An eSIM can receive SMS only when its plan includes a phone number and carrier messaging service. Many travel eSIMs provide mobile data only, so no troubleshooting step can make ordinary SMS or OTP codes arrive on that travel line.
NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only. They do not provide a local telephone number, conventional calls or carrier SMS. Messages sent to your usual number remain associated with your primary SIM and home operator.
You can still use WhatsApp, iMessage and other internet messaging services through the travel eSIM’s data, subject to each app’s account and verification rules.
Quick answer: Check whether the eSIM plan includes a phone number and SMS. If it is a NoveSIM data-only plan, keep your primary SIM enabled to receive SMS or OTP codes, select the travel eSIM for Mobile Data and turn off Data Roaming on the primary line. Do not delete either SIM profile.
Why is the eSIM not receiving SMS?
The most common explanation is that the eSIM is data-only. A data connection can carry app messages, but it does not create a mobile number or carrier SMS service. Check the plan description rather than assuming every eSIM behaves like a normal monthly phone contract.
If the plan does include a number, confirm which number the sender used and whether the line is switched on and registered. Problems with a voice-and-SMS eSIM must be handled by the operator that issued that number.
How to receive OTP codes while using a travel eSIM
- Leave the primary SIM switched on if you need messages sent to its number.
- Select the travel eSIM as the phone’s Mobile Data line.
- Disable Data Roaming on the primary SIM to prevent unintended data charges.
- Turn off automatic mobile-data switching.
- Check the home operator’s price for receiving SMS abroad and for any calls you answer.
The data-only eSIM and primary-number guide explains how the two lines work together. Keeping the line active does not itself guarantee delivery: your home operator must have roaming service and network registration in the destination.
What if the primary SIM also receives no SMS?
Confirm that the primary line is enabled, shows a network and has not been manually restricted. Restart the network connection with flight mode, then request one new code rather than repeatedly requesting several. Banks and online services can delay or block repeated OTP attempts.
If ordinary messages and verification codes both fail, contact the home operator. If only one service fails, contact that service because the number format, account security or rate limiting may be the cause.
Can iMessage or WhatsApp work through the travel eSIM?
Yes. A travel eSIM can supply the internet connection while iMessage or WhatsApp remains associated with the existing number or account. Avoid changing the registered number unnecessarily. Review iMessage with an eSIM and WhatsApp and phone-number behaviour before altering account settings.
Safe Dual SIM settings
- Travel eSIM: selected for Mobile Data.
- Travel eSIM: Data Roaming enabled when its instructions require it.
- Primary SIM: active for its number and SMS, but Data Roaming disabled.
- Automatic data switching: disabled.
If the travel eSIM itself has no internet, follow the signal-without-data checks. For NoveSIM, the manual APN is data.esim when required. Do not delete an installed eSIM unless support specifically instructs you to do so.
Related Articles
- Use an eSIM for Data and Keep Your Number
- Use iMessage with an eSIM
- Does eSIM Affect WhatsApp or Your Number?
- eSIM Has Signal but No Data
FAQ
Can a data-only eSIM receive SMS?
No. It has no carrier phone number or SMS service. It can carry messages from internet apps through mobile data.
Can I receive bank OTP codes on my normal number?
Often yes, if the primary SIM remains active and its operator supports roaming registration and SMS delivery in the destination.
Will keeping the primary SIM on use roaming data?
Not when the travel eSIM is selected for data, Data Roaming is off on the primary line and automatic data switching is disabled.
Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?
No. Deletion will not add SMS capability and may prevent reuse of the installation code.
Final Recommendation
If an eSIM is not receiving SMS, first establish whether the plan includes SMS at all. NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only.
Keep the primary SIM active for messages sent to its number, but protect it from data charges by disabling roaming and automatic data switching on that line.
Use the travel eSIM for mobile data and internet messaging, and contact the number’s issuing operator when carrier SMS or OTP delivery fails.
