You've just landed abroad, installed your eSIM, and you're ready to hop online — only to see "No Service" or no data connection at all. Frustrating, right?
The good news: in most cases the issue isn't with your eSIM itself but with a simple setting you might have overlooked. This guide walks you through the most common reasons an eSIM won't connect and how to fix them quickly.
1. Check if your device supports eSIM
Not every phone works with eSIM. iPhone support starts from the iPhone XS series. On Android, support varies — Google Pixel, newer Samsung Galaxy, and some other flagships typically support eSIM. If your device doesn't support eSIM, you'll need a physical SIM instead.
2. Make sure the eSIM line is enabled
After installation you must manually enable the eSIM line:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → turn on the eSIM line.
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → enable the eSIM.
3. Turn on Data Roaming
This is the #1 mistake travelers make. Without Data Roaming enabled your phone won't connect abroad — even with an active eSIM. Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → switch Data Roaming to ON. (Your plan is prepaid, so this never causes extra charges.)
4. Enter the correct APN
- Open your phone's Cellular/Mobile Data Network settings.
- Enter the APN provided in your confirmation email (e.g. "internet").
- Restart your phone after saving.
5. Select the right network manually
If your phone doesn't latch onto a local carrier, go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Networks → Network Selection, turn off Automatic, and choose the recommended carrier from your provider's instructions.
Final checks
- Restart your device.
- Toggle the eSIM line off and back on.
- Connect to Wi-Fi briefly, then switch back to mobile data.
- Double-check your data balance hasn't run out.