eSIM Not Working? Fixes in the Right Order

2026-06-02 · 4 min read · updated 2026-10-09

When a travel eSIM isn't working, the cause is almost always a setting, not a broken plan. Work through the fixes below in order. Each step takes a minute, and most problems are solved by the first three. If none of them helps, the last section tells you what to send us.

First: which problem do you have?

• The eSIM won't install → start with the install section.
• It installed, but you are at home and it says No Service → that is normal. It only connects in the destination. Don't delete it.
• You have landed and there is no data → go to the landing fixes.
• It worked, then stopped or slowed → go to "Data stopped mid-trip".

The eSIM won't install

1. Check Wi-Fi. The phone downloads the plan, so it needs a stable connection. Hotel and airport Wi-Fi with a login page can block the download.
2. Keep the setup open. Don't leave the screen, close the app or delete the eSIM while it downloads.
3. If the install link stalls, use the QR code from the install page or your receipt, scanned from a second screen. The install page also shows the SM-DP+ address and activation code for manual entry.
4. "Cannot add" or no Add eSIM option usually means the phone is carrier-locked or has no eSIM chip. See does my phone support eSIM.
5. An error saying the code was already used usually means the eSIM is already installed. Look in your mobile settings for a second line before trying again.

More install errors and their fixes are in eSIM won't install.

Landing fixes: no data in the destination

Fix 1: Data Roaming on for the travel line

This is the most common cause of signal without internet. The eSIM is a visitor on the local network, so it needs roaming on.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [travel line] → Data Roaming (under Cellular Data Options on some versions; see Apple's roaming help).
• Android: open the travel SIM's settings and turn on Roaming. On Samsung it is under Settings → Connections → Mobile networks. Names vary by phone.

Keep data roaming off on your home line so your own carrier can't charge you. The short landing-day sequence is also in no service after landing.

Fix 2: the travel line selected for mobile data

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → choose the travel line.
• Android: in the SIM settings, set Mobile data to the travel SIM.

Fix 3: toggle Airplane Mode once

On, wait ten seconds, off. That forces a fresh network search. If it doesn't help, restart the phone.

Fix 4: choose a network by hand

Sometimes the phone keeps trying a network the plan can't use. Turn off automatic network selection and pick another one from the list.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [travel line] → Network Selection → turn off Automatic.
• Android: in the travel SIM's settings, find Network operators and turn off automatic selection.

Wait for the list, choose a network, and try another if the first doesn't connect. The destination guide lists the networks our plans use there, for example the Japan guide.

Fix 5: the APN, if your install page lists one

Most plans set it automatically. If your install page shows an APN, enter it: on iPhone under Settings → Cellular → [travel line] → Cellular Data Network; on Android under the travel SIM's Access Point Names.

Fix 6: are you inside the coverage?

A country plan stops at the border, and a regional plan only covers the countries it lists. Check the list on your product page, for example Europe.

Data stopped mid-trip

• Check your account page. It shows your eSIMs; a fixed plan stops when its data is used, and every plan ends when its validity does.
• Unlimited plan slowed down? Unlimited plans have a daily high-speed allowance, shown on the plan line. After it, speed drops until the next day.
• Need more? Top up from your account page. It is a deliberate tap; nothing renews by itself.
• Slow in one place only? Busy areas, stations and stadiums can be slow on any network. Try Fix 4 to move to another network.

Lost your receipt or install page?

Open your account page and sign in with Apple or Google, using the email from your receipt. Your eSIMs are listed there. On a phone where you aren't signed in, the access code we emailed you restores them. If you can't find either, email hello@e-sim.net from the address you paid with.

Still stuck?

Don't delete the eSIM. An install code usually works once, and deleting can leave you without the plan. Instead, email hello@e-sim.net with your order id, the phone model and what the travel line shows (No Service, SOS, or bars but no data). If the eSIM never connected to a network, you get a full refund. Once it has connected, the plan counts as used.

Want to prevent all this next time? The routine is in how to activate your eSIM, with install steps for iPhone and Android. For a new plan, go to the eSIM page.

Find my plan