Most eSIM problems are settings, not a broken eSIM. Work through this order:
- Turn the eSIM line on.
- Choose it as your mobile data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM (only that line) if you're abroad.
- Toggle Airplane Mode for at least 15 seconds, then restart.
- Update iOS/Android and carrier settings.
Still nothing? Check coverage and that the plan is active and has data left, then contact the provider with your error message and EID.
An eSIM that shows as installed has only saved its profile. It still has to be activated by the provider, registered on a network and selected for data. Finding which of those failed is the fastest fix.
Installation, activation, data and service are different
| Layer | What it means | If it fails, you see |
|---|---|---|
| Installed | The eSIM profile is saved on the phone | The line appears in settings |
| Activated / provisioned | The provider has switched the plan on | "Not provisioned" or activation errors. See what "eSIM not provisioned" means |
| Registered (service) | The line is attached to a network | No Service, SOS or Searching |
| Data | The line is chosen and allowed to carry data | Signal bars but no internet |
Quick fix order (both iPhone and Android)
- Confirm the plan and line are on. The eSIM must be turned on in settings, and the plan must be active (start date reached, not expired, data left).
- Check eSIM support and carrier unlock. A carrier-locked phone may install a travel eSIM but refuse its network. See how to check if your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatibility.
- Select the correct line for mobile data, and turn off automatic data switching back to your home SIM if it keeps jumping.
- Turn on Data Roaming on the travel line if the plan requires it (most travel eSIMs do). Keep roaming off on your home line to avoid charges.
- Refresh the connection. Turn Airplane Mode on for at least 15 seconds (Apple's guidance), then off, then restart the phone.
- Update the software and carrier settings (steps below).
- Check coverage and network selection. Leave network selection on Automatic first. Pick a partner network manually only if the provider lists one.
- Change the APN only if the provider gives you the exact value for your plan and device.
- Escalate with useful details (see the end of this page).
My eSIM appears installed but shows no service
This is the most common complaint, and it's a registration problem: the profile is there, but the line isn't attached to a network. Try these in order:
- Is the line turned on? iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the line > Turn On This Line. Android: open the SIM settings and turn the eSIM on.
- Are you in the plan's coverage area? A travel eSIM for Japan won't register in Korea. Some plans only start once you land in the destination.
- Is Data Roaming on for that line? Many travel eSIMs register as roaming on a partner network.
- Airplane Mode for 15+ seconds, then restart.
- Try a different network mode. On iPhone, Apple suggests checking Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and enabling LTE if it's off (or switching away from 5G-only). Weak 5G can leave a line "searching".
- Pick the network manually if the provider lists a partner network: iPhone Settings > Cellular > the line > Network Selection, turn off Automatic.
- Install any carrier settings update (iPhone: Settings > General > About on Wi-Fi).
- Still No Service or SOS? The plan may not be active on the provider's side. Contact the provider. Activation errors are covered in eSIM not provisioned.
How to fix an eSIM not working on iPhone
- Line on: Settings > Cellular > tap the eSIM > Turn On This Line.
- Data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > choose the travel eSIM. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you don't want data falling back to your home line.
- Roaming: Settings > Cellular > tap the travel eSIM > Data Roaming on (travel line only).
- Network mode: Settings > Cellular > the line > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > LTE (or 5G Auto).
- Carrier settings update: connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > About, and wait a moment. If an update is available, you'll get a prompt. Your carrier settings version is shown next to Carrier under the eSIM's section.
- Update iOS: Settings > General > Software Update.
- Run diagnostics: on iOS 18 and later, Apple says the Apple Support app can check for cellular issues and suggest next steps.
- Restart after any change.
For setup and activation steps, see how to install an eSIM on iPhone and activating it for travel.
How to fix an eSIM not working on Android
Settings vary by manufacturer. Search Settings for "SIM" if the labels differ.
- Pixel and stock Android: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > choose the eSIM > turn it on, set Mobile data to this SIM, and turn on Roaming for the travel line.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > turn the eSIM on, set it as the Mobile data SIM, then Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming.
- APN: change it only with the provider's exact values. If support asks you to reset it, use Reset to default first.
- Refresh: Airplane Mode on and off, then restart.
- Update: Settings > System > Software update (Pixel) or Settings > Software update (Samsung).
For a clean setup walkthrough, see how to install an eSIM on Android and how to activate an eSIM on Android.
eSIM mobile data not working (but you have signal)
If you have bars but no internet:
- Wrong data line. Your phone is trying to use your home SIM (with roaming off) instead of the travel eSIM. Switch the mobile data line.
- Roaming off on the travel line.
- Data used up or plan expired. Check usage in the provider's app or your phone. See how to check eSIM data usage.
- Low Data Mode or a VPN. Turn them off briefly to test.
- Hotspot not working? Some travel plans don't allow tethering. Check the plan terms and our eSIM hotspot guide.
Common eSIM symptoms and the next check
| What you see | Most likely cause | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, but No Service / SOS / Searching | Line not registered, outside coverage, or plan not started | Line on, roaming on, Airplane Mode, network selection |
| Signal bars, but no data | Wrong data line or roaming off | Mobile data line + Data Roaming on travel line |
| "Not provisioned" or activation error | Plan not active on the provider's side | Not provisioned guide, then contact the provider |
| Data worked, then stopped | Data used up or plan expired | Usage and validity in provider app |
| Calls/SMS don't work on travel eSIM | Data-only plan | Check whether the plan includes a number. See can an eSIM receive SMS? |
| Hotspot doesn't work | Plan excludes tethering | Plan terms |
| eSIM won't install at all | Compatibility, lock or a used QR code | How to install an eSIM |
Avoid these at the start
- Don't delete the eSIM to "reset" it. Apple advises against erasing an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier tells you to. You'll usually need a new one from the provider. (If you do decide to remove one later, see how to remove an eSIM from iPhone.)
- Don't reset network settings first. It also wipes saved Wi-Fi networks. Save it for when the provider asks.
- Don't copy generic APN values from forums.
- Don't turn on roaming on your home line to test.
When to contact the eSIM provider or carrier
Contact them when the phone is compatible and unlocked, the line and data settings are right, you've checked roaming and coverage, and a restart didn't help. Send:
- the exact error message or what the status bar shows
- phone model and OS version
- your EID and IMEI (iPhone: Settings > General > About; Android: Settings > About phone)
- country, network and approximate time, plus what you've already tried
Don't share your eSIM QR code or activation code publicly.
eSIM troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my eSIM not working?
Usually because the line is off, a different SIM is set for mobile data, Data Roaming is off on the travel line, or the plan isn't active yet. Fix those, toggle Airplane Mode for 15 seconds and restart.
Why does my eSIM appear installed but show no service?
"Installed" only means the profile is saved. No Service means the line hasn't registered on a network: check the line is on, you're in the plan's coverage area, roaming is on for the travel eSIM, and try Airplane Mode, LTE and manual network selection.
Why is my eSIM mobile data not working?
Your phone may be using the wrong line for data, roaming may be off on the travel eSIM, or your data may have run out. Set the travel eSIM as the mobile data line and check usage in the provider's app.
How do I fix an eSIM not working on iPhone?
Turn the line on, choose it under Cellular Data, enable Data Roaming on the travel line, toggle Airplane Mode, restart, then check for a carrier settings update in Settings > General > About. On iOS 18 or later, the Apple Support app can run diagnostics.
How do I fix an eSIM not working on Android?
Open the SIM settings (Pixel: Network & internet > SIMs; Samsung: Connections > SIM manager), turn the eSIM on, set it for mobile data, turn on roaming for the travel line, and restart. Change the APN only with the provider's exact values.
Should I delete and reinstall my eSIM?
Not as a first step. Many eSIMs can't be reinstalled from the same QR code. Apple advises erasing an eSIM only if your carrier tells you to.
Does an eSIM work on Wi-Fi only?
No. An eSIM connects to cellular networks. Wi-Fi works independently. If Wi-Fi works but cellular doesn't, the problem is the line's settings, coverage or plan.
Why does my eSIM say "No Service" when I land abroad?
The travel line may still be off, roaming may be off, or the phone needs a moment to register. Turn on the line and roaming, then toggle Airplane Mode. Some plans only activate in the destination country.
Related guides
- What does "eSIM not provisioned" mean?
- How to use an eSIM for travel
- How to check eSIM data usage
- Does eSIM drain battery?
- eSIM vs physical SIM
Sources
- Apple Support, If you see SOS, No Service, or Searching on your iPhone or iPad (120000): coverage, Airplane Mode 15 seconds, restart, line on, iOS and carrier settings update, Enable LTE, Apple Support app diagnostics. https://support.apple.com/en-us/120000
- Apple Support, If you can't set up an eSIM on your iPhone (102478). https://support.apple.com/en-us/102478
- Apple Support, How to erase an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad (102421): don't erase as a troubleshooting step. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102421
Reviewed October 5, 2026. Menu names vary by iOS/Android version, manufacturer and region.