ะัะปะณะฐััะบะธ
Why Is My eSIM Connected But No Internet? (Fix Guide)
Sometimes your phone shows signal bars and your eSIM appears connected โ but you still donโt have internet.
This is one of the most common issues travelers experience when using eSIM abroad.
The good news: ๐ In most cases, itโs caused by a simple setting that can be fixed in seconds.
In this guide, youโll learn:
- Why this happens
- The most common causes
- Step-by-step fixes
- How to prevent it
Most common reason: mobile data is set to the wrong SIM
If your phone has two SIM profiles, it may still be using your primary SIM for data.
Check this first:
- Settings โ Mobile Data โ Mobile Data Line
- Make sure your eSIM is selected.
SIM switching guide: ๐ https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/ย
Roaming is turned off
Most travel eSIMs require roaming to connect to partner networks abroad.
If roaming is OFF:
- You may see signal
- But internet wonโt work
Fix:
- Settings โ eSIM โ Roaming โ ON
Full guide: ๐ https://novesim.com/do-you-need-roaming-for-esim/
eSIM installed but not activated yet
Some eSIM plans activate only after connecting to a supported network in the destination country.
If you installed your eSIM before travel:
- It may appear active
- But wonโt work until you land
Activation timing explained: ๐ https://novesim.com/does-esim-work-immediately-after-landing/
Weak or unsupported network
Your phone might be connected to a network that:
- Has weak signal
- Isnโt supported
- Isnโt optimal
Try:
- Toggling airplane mode
- Restarting phone
- Manually selecting network
APN settings missing (rare)
- In rare cases, your device may not load the correct APN automatically.
- If that happens, NoveSIM can send the correct APN settings.
Device not compatible with local bands
- Even if your phone supports eSIM, it may not support all network bands in certain countries.
Compatibility checker: ๐ https://novesim.com/which-phones-support-esim-in-2026/ย
Data already used up
If your data limit has been reached, your eSIM may still show signal but internet stops working.
Check if you received usage alerts:
- 50% usage
- 80% usage
- Fully used notification
Guide: ๐ https://novesim.com/what-happens-when-your-esim-data-runs-out/ย
Quick fix checklist
If your eSIM shows signal but no internet:
- eSIM selected for data
- Roaming enabled
- Plan activated
- Data available
- Correct network
- Compatible device
When to contact support
Contact support if:
- None of the fixes work
- Your QR code fails
- Activation fails
- Network never connects
Final verdict
If your eSIM is connected but has no internet, itโs almost always caused by:
- Wrong data line
- Roaming disabled
- Activation not started
- Data exhausted
All of these can be fixed quickly from your phone settings.
Need a reliable travel connection? ๐ Browse plans: https://novesim.com/destinations/
Frequently asked questions
Why does my eSIM show signal but no internet?
Usually because roaming is off, mobile data is set to another SIM, or the plan isnโt activated yet.
Can eSIM connect without internet?
Yes. A phone can connect to a network signal but still have no data access.
Does signal bars mean eSIM is working?
Not always. Signal only means network connection, not active data.
What should I check first?
Make sure your eSIM is selected for mobile data and roaming is enabled.