Why Is My eSIM Not Working Abroad? Quick Fix Guide.

Q: How long does eSIM activation take abroad?

Activation usually takes a few minutes after connecting to a supported network. Some plans activate automatically upon arrival in the destination country.

Q: Will restarting the phone help fix eSIM issues?

Yes. Restarting the phone often refreshes the network connection and solves many temporary connectivity problems.

Your eSIM should normally start working within minutes after arriving at your destination. If mobile data is not working abroad, the issue is usually related to settings, activation timing, or network selection — not the eSIM itself.

This quick troubleshooting guide explains:

The most common reasons an eSIM does not work abroad
How to fix the issue in minutes
When to contact support

The 5 most common reasons your eSIM is not working

1. Mobile Data is set to the wrong SIM

Many travelers install the eSIM but forget to select it for data.

Fix:

Go to Settings → Mobile Data / SIM Manager
Set Mobile Data = Travel eSIM

If you are unsure how Dual SIM works, read: https://novesim.com/esim-and-physical-sim-dual-sim/

2. Data Roaming is OFF for the eSIM

Most travel eSIMs connect through partner networks and require Data Roaming ON.

Fix:

Settings → Mobile Network → Data Roaming → ON (for the eSIM line)

Keep roaming OFF for your primary SIM to avoid charges.

3. The eSIM has not activated yet

Some plans activate:

When first connected to a supported network
When mobile data is enabled
When arriving in the destination country

Try:

Toggling Airplane Mode ON/OFF
Restarting the phone
Manually selecting a network

4. The device is not eSIM-compatible or is carrier locked

If the phone is carrier locked, third-party eSIMs may not function.

Check compatibility here: https://novesim.com/esim-compatible-phones/

5. APN settings are missing (rare)

Some Android devices occasionally require APN refresh.

Fix:

Toggle Airplane Mode
Restart phone
Re-enable the eSIM line

Quick 60-second checklist

Before contacting support, check:

Mobile Data set to eSIM
Data Roaming ON for the eSIM
Signal bars visible
Phone restarted
Correct country coverage

In most cases, one of these steps fixes the issue immediately.

When to contact support

If none of the steps above work:

Confirm you are in the covered country
Check whether the plan has remaining data

Contact support with:

Device model
Country
Screenshot of SIM settings

Helpful related guides

Install your eSIM step-by-step: https://novesim.com/how-to-install-esim-on-samsung/
Switch between SIMs while traveling: https://novesim.com/switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim/
Browse available destination plans: https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

How long does eSIM activation take abroad?

Usually a few minutes after connecting to a supported network. In some cases activation occurs automatically upon arrival in the destination country.

Should data roaming be ON or OFF for travel eSIM?

Most travel eSIMs require roaming ON for the eSIM line, while roaming should remain OFF for your primary SIM.

Why does my eSIM show signal but no internet?

Mobile data may still be set to the primary SIM or APN settings may need refreshing. Switching data to the eSIM usually resolves the issue.

Will restarting the phone help fix eSIM issues?

Yes. Restarting often refreshes the network connection and solves many temporary connectivity problems.