eSIM Not Working Abroad? 8 Fixes That Usually Work

You land, switch off airplane mode and... nothing. Signal bars but no internet, or "No Service" on your new eSIM. Don't panic: nine times out of ten it's a setting, and you can fix it in a couple of minutes. Work through these steps in order.

Important: don't delete your eSIM while troubleshooting. Most eSIMs can only be installed once, and deleting it usually means you can't get it back.

1. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM

This is the number one cause. Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks, which your phone treats as roaming.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → select your travel eSIM → turn on Data Roaming.
• Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select the eSIM → turn on Roaming.

2. Use the eSIM for mobile data

Your phone may still be trying to use your home SIM for data.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → choose the travel eSIM. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching so it doesn't jump back.
• Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → choose the eSIM.

3. Make sure the eSIM line is turned on

In the same SIM menu, check that the eSIM line itself is switched on. Some phones turn a newly installed line off by default.

4. Toggle airplane mode or restart

Turn airplane mode on for 15 seconds and off again. If that doesn't help, restart the phone. This forces it to search for networks again, which often fixes it right after landing.

5. Select a network manually

Go to Network Selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: SIM settings → Network operators), turn off Automatic, wait for the list and pick another network. If one doesn't work, try the next. Your plan page lists the supported operators.

6. Check the APN

Most eSIMs set the APN automatically. If your installation instructions list one, make sure it's entered under Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Access Point Names (Android) for the eSIM line.

7. Check the plan itself

Open your Simsiz account and check that the eSIM is active, has data left and that you're in a country the plan covers. If you're traveling through several countries, a regional plan such as a Europe eSIM avoids gaps.

8. Turn off VPNs and Low Data Mode, briefly

A VPN, a private DNS setting or a data-saving app can block traffic on a new connection. Switch them off, test, then switch them back on.

Still no luck?

Contact us from your account with your phone model, the country you're in and a screenshot of your cellular settings. In the meantime, prevent problems on your next trip:

• Install your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, a day before you fly.
• Check that your phone is unlocked and on our eSIM compatible phones list.
• Follow the installation guide and keep the roaming switches in mind for landing.