eSIM Not Working in New Zealand? Troubleshooting Guide

If your eSIM is not working in New Zealand, the problem is often caused by a phone setting rather than a failed plan. The eSIM may be installed correctly but disabled, not selected for mobile data or unable to use roaming.

Other common causes include automatic SIM switching, an incorrect APN, delayed network registration, incomplete activation or weak mobile coverage in a remote area.

Quick answer: confirm that the travel eSIM is turned on and selected for Mobile Data. Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM, disable roaming on your primary SIM, turn off Automatic Data Switching and leave Network Selection on Automatic. If required, set the APN to data.esim, toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the phone.

Do Not Delete the eSIM

Do not remove the eSIM while troubleshooting. Many installation QR codes can be used only once. Deleting the profile may prevent you from reinstalling it with the original code.

If the travel eSIM appears in your phone’s SIM settings, the profile has probably already been installed. Focus first on activation, mobile data and network settings.

New Zealand eSIM Troubleshooting Checklist

Setting	Recommended Configuration
Travel eSIM	Enabled
Preferred Mobile Data line	New Zealand travel eSIM
Data Roaming on travel eSIM	On
Data Roaming on primary SIM	Off
Automatic Data Switching	Off
Network Selection	Automatic
APN	data.esim when manual configuration is required
Airplane Mode	Turn on for 30 seconds, then off

1. Confirm That the eSIM Is Installed

Open the SIM settings and look for the New Zealand travel plan. It may be labelled New Zealand, Travel eSIM, Secondary, Business, Mobile Data or NoveSIM.

On iPhone

Open:

Settings → Mobile Service or Cellular

The travel eSIM should appear under the available mobile plans.

On Samsung Galaxy

Open:

Settings → Connections → SIM Manager

On Google Pixel

Open:

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs

If the profile is listed, do not scan the QR code again. Continue with the settings below.

2. Turn On the Travel eSIM

An installed eSIM can remain disabled. This is common when it was added before departure and intentionally left off until arrival.

Open the travel eSIM settings and enable:

• Turn On This Line on iPhone.
• Use SIM on Google Pixel.
• The eSIM toggle inside Samsung SIM Manager.
• The equivalent Enable SIM option on other Android devices.

Wait briefly after enabling the line. The phone may need several minutes to search for and register on a supported network.

3. Select the eSIM for Mobile Data

Your eSIM can show signal bars while the phone continues using the primary SIM for internet access. Make sure the New Zealand eSIM is selected as the preferred Mobile Data line.

On iPhone

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

On Samsung Galaxy

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

On Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Open SIMs.
4. Select the travel eSIM.
5. Enable Mobile Data and choose it as the preferred data SIM.

4. Enable Data Roaming on the Travel eSIM

Travel eSIMs commonly connect through partner networks. Data Roaming therefore normally needs to be enabled on the travel eSIM, even though you are using the plan in New Zealand.

Use this configuration:

• Travel eSIM Data Roaming: On.
• Primary SIM Data Roaming: Off.

Turning on roaming for the travel eSIM does not automatically enable roaming for your primary SIM. The settings are managed separately.

On iPhone

Open:

Settings → Mobile Service → Travel eSIM → Mobile Data Options → Data Roaming

On Android

Open the selected eSIM under SIMs or Mobile Networks and enable Roaming or Data Roaming.

5. Disable Automatic Data Switching

Dual-SIM phones can switch mobile data to another line when the preferred connection becomes weak. If this feature is enabled, the phone may move data back to your primary SIM.

Turn off settings labelled:

• Allow Mobile Data Switching.
• Automatic Data Switching.
• Auto Data Switch.
• Switch Mobile Data Automatically.
• Backup Data Connection.

Disabling this option also helps reduce the risk of accidental roaming charges from your home provider.

6. Turn WiFi Off While Testing

A phone connected to WiFi may appear to have working internet even when the eSIM has no mobile data connection.

To test the eSIM properly:

1. Turn WiFi off.
2. Confirm that the travel eSIM remains selected for Mobile Data.
3. Open a new webpage.
4. Open a map and search for a nearby place.
5. Send a message through an internet-based application.

If these services work without WiFi, the eSIM is active.

7. Toggle Airplane Mode

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

1. Turn Airplane Mode on.
2. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
3. Turn Airplane Mode off.
4. Wait several minutes.
5. Test mobile data again with WiFi disabled.

Do not change several unrelated settings immediately after turning Airplane Mode off. Give the phone time to complete network registration.

8. Restart the Phone

A restart can resolve temporary problems after installing, enabling or switching between SIM profiles.

Before restarting, confirm that the travel eSIM is enabled and selected for Mobile Data. After the phone turns on again, wait several minutes before testing the connection.

9. Leave Network Selection on Automatic

Automatic Network Selection allows the eSIM to connect to an available supported network. Manual selection can prevent registration when an unsupported or unavailable network is chosen.

On iPhone

Open:

Settings → Mobile Service → Travel eSIM → Network Selection

Turn on Automatic.

On Android

Open the travel eSIM’s Mobile Network settings and enable Automatically Select Network.

Use manual network selection only when specifically instructed during troubleshooting. Return it to Automatic if the manually selected network does not connect.

10. Check the APN

The Access Point Name tells the phone how to connect to mobile data. Most devices receive this setting automatically, but manual configuration may occasionally be required.

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM or Travel eSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank
Authentication	Leave default

Save the APN and make sure it is selected. Avoid changing proxy, port, server or other fields unless different instructions were supplied with the plan.

APN on iPhone

When the menu is available, open:

Settings → Mobile Service → Travel eSIM → Mobile Data Network

Enter data.esim in the Mobile Data APN field.

APN on Android

Open the travel eSIM under Mobile Networks, select Access Point Names and create or edit the APN. Save it and select the newly created profile.

11. Confirm That the Plan Is Ready to Use

Check the order information and confirm:

• The plan includes New Zealand.
• The validity period has started.
• The validity period has not expired.
• The available data has not been fully consumed.
• The eSIM was installed on the intended device.

Installation and activation are not always the same. An eSIM can be present on the phone without having connected to a supported network yet.

Review the New Zealand eSIM activation guide.

12. Check Whether the Phone Is Compatible and Unlocked

If the eSIM cannot be installed or enabled, check device compatibility.

Dial *#06# and look for an EID. You can also check for Add eSIM in the SIM settings.

An eSIM-compatible phone must also be carrier-unlocked. On iPhone, open:

Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock

No SIM Restrictions normally means the iPhone is unlocked.

Android phones do not use one universal unlock-status menu. Contact the operator that originally supplied the device if you are uncertain.

Check whether your phone supports eSIM in New Zealand.

eSIM Shows Signal but Has No Internet

Signal bars mean the phone has detected a mobile network, but they do not confirm that mobile data is configured correctly.

When you have signal but no internet, check:

• The travel eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.
• Data Roaming is enabled on the travel line.
• Automatic Data Switching is disabled.
• The APN is correct.
• The plan remains valid.
• WiFi is off during testing.
• Mobile Data is enabled globally on the phone.

After correcting the settings, toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and test again.

eSIM Shows No Service

No Service means the phone has not registered on a mobile network. This may be caused by settings, activation timing or local coverage.

Check:

1. The eSIM line is enabled.
2. The plan includes New Zealand.
3. Network Selection is Automatic.
4. The phone is not still in Airplane Mode.
5. The plan has reached its activation stage.
6. The phone is in an area with mobile coverage.

Reception can be limited in mountain passes, national parks, remote beaches, forests and sparsely populated regions. Test again after reaching a town, main road or more open area.

eSIM Says Activating for a Long Time

An eSIM may display Activating while waiting to connect to a supported destination network. If you installed it before arriving in New Zealand, this status may not necessarily indicate a problem.

After arrival:

• Enable the travel eSIM.
• Select it for Mobile Data.
• Turn on Data Roaming.
• Leave Network Selection on Automatic.
• Toggle Airplane Mode.
• Wait several minutes.

Do not delete and reinstall the profile because the QR code may be single-use.

The QR Code Is Not Working

If the QR code cannot be scanned, first check whether the eSIM is already installed. Repeatedly scanning an already-used code may produce an invalid or expired-code message.

If the profile is not installed:

• Connect to stable WiFi.
• Display the complete QR code on another device.
• Increase that screen’s brightness.
• Clean the phone camera lens.
• Avoid glare and reflections.
• Use manual installation details when supplied.
• Confirm that the phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Follow the complete New Zealand eSIM installation guide.

Mobile Data Works but Is Slow

Slow data does not always mean the eSIM is incorrectly configured. Mobile speeds can vary according to:

• Your exact location.
• Network congestion.
• Building materials.
• Terrain and elevation.
• Supported device frequencies.
• The available network type.
• Temporary local conditions.

Try moving outdoors or closer to a window. Leave Network Selection on Automatic and allow the phone to move between available network types.

5G is not guaranteed everywhere. A stable 4G connection is generally sufficient for maps, messages, bookings and normal browsing.

Internet Stops Working During a Road Trip

New Zealand road trips often pass through rural and mountainous regions where reception changes quickly. An eSIM cannot create coverage where no supported mobile signal is available.

Before leaving a populated area:

• Download offline maps.
• Save accommodation details.
• Store booking confirmations offline.
• Download important route instructions.
• Charge the phone and power bank.
• Tell someone your intended route when travelling remotely.

When signal disappears, leave the phone on Automatic Network Selection. It may reconnect when you reach a covered area.

Primary SIM Is Using Data Instead

If your home SIM is consuming data, immediately review the Dual-SIM configuration.

1. Select the travel eSIM for Mobile Data.
2. Disable Data Roaming on the primary SIM.
3. Turn off Automatic Data Switching.
4. Disable Mobile Data on the primary line if your phone provides a separate option.
5. Check which SIM is selected before testing again.

You can keep the primary SIM active for calls and SMS without allowing it to use mobile data.

Calls and SMS Are Not Working

Many travel eSIMs are data-only. Check the selected plan if you require a local telephone number, traditional calls or SMS.

A data connection can normally be used for:

• WhatsApp.
• Viber.
• FaceTime.
• Messenger.
• Telegram.
• Google Meet.
• Other internet-based communication services.

Your primary SIM can remain active for ordinary calls and messages, subject to your home operator’s roaming charges.

WhatsApp Is Not Using the eSIM

WhatsApp does not need to change to the travel eSIM’s number. It normally keeps the number already registered to your account while using whichever mobile data connection the phone provides.

Make sure the travel eSIM is selected for Mobile Data. Do not choose Change Number unless you intentionally want to transfer the WhatsApp account.

Personal Hotspot Is Not Working

Hotspot availability depends on the selected plan and phone configuration.

If tethering is supported but does not work:

• Confirm that mobile data works directly on the phone.
• Restart Personal Hotspot.
• Reconnect the second device.
• Check the hotspot password.
• Confirm that the APN is correct.
• Restart both devices.
• Turn off any VPN temporarily while testing.

Hotspot use can consume data quickly, particularly when laptops perform updates, backups or cloud synchronisation.

Should You Reset Network Settings?

Resetting Network Settings should be treated as a later troubleshooting step because it can remove saved WiFi networks, VPN settings and other network preferences.

Before using a reset, try:

1. Checking the preferred data SIM.
2. Enabling Data Roaming.
3. Disabling Automatic Data Switching.
4. Checking the APN.
5. Toggling Airplane Mode.
6. Restarting the phone.

Do not delete the eSIM before or after a network reset unless support specifically confirms that removal is required.

Information to Prepare for Support

If the eSIM still does not work, prepare clear information before contacting support.

• Order number.
• Phone manufacturer and exact model.
• Current location in New Zealand.
• Whether the eSIM appears in SIM settings.
• Whether signal bars are visible.
• Any error message shown by the phone.
• Whether Data Roaming is enabled.
• Which SIM is selected for Mobile Data.
• The APN currently entered.
• Screenshots of the relevant settings without sensitive information.

Do not send the complete QR code publicly because it contains installation information intended for your device.

Complete Fix Order

Use this order to avoid changing unnecessary settings:

1. Confirm that the eSIM is installed.
2. Enable the travel line.
3. Select it for Mobile Data.
4. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM.
5. Turn off roaming on the primary SIM.
6. Disable Automatic Data Switching.
7. Turn WiFi off and test mobile data.
8. Leave Network Selection on Automatic.
9. Set the APN to data.esim when required.
10. Toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
11. Restart the phone.
12. Test again in an area with stronger coverage.
13. Contact support without deleting the eSIM.

Related New Zealand Travel Internet Guides

• New Zealand eSIM Plans
• How to Use an eSIM in New Zealand
• How to Activate a New Zealand eSIM
• How to Install a New Zealand eSIM
• Does My Phone Support eSIM in New Zealand?
• New Zealand eSIM for iPhone
• New Zealand eSIM for Android
• Mobile Internet in New Zealand
• Internet for a New Zealand Road Trip
• How Much Data Do You Need for New Zealand?

FAQ

Why is my eSIM not working in New Zealand?

The most common causes are that the travel eSIM is disabled, not selected for Mobile Data, Data Roaming is off, Automatic Data Switching is enabled or the APN requires manual configuration.

Should Data Roaming be enabled?

Yes. Data Roaming normally needs to be enabled on the travel eSIM. Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM unless you deliberately want to use your home provider abroad.

Why does the eSIM show signal but no internet?

The phone may be registered on a network but using the wrong Mobile Data line, missing the correct APN or blocking data because roaming is disabled.

What APN should I use?

Use data.esim when manual APN configuration is required. Leave username and password blank unless different instructions were supplied.

Why does my phone show No Service?

The phone may still be registering, Network Selection may be incorrect or you may be in an area with limited mobile coverage.

Should I select a network manually?

Leave Network Selection on Automatic unless support specifically asks you to test a manual network.

Can I keep my primary SIM active?

Yes. Keep the travel eSIM selected for Mobile Data, disable roaming on the primary SIM and turn off Automatic Data Switching.

Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

No. Do not delete the eSIM while troubleshooting because the QR code may work for only one installation.

Final Recommendation

When a New Zealand eSIM is not working, begin with the essential settings rather than deleting the profile. Confirm that the travel line is enabled, selected for Mobile Data and allowed to use Data Roaming.

Keep roaming off on the primary SIM, disable Automatic Data Switching and leave Network Selection on Automatic. If mobile data still does not work, check whether the APN should be data.esim, toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the phone.

Remember that reception can vary in rural, mountainous and sparsely populated parts of New Zealand. Test the connection again in a more populated area before assuming that the eSIM has failed.

Keep the eSIM installed while contacting support. Providing the phone model, location, settings and exact error message will make the problem easier to diagnose.

Browse New Zealand eSIM plans here.