How to fix eSIM not connecting on iPhone

Getting an "Unable to Activate eSIM" error?

This is completely normal. It happens when you install your eSIM before arriving at your destination — the eSIM installs fine in the background, but can't activate until you're in the destination country. You'll be connected automatically when you land no you can leave it as is.

Common symptoms

• Extremely slow speeds
• Only "E" (Edge) showing instead of 4G, LTE or 5G
• No internet connection despite the eSIM showing as connected

Do not delete the eSIM from your phone. Follow the steps below or contact us if you need help.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check you're in the service area

Your eSIM only works in its designated destination — a USA eSIM won't connect in Europe, and so on. If you're using a regional eSIM (e.g. Europe), make sure your specific country is covered.

2. Enable data roaming and set mobile data

This is the most common fix.

1. Go to Settings > Mobile (or Cellular)
2. Tap Mobile Data and select your eSIM — it may be labelled "Secondary", "Personal" or "Travel"
3. Tap into the eSIM and make sure Data Roaming is ON
4. Toggle flight mode on, wait 30 seconds, turn it off

3. Reset the connection

If the above settings are all correct then often we can reset the connection using airplane mode.

1. Enable Airplane Mode
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Turn it off

Allow up to 15 minutes for the eSIM to authenticate when first arriving in a new country.

4. Manually select a network

If the above does not work, sometimes telling the eSIM which network to use can solve the connectivity issue.

1. Go to Settings > Mobile (or Cellular) > select your eSIM
2. Tap Network Selection and turn off Automatic
3. Wait for the network list to load, then select a network. Multiple networks are available - if one doesn't connect, try another.
4. Toggle flight mode on, wait 30 seconds, turn it off
5. Once connected, toggle Automatic back on

5. Turn off any VPN or Parental Control

If you're using a VPN, Parental control or any sort of blocking technology possibly from a work phone - please disable that as it could interfere with the connection.

Still not working?

Contact us and we'll get you sorted as soon as possible (usually within a few hours). In rare cases there may be no service in the area or a network outage beyond our control, sometimes we may need to replace your eSIM but we'll do everything we can to get you connected.