eSIM not working? A field-tested troubleshooting checklist

When an eSIM stops working, the cause is usually one of eight things. Run this list top to bottom; stop when it works.

1. Toggle airplane mode

The dumbest first step. About 20% of "eSIM not connecting" reports are fixed by 10 seconds in airplane mode.

2. Check data line and roaming are on

Settings → Cellular → eSIM name → Enable This Line / Cellular Data / Data Roaming. All three need to be on for a travel profile.

3. Manual network selection

If auto-attach times out, pick a carrier manually.

• iOS: Settings → Cellular → eSIM name → Network Selection → off Automatic, pick the strongest one.
• Android: Settings → SIM → Mobile networks → Network operators → Search.

4. APN check

Provider QR codes should populate this but occasionally don't. The provider's order email usually lists the APN string. Plug it into Cellular → eSIM → Access Point Names.

5. Restart

After APN changes, a full reboot resolves about half the "still no data" cases.

6. Confirm the profile didn't get consumed

Many providers issue single-install QR codes. If you scanned once on a different phone (or scanned twice before activation), the profile is burned. Email support; they'll usually issue a new one.

7. Confirm IMEI compatibility

Some travel eSIM providers gate by IMEI region (rarely). The receipt email tells you whether yours was accepted. If not, request a refund and try a different brand.

8. The chip is the wrong size

This only applies to programmable physical cards, not embedded eSIMs. If your phone has a nano-SIM tray and you ordered a regular eSIM card, you'll need an adapter. Most 9eSIM cards ship with a cutout that snaps to nano size.

When none of these work

Take a screenshot of the eSIM details (name, SM-DP+ address, ICCID — not the activation code), then email the provider. Include the steps you've already tried. Reputable providers respond within hours; the rest you should be wary of next time.