whether it installed anyway, join stable Wi-Fi, and confirm the phone is unlocked.

Can I reinstall an eSIM I deleted?+

Usually not. Most eSIM codes can only be installed once. Contact support with your order details if you deleted one by mistake.

Why is my eSIM so slow?+

On a daily plan you may have used that day's full-speed allowance, and speed returns the next day. Otherwise turn off Low Data Mode, allow 4G or 5G, and try switching your home line off.

Can I make calls on a travel eSIM?+

Not normal calls, because travel eSIMs are data only with no phone number. Use app calls over the data, or keep your home line on for calls and texts.

Should I reset network settings?+

Only as a last resort, after the other fixes. If your phone offers to erase eSIMs during a reset, say no.

Does a VPN stop an eSIM from working?+

It can block the first connection on a new network. Turn the VPN off, confirm data works, then turn it back on.