If your eSIM is not working — no data, no signal, or it just will not activate — the fix is usually a quick setting, not a broken plan. Work through this checklist from top to bottom and you will resolve the vast majority of eSIM problems in a few minutes.
First checks when your eSIM is not working
- Are you at your destination? Many plans only activate once you reach the country they cover. No Service at home before a trip is normal.
- Toggle Airplane Mode off and on to force a fresh network search.
- Restart the phone. It sounds obvious, but a reboot fixes a surprising number of registration issues.
Fix 1: Turn on data roaming for the eSIM
This is the number-one cause of an eSIM with signal but no internet. Select the travel eSIM and switch Data Roaming ON for that line. It is normal and required for travel eSIMs — it is how they connect to local networks. Keep roaming off on your home SIM so your own carrier cannot charge you.
- iPhone: Settings ▸ Cellular ▸ [travel eSIM] ▸ Data Roaming.
- Android: Settings ▸ Network & internet ▸ SIMs ▸ [travel eSIM] ▸ Roaming.
Fix 2: Set the eSIM as your data line
Signal but still no data often means your phone is trying to use the wrong line for internet.
- iPhone: Settings ▸ Cellular ▸ Cellular Data ▸ choose the travel eSIM.
- Android: Settings ▸ Network & internet ▸ SIMs ▸ Mobile data ▸ choose the travel eSIM.
Fix 3: Check the APN
Occasionally the APN (the setting that tells your phone how to reach the data network) does not fill in automatically. Look up the correct APN for your plan and enter it manually.
- iPhone: Settings ▸ Cellular ▸ [travel eSIM] ▸ Cellular Data Network ▸ APN.
- Android: Settings ▸ Network & internet ▸ SIMs ▸ [travel eSIM] ▸ Access Point Names.
Fix 4: Select the network manually
If the phone will not latch onto a carrier, turn off automatic selection and pick a network by hand.
- Go to network selection (iPhone: Settings ▸ Cellular ▸ [eSIM] ▸ Network Selection; Android: Mobile network ▸ Network operators).
- Turn Automatic off, wait for the list, and choose one of the available carriers. Try another if the first fails.
Fix 5: Confirm coverage and remaining data
- Make sure you are inside the plan's coverage area — a single-country plan will not work in a neighboring country.
- Check that you have not used up your data allowance or reached the end of the validity window.
Still stuck?
If none of the above works, delete and reinstall the eSIM profile only as a last resort, and only if you still have the original QR code or link (some can be installed once). If reinstalling is risky for your plan, contact support first. It also helps to re-check that your device is genuinely eSIM-capable and unlocked — see does my phone support eSIM — and that you followed the activation steps in order.
FAQ
I have signal bars but no internet — why?
Almost always data roaming is off for the eSIM, or your phone is using the wrong line for data. Apply Fix 1 and Fix 2.
My eSIM says No Service — what should I do?
Restart the phone, toggle Airplane Mode, and try selecting a network manually (Fix 4). Confirm you are within the plan's coverage area.
Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?
Only as a last resort. Some profiles can be installed just once, so check with support before removing it.
Data was working, then stopped — what happened?
You may have hit your data cap or the end of the validity period, or moved outside coverage. Check your remaining balance.
Need a fresh plan or a top-up? Browse plans and get a new QR code in seconds.