I remember the first time I tried an eSIM. It felt magical at first—no tiny SIM cards, no waiting in line.
But soon, I ran into problems. My eSIM wouldn’t activate, or sometimes I had no network. It was frustrating.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve faced similar issues. Don’t worry. I’ve explored the most common eSIM problems and found simple ways to fix them.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to solve most eSIM issues on both Android and iPhone.
Before we jump into problems, let’s quickly understand eSIM.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. It replaces the small plastic SIM card. Most modern phones, like Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and iPhones, support eSIM.
With eSIM, you can:
Activate a plan by scanning a QR code
Use multiple SIM profiles without physically swapping cards
Add prepaid or travel plans easily
It’s convenient, but like any technology, it has some quirks.
Common eSIM Problems & Fixes
1. eSIM Not Activating
One of the most common problems is when your eSIM won’t activate. You might see messages like “Activation failed” or “Cannot download profile.”
Fix:
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Check your internet connection. Wi-Fi is best for setup.
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Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
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Restart your phone and try scanning the QR code again.
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Contact your eSIM provider if it still doesn’t work.
2. eSIM QR Code Not Scanning
Sometimes, the phone camera cannot read the QR code, and you feel stuck.
Fix:
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Clean your camera lens and ensure good lighting.
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Zoom in slightly if the code is too small.
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Try entering the code manually if your provider allows it.
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Restart the app or phone and attempt scanning again.
3. eSIM Not Showing Network
After activation, your eSIM may fail to connect to the network. You might see “No service” or “Searching for network.”
Fix:
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Make sure mobile data is turned on for your eSIM.
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Go to Settings → Mobile Network → eSIM → Select Network automatically.
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If traveling, check if your eSIM supports international roaming.
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Reset network settings if the issue persists.
4. eSIM Activation Failed After Phone Update
Many users notice eSIM stops working after a system update.
Fix:
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Check if your eSIM app has an update.
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Reinstall the eSIM profile if necessary.
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Contact the provider; some updates require re-activation.
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Always back up your eSIM details before major updates.
5. eSIM Not Working with Dual SIM Setup
If you use dual SIM on Android or iPhone, sometimes eSIM conflicts with the physical SIM.
Fix:
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Go to Settings → SIM & Network → Ensure your eSIM is set as the default for data or calls.
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Disable and enable the physical SIM temporarily to refresh connections.
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Avoid switching data plans between SIMs during active sessions.
6. eSIM Roaming Issues
Travelling abroad can lead to “No service” if your eSIM plan doesn’t support roaming.
Fix:
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Check your eSIM provider’s international coverage.
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Enable data roaming in Settings → Mobile Network → Roaming.
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Buy an international eSIM plan for your destination.
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Restart your phone after changing plans.
7. eSIM Signal or Connectivity Drops
Even if the eSIM works, sometimes the signal drops randomly.
Fix:
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Make sure you are in an area with good coverage.
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Toggle Airplane mode on and off.
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Reset network settings to refresh connections.
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Some apps allow switching between eSIM profiles; choose the active one.
8. eSIM Profile Not Available
Some eSIM apps fail to load profiles, especially if you have multiple eSIMs.
Fix:
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Remove inactive eSIM profiles to reduce confusion.
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Re-download the active eSIM profile from your provider.
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Keep the app updated for bug fixes.
9. Device Compatibility Issues
Not all phones support all types of eSIMs. Some older Android devices or locked phones may fail.
Fix:
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Check your phone manufacturer’s website for eSIM compatibility.
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Unlock your phone if needed.
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Use an eSIM app recommended for your device model.
10. eSIM Hotspot or Data Sharing Problems
Sometimes eSIM data can’t be shared via hotspot or with other devices.
Fix:
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Check if your eSIM plan allows hotspot usage.
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Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Hotspot → Enable.
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Restart your phone if the hotspot fails.
Why is my eSIM not working on Android?
It could be due to activation failure, network settings, or device incompatibility. Check network settings, restart your phone, and ensure your device supports eSIM.
Why is my eSIM not working on iPhone?
iPhones may require the latest iOS update, correct eSIM plan, and proper QR code scanning. Reinstall the eSIM profile if needed.
Can I fix eSIM activation failed error?
Yes, by checking your internet connection, restarting your phone, and contacting your eSIM provider if the problem persists.
What to do if my eSIM loses network signal?
Toggle Airplane mode, reset network settings, or switch to a different eSIM profile. Make sure you have coverage in your area.
Why doesn’t my eSIM work while roaming?
Your plan may not support international roaming. Enable data roaming and buy an international plan if necessary.
Can multiple eSIM profiles cause problems?
Yes, too many profiles may confuse the phone. Remove inactive profiles and keep only the ones you use.
How to fix QR code scanning issues?
Ensure proper lighting, clean your camera lens, zoom in if needed, or enter the code manually.
Finally
eSIMs are powerful tools, but they come with small challenges. From activation errors to connectivity drops, most problems have simple fixes. Keep your apps updated, follow device instructions, and know your plan’s coverage.