eSIM not working France

Traveler in France checking phone with eSIM signal but slow internet

Why Is My eSIM Not Working in France? (Quick Fix Guide)

If your eSIM isn’t working in France, don’t worry — many travelers experience this after arrival.

You might see:

  • Signal but no internet
  • Slow data
  • No network

and ask: Why is my eSIM not working in France?

  • 👉 In most cases, the issue is caused by network selection, roaming settings, or device compatibility.

Most problems can be fixed within minutes.

Most common reason: wrong network selected

France has several major mobile networks:

  • Orange
  • SFR
  • Bouygues Telecom
  • Free Mobile

Your phone may automatically connect to a weaker carrier.

Fix

  • 1. Open Network Selection
  • 2. Turn OFF automatic selection
  • 3. Choose another network manually
  • 4. Test connection

Switching networks often solves the issue instantly.

Roaming is turned off

Travel eSIM profiles require roaming enabled abroad.

  • Fix: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Data Roaming → ON

Guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/do-you-need-roaming-for-esim/

eSIM installed but not activated yet

  • If installed before travel, activation may occur only once it detects a supported French network.

This is normal. Activation guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/does-esim-work-immediately-after-landing/

Wrong SIM selected for data

Your phone may still be using your primary SIM.

  • Check: Settings → Mobile Data → Data Line → select eSIM

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

Device compatibility issue

Some phones support eSIM but not all French network bands.

Compatibility guide: 👉https://novesim.com/which-phones-support-esim-in-2026/

More common with:

  • Older phones
  • Imported devices
  • Region-locked models

APN settings didn’t load

Rare but possible.

Symptoms:

  • Signal bars visible
  • No internet

Fix:

  • Restart phone
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Reinstall eSIM
  • Ask for APN settings

Data plan expired or used up

Your phone may still show signal even if your plan has ended.

Check alerts:

  • Activation notification
  • 50% usage
  • 80% usage
  • Data exhausted
  • Expiry reminder

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

Quick fix checklist

  • Enable roaming
  • Restart device
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Switch network manually
  • Confirm eSIM is data line
  • Check remaining data

Most travelers fix issues quickly.

France-specific tip

In France:

  • Orange often provides the strongest nationwide coverage
  • SFR performs well in cities
  • Bouygues offers stable speeds
  • Free Mobile may be weaker outside urban areas

If connection is unstable, manually switching networks usually helps.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

  • No networks appear
  • Installation failed
  • Activation error
  • Profile missing

These cases are rare and usually require reprovisioning.

Biggest misconception

  • Myth -> eSIM doesn’t work in France.
  • Reality -> eSIM works perfectly in France — most issues are settings related.

Real traveler scenario

  • Traveler lands in Paris.
  • Phone shows signal but data is slow.
  • They switch network from Free Mobile → Orange.
  • Connection improves instantly.

Final verdict

If your eSIM isn’t working in France, it’s usually caused by:

  • Wrong network selection
  • Roaming disabled
  • Wrong data SIM
  • Compatibility issue

Most problems can be fixed quickly from settings.

Check compatible plans for France: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why is my eSIM not working in France?

Usually because of wrong network selection, roaming disabled, or compatibility issues.

Yes. Most travel eSIM plans support French networks.

Orange often provides the strongest nationwide coverage.

This usually means your device connected to a weaker network or you are in a low coverage area.

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