Why Your eSIM Might Not Be Working: Common Causes & Solutions
Your eSIM should work seamlessly, but sometimes things don't go as planned. Understanding the root causes of eSIM failures can help you diagnose and fix issues quickly. This comprehensive guide explores the most common reasons why eSIMs fail and provides actionable solutions.
Quick Self-Diagnosis
Before diving deep, ask yourself these questions:
- ✓ Is your device eSIM-compatible?
- ✓ Did you successfully install the eSIM profile?
- ✓ Is data roaming enabled for your eSIM line?
- ✓ Are you in the correct country/region?
- ✓ Is your eSIM plan still valid and not expired?
Reason #1: Device Compatibility Issues
The Problem: Not all smartphones support eSIM technology. Older devices or certain models may lack the necessary hardware or software support.
Solutions:
- Check Compatibility: iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+ or newer, Google Pixel 3+ or newer
- Verify eSIM Support: iPhone: Settings → General → About → look for "Digital SIM" or "Available SIM"
- Android Check: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → look for "Add eSIM" option
- Update Software: Ensure your device is running the latest iOS or Android version
- Carrier Lock: Verify your device isn't carrier-locked (especially for international eSIMs)
Reason #2: Incorrect Device Settings
The Problem: Even with a properly installed eSIM, incorrect device settings can prevent connectivity. This is one of the most common causes of eSIM failures.
Critical Settings to Check:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Enable "Data Roaming"
- Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → [Your eSIM] → Enable "Data Roaming"
- Ensure your eSIM is selected as the primary data line
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → Select your eSIM
- Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Preferred SIM for data
- Try manually selecting a network operator instead of automatic
- Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators → Select available network
- Toggle Airplane Mode off and on to reset network connections
- Wait 10-15 seconds between toggles
Reason #3: Network Coverage & Location Issues
The Problem: eSIMs are region-specific. Using a Saudi Arabia eSIM in a different country, or being in an area with poor network coverage, will cause connection failures.
Solutions:
- Verify Location: Ensure you're in the correct country where your eSIM plan is valid
- Check Coverage: Move to an area with better signal strength (near windows, higher floors)
- Network Congestion: During peak times at Haramain (prayer times), networks can be congested - be patient
- Manual Network Selection: Try switching between available networks (STC, Mobily, Zain)
- Wait for Registration: After landing, it may take 5-10 minutes for your device to register on the local network
Reason #4: Activation & Installation Problems
The Problem: The eSIM profile may not have installed correctly, or the activation process was interrupted. This can happen due to poor internet connection during installation or QR code issues.
Solutions:
- Reinstall eSIM: Delete the existing eSIM profile and reinstall using the QR code
- Stable Connection: Ensure you have a strong WiFi or mobile data connection during installation
- QR Code Quality: Use a high-resolution display, increase brightness, clean camera lens
- Manual Entry: If QR scanning fails, use manual entry with SM-DP+ address and activation code
- Check Installation: Verify the eSIM appears in Settings → Cellular/Mobile Networks
- Contact Support: If installation repeatedly fails, request a new QR code from support
Reason #5: Plan Expiration & Data Exhaustion
The Problem: Your eSIM plan may have expired or you've used all your data allowance. Many users don't realize their plan has a validity period or data limit.
How to Check & Fix:
- Check Validity: Review your purchase email for plan validity dates
- Data Usage: iPhone: Settings → Cellular → check data usage per line
- Android: Settings → Connections → Data Usage → check per-SIM usage
- Plan Details: Visit your activation page or contact support to verify plan status
- Purchase New Plan: If expired or exhausted, purchase a new eSIM plan
- Monitor Usage: Set up data usage alerts to avoid unexpected exhaustion
Reason #6: Software & Firmware Issues
The Problem: Outdated operating systems, software bugs, or corrupted network settings can prevent eSIM functionality.
Solutions:
- Update OS: Install the latest iOS or Android updates (Settings → General → Software Update)
- Restart Device: Perform a full restart (not just sleep/wake)
- Reset Network Settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings (⚠️ erases WiFi passwords)
- Clear Cache: Android: Settings → Apps → Carrier Services → Clear Cache
- Factory Reset (Last Resort): Only if all else fails, backup data and perform factory reset
Reason #7: APN Configuration Problems
The Problem: Access Point Name (APN) settings control how your device connects to the mobile network. Incorrect APN settings can prevent data connectivity even when the eSIM is installed correctly.
Solutions:
- Auto Configuration: Most eSIMs configure APN automatically - ensure this is enabled
- Manual APN: If needed, contact your eSIM provider for correct APN settings
- iPhone APN: Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Cellular Data Network
- Android APN: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names → [Your eSIM]
- Reset APN: Delete custom APN settings and let the device auto-configure
Reason #8: Multiple eSIM Profiles Conflict
The Problem: Having multiple eSIM profiles installed can cause conflicts, especially if both are trying to connect simultaneously or if the device is confused about which profile to use.
Solutions:
- Disable Other eSIMs: Temporarily disable other eSIM profiles to test
- Set Primary Line: Clearly designate which eSIM is for data and which is for calls
- Remove Unused: Delete old or unused eSIM profiles from your device
- One at a Time: Activate and test one eSIM profile before installing another
Diagnostic Checklist
Systematic Troubleshooting Steps
- 1.Verify device eSIM compatibility and software version
- 2.Confirm eSIM profile is installed (visible in Settings)
- 3.Enable data roaming for your eSIM line
- 4.Set eSIM as default data line
- 5.Check plan validity and data balance
- 6.Toggle Airplane Mode and restart device
- 7.Manually select network operator
- 8.Verify location matches eSIM plan region
When to Contact Support
Contact our support team if you've tried all troubleshooting steps and your eSIM still isn't working:
- • QR code appears invalid or already used
- • eSIM won't install despite correct device and settings
- • Plan shows as active but no connectivity after 30+ minutes
- • Data exhausted faster than expected
- • Need a replacement eSIM or refund
Prevention Tips
- • Install eSIM before travel but activate upon arrival
- • Test connectivity immediately after installation
- • Keep device software updated
- • Monitor data usage regularly
- • Save QR code as backup (screenshot)
- • Enable data usage alerts on your device
Still Having Issues? We're Here to Help
Our expert support team is available around the clock to help resolve any eSIM issues. Get reliable connectivity with our hassle-free eSIM plans for your Umrah journey.