eSIM not activating? Seven checks that fix it
The eSIM installed but will not connect, or shows Activating forever. Work through these seven checks, each under a minute.
Quick facts
An eSIM that is not activating is almost always waiting for one of seven things: the line switched on, data roaming on for that line, a partner network in range, a manual network selection, an Airplane mode cycle, the correct APN, or a plan that has not expired.
Guide reviewed on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
Step by step
Are you in the destination?
Travel eSIMs show No Service in India by design. They connect only to partner networks in the countries covered.
Is the line on?
iPhone: Settings, Cellular, travel line, Turn On This Line. Android: SIM manager, line enabled.
Is data roaming on for the travel line?
This is the single most common cause. It must be on for the eSIM and can stay off for your home SIM.
Cycle Airplane mode
On for 10 seconds, off, wait 60 seconds.
Select the network manually
Pick one of the networks listed on your destination page. The phone sometimes latches onto a non-partner network and sits on Emergency calls only.
Check the APN
If the email lists an APN, enter it for the travel line. Otherwise leave automatic.
Check the plan status
In My eSIMs: not expired, data remaining, and the order shows Installed. If it shows Installed on another device, contact us.
Stuck on "Activating"
On iPhone, Activating during install means the download handshake has not completed. Keep the phone on the screen, stay on Wi-Fi, and wait two minutes. If it does not finish, delete the pending line, reconnect Wi-Fi and reinstall with manual entry. On Android, a pending download appears as a line with no name; remove it and retry.
Layovers
If your layover country is covered by the plan, the eSIM will connect there and validity starts. If you want to save the plan for the final destination, keep the line off during the layover.
More symptoms and fixes in troubleshooting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my eSIM show No Service in India?
Travel eSIMs connect only in the destination. No Service at home is expected and does not use validity.
How long should activation take after landing?
Under 60 seconds in most cases, up to 5 minutes in airports with congested networks.
Does the eSIM need a restart to activate?
Not usually. Airplane mode achieves the same re-registration faster. A restart does no harm.
The eSIM worked in one country and not the next. Why?
Single-country plans do not roam. Regional plans do; cycle Airplane mode after crossing a border to force a new network search.
Can a VPN stop activation?
Some VPNs block the first data session. Turn it off until the eSIM is connected.
What information does support need?
Order number, phone model, EID (*#06#), the country and city you are in, and a screenshot of the Cellular or SIM settings screen.
Related help
• Troubleshooting
· • Install on iPhone
· • Install on Android
· • Coverage checker
· • Contact
· • Help centre
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