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eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular with tech-savvy users due to their superior convenience. This includes the ability to easily switch carriers, eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, and manage multiple phone numbers on a single device. When you're traveling internationally, it's particularly helpful, as you only need to set up the eSIM for your destination country with a few simple steps on your smartphone, instead of having to physically remove and insert a traditional SIM. However, eSIMs can sometimes be troublesome due to errors stemming from the network operator, SIM provider, or device configuration.
In this article, we'll look at some common eSIM errors and how to fix them.

The Most Important Thing to Remember!

When your eSIM encounters an error and becomes temporarily unusable, you might feel frustrated and want to fix it quickly. Please keep in mind that eSIM errors can arise from many causes, so there are different ways to handle them.
The first and most important thing to remember when an eSIM error occurs is DO NOT delete the eSIM from your device. Doing so will invalidate the eSIM, and you'll have to purchase a new one if you want to continue using the service.

Common eSIM Errors and How to Fix Them

Below are some common errors you might encounter when using an eSIM:

1. Device Configuration Related Errors

a. Unable to Connect to an eSIM

This error can be due to two reasons: the Access Point Name (APN) hasn't been changed, or Data Roaming hasn't been enabled.

How to Change APN

Note: Not all eSIMs require APN changes. Please check the information provided with your eSIM before performing this step.

On Android:
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Select Network & Internet.
Step 3: Select Mobile Network, then select Access Point Name.
Step 4: Select the "+" icon or "Add".
Step 5: Enter the exact APN of the eSIM you're using (pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters).
Step 6: Save your settings.

On iOS:
Step 1: Go to Settings, select Cellular.
Step 2: In Cellular/Data Plans, select your eSIM. Select Cellular Data Network.
Step 3: Enter the exact APN of the eSIM you're using.

How to Enable Data Roaming

Note: Make sure your device is connected to a compatible carrier at your destination.
On Android:
Step 1: Go to Settings, select Mobile Network.
Step 2: Choose your eSIM.
Step 3: Turn on Data Roaming.

On iOS:
Step 1: Go to Settings, select Cellular.
Step 2: Choose your eSIM.
Step 3: Turn on Data Roaming.

b. "Cellular Plans from this Carrier Cannot be Added" Notification

If this happens, check to see if your device is network-locked. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings, select General.

Step 2: Select About. Under Carrier Lock, you'll typically see a message that says "No SIM Restrictions." If this message doesn't appear, contact your device's carrier to unlock your device.

This error can also occur if the eSIM was installed before but you weren't aware of it, or if the eSIM configuration download from the server was interrupted due to a lost connection, or the eSIM configuration wasn't retrieved for some reason.

Please check to ensure the eSIM is successfully installed on your device. Follow these instructions:

• On Android: Go to Settings, select Connections, select SIM Card Manager to see if an eSIM is present.
• On iOS: Go to Settings, select Cellular, then select Cellular Plans to check.

If you've checked and found that data isn't being used and the eSIM isn't working, please provide us with your Phone Number and Order ID (if you purchased the eSIM from our website). We'll reach out and help.

c. "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change" Notification

This notification often appears in the following cases:

• Too many eSIMs installed on the device: Some Apple devices like iPhone 13 and above allow installing multiple eSIMs and using two eSIMs simultaneously. This lets you manage multiple services. If your device only supports one eSIM, or you've used up the current eSIM's data plans, delete that eSIM and install a new one. To delete an eSIM on iOS, go to Settings > Cellular > your eSIM, where you'll find an option to delete it.

• Cellular Data is turned off: You just need to go to Settings and turn it back on.

• Your eSIM is already installed: Most eSIMs can only be installed once. In this case, check whether your eSIM is already installed (see instructions in the sections above).

• Poor connection when installing eSIM: To avoid this error, please find a place with a stable Wi-Fi connection or use high-speed mobile data when setting up your eSIM.

d. "PDP Authentication Failure" Notification

This error occurs when the network settings on your phone are incorrect. First, please recheck your APN, remaining eSIM data, and network connection. If the error persists, try turning on Airplane Mode for a few seconds, then power off your phone and restart it.

e. Cannot Use iMessage

If your eSIM has a phone number, you can use that number to exchange text messages on iMessage. However, remember to reset iMessage after installing the eSIM. Here's how:

• Step 1: Go to Settings, select Messages.

• Step 2: Turn off iMessage and then turn it back on.

• Step 3: Select Send & Receive. Uncheck your phone number and make sure your email address is checked. If you want to use iMessage on your Primary SIM instead of your eSIM, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, and check your phone number again.

2. Network Operator Related Errors

a. eSIM Has No Signal

First, check if you're within the network coverage area. If you are – but your eSIM still has no signal, this error is most likely caused by your phone's operating system. Please update your device's operating system to the latest version. You can also try restoring all settings to refresh the eSIM settings, which can help fix signal loss errors.

b. Slow Network Speed

Slow network speed can be handled in a few ways:

• Reinstall the device's APN.

• Temporarily put the device in 3G mode.

• Switch data mode to 3G Only.

• Turn on Airplane Mode for a moment.

c. "No Service" Notification After eSIM Installation

This error may come from the carrier, or due to a device configuration problem. You can restart your device or reset the eSIM configuration using a new QR code from your service provider.

3. eSIM Provider Related Errors

a. Unable to Scan QR Code

First, please ensure your device doesn't have a camera error that prevents it from scanning the QR code.

If your device is working properly, then it might be because the QR code provided by the network has defects such as being blurred or missing components, preventing it from being scanned.

You can try installing the eSIM manually as follows:

• On iOS:

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

• Step 2: Select Enter Details Manually. Your device will ask you to enter the required information.

• Step 3: Turn on your eSIM. Choose an eSIM cellular plan.

• Step 4: Turn on Data Roaming.

• Step 5: Set up APN (if necessary).

• On Android:

• Step 1: Go to Settings. Select Network & Internet.

• Step 2: Tap the Add (+) icon next to Mobile Networks.

• Step 3: Select Next.

• Step 4: Select Enter it manually and enter the required information. If you don't see the "Enter it manually" button, scan the QR code again, and you should see the option to manually enter the code.

• Step 5: In Mobile Networks, enable your eSIM.

• Step 6: Turn on Mobile data. Turn on Data Roaming. Set up APN if needed.

b. "Invalid QR Code" Notification

This message appears when your eSIM has already been installed, or you scanned the QR code with a poor network connection, or you have too many eSIMs installed on the device. First, check if your eSIM has been installed (see instructions in the sections above). Delete any eSIMs that are no longer in use. Please be aware that a deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled.

c. Unable to Set Up Personal Hotspot

When purchasing an eSIM, you should know whether the eSIM you're buying allows mobile data sharing. If the eSIM doesn't allow data sharing, you cannot set up a Personal Hotspot with it. If your eSIM allows data sharing but you can't set up a personal hotspot, check your APN again.

• On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network. Enter the APN provided by your provider.

• On Android: Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network Settings > Access Point Names. Enter the APN provided by your provider.

These are common eSIM errors and how to fix them. We hope you find this guide helpful!