eSIM not working Spain

Traveler in Spain checking phone with eSIM signal but slow internet

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

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

You might notice:

  • Signal but no internet
  • Slow connection
  • No network

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

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

Most problems can be fixed quickly.

Most common reason: wrong network selected

Spain has several major mobile networks:

  • Movistar
  • Vodafone Spain
  • Orange Spain
  • Yoigo

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 resolves 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 you installed your eSIM before traveling, it may activate only once it detects a supported Spanish 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 for mobile 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 all Spanish frequency 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
  • Internet not working

Fix:

  • Restart phone
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Reinstall eSIM profile
  • ASK for APN settings

Data plan expired or used up

Your phone may still show signal even if your data 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

Try these steps:

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

Most travelers resolve issues quickly.

Spain-specific tip

In Spain:

  • Movistar often provides the strongest nationwide coverage
  • Vodafone performs well in cities
  • Orange offers balanced coverage
  • Yoigo may be weaker in rural areas

If connection is unstable, manually switching networks usually helps.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

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

These are rare cases and usually require reprovisioning.

Biggest misconception

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

Real traveler scenario

  • Traveler lands in Barcelona.
  • Phone shows signal but internet is slow.
  • They switch network from Yoigo → Movistar.
  • Connection improves instantly.

Final verdict

If your eSIM isn’t working in Spain, 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 Spain: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why is my eSIM not working in Spain?

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

Yes. Most travel eSIM plans support Spanish networks.

Movistar 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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