Buy an eSIM

Troubleshoot an eSIM

No network? No internet? Invalid QR code? Follow this step-by-step guide. In 90% of cases, the issue comes from a missing APN, data roaming not enabled, the wrong data line, or an incomplete installation.

Reminder: depending on your device, menus may vary slightly.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular • Android: Settings → Network & Internet / Connections.

Table of contents

Quick check (1 minute)

  1. Data line: is the eSIM selected as the data line?
    • iPhone: Cellular → Default line for cellular data.
    • Android: Mobile network → Mobile data → Travel eSIM.
  2. Data roaming: Enabled.
  3. Network type: 4G/5G auto (not forced 2G/3G).
  4. Airplane mode: ON for 5 seconds → OFF.
  5. Restart the phone.
  6. VPN/Proxy: OFF for testing.

If that’s not enough, keep going 👇

Case 1 — I have signal (bars) but no internet

  1. Seller’s APN
    • iPhone: Cellular → [your eSIM line] → Cellular Data Network → APN.
    • Android: Mobile network → Access Point Names (APN) → create/select the provided APN.
      ➜ Save, select the APN, then restart.
  2. Data on the right line
    • iPhone: Cellular → Cellular Data = ON, Default data = eSIM.
    • Android: Mobile data = ON on the eSIM, not on the main SIM.
  3. Manual network selection
    • Mobile network → Operators → Manual search → pick a partner operator (if known).
    • Switch back to auto if it works.
  4. Disable VPN/Private Relay/firewall on the phone and on the shared device (if using hotspot).
  5. Test USB tethering: if internet works via USB but not via Wi-Fi hotspot, the issue is likely on the client side (hotspot/firewall settings).

Case 2 — No network (no bars / “No Service”)

  1. Is the eSIM properly added? Check that the eSIM appears as active in your SIM/eSIM list.
  2. Local coverage: move near a window and check network availability.
  3. Manual carrier selection: test multiple partner networks, then switch back to auto.
  4. Region lock/coverage limits: some plans don’t cover every country in a zone — check the plan details.
  5. Dual SIM: temporarily disable your main SIM to see if the eSIM connects better.
  6. Carrier/system update:
    • iPhone: General → About (may prompt a carrier update).
    • Android: Software update.

Case 3 — Invalid QR code / activation code

  1. Check spelling: SM-DP+ and Code with no extra spaces or wrong casing.
  2. Try manual activation (enter SM-DP+ + Code instead of scanning).
  3. Use the seller’s app (automatic installation).
  4. QR already used: some QR codes are single-use — ask the seller for a new profile.

Case 4 — Can’t add the eSIM / activation failed

  1. Compatibility: device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked (no carrier SIM lock).
  2. eSIM storage full: some models limit the number of profiles — delete old eSIMs.
  3. Stable Wi-Fi during setup.
  4. Automatic date & time enabled.
  5. Reset network settings (see below), then try again.

Case 5 — APN: full setup

  • The seller often provides a simple APN (internet, data, mobile…).
  • Fill only the required fields (APN, sometimes username/password left blank).
  • After creating it: select the APN, restart, then toggle Airplane mode ON/OFF.

Case 6 — Dual SIM: rules to follow

  • Mobile data: travel eSIM.
  • Calls/SMS: your main line.
  • iMessage/FaceTime (iPhone): remain linked to your main line.
  • Disable data on the main SIM to prevent automatic switching.
  • Quick switch: via Quick Settings (Android) / Control Center (iPhone → Cellular Data).

Case 7 — Cleanly reinstall the eSIM

  1. Delete the eSIM:
    • iPhone: Cellular → [eSIM] → Delete eSIM.
    • Android: Mobile network → eSIM → Delete.
  2. Restart the phone.
  3. Reinstall via QR or the seller’s app (ideally on Wi-Fi).
  4. Set: Default data = eSIM, Roaming = ON, APN = seller’s APN.

Reset network settings (last resort)

  • iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

    Effect: removes saved Wi-Fi networks/VPN/custom APNs (not your personal data).

  • Android: Settings → System / General management → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

When should you contact the seller’s support?

Prepare:

  • Order / eSIM number, IMSI/EID if requested, country, selected operator, and screenshots of settings (data line, roaming, APN).
  • Mention the tests you’ve already done (APN, carrier selection, reinstall, network reset).
  • Share your brand/model and OS version.

FAQ

The local partner may only offer 4G/LTE for this eSIM, or your device may not support local bands. Keep 4G Auto on—speeds are still sufficient.

Some plans block tethering. If APN and roaming are OK but only the phone has internet, the plan is likely hotspot-disabled.

It depends on the device (often several). You can disable unused ones and delete old profiles to free up space.

Data-only eSIMs don’t receive SMS. Keep your main line for banking and 2FA codes.

Sometimes yes (recent Pixel/Samsung models with supported transfers). Otherwise, you’ll need the vendor to reissue the profile.

Code copié !