eSIM Troubleshooting Guide
Solutions for common eSIM issues including connection problems, activation errors, and slow data speeds.
Connection Issues
- Make sure Data Roaming is on for the eSIM line. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > Data Roaming. Android: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Xiaomi: SIM cards & mobile networks; Samsung: Connections > Mobile networks) > your eSIM > Roaming. This is the most common fix.
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Wait 10 seconds with it on, then turn it off to force a fresh network search.
- Restart your phone. A simple reboot often resolves connection issues after installing a new eSIM profile.
- Leave network selection on Automatic. If you switch to manual, choose only an operator your plan lists (shown on your MyeSIM order page and in your confirmation email). Any other network is rejected with "Network registration failed" or "No service".
- Check if your eSIM plan has started. Some plans activate only when you connect to a network at your destination, not when you scan the QR code.
- Turn Wi-Fi off while you test. While Wi-Fi is connected your phone sends almost everything over Wi-Fi, so a working eSIM can look as if it does nothing.
- On a dual-SIM phone, make sure mobile data is on and goes through the eSIM. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > your eSIM line. Android: Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks (or Network & internet > SIMs) > Mobile data, and choose the eSIM as the SIM for data.
APN Settings
- Most eSIMs set the APN automatically. Set it by hand only if the eSIM shows signal bars but still has no data after the steps above.
- Your plan's APN is on your MyeSIM order page and in your confirmation email. It differs between plans, so don't copy one from a forum or another provider.
- Android: Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks (or Network & internet > SIMs) > tap the eSIM > Access Point Names > + (New APN). Enter any name, put your APN in the APN field, set APN type to default,supl and leave every other field empty. Save it from the ⋮ menu, then tap the circle next to the new entry to select it.
- Don't edit the APNs your phone loaded by itself. An eSIM whose profile comes from a carrier in another country often arrives with that carrier's own entries, such as an "MMS …" entry whose APN type is mms. An MMS-only APN never carries mobile data, however you configure it.
- Don't tap "Reset to default" in the APN menu: it deletes the APN you added. If you did, add it again and select it.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > Cellular Data Network, then enter the APN under Cellular Data. If that menu isn't there, the eSIM profile manages the APN itself and there is nothing to change.
Activation Problems
- Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection when scanning the QR code. Mobile data alone may not be reliable enough for eSIM activation.
- Each QR code can only be scanned once. If you accidentally dismissed the activation prompt, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and try again.
- If the QR code is not scanning, try entering the activation details manually. You can find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your order confirmation email.
- Make sure your device is not carrier-locked. Some locked devices block eSIM profiles from other carriers. Check with your carrier if unsure.
- Update your device to the latest software version. Older OS versions may have eSIM compatibility issues that have been fixed in updates.
Slow Data Speeds
- Check your signal strength. Move to an open area or higher floor if you are indoors. Thick walls and basements can weaken cellular signals.
- Confirm the eSIM is the line used for mobile data, not your home SIM (see step 7 under Connection Issues).
- Disable any active VPN connections temporarily. VPNs can slow down your data speed significantly, especially on already-limited mobile connections.
- Reset network settings as a last resort: iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings; Android: Settings > System > Reset options. It forgets saved Wi-Fi passwords and also deletes any APN you added by hand.
- Check your remaining data balance in your MyeSIM account. If your data is exhausted, speeds may be throttled or stopped entirely.
General Tips
- Install your eSIM before traveling while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. The plan timer does not start until you connect at your destination.
- Keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS. Set your eSIM as the default data line and your physical SIM as the default voice line.
- Take a screenshot of your QR code before scanning it. If anything goes wrong during activation, you will have the code readily available.
- If your eSIM still does not work after trying all steps, contact MyeSIM support with your order number. We can verify the eSIM status on our end and reissue if needed.
- For iPhone users: check that your eSIM line shows the correct carrier name under Settings > Cellular. If it says "No Service", try removing and re-adding the eSIM profile.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my eSIM show 'No Service'?
- The most common cause is Data Roaming being disabled. Go to Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > enable Data Roaming. If that doesn't work, try toggling Airplane Mode on/off or restarting your phone.
- My eSIM data speed is very slow. What can I do?
- First, check your signal strength and move to an open area. Disable any active VPN, confirm your eSIM is set as the default data line, and check your remaining data balance. If speeds remain slow, try another of the operators your plan supports (listed on your order page).
- Can I get a refund if my eSIM doesn't work?
- Yes. If the eSIM fails to activate due to a technical issue on our end, you are eligible for a full refund. Contact support@my-esim.vip with your order ID within 30 days of purchase.
- What APN should I use for my eSIM?
- Your phone normally sets it automatically. If it doesn't, your plan's APN is shown on your MyeSIM order page and in your confirmation email. Add it as a new APN on the eSIM line with APN type default,supl, leave the other fields empty, and select it. Don't edit the preloaded MMS entry, which never carries data.
- Why do I get "Network registration failed" when I choose a network?
- Your plan only works on the operators it lists for each country, and choosing any other one by hand is rejected. Turn network selection back to Automatic, or pick one of the operators shown on your order page.