So you’ve made the leap and bought an international data eSIM! Learning how to activate and connect can be a bit tricky if you’re new to eSIMs. We’ve identified a few of the most common problems and how to correct them. If nothing works, be sure to contact your eSIM provider to make sure your account is active.
Common eSIM Issues and Fixes
| Issue | Possible Causes | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|---|
| No Signal Bars and No Service | Airplane Mode is on | Turn Airplane Mode off and restart your device. |
| eSIM Profile Not Active | Go to Settings on your device and make sure to turn on the eSIM line. | |
| Signal Bars but No Service | Data Roaming Disabled | Go to Settings on your device (Settings-Cellular on iPhone and Settings- Connections- SIM Manager on Samsung) and click on the eSIM line. Make sure data roaming is turned on. |
| eSIM Expired or Data Depleted | Check the validity and data balance of your eSIM. If necessary, top up your data or purchase a new eSIM. | |
| Slow Data Speeds | Network Congestion | Move to a different location with better network coverage. You’ll get better signal outside. |
| Data-Intensive Apps Running in Background | Close any unnecessary apps running in the background. | |
| Weak Signal Strength | Sometimes 4G LTE will have better coverage. In Settings, change the network preference from 5G to 4G/LTE. | |
| Using Data Too Fast | Apps updating in the background | Go to Settings and set app updates to only occur on Wi-Fi Restrict only essential apps to use cellular |
Additional Tips
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve minor eSIM registration issues.
- Device Compatibility: If you’re traveling to a different region, your device may not be optimized for the frequency bands used, so you may not get 5G service like you do at home.
