eSIM troubleshooting

eSIM not working? Let's fix it in 2 minutes.

Most ETravelSim issues come down to one setting. Pick your phone, run the 5-step check, and you'll be online again. A real person is on WhatsApp 24/7 if you get stuck.

I'm using:
Start the 5-step check Chat on WhatsApp

What's happening?

Tap your problem to jump straight to the fix.

Connected, but no internetBars show, pages won't load "No Service" or SOSNo signal from the eSIM Can't install the eSIMQR code or setup error Data is slowPages crawl or buffer Hotspot won't workCan't share with a laptop Data ran out earlyCheck balance or top up
The 5-step check

Fixes most "no data" problems

Work through these in order and tick each one off. The settings paths change to match your phone.

Your progress0 of 5 done
  1. 1

    Check the eSIM is installed and turned on

    Your ETravelSim eSIM should appear in your phone's SIM list and be switched on. If it's missing, install it with the QR code we emailed you.

    iPhoneSettings›Mobile Data / Cellular›ETravelSim›Turn On This Line
  2. 2

    Install while you're on Wi-Fi

    Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Use Wi-Fi, or data from your home SIM, while you install.

    Best done at home or at the airport before you fly, so you land connected.
  3. 3

    Set ETravelSim as your mobile data line

    Your phone may still be trying to use your home SIM for data. Switch the data line to ETravelSim.

    iPhoneSettings›Mobile Data / Cellular›Mobile Data›ETravelSim
    Turn off "Allow Mobile Data Switching" so your phone doesn't fall back to your home SIM and run up roaming charges.
  4. 4

    Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM

    ETravelSim connects through partner networks abroad, so roaming must be on for the eSIM. You won't pay roaming fees — it's included in your plan.

    iPhoneSettings›Mobile Data / Cellular›ETravelSim›Data Roaming: On
    Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges from your own carrier.
  5. 5

    Reset the connection

    Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off. If you still have no data, restart your phone. This forces it to find the best partner network.

Ticked all five and still no data?Send us a WhatsApp message. A real person will sort it out with you, day or night.
Get help on WhatsApp
Common problems

Find your problem, follow the fix

Connected, but no internet

You see signal bars, but nothing loads
  1. Make sure Data Roaming is on for the ETravelSim line (step 4 above).
  2. Check ETravelSim is selected as your mobile data line (step 3).
  3. Check the APN. Most plans set it automatically. If your plan email lists an APN, enter it here:
iPhoneMobile Data›ETravelSim›Mobile Data Network›APN
  1. Turn off any VPN or Private Relay, then toggle Airplane Mode.

"No Service" or SOS only

The eSIM can't find a network
  1. Confirm you're in a country your plan covers. Plans only connect at your destination.
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off, then wait a minute for the phone to register.
  3. Pick a network manually. Turn off automatic selection and choose a partner network from the list:
iPhoneMobile Data›ETravelSim›Network Selection›Automatic: Off
  1. Switch network mode between 5G, 4G/LTE and Auto. Some partner networks work best on 4G.
  2. Restart your phone.

Can't install the eSIM

QR code won't scan or setup fails
  1. Connect to Wi-Fi first. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
  2. Scan the QR code from a second screen (laptop or tablet), not from the same phone. Or use one-tap install in the ETravelSim app.
  3. Check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
  4. Don't delete or reinstall the eSIM. Most QR codes work once. If installation failed, message us and we'll help.
iPhoneSettings›Mobile Data›Add eSIM›Use QR Code
iPhone install guide →Android install guide →

Data is slow

Pages crawl, videos buffer
  1. On an unlimited plan? You get 4 GB a day at full 4G/LTE speed, then 1 Mbps. Full speed comes back when your allowance refills 24 hours later.
  2. Switch to a different partner network using manual network selection (see "No Service" above).
  3. Toggle between 5G and 4G/LTE. In busy areas 4G can be faster.
  4. Turn off Low Data Mode, background app refresh and any VPN.

Hotspot won't work

Can't share data with another device
  1. Check your plan type. Hotspot works on supported fixed-data plans. Unlimited plans don't support hotspot.
  2. Make sure your own data works on the phone first (the 5-step check).
  3. Turn Personal Hotspot off and on, and reconnect the other device.
  4. Need to share data? Choose a fixed-data plan or top up.

Data ran out early

Check your balance or add more
  1. Check your remaining data in the ETravelSim app's live usage tracker, or follow our balance guide.
  2. Turn off auto-play videos, app updates and photo backups over mobile data.
  3. Recharge your eSIM to add more data. You keep the same eSIM, no new QR code.
Before you message us

Have these ready and we'll fix it faster

  • Order numberFrom your confirmation email
  • Phone modele.g. iPhone 15, Galaxy S24
  • Where you areCountry and city
  • A screenshotOf your mobile data / SIM settings

Tip: dial *#06# to see your phone's EID. It helps us find your eSIM quickly.

Real people, 24/7

Still stuck? We'll sort it with you.

No app required. Message us wherever you are, day or night.

Email · support@etravelsim.com Contact page · live chat on the website
More help

Helpful eSIM guides

FAQ

eSIM troubleshooting questions

Can't find your answer? A person will reply on WhatsApp.

Why is my eSIM connected but I have no internet?

Usually Data Roaming is off for the eSIM, or your phone is still using your home SIM for data. Turn on Data Roaming for the ETravelSim line and set it as your mobile data line, then toggle Airplane Mode.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install my eSIM?

Yes. Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Use Wi-Fi, or data from your home SIM, while installing.

Will turning on Data Roaming cost me extra?

Not on the ETravelSim line: roaming is how the eSIM connects to partner networks and it's included in your plan. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges from your own carrier.

Can I delete and reinstall my eSIM?

Please don't. Most eSIM QR codes can only be installed once, so deleting it may mean you can't add it back. Message us on WhatsApp first and we'll help.

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. It also needs to be carrier-unlocked. See our compatibility guide.

Why is my data slow?

On unlimited plans you get 4 GB a day at full speed, then 1 Mbps until the allowance refills. Otherwise, try choosing another partner network manually or switching between 5G and 4G/LTE.

Travelling soon?

Install before you fly and land connected.

Plans from $3.50 in 190+ countries, with real people on WhatsApp 24/7.

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