Why is my eSIM not working?
There may be several reasons why your eSIMfo pack or your eSIM in general is not working. Performing a few troubleshooting steps can help you identify the problem and get connected quickly.
Where does my eSIM work?
Remember; your eSIM can only work when it is within its designated coverage area. For example, an eSIM prepared for France will only work in France. If you install the eSIM outside the coverage area, you must wait until you enter the coverage area to connect to a network.
Checking the reason why your eSIM is not working
If you are within the eSIM's coverage area and are having trouble using your eSIM, follow the steps below.
Ensure your eSIM is installed correctly
If you followed the instructions for installing your eSIM, you should see your eSIM in the SIMs section of your device settings. Whenever possible, you can also see that the eSIM has been successfully installed in the eSIMfo app.
Don't forget to assign a unique label or name to your eSIM. This way, you can easily identify your eSIM when there are multiple SIMs on your device.
Make sure you followed the connection steps
Once the eSIM is installed on your device, you will need to adjust a few settings to connect to a network. Depending on your eSIM and device, the steps may vary slightly, but you will always need to do the following:
- Make sure the eSIM is turned on.
- Make sure the eSIM is selected for data.
- For eSIMs with calling and texting features, you must also ensure the eSIM is selected for calls and texts.
Make sure Airplane Mode is off
It may seem simple, but it's one of the most common reasons devices can't connect to a mobile network. When Airplane Mode is on, all wireless communications are disabled. This includes your mobile data and eSIM connection. Even if your eSIM is installed and your settings are correct, you won't be able to connect to a network until Airplane Mode is turned off.
Wait a few seconds after turning off Airplane Mode. Your device will start searching for available networks, and your eSIM will initiate the connection process shortly.
Check APN settings
Some eSIMs require you to specify a certain Access Point Name (APN) in your device settings. You can find this information in the installation instructions in the eSIMfo app. In many cases, the APN is set automatically.
If it’s not set automatically, you can check the installation instructions and enter the APN manually.
Turn on data roaming
Some eSIMs require you to turn on data roaming. You can do this in your device settings.
- On iOS devices: You can turn on international roaming for individual SIMs. To avoid roaming charges on your primary (home) SIM, make sure this setting is turned off for that line.
- On Android devices: International roaming usually covers all SIMs in use. To avoid roaming charges, make sure you temporarily turn off your primary SIM.
Select the network manually
Your eSIM can connect to at least one network in the coverage area. In some cases, it has the capacity to connect to multiple networks. In most cases, it connects to the strongest available network automatically, while in some cases, it may select the wrong network.
You can find the available networks for your eSIM in the installation instructions section. Follow the steps for network selection to select the network manually.
Temporarily turn off other SIMs
If your device allows multiple SIMs to be active at the same time, temporarily turn off other SIMs that may affect your eSIMs' ability to connect. You can manage this from the SIMs section of your device settings.
Adjust your network mode
In some cases, it may be easier for your eSIM to connect to a network in a different mode. If you are trying to use 5G, try connecting with 4G/LTE or 3G.
- On iOS: To adjust the network mode, you need to go to your eSIM in your device settings.
- On Android: To adjust the network mode, you need to go to your mobile network settings.
Once your eSIM is working, you can try setting it to your preferred network mode.
Restart your device
If you've tried all other steps, you can try restarting your device. In some cases, this refreshes your device's connection and allows your eSIM to establish a connection.
Check your signal coverage
If none of the troubleshooting steps work, the signal coverage in your location may not be strong enough to connect to a network. Try moving to a more open area or changing locations.