Calls can work while mobile data fails because voice and data may be using different SIMs. This is common on dual-SIM phones where the primary line keeps the telephone number and a travel eSIM supplies data.
The first task is to identify which line completed the call. A successful call from the home SIM says nothing about whether the travel eSIM has established a data session.
NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only and do not provide a conventional telephone number, voice calls or SMS. Internet calls work only after mobile data is restored.
Quick answer: Check the call label or SIM name, then select NoveSIM under Mobile Data. Enable Data Roaming for that line, disable automatic data switching, confirm the plan is active and use data.esim only if manual APN entry is required.
Why Can Calls Work while eSIM Data Fails?
Open the recent-calls screen and look for the SIM label, or start a test call and note which line the phone offers. If it is the primary SIM, voice is working through the home carrier while the travel eSIM still needs separate data configuration.
If the call uses another provider’s voice-enabled eSIM, check that provider’s plan type. Do not assume that it and a NoveSIM data profile use the same settings.
Select the Correct Line for Mobile Data
- Open the phone’s Cellular, Mobile Network or SIM Manager settings.
- Confirm that the NoveSIM profile is switched on.
- Select NoveSIM as the preferred line for Mobile Data.
- Turn off automatic data switching during the test.
- Keep Data Roaming off on the home line.
- Switch off Wi-Fi and test a website.
Device menus differ, so use the exact instructions for checking which SIM handles mobile data. Travellers retaining their number can review how a data-only eSIM and primary line work together.
Enable Roaming on the Data eSIM
A travel eSIM may need Data Roaming to connect through its authorised partner network. Enable the setting on NoveSIM, not the primary SIM. Then use Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds and allow the phone time to register again.
This does not activate home-carrier data roaming when the home line remains excluded from Mobile Data and its own roaming switch is off.
Confirm Plan Status and APN
Verify that the plan includes the current country, has reached its activation point, remains within its validity period and has data available. If manual APN entry is required, enter data.esim and leave username and password blank.
Do not copy the APN of the network name shown on screen. The visited network and the travel eSIM provider are not the same configuration. See the APN guide for more detail.
If Calls Stop While You Test Data
Selecting a data line should not normally erase the primary number, but dual-SIM behaviour varies by phone and carrier. Some devices limit simultaneous activity while one line is on a call. End the call before testing data and check the home carrier’s charges for calls, SMS and voicemail abroad.
Network Registration Checks
Start with Automatic Network Selection. Move to an open area if the phone is inside a terminal, underground station or heavily shielded building. 4G, 5G and hotspot availability depend on the plan, bands, device, partner network and local coverage.
If data still fails, record the displayed network rather than repeatedly choosing visible carriers. A network may appear in the list but reject data when it is not authorised for the plan.
Do Not Remove the Profile
Deleting the eSIM can remove evidence needed for diagnosis and may make the installation code unusable. Keep it installed. Avoid factory resets until NoveSIM Support has reviewed the selected line, roaming, plan and APN.
Contact NoveSIM Support with the order number, country, phone model, SIM label used for the successful call, selected Mobile Data line, displayed network and safe screenshots.
Related Articles
- eSIM has signal but no data
- eSIM connected but no internet
- Data Roaming for a travel eSIM
- How NoveSIM works
FAQ
Why do calls work but mobile data does not?
The call and data may be using different SIMs. Confirm the call’s SIM label, then select the intended eSIM separately under Mobile Data.
Can NoveSIM make ordinary phone calls?
No. NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only. Internet apps can make calls when the data connection works.
Can I keep my normal SIM active for calls?
Usually yes on a compatible dual-SIM phone. Select NoveSIM for data, keep roaming off on the primary line and check the home carrier’s charges.
Should I delete the eSIM if data still fails?
No. Preserve the installed profile and contact NoveSIM Support after checking line selection, roaming, plan status and APN.
Final Recommendation
When eSIM calls work but data does not, do not use a successful phone call as the data test. Identify the voice line, then configure Mobile Data independently.
Select NoveSIM for data, enable roaming on that profile and use data.esim only when manual APN entry is needed.
Keep the eSIM installed and provide Support with the exact dual-SIM configuration if the connection remains unavailable.
