What to Do If Your eSIM Isn’t Working

eSIMs have made staying connected abroad easier than ever. With a quick QR code scan, you can activate mobile data almost instantly without needing a physical SIM card. But what happens if things don’t go to plan? Maybe your phone isn’t connecting, data isn’t working, or your eSIM just won’t activate. Don’t worry — these problems are usually simple to fix once you know what to check.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and get your eSIM up and running quickly so you can get back to enjoying your trip.

1. Check That Your Device Supports eSIM

It sounds obvious, but this is the first thing to confirm. Most modern smartphones now support eSIM technology, but some older models and budget devices do not. Even if your phone is eSIM-capable, a few devices from certain regions (like US-locked models) can have network restrictions.

What to do:

• Double-check your phone model on the Planet eSIM compatibility list.
• Ensure your device is unlocked. Carrier-locked phones can sometimes prevent eSIM activation.

2. Make Sure the eSIM Installed Correctly

If the eSIM profile wasn’t installed properly, your phone may not be able to connect to a network. This is one of the most common issues travellers run into, and it’s usually easy to solve.

What to do:

• Go to your phone’s settings and check if the eSIM appears under “Mobile Data” or “Cellular Plans.”
• If you don’t see it, try reinstalling the eSIM by scanning the QR code again or entering the activation details manually.
• Restart your phone once the eSIM is installed — this often resolves connection glitches.

Tip: Remember that each QR code can only be used once. If you’ve deleted the eSIM, you’ll need a new one from your provider.

3. Turn On Data Roaming

One of the most common reasons an eSIM won’t connect is that Data Roaming is switched off. Even though you’re using an international plan, your device still needs this setting enabled to connect to local networks abroad.

What to do:

• On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Your eSIM → Data Roaming → Toggle ON
• On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Data Roaming → Toggle ON

Make sure you enable Data Roaming for the eSIM plan itself, not just your primary SIM card.

4. Select the eSIM as Your Data Line

If you’re using dual SIMs, your phone might still be trying to use your regular SIM for data. That means the eSIM will appear to “not work” even though it’s active and ready.

What to do:

• Head to your Mobile Data settings and select the eSIM as your default data line.
• You can still keep your home SIM active for calls and messages while using the eSIM for data.

This quick switch solves many connection problems instantly.

5. Manually Select a Network

Sometimes your phone doesn’t automatically connect to a local carrier. This can happen if you’re in an area with weaker signal or if multiple networks are available.

What to do:

• Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Network Operators.
• Turn off automatic selection and choose a carrier manually from the list.
• Wait a few minutes to see if your phone connects.

If one network doesn’t work, try another. eSIM plans often have agreements with more than one local provider.

6. Restart Your Phone

It might sound simple, but restarting your device clears temporary glitches and forces it to re-register with the mobile network. This step alone solves a surprising number of eSIM problems.

What to do: Turn off your phone completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and check if the connection appears.

7. Check Data Allowance and Expiry

If your eSIM worked initially but has suddenly stopped, it could be because your data allowance has been used up or the plan has expired.

What to do:

• Use the link in your Planet eSIM confirmation email to access your usage dashboard.
• Check how much data you’ve used and when your plan expires.
• If you’re out of data, consider topping up or purchasing a new plan.

8. Update Your Device Software

Outdated software can sometimes cause eSIM compatibility issues, particularly if your phone’s carrier settings haven’t been updated recently.

What to do:

• Check for any available iOS or Android updates and install them.
• Also check for carrier settings updates (on iPhone: Settings → General → About).

Once updated, restart your phone and see if the eSIM connects.

9. Try Airplane Mode or Reset Network Settings

If none of the above steps work, a quick network reset can sometimes resolve stubborn issues.

What to do:

• Turn on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then switch it off and try reconnecting.
• If that doesn’t work, consider resetting your network settings (note: this will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings).

On iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
On Android: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network Settings

10. Contact Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your eSIM still isn’t working, it’s time to reach out for help. Sometimes the issue may be on the provider’s side, such as a temporary outage or an activation delay.

What to do:

• Contact the Planet eSIM support team and share details like your device model, order number, and what steps you’ve already tried.
• We’ll help you troubleshoot further or issue a replacement eSIM if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Most eSIM issues are simple to fix once you know what to check. In many cases, it’s as easy as switching on Data Roaming, selecting the correct data line, or reinstalling the eSIM. By following these steps, you’ll usually have your mobile data back in just a few minutes.

Still having trouble? Our support team is always here to help. Visit esim.planet.uk for troubleshooting tips, or contact us directly for personalised support.