eSIM Connected But No Internet

Phone showing signal bars but no internet connection on eSIM

Why Is My eSIM Connected But No Internet? (Fix Guide)

Sometimes your phone shows signal bars and your eSIM appears connected — but you still don’t have internet.

This is one of the most common issues travelers experience when using eSIM abroad.

The good news: 👉 In most cases, it’s caused by a simple setting that can be fixed in seconds.

In this guide, you’ll 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 → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Line
  • Make sure your eSIM is selected.

SIM switching guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/ 

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 won’t work

Fix:

  • Settings → eSIM → Roaming → ON

Full guide: 👉 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 won’t work until you land

Activation timing explained: 👉 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
  • Isn’t supported
  • Isn’t 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: 👉 https://novesim.com/which-phones-support-esim-in-2026/ 

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: 👉 https://novesim.com/what-happens-when-your-esim-data-runs-out/ 

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, it’s 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? 👉 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 isn’t activated yet.

Yes. A phone can connect to a network signal but still have no data access.

Not always. Signal only means network connection, not active data.

Make sure your eSIM is selected for mobile data and roaming is enabled.

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