eSIM Not Working Abroad? 7 Quick Fixes to Try First

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Before diving into fixes, verify these basics. Sometimes the problem is simpler than you think.

Is Your eSIM Actually Installed?

Go to Settings and check your cellular or mobile data section. You should see your eSIM listed with its label. If you don't see it at all, you need to install it first. Check our eSIM activation guide for installation instructions.

Are You in Coverage Area?

Your eSIM only works where it has coverage. If you're in a remote location, underground, or in a building with thick walls, you might not get signal anywhere. Try moving to a window or going outside.

Does Your eSIM Have Data Left?

Check if your data plan has expired or if you've used all your data. Many eSIM providers have apps that show your remaining balance. If you're out of data, you'll need to purchase more.

Is Your Phone Unlocked?

Carrier-locked phones won't work with eSIMs from other providers. If you got your phone through a carrier contract, verify it's unlocked before troubleshooting further.

Fix 1: Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

This is the simplest fix and solves about 30 percent of eSIM connection problems. It forces your phone to search for networks again.

How to Do It

1. Turn on Airplane Mode: Swipe down from the top of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center. Tap the airplane icon to turn it on.
2. Wait 10 seconds: Give your phone a moment to fully disconnect from all networks.
3. Turn off Airplane Mode: Tap the airplane icon again to turn it off.
4. Wait for connection: Your phone searches for available networks. This takes 15 to 30 seconds.

Why This Works

Airplane mode resets all your phone's wireless connections. When you turn it back off, your phone starts fresh looking for networks. It's like rebooting just your wireless systems without restarting your whole phone.

What to Expect

You should see signal bars appear within 30 seconds. If you still see "No Service" after a minute, move to the next fix.

Fix 2: Make Sure Data Roaming Is On

This is the most common mistake travelers make. Your eSIM needs data roaming enabled to work abroad. Don't worry - your eSIM plan covers this roaming.

For iPhone Users

1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings app.
2. Go to Cellular: Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select your eSIM: Tap on your travel eSIM line.
4. Turn on Data Roaming: Toggle "Data Roaming" to ON. It should turn green.

For Android Users

1. Open Settings: Launch your Settings app.
2. Find SIM settings: Look for Connections, Network & Internet, or SIM Card Manager.
3. Select your eSIM: Tap your travel eSIM.
4. Enable roaming: Turn on "Data Roaming" or "Roaming."

Why This Matters

Data roaming lets your phone connect to networks outside your home country. Even though your eSIM is designed for travel, your phone still treats it as roaming. You must enable this setting for your eSIM to work.

Fix 3: Restart Your Phone Completely

A full restart fixes many connection issues. It clears your phone's memory and resets all network connections properly.

How to Restart

For iPhones: Press and hold the side button and volume button until you see "slide to power off." Slide to turn off. Wait 30 seconds. Press and hold the side button to turn back on.

For Android phones: Press and hold the power button. Tap "Restart" or "Reboot." If your phone doesn't have a restart option, select "Power Off," wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Why Restart Helps

Your phone runs many background processes. Sometimes these processes get stuck or confused. A restart clears everything and starts fresh. Network connections that were stuck or incomplete get reset properly.

After Restarting

Wait a full minute after your phone turns back on. Give it time to boot up completely and search for networks. Check if you have signal. If not, continue to the next fix.

Fix 4: Manually Select a Network

Sometimes your phone picks the wrong network or can't decide which one to use. Selecting a network manually often solves this.

On iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular: Open your cellular settings.
2. Select your eSIM line: Tap your travel eSIM.
3. Tap Network Selection: Find the Network Selection option.
4. Turn off Automatic: Toggle "Automatic" to OFF.
5. Choose a network: Your phone shows available networks. Pick one (usually the strongest signal or a major carrier in that country).
6. Test the connection: Try loading a webpage or app.

On Android

1. Open SIM settings: Go to your SIM card or network settings.
2. Select your eSIM: Choose your travel eSIM line.
3. Find Network Operators: Look for "Network Operators" or "Mobile Networks."
4. Search networks: Tap "Search Networks" or similar option.
5. Select manually: Choose a network from the list that appears.

Which Network to Choose

Look for major carrier names you recognize. In Japan, that might be NTT Docomo or SoftBank. In the UK, it might be EE or Vodafone. When in doubt, try the first one on the list. If it doesn't work after a minute, try another.

What If No Networks Appear?

If the search shows no networks, you might be in an area without coverage, or your eSIM might not be activated properly. Check with your eSIM provider.

Fix 5: Check That Your eSIM Is Turned On

Your eSIM might be installed but disabled. This happens if you accidentally turned it off or if it was off when you set it up at home.

Verifying eSIM Status on iPhone

1. Settings > Cellular: Open cellular settings.
2. View your lines: You'll see all your SIM cards and eSIMs listed.
3. Check your eSIM: Your travel eSIM should show as active or on. If it says "off" or has a toggle in the off position, turn it on.
4. Set it as data line: Make sure your eSIM is selected as your Mobile Data line.

Verifying eSIM Status on Android

1. Open SIM settings: Find your SIM card manager.
2. Check your eSIM: Look at your travel eSIM. It should be enabled or on.
3. Toggle if needed: If it's disabled, tap to enable it.
4. Set for data: Make sure it's selected as your mobile data SIM.

Common Cause

This often happens when people install their eSIM at home but leave it turned off. They forget to turn it on when they land abroad. Always verify your eSIM is actually active, not just installed.

Fix 6: Verify You Have Data Remaining

If your data plan ran out or expired, your eSIM won't provide internet even if it shows signal bars.

How to Check Your Data

Most eSIM providers offer one of these ways to check your data:

• Provider app: Download and open your eSIM provider's app. It shows your remaining data and expiration date.
• Phone settings: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and look at data usage for your eSIM line. This shows how much you've used but not always how much remains.
• Provider website: Log into your provider's website to check your account balance.
• Confirmation email: Check the original email from your eSIM purchase. It lists your plan details.

What to Do If You're Out of Data

You'll need to purchase more data from your eSIM provider. Many let you top up your existing eSIM through their app or website. This is usually faster and cheaper than buying a completely new eSIM.

Expiration Dates

eSIM plans have expiration dates - the date they stop working, regardless of how much data remains. A plan might be valid for 7 days, 30 days, or longer. After that date, you need a new plan even if you didn't use all the data.

Fix 7: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing else worked, resetting your network settings often solves stubborn connection problems. This is a bigger fix, so save it for last.

What This Does

Resetting network settings erases all your saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and cellular settings. Your eSIM stays installed, but all network configurations return to defaults. You'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

On iPhone

1. Settings > General: Open your general settings.
2. Transfer or Reset iPhone: Scroll to the bottom.
3. Reset: Tap "Reset."
4. Reset Network Settings: Select this option.
5. Enter passcode: Confirm with your phone passcode.
6. Wait for restart: Your phone restarts automatically.

On Android

1. Open Settings: Launch Settings app.
2. Find Reset Options: Look for System, General Management, or similar.
3. Select Reset: Tap Reset or Reset Options.
4. Reset Network Settings: Choose "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth" or similar wording.
5. Confirm: Confirm the reset.

After Resetting

Your phone restarts. Turn on your eSIM if needed. Make sure data roaming is enabled. Try connecting again. This fix solves most remaining connection issues.

Still Not Working? Next Steps

If you tried all seven fixes and still have no connection, here's what to do next.

Contact Your eSIM Provider

Reach out to your eSIM provider's support team. They can check if your eSIM is properly activated, verify coverage in your area, and troubleshoot from their end. Many providers offer 24/7 chat support.

Check for Service Outages

Sometimes local carriers have network outages. Ask other travelers or locals if they're having connectivity issues. Check social media for reports of outages in your area.

Verify eSIM Compatibility

Double-check that your phone model supports eSIM in the country you're visiting. Some phones have eSIM capability that only works in certain regions. Your provider can confirm this.

Try a Different eSIM

If your current eSIM won't connect, consider purchasing a backup eSIM from a different provider. Sometimes one provider's network agreements work better in specific countries than others.

Find Wi-Fi

While troubleshooting, connect to Wi-Fi at your hotel, airport, or a cafe. This lets you research solutions, contact support, or purchase a new eSIM if needed. Most places offer free Wi-Fi for customers.

For more detailed troubleshooting help, visit our complete eSIM troubleshooting guide with solutions for specific device issues and advanced problems.

How to Prevent eSIM Problems

Once you're connected, follow these tips to avoid future issues.

Test Your eSIM Before Travel

Install your eSIM at home a few days before your trip. Turn it on briefly to verify it connects (even if just for a second). Then turn it off to save your data. This confirms everything works before you rely on it abroad.

Take Screenshots of Important Info

Screenshot your eSIM QR code, installation instructions, and provider support contact info. Save these to your photos. If you need to reinstall or contact support without internet, you'll have everything ready.

Enable Data Roaming Before You Land

While still on the plane or before leaving your hotel, turn on data roaming for your eSIM. Set your eSIM as your data line. This way you're ready the moment you need connection.

Check Coverage Maps

Before buying an eSIM, verify it has good coverage where you're going. If you're visiting remote areas, choose a provider with strong rural coverage, not just cities.

Keep Your Home SIM Active

Don't remove your physical SIM card. Keep it in your phone. If your eSIM has problems, you can still receive important calls or messages on your home number. Learn more in our guide on switching between eSIM and physical SIM.

Buy Enough Data

Running out of data in the middle of your trip is frustrating. Buy more data than you think you'll need, or choose a provider that lets you easily top up. For tips on managing your data, check our data-saving strategies.

Understanding Common eSIM Error Messages

Your phone might show specific error messages. Here's what they mean and how to fix them.

"No Service" or "Searching"

Your phone can't find a network to connect to. Try Fix 1 (Airplane Mode toggle) and Fix 4 (Manual network selection). If you're in a remote area, you might actually be outside coverage.

"SIM Not Provisioned"

Your eSIM isn't activated properly. Contact your eSIM provider. They need to activate it on their system. This isn't something you can fix yourself.

"Invalid SIM"

Your phone doesn't recognize your eSIM as valid. Try removing the eSIM profile completely and reinstalling it using your saved QR code. If that doesn't work, contact support.

"No Internet Connection" But You Have Signal

Your eSIM is connected to a network but data isn't working. Make sure data roaming is on (Fix 2). Check that you have data remaining (Fix 6). Verify your eSIM is set as your mobile data line.

"Cellular Data Not Available"

This usually means data roaming is off or your eSIM isn't set as your data line. Go to your cellular settings and configure these correctly.

Quick Reference: Fix Summary

Here's a quick reminder of all seven fixes in order. Work through them one by one.

1. Airplane Mode toggle: Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, turn it off. Wait 30 seconds for connection.
2. Enable data roaming: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Your eSIM > Turn on Data Roaming.
3. Restart your phone: Power off completely, wait 30 seconds, power back on. Wait a full minute after restart.
4. Select network manually: Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM > Network Selection > Turn off Automatic > Choose a network.
5. Verify eSIM is on: Check that your eSIM is enabled and set as your mobile data line in settings.
6. Check data remaining: Use your provider's app or website to verify you have data left and your plan hasn't expired.
7. Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Most problems are solved by Fixes 1, 2, or 3. If you get to Fix 7 and still have issues, contact your eSIM provider's support team.