If your eSIM installed fine but won’t get you online, the cause is almost always one of two settings: data roaming is off for the eSIM, or your phone is using the wrong line for data. Work down this checklist in order — most people are fixed within the first three steps.
The fix-it checklist
- 1Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM. Settings → Cellular/Mobile → tap the travel eSIM → enable Data Roaming. On a travel eSIM this is free; it just lets it use the local network. This fixes most cases.
- 2Point mobile data at the eSIM. Make sure Cellular/Mobile Data is set to the travel eSIM, not your home line.
- 3Check you have actually arrived. Most travel plans only connect once you are physically in the coverage area. They won’t show data at home before you fly.
- 4Restart the phone. A reboot forces a fresh network registration and clears a surprising number of "no service" states.
- 5Toggle Airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off, to make the phone re-scan for networks.
- 6Select a network manually. Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → turn Automatic off and pick a listed local carrier. If one fails, try another.
- 7Confirm the plan is active/started. Some plans start on first connection, others on a set date — check your plan’s status and validity.
- 8Check your APN (Android mostly). If data still won’t flow, your provider’s setup page will list the correct APN to enter under the eSIM’s access-point settings.
- 9Make sure the phone is unlocked. A carrier-locked phone can refuse a third-party eSIM — ask your home carrier to unlock it.
The QR code won’t install
- Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi or a working connection — installing an eSIM profile needs internet.
- If the camera won’t read the code, use enter details manually and type the activation (SM-DP+ address and code) from your confirmation.
- A code can usually be installed once. If you already scanned it and then deleted the eSIM, you likely need a fresh activation.
Still stuck? Our support team are real people, not a bot loop. If you bought a plan for Thailand, Turkey or anywhere else, reach out and we’ll get you connected.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my eSIM not connecting to the internet abroad?
The most common reason is that data roaming is switched off for the eSIM line. Enable Data Roaming for the travel eSIM and make sure mobile data is pointed at it rather than your home SIM.
Does turning on data roaming for my eSIM cost extra?
No. On a prepaid travel eSIM, "roaming" is simply the switch that lets it connect to the local partner network. It does not add charges — it is required for the plan to work.
My eSIM worked then stopped — what happened?
Usually the plan has reached its data cap or its validity period has ended, or you have moved into an area with poor coverage. Check your remaining data and plan validity first.
Why won’t my eSIM QR code scan?
Make sure you have an internet connection, then try entering the activation details manually. Remember a QR code normally installs only once — if you already used it, you may need a new activation.
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