eSIM not working Indonesia

Traveler in Indonesia checking phone with eSIM signal but no internet

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

If your eSIM isn’t working in Indonesia, you’re not alone.

Many travelers arriving in Bali or Jakarta notice:

  • Signal but no internet
  • Slow data
  • No connection

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

  • 👉 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

Indonesia has multiple carriers:

  • Telkomsel
  • XL Axiata
  • Indosat Ooredoo
  • Smartfren

Your phone may automatically connect to a weaker network.

Fix

  • 1. Go to Network Selection
  • 2. Turn OFF automatic
  • 3. Choose another carrier manually
  • 4. Test connection

Often switching network resolves the issue immediately.

Roaming is turned off

Travel eSIM profiles require roaming enabled abroad.

  • Fix -> Settings → Cellular → eSIM → Data Roaming → ON

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

eSIM installed but not activated yet

  • If you installed your eSIM before traveling, it may only activate once it detects a supported Indonesian network.

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

Wrong SIM selected for data

Sometimes your phone is still using your primary SIM for data.

  • 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 Indonesian frequency bands.

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

More common with:

  • Older devices
  • Imported models
  • Region-locked phones

APN settings didn’t load

Rare but possible.

Symptoms:

  • Signal bars visible
  • No internet

Fix:

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

Plan expired or data finished

Your phone may still show signal even if your plan is finished.

Check alerts:

  • Activation notification
  • 50% data used
  • 80% data used
  • Data exhausted
  • Expiry notice

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

Quick fix checklist

Try these steps:

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

Most users resolve issues quickly.

Indonesia-specific tip

In Indonesia:

  • Telkomsel usually provides the strongest nationwide coverage
  • XL Axiata performs well in cities
  • Indosat may be weaker outside urban areas

If one network doesn’t work, try another manually.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

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

These are rare and usually require reprovisioning.

Biggest misconception

  • Myth -> eSIM doesn’t work in Indonesia.
  • Reality -> eSIM works in Indonesia — most issues are settings or network selection.

Real traveler scenario

  • Traveler lands in Bali.
  • Phone shows signal but no data.
  • They switch network from Indosat → Telkomsel.
  • Connection works instantly.

Final verdict

If your eSIM isn’t working in Indonesia, the cause is usually:

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

Most problems can be fixed quickly in settings.

Check plans that work in Indonesia: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why Is My eSIM Not Working in Indonesia?

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

Yes. Most travel eSIM plans support Indonesian networks.

Telkomsel often provides the strongest nationwide coverage.

This usually means your phone connected to a weak or unsupported network.

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