eSIM Not Working in the Canary Islands? Troubleshooting Guide

If your eSIM is not working in the Canary Islands, the problem is often caused by a phone setting rather than the eSIM installation itself. The most common issues are an inactive travel line, the wrong SIM selected for mobile data, disabled Data Roaming, automatic switching to the primary SIM or an incorrect APN.

Most connection problems can be fixed without deleting or reinstalling the eSIM. Start by confirming that the profile is visible in your phone settings, then check the mobile data and roaming configuration carefully.

The eSIM may take several minutes to register after arrival, especially after leaving Airplane Mode, restarting the phone or moving between islands. Coverage can also vary in mountains, volcanic parks, isolated beaches and offshore ferry routes.

Quick fix: Enable the travel eSIM, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming, disable automatic data switching and set the APN to data.esim. Then activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds, turn it off and restart the phone if necessary.

First Check: Is the eSIM Installed?

Open your phone’s SIM or mobile network settings and confirm that the travel profile appears.

It may be labelled as:

• NoveSIM.
• Travel.
• Canary Islands.
• Secondary.
• Business.
• A provider or network name.

If the profile appears in the settings, the eSIM is normally installed. Do not scan the QR code again and do not delete the profile while troubleshooting.

If the eSIM does not appear at all, review the original installation email and confirm whether the QR code was scanned successfully.

Check That You Are in the Covered Destination

A Canary Islands eSIM may show No Service before you arrive because it cannot connect to its supported destination network.

Confirm that:

• You are already in the Canary Islands.
• The selected plan includes the islands you are visiting.
• The plan validity has started.
• The data allowance has not expired or been fully used.
• The phone is not still connected only to airport or hotel WiFi.

If you installed the eSIM before departure, No Service in your home country may have been completely normal.

Essential Settings to Check

Setting	Required Configuration
Travel eSIM	Enabled
Preferred Mobile Data Line	NoveSIM or Travel
Data Roaming on Travel eSIM	Enabled
Primary SIM Data Roaming	Disabled
Automatic Data Switching	Disabled
APN	data.esim

Step 1: Enable the Travel eSIM

An installed eSIM may remain turned off until you enable it manually.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Enable Turn On This Line.

On Samsung:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Select SIM Manager.
4. Enable the travel eSIM.

On Google Pixel and other Android phones:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet or Mobile Network.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Choose the travel eSIM.
5. Enable Use SIM or the equivalent option.

Step 2: Select the eSIM for Mobile Data

Installing or enabling the eSIM does not always make it the active internet line. Your phone may still be trying to use the primary SIM.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select Cellular Data.
4. Choose the travel eSIM.

On Samsung:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Select SIM Manager.
4. Under Preferred SIMs, select Mobile Data.
5. Choose the travel eSIM.

On Google Pixel:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Choose the travel eSIM.
5. Enable mobile data and set it as the preferred data SIM.

Step 3: Enable Data Roaming

Travel eSIMs usually connect through partner networks, so Data Roaming must normally be enabled on the eSIM line.

On iPhone:

1. Open the travel eSIM settings.
2. Select Data Roaming.
3. Turn it on.

On Android:

1. Open the travel eSIM or mobile network settings.
2. Find Roaming or Data Roaming.
3. Enable it for the travel eSIM.

Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM unless you intentionally want to use your home operator’s roaming service.

Step 4: Disable Automatic Data Switching

Some phones switch back to the primary SIM when the travel eSIM signal appears weak. This can prevent the eSIM from working correctly and may create roaming charges.

On iPhone, disable:

Allow Cellular Data Switching

On Android, look for settings such as:

• Automatic Data Switching.
• Auto Data Switch.
• Switch Mobile Data Automatically.
• Backup Calling.
• Use Mobile Data During Calls.
• Data Switching and Backup Calling.

The wording varies by manufacturer and software version.

Step 5: Check the APN

If the phone shows signal bars or a network name but mobile internet does not work, check the Access Point Name.

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank

Leave all other fields unchanged unless different details were specifically provided.

How to Set the APN on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Cellular Data Network when available.
5. Enter data.esim in the APN field.
6. Return to the previous menu.

The APN menu may be hidden when the profile configures it automatically.

How to Set the APN on Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Open the mobile network settings.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Access Point Names.
5. Create a new APN.
6. Enter NoveSIM as the name.
7. Enter data.esim as the APN.
8. Save the profile.
9. Select the new APN.

Step 6: Use Airplane Mode for 30 Seconds

Airplane Mode forces the phone to disconnect and register again on available networks.

1. Turn Airplane Mode on.
2. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
3. Turn Airplane Mode off.
4. Wait several minutes for the network to appear.
5. Turn WiFi off and test mobile data.

If the connection still does not start, restart the phone.

Step 7: Restart the Phone

A restart can complete network registration after you change the preferred data SIM, roaming setting or APN.

After restarting:

• Confirm that the travel eSIM is still enabled.
• Check that it remains selected for mobile data.
• Verify that Data Roaming is still on.
• Turn WiFi off before testing.
• Open a new webpage rather than a previously cached page.

What to Do If the eSIM Shows No Service

No Service means the phone has not registered on a supported mobile network.

Try the following:

1. Confirm that the travel line is enabled.
2. Enable Data Roaming.
3. Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds.
4. Restart the phone.
5. Move outdoors.
6. Wait several minutes.
7. Keep automatic network selection enabled.
8. Try manual network selection only if automatic registration fails.

Signal may be weak inside airport buildings, underground parking areas, large hotels, mountain valleys and isolated volcanic locations.

What to Do If the eSIM Has Signal but No Internet

This usually points to a mobile data configuration problem.

1. Turn WiFi off.
2. Confirm that the eSIM is selected for mobile data.
3. Check that Data Roaming is enabled.
4. Disable automatic data switching.
5. Set the APN to data.esim.
6. Save and select the APN.
7. Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
8. Restart the phone.
9. Test with a new webpage.

What to Do If Mobile Data Is Very Slow

A slow connection does not always mean that the eSIM is faulty. Speed depends on local coverage, network congestion, device capabilities and the conditions of the selected plan.

• Move outdoors or closer to a populated area.
• Turn Airplane Mode on and off.
• Restart the phone.
• Pause cloud backups.
• Disable automatic application updates.
• Disconnect hotspot devices.
• Check whether the high-speed allowance has been reached.
• Try again after moving to another location.

If you use an unlimited-style plan, review its fair usage policy. Some plans provide a daily high-speed allowance followed by reduced speed until the next reset.

Check Whether the Data Allowance Has Been Used

The eSIM may stop loading pages when the included data has been fully consumed or when the validity period has ended.

Check:

• Your NoveSIM account.
• The order or plan details.
• The remaining validity period.
• The phone’s mobile data counter.
• Whether a daily high-speed allowance has been reached.

Phone usage statistics may not exactly match the provider’s system, but they can reveal heavy usage from streaming, cloud backups or hotspot devices.

Check for Background Data Use

Applications can consume data even when you are not actively using them.

Common sources include:

• Automatic photo and video backups.
• App Store or Play Store updates.
• Cloud file synchronization.
• Operating system updates.
• Social media video preloading.
• Music and video streaming.
• Laptop updates through hotspot.

Pause these activities and test the connection again.

Manual Network Selection

Automatic network selection is normally best because the phone can choose an available supported partner network. Manual selection may help when the device remains on No Service.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Network Selection.
5. Turn off Automatic.
6. Wait for available networks.
7. Select a supported network.

On Android:

1. Open the travel eSIM settings.
2. Select Network Operators or Choose Network.
3. Disable automatic selection.
4. Wait for the network list.
5. Select a supported network.

Return to automatic selection if the chosen network does not connect or when travelling to another island.

Why the eSIM May Stop Working Between Islands

The same compatible plan can normally remain installed during island hopping, but the phone may briefly lose coverage while changing networks or travelling offshore.

This can happen:

• During ferry crossings.
• Immediately after arriving at a new port.
• After leaving Airplane Mode following a flight.
• In remote coastal or mountain areas.
• While the phone searches for a new partner network.

Wait several minutes, use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and keep automatic network selection enabled.

Can Coverage Be Weak in Some Canary Islands Locations?

Yes. Mobile coverage is generally strongest in cities, resorts, airports, ports and along main roads.

It may be weaker in:

• Volcanic parks.
• Mountain trails.
• Deep ravines.
• Remote beaches.
• Rural inland areas.
• Offshore ferry routes.
• Underground or reinforced buildings.

Move outdoors or toward a populated area before changing more settings.

Check Whether the Phone Is Carrier-Locked

A carrier-locked phone may install the profile incorrectly or refuse to connect through another provider.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select About.
4. Find Carrier Lock.

The expected result is No SIM restrictions.

On Android, contact the original operator if the lock status is not visible.

Check Whether the Phone Supports eSIM

Dial:

*#06#

Look for an EID. The presence of an EID usually confirms that the phone contains eSIM hardware.

You should also verify that the exact regional model supports third-party eSIM profiles.

Why the eSIM May Not Work on a New Phone

Travel eSIMs are usually intended for one installation on one device. If the profile was installed on another phone first, the original QR code may no longer be reusable.

Possible causes include:

• The QR code was already scanned on another device.
• The eSIM was deleted from the original phone.
• The new phone is carrier-locked.
• The new phone does not support eSIM.
• The travel profile cannot be transferred.

Contact support before changing devices or trying to reinstall the profile.

Do Not Delete the eSIM

Do not delete the travel eSIM while troubleshooting unless support specifically tells you to do so.

Some QR codes are valid for only one installation. Removing the profile may prevent reinstallation and require new activation details.

Before considering removal, check:

• The travel line is enabled.
• The correct line is selected for mobile data.
• Data Roaming is enabled.
• Automatic data switching is disabled.
• The APN is data.esim.
• The phone has been restarted.
• Network selection is correct.

Can You Keep the Main SIM Active?

Yes. Your primary SIM can usually remain active for calls, SMS and verification codes while the travel eSIM provides mobile data.

To avoid unintended roaming charges:

• Keep Data Roaming off on the primary SIM.
• Select the eSIM for mobile data.
• Disable automatic data switching.
• Avoid chargeable calls unless necessary.
• Review your operator’s roaming prices.

Will WhatsApp Still Work?

Yes. WhatsApp normally keeps your original registered number while using internet from the travel eSIM.

If WhatsApp is not working, first test whether other internet services load. The problem may be the general mobile data connection rather than WhatsApp itself.

NoveSIM plans are data-only, so traditional calls and SMS are not included. Internet calls through WhatsApp, Viber and similar applications can still work.

What Information to Send to Support

If the standard troubleshooting steps do not solve the problem, prepare the following:

• Your order number.
• The country and island where you are located.
• Your phone brand and exact model.
• A screenshot of the eSIM settings.
• A screenshot showing the selected mobile data line.
• A screenshot of the Data Roaming setting.
• A screenshot of the APN.
• The displayed network name.
• A description of whether you see No Service, signal without internet or slow speed.
• Confirmation that Airplane Mode and a restart were tried.

Do not send your full QR code publicly or share sensitive device identifiers in an unsecured channel.

Complete Troubleshooting Checklist

• Confirm that you are in the Canary Islands.
• Confirm that the plan is active and has remaining data.
• Check that the eSIM appears in Settings.
• Enable the travel eSIM.
• Select it for mobile data.
• Enable Data Roaming.
• Disable automatic data switching.
• Keep primary SIM roaming disabled.
• Set the APN to data.esim.
• Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds.
• Restart the phone.
• Test with WiFi turned off.
• Move outdoors or toward a populated area.
• Try manual network selection if necessary.
• Do not delete the eSIM.

Related Articles

• How to Use an eSIM in the Canary Islands
• How to Activate a Canary Islands eSIM
• How to Install a Canary Islands eSIM
• Canary Islands eSIM for iPhone
• Canary Islands eSIM for Android

FAQ

Why is my eSIM not working in the Canary Islands?

The most common causes are an inactive eSIM line, the wrong SIM selected for mobile data, disabled Data Roaming, an incorrect APN or incomplete network registration.

What APN should I use?

Use data.esim. Leave the username and password blank unless different details were specifically supplied.

Why does my eSIM show No Service?

The phone may not have registered on a supported network yet, or you may be in a weak-coverage area. Enable roaming, use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the phone.

Why do I have signal but no internet?

The wrong line may be selected for mobile data, Data Roaming may be off or the APN may be incorrect. Check all three settings.

Should I manually select a network?

Use automatic network selection first. Try manual selection only if the phone does not register after completing the basic troubleshooting steps.

Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

No. Do not delete it unless support specifically advises you to do so. Some QR codes cannot be reused.

Can the eSIM stop working during a ferry crossing?

Yes. Signal can weaken or disappear when the ferry moves far from the coastline. The phone should reconnect near the next island.

Can I keep my main SIM active?

Yes. Keep it active for calls and SMS if needed, but disable its Data Roaming and automatic data switching.

Will WhatsApp keep my normal number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally remains linked to your existing number while using internet from the travel eSIM.

What should I send to support?

Send your order number, location, phone model, screenshots of the eSIM, mobile data, roaming and APN settings, and a description of the exact error.

Final Recommendation

When an eSIM is not working in the Canary Islands, do not delete it immediately. First enable the travel line, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming, disable automatic switching and confirm that the APN is data.esim.

Use Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds, restart the phone and test again with WiFi turned off. If the problem continues, document the settings and contact support with your order number, exact phone model and current island.