You land, switch on your phone, and your eSIM just won't connect. It is frustrating, but it is almost always one of a handful of settings, and most of them take seconds to fix. Before you try anything else, read the one rule below.
Important: don't delete your eSIM while troubleshooting. An eSIM profile usually can't be reinstalled once it has been removed. If none of the steps below work, contact support first.
Here is why your eSIM might not be activating, in the order we recommend checking.
Quick checklist:
- 1. Are you in the coverage area yet?
- 2. Is the eSIM line turned on and selected for data?
- 3. Is data roaming on for the eSIM?
- 4. Has your phone found a partner network?
- 5. Have you tried airplane mode and a restart?
- 6. Does the APN need setting?
- 7. Is your phone compatible and unlocked?
- 8. Still nothing? Contact support
1. You Are Not in the Coverage Area Yet
A travel eSIM only connects inside the countries it covers. A France eSIM won't connect in London, and a Japan eSIM won't connect while you are still at home. If you installed it before your trip, that is expected: it will connect when you land.
Flying via a hub in another country? The eSIM won't work there either, unless that country is included in your plan. Use airport Wi-Fi during the layover.
2. The eSIM Line Is Off or Not Selected for Data
Your phone may still be trying to use your home SIM for data.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular. Tap the eSIM line and check Turn On This Line. Then tap Cellular Data and select the eSIM.
- Android: Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung) or Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel). Switch the eSIM on and set it for mobile data.
Here is a full guide to setting up an eSIM next to your regular SIM.
3. Data Roaming Is Off for the eSIM
This is the most common cause. egoViet eSIMs connect through partner networks, so data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. It sounds wrong, but you won't be charged roaming fees: the data comes from your prepaid plan.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM line, turn on Data Roaming.
- Android: In the eSIM's settings, turn on Roaming.
Keep data roaming off on your home SIM, so it doesn't use your home plan abroad.
4. Your Phone Hasn't Found a Partner Network
Phones usually pick a network automatically, but sometimes they get stuck. Go to Network Selection (iPhone: in the eSIM line settings; Android: Mobile networks > Network operators), turn off automatic selection, and wait for the list. Pick the network named in your eSIM details, then switch automatic selection back on later if you like.
5. Try Airplane Mode and a Restart
Turn airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off. If that doesn't help, restart your phone. This forces it to register on the network again and fixes a surprising number of problems. Avoid resetting network settings or erasing your phone without asking support first, as some reset options can remove eSIMs.
6. The APN Needs Setting
An APN tells your phone how to connect to the network's internet gateway. Most eSIMs set it automatically. If your eSIM shows signal bars but no internet, check whether your installation email lists an APN and enter it in your settings. Here is how to check and update your APN.
7. Your Phone Isn't Compatible or Is Locked
If the eSIM never installed properly, your phone may not support eSIM, or it may be locked to your home carrier. Check both:
- Dial
*#06#. If there is no EID, your phone doesn't support eSIM. Here is how to check by brand. - On iPhone, Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions". Here is how to check if your phone is unlocked.
Our eSIM compatibility list covers the most common models.
8. Still Not Working? Contact Support
If you have been through every step, get in touch before changing anything else. Our team is available 24/7 and can check the status of your eSIM. Have your order number and a screenshot of your eSIM settings ready. Reach us through the contact page or the help center.
Setting up for the first time? Follow our eSIM installation guide step by step.
FAQs: eSIM Not Activating
Why is my eSIM not working after installation?
Most often, you are not in the coverage area yet, the eSIM isn't selected for mobile data, or data roaming is off for the eSIM line. Check those three first.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for my eSIM?
Yes, for egoViet eSIMs. They connect through local partner networks, so data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. You won't pay roaming fees, because the data comes from your prepaid plan.
Should I delete and reinstall my eSIM if it doesn't work?
No. An eSIM usually can't be reinstalled once removed. Try the other steps first, then contact support.
Why does my eSIM show signal but no internet?
Usually data roaming is off for the eSIM, the wrong line is selected for data, or the APN needs to be set. Toggling airplane mode often helps too.