eSIM Not Working? Let's Fix It Together

eSIM technology makes connecting abroad easier than ever — no more fumbling with tiny SIM cards at airport kiosks. But sometimes things don't go as smoothly as expected. Whether you're seeing "Unable to add eSIM," your QR code won't scan, or your phone just won't connect to the local network, you're not alone. These are common issues with straightforward solutions.

This guide walks you through the most frequent eSIM activation problems and how to resolve them on both iPhone and Android devices. Follow along step by step, and you'll be connected in no time.

Always install your eSIM while connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Attempting to install over mobile data may cause the process to fail.

Problem 1: QR Code Won't Scan

After purchasing your eSIM, you'll receive a QR code via email. If your phone can't read it, here's what to check.

Common Causes

Screen brightness is too low, or the QR code image is blurry
Camera lens is dirty or obstructed
You're trying to scan the QR code displayed on the same device (this doesn't work)
No Wi-Fi connection during the scan attempt

How to Fix It

Display the QR code on a separate screen — open it on a computer monitor, tablet, or another phone, then scan it with your device.
Increase screen brightness to maximum and zoom into the QR code.
Clean your camera lens with a soft cloth.
Confirm you're connected to Wi-Fi before scanning.
Use manual entry instead — if the QR code still won't work, enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. You'll find these details in your purchase confirmation email.

You cannot scan a QR code displayed on the same phone you're installing the eSIM on. Always display the QR code on a different screen — a laptop, desktop, or another mobile device works perfectly.

Problem 2: "Unable to Add eSIM" Error

You've scanned the QR code, but your phone says it can't add the eSIM. Here's why this happens and how to resolve it.

Common Causes

Your device doesn't support eSIM
The QR code has already been used (each QR code works only once)
Your device has reached its eSIM storage limit
Your phone is carrier-locked

How to Fix It

Verify eSIM support: On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular and look for "Add eSIM." On Android, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
Check existing eSIMs: Review your installed cellular plans and remove any unused eSIMs to free up space.
Restart your device: A simple restart resolves more issues than you'd expect. Power off, wait 30 seconds, then power back on.
Check for carrier lock: See the carrier lock section below for detailed instructions.

A QR code can only be used once. If installation failed midway, check your Settings to see whether the eSIM was partially installed. If it wasn't installed at all, you can try scanning the same QR code again.

Problem 3: Carrier Lock Issues

Some phones purchased through a carrier are locked to that carrier's network. This means you can't install an eSIM from a different provider until the lock is removed.

How to Check for Carrier Lock

iPhone

Go to Settings → General → About.
Scroll down to "Carrier Lock."
If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked and ready.

Android

Go to Settings → Connections → Networks.
Try inserting a SIM from a different carrier to see if it's recognized.
Alternatively, contact your carrier's customer service to confirm your unlock status.

If your phone is carrier-locked, contact your original carrier to request an unlock. In many countries, carriers are required to unlock phones once your contract has ended or the device is fully paid off. This process typically takes 1-3 business days.

Problem 4: "No Network Found" After Installation

Your eSIM is installed, but your phone shows no signal or says "No Service." This is usually a settings issue and is easy to fix.

Fix on iPhone (iOS)

Turn on Data Roaming: Settings → Cellular → select your eSIM → toggle Data Roaming on.
Set eSIM as primary data line: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select your eSIM.
Make sure the eSIM line is active: Settings → Cellular → tap the eSIM plan → ensure "Turn On This Line" is enabled.
Enable automatic network selection: Settings → Cellular → tap eSIM → Network Selection → toggle Automatic on.

Fix on Android

Turn on Data Roaming: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → toggle Data Roaming on.
Set eSIM as mobile data SIM: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → select eSIM for Mobile Data.
Check network mode: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Mode → select LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).
Enable auto network selection: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → toggle Automatic on.

Data Roaming must be turned on for your eSIM to work abroad. Don't worry — since you're using a prepaid eSIM data plan, enabling roaming will NOT result in surprise charges from your home carrier.

Configuring APN Settings

APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to the mobile network. Most eSIMs configure this automatically, but if yours didn't, you may need to enter the settings manually.

On iPhone

Go to Settings → Cellular → select your eSIM → Cellular Data Network.
Enter the APN details provided in your purchase confirmation email.
Restart your device after entering the settings.

On Android

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names.
Tap "+" or "Add" to create a new APN.
Enter the APN details from your confirmation email and save.
Select the new APN and restart your device.

eSIMs purchased from eSIMzip typically configure APN settings automatically. If you need to set them manually, the APN information is included in your purchase confirmation email.

Resetting Network Settings

If none of the above steps work, resetting your network settings can resolve stubborn connectivity issues. Note that this will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN configurations.

On iPhone

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode to confirm.
After your device restarts, reconfigure your eSIM settings.

On Android

Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Select the SIM to reset and confirm.
After restart, reconfigure your eSIM settings.

Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Make sure to note down important Wi-Fi credentials (like your hotel or airport Wi-Fi) before proceeding.

When to Install: Before Departure vs. After Arrival

One of the most common questions is when to install the eSIM. Our strong recommendation: install before you leave, activate after you arrive.

Recommended Steps

1-2 days before departure: Install the eSIM while connected to your home Wi-Fi.
After installation: Confirm the eSIM plan appears in your cellular settings.
Before boarding: Enable Airplane Mode.
After landing: Disable Airplane Mode, turn on Data Roaming, and set the eSIM as your primary data line.

Some eSIM plans start their data validity period at the moment of installation, while others start when you first use data. Check the product details on eSIMzip's store page to know when your plan's clock starts ticking.

Managing Dual SIM Setup

With an eSIM, your phone operates in dual SIM mode — your physical SIM handles calls and texts with your regular number, while the eSIM handles mobile data abroad.

Recommended Dual SIM Configuration

Default voice line: Your physical SIM (keeps your phone number active)
Default data line: Your eSIM (uses the travel data plan)
iMessage / FaceTime: Keep on your physical SIM number

Turn off mobile data for your physical SIM to avoid accidental roaming charges from your home carrier. Make sure only the eSIM is set as the active data line.

Still Not Working? Contact Support

If you've tried everything above and your eSIM still isn't working, the eSIMzip support team is here to help. To speed up the process, please have the following information ready:

What to Prepare

Your device model and OS version (e.g., iPhone 15, iOS 17.4)
The eSIM product name and order number
Screenshots of any error messages
A list of troubleshooting steps you've already tried

Reach out through eSIMzip Support Center via live chat or email. You can also browse common questions on our FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Most eSIM activation issues come down to a few simple fixes: turning on Data Roaming, setting the correct default data line, and verifying APN settings. Keep these three things in mind, and you'll resolve the vast majority of problems on your own.

If you're still stuck, don't hesitate to contact eSIMzip Support — we're here to make sure your trip starts without connectivity headaches.

Haven't purchased your eSIM yet? Browse plans for your destination at the eSIMzip Store.