eSIM Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 2026

eSIM activation should take less than 5 minutes. But when it doesn’t work, it’s incredibly frustrating. The good news: 95% of eSIM problems have simple fixes that take under 2 minutes to resolve. This guide walks you through the most common eSIM issues — from activation failures to disappeared eSIMs, QR code problems to carrier locks — with step-by-step solutions for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and all Android phones.

If you haven’t activated your eSIM yet, start with our How to Activate an eSIM guide first, then come back here if you run into problems.

Quick Diagnosis Checklist

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, run through this 30-second checklist. It solves 80% of eSIM problems:

• Data roaming is ON for the eSIM line (Settings > Cellular > your eSIM > Data Roaming)
• eSIM is set as the primary data line (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your eSIM)
• eSIM line is enabled (not toggled off in Settings > Cellular)
• Airplane mode toggle — turn it on, wait 10 seconds, turn it off
• Restart your phone — fixes 50% of transient connection issues
• You’re in a country the eSIM covers — check your provider’s coverage map
• The plan hasn’t expired — check activation date and validity period

If all of those are correct and your eSIM still isn’t working, proceed to the detailed troubleshooting below.

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1. eSIM Won’t Activate: “Activation Failed” or “Cannot Add Cellular Plan”

Symptoms: You scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually, and the phone displays “Activation Failed,” “Cannot Add Cellular Plan,” “Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change,” or a similar error.

Causes

• No internet connection or unstable WiFi
• Scanning the wrong QR code (some providers send multiple codes for different devices)
• Expired QR code (most eSIM QR codes expire 30-90 days after purchase)
• Carrier-side activation server issues
• Phone’s eSIM feature is disabled by carrier lock

Solutions

Step 1: Verify your internet connection

Your phone needs an active internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Switch to a different WiFi network or use mobile data from your existing SIM card. Try activation again.

Step 2: Confirm you’re using the correct QR code

Some eSIM providers (especially Airalo and Holafly) send multiple QR codes if you purchase plans for different devices. Double-check the email confirmation — make sure you’re scanning the QR code for THIS phone, not a different device.

Step 3: Try manual activation instead of QR code

Every eSIM provider gives you manual activation details alongside the QR code. Find the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code in your email confirmation, then:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter activation code
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Enter code manually

Type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as provided. Manual activation often succeeds when QR scanning fails.

Step 4: Check if the QR code has expired

Most travel eSIM QR codes expire 30 to 90 days after purchase. If you bought the eSIM months ago and never installed it, the QR code may no longer work. Contact your provider’s support — most providers (Airalo, Saily, Holafly, Nomad eSIM) will regenerate a new activation code for free.

Step 5: Verify your phone isn’t carrier locked

A carrier-locked phone may reject eSIM activation from providers other than your original carrier.

• iPhone: Settings > General > About > scroll to “Carrier Lock” — it should say “No SIM restrictions”
• Samsung: Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information > check “Network Lock” says “OFF”
• Other Android: Settings > About phone > Status > SIM lock status

If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock before using travel eSIMs. In the US, carriers must unlock phones that meet eligibility requirements (typically: paid off, active for 60+ days, not reported stolen).

Step 6: Update your phone’s OS

Outdated operating systems can cause eSIM activation failures. Update to the latest version:

• iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
• Android: Settings > System > System update

After updating, restart your phone and try activation again.

Step 7: Contact provider support

If activation still fails after all of the above, contact your eSIM provider’s support:

• Airalo : 24/7 in-app chat
• Saily : 24/7 email and live chat
• Nomad eSIM : Email and in-app support

Most providers can regenerate activation codes, verify server-side issues, or issue refunds if activation genuinely isn’t working.

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2. eSIM Installed But No Data Connection: “No Service” or “No Internet”

Symptoms: The eSIM profile is installed and visible in Settings, but you see “No Service,” you have signal bars but no internet, or the phone says “No Internet Connection.”

Causes

• Data roaming is turned off (the #1 cause)
• eSIM isn’t set as the primary data line
• Wrong network selected (manual vs automatic)
• APN settings incorrect (rare, but happens with some providers)
• You’re outside the eSIM’s coverage area

Solutions

Step 1: Enable data roaming (CRITICAL)

This is the #1 reason eSIMs don’t work. Travel eSIMs require data roaming to be ON.

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap your eSIM line > toggle Data Roaming to ON
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > tap your eSIM > toggle Data roaming to ON
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > toggle Roaming to ON

After enabling data roaming, wait 30 seconds and check if you get a data connection.

Step 2: Set the eSIM as your primary data line

Make sure your phone is using the eSIM for mobile data, not your physical SIM.

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your eSIM
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile data > select your eSIM
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Preferred network type > select your eSIM

Step 3: Verify the eSIM line is enabled

Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to accidentally disable the eSIM line.

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > make sure your eSIM is toggled ON (green)
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > make sure your eSIM toggle is ON
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > make sure your eSIM is enabled

Step 4: Toggle airplane mode on and off

This forces your phone to re-register on the network.

1. Turn Airplane Mode ON (swipe down from top of screen, tap airplane icon)
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Turn Airplane Mode OFF
4. Wait 30 seconds for the network to reconnect

Check if you now have a data connection.

Step 5: Restart your phone

A full restart resolves most transient connection issues.

1. Power off your phone completely
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Power it back on
4. Wait for the network to reconnect (30-60 seconds)

Step 6: Change network selection from automatic to manual

Sometimes the eSIM connects to a weak or incompatible network. Manually selecting a different carrier can fix this.

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap your eSIM > Network Selection > toggle Automatic OFF > select a different carrier from the list
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators > Search networks > select a carrier manually
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > Automatically select network > toggle OFF > choose a network

Try 2-3 different carriers from the list. If one doesn’t work, switch to another.

After testing, switch Automatic back ON — this usually works best long-term.

Step 7: Check APN settings (advanced)

Some eSIM providers require specific APN (Access Point Name) settings. Check your provider’s support documentation for APN details. On most phones:

• iPhone: APN settings are automatic and can’t be manually edited for eSIMs
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > add a new APN with provider’s settings
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > Access Point Names

Common eSIM APN settings:

• Airalo: APN usually auto-configured (check Airalo app for details)
• Saily: APN auto-configured
• Holafly: APN auto-configured

If in doubt, contact your provider for APN settings.

Step 8: Verify you’re in a covered country

This sounds obvious, but double-check you’re in a country your eSIM plan covers. If you purchased a “Thailand eSIM” and you’re in Vietnam, it won’t work. Check your provider’s coverage map.

Step 9: Contact provider support

If none of the above works, contact your eSIM provider’s support. They can verify:

• The plan is active and not expired
• Coverage exists in your specific location
• Server-side activation is complete
• No billing or account issues are blocking service

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3. eSIM Disappeared or Removed from Phone

Symptoms: The eSIM profile was installed and working, but now it’s gone from Settings. You can’t find it under Cellular/SIM Manager.

Causes

• Accidentally deleted the eSIM profile
• iOS/Android update removed the profile
• Physical SIM tray removed, triggering eSIM reset (rare)
• Carrier-side deactivation due to plan expiry

Solutions

Step 1: Check if the eSIM is just disabled, not deleted

On some phones, eSIM profiles can be disabled but still present.

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > scroll through all listed plans — look for your eSIM even if it’s toggled off
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > check all SIM slots
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > check if the eSIM is listed but disabled

If you find it, toggle it ON.

Step 2: Restart your phone

Sometimes an OS glitch hides the eSIM temporarily. Restart your phone and check Settings > Cellular again.

Step 3: Attempt to reinstall the eSIM

Most travel eSIM QR codes are single-use — once scanned, you can’t use the same QR code to reinstall. However, many providers offer reinstallation options:

• Airalo: Contact support via in-app chat — they can regenerate installation codes
• Saily: Open the Saily app, go to “My eSIMs,” and tap “Install” again (works if you still have plan validity remaining)
• Holafly: Email support for a new installation QR code
• Nomad eSIM: Contact support for reinstallation assistance

DO NOT purchase a new plan — contact support first. Most providers will help reinstall for free if you have remaining plan validity.

Step 4: Check if the plan expired

If your eSIM plan expired (e.g., 7-day plan ended), the profile may self-remove on some phones. Check the plan’s activation date and validity period in your original purchase confirmation.

If the plan is expired, you’ll need to purchase a new plan. The old eSIM profile is gone and can’t be restored.

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4. Can’t Scan QR Code: Camera Won’t Recognize eSIM QR Code

Symptoms: When you try to scan the QR code, the camera viewfinder opens but nothing happens. The phone doesn’t recognize or prompt you to add the eSIM.

Causes

• QR code displayed on the same phone you’re trying to activate (you need a separate device)
• Screen brightness too low
• QR code damaged or distorted
• Camera lens dirty or scratched
• Phone model doesn’t support eSIM QR scanning (some older Android models require manual entry)

Solutions

Step 1: Display the QR code on a different device

You cannot scan a QR code displayed on the same phone you’re trying to activate. The QR code must be displayed on:

• A laptop or desktop screen
• A tablet or iPad
• Another phone
• A printed sheet of paper

Open your eSIM provider’s email confirmation on a separate device, then scan the QR code with your phone.

Step 2: Increase screen brightness to maximum

If scanning from another screen, increase that screen’s brightness to 100%. Low brightness makes QR codes harder to scan.

Step 3: Clean your camera lens

Wipe your phone’s camera lens with a microfiber cloth or soft fabric. Fingerprints, dust, or scratches can prevent QR code recognition.

Step 4: Adjust distance and angle

Hold your phone about 6-8 inches from the QR code. Make sure:

• The QR code fills most of the camera viewfinder
• There’s no glare or reflection on the screen displaying the QR code
• The QR code is straight (not at an angle)
• The lighting is good (not too dark or too bright)

Step 5: Print the QR code

If scanning from a screen isn’t working, print the QR code on paper. Printed QR codes often scan more reliably than on-screen codes.

Step 6: Use manual activation instead

Every eSIM provider includes manual activation details alongside the QR code. Instead of scanning:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter activation code
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Enter code manually

You’ll need the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your email confirmation. Type them in exactly as provided — manual activation works identically to QR scanning, just takes 30 seconds longer.

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5. Wrong APN Settings or “Cellular Data Network” Error

Symptoms: eSIM activates, shows signal bars, but you get an error like “Could not activate cellular data network” or “Invalid APN settings.”

Causes

• Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) settings
• Provider requires manual APN configuration
• Carrier-specific APN conflict

Solutions

Step 1: Check provider documentation

Most modern eSIM providers auto-configure APN settings. However, some require manual setup. Check your provider’s support documentation or email confirmation for APN details.

Step 2: Configure APN manually (Android only)

• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > tap ”+” to add new APN
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > Access Point Names > add new APN
• Other Android: Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Access Point Names

Enter the APN details exactly as provided by your eSIM provider:

• Name: (provider name, e.g., “Airalo”)
• APN: (provider-specific, e.g., “internet” or “data”)
• Proxy, Port, Username, Password: (usually left blank or as specified by provider)
• APN type: (usually “default,supl” or “default”)

Save the APN and select it as your active APN.

Step 3: Reset APN settings to default

If you manually configured an APN and it’s not working:

• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > tap three dots > Reset to default
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Access Point Names > tap three dots > Reset to default

This reverts to auto-configured APN settings, which often resolves conflicts.

Step 4: Contact provider support

If APN issues persist, contact your eSIM provider for the correct APN settings. They can provide exact configuration details for your destination.

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6. Carrier Lock Preventing eSIM Activation

Symptoms: Phone displays “SIM Not Supported,” “Invalid SIM,” “eSIM Not Supported,” or “Contact Carrier” when you try to activate an eSIM.

Causes

• Phone is carrier-locked (tied to original carrier)
• Carrier has disabled eSIM functionality on your account
• Phone was purchased through carrier financing and isn’t fully paid off

Solutions

Step 1: Check carrier lock status

• iPhone: Settings > General > About > scroll to “Carrier Lock”
  • “No SIM restrictions” = unlocked, eSIM should work
  • “SIM Locked” or carrier name = locked, eSIM may not work
• Samsung: Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information > “Network Lock: OFF” = unlocked
• Other Android: Settings > About phone > Status > SIM lock status

Step 2: Request carrier unlock

If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock. In the US, carriers must unlock phones that meet these requirements:

• Paid off (no remaining device payments)
• Active for 60+ days (varies by carrier)
• Not reported stolen or lost

Unlock process:

• AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon: Request unlock through carrier website or customer service
• Unlocking typically takes 24-48 hours after approval

Step 3: Verify eSIM is enabled on your account

Even with an unlocked phone, some carriers disable eSIM functionality on certain plans. Call your carrier and ask: “Is eSIM enabled on my account?”

If disabled, they can enable it (usually free, takes a few minutes).

Step 4: Try a different eSIM provider

If you’re stuck with a locked phone and can’t unlock it immediately, try purchasing an eSIM from a provider with broader carrier compatibility. Some eSIM providers have partnerships with specific carriers that work even on locked phones (rare, but worth trying).

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7. Dual-SIM Conflicts: Physical SIM Interfering with eSIM

Symptoms: eSIM works sometimes but keeps disconnecting, or phone switches between physical SIM and eSIM unpredictably.

Causes

• Both SIMs set as primary data line simultaneously
• Automatic network selection causing conflicts
• Dual-SIM settings misconfigured

Solutions

Step 1: Set clear primary data line

Tell your phone which SIM to use for mobile data:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your eSIM (or physical SIM)
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile data > select one SIM
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Preferred network > select one SIM

Choose ONE SIM for data. The other SIM can still receive calls and texts.

Step 2: Disable the physical SIM temporarily

To isolate whether the physical SIM is causing conflicts:

1. Remove your physical SIM card from the tray
2. Restart your phone
3. Test if the eSIM works reliably without the physical SIM

If the eSIM works perfectly without the physical SIM, you have a dual-SIM configuration issue. Reinsert the physical SIM and proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Configure dual-SIM settings properly

Most phones let you set different SIMs for different functions:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular
  • Cellular Data: eSIM (for internet)
  • Default Voice Line: Physical SIM (for calls)
  • Allow Cellular Data Switching: OFF (prevents auto-switching)
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  • Calls: Physical SIM
  • Messages: Physical SIM
  • Mobile data: eSIM
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
  • Calls: Physical SIM
  • SMS: Physical SIM
  • Mobile data: eSIM

This configuration uses the eSIM for internet and keeps your home number on the physical SIM for calls/texts.

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8. Slow Speeds or Poor Performance

Symptoms: eSIM connects, but speeds are very slow — under 5 Mbps, constant buffering, or websites won’t load.

Causes

• Connected to a slow partner network
• Network congestion in your area
• You’ve hit your data cap and provider is throttling
• Weak signal or poor coverage location

Solutions

Step 1: Run a speed test

Use Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com to measure your actual speed. This confirms whether speeds are genuinely slow or if it’s a perception issue.

Step 2: Check which network you’re connected to

Your eSIM may have selected a slower partner network. Check and manually switch:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap your eSIM > Network Selection > toggle Automatic OFF > select a different carrier
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators > Search networks > choose manually
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > Automatically select network > toggle OFF > choose manually

Try 2-3 different carriers. Some will be faster than others depending on your location.

Step 3: Move to a different location

If you’re indoors, near thick walls, or in a basement — move outside or near a window. eSIM speeds depend on cellular signal strength, which can vary dramatically within the same building.

Step 4: Check if you’ve hit your data cap

Some eSIM providers throttle speeds after you use a certain amount of data. Check your eSIM app or provider dashboard to see how much data you’ve used.

If you’re near your cap, you may need to purchase additional data.

Step 5: Restart your phone

Restarting can resolve temporary network congestion or carrier connection issues.

Step 6: Test at different times of day

Network congestion varies by time. If speeds are slow during peak hours (6-9 PM), try again in the morning or late evening when networks are less congested.

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Provider-Specific Troubleshooting

Airalo Troubleshooting

Airalo is one of the most reliable eSIM providers, but occasional issues still occur.

Common Airalo issues:

• “eSIM not activating” in the Airalo app: Try manual activation via Settings instead of using the app’s direct install feature
• Slow speeds: Airalo uses local partner carriers — manually switch to a different carrier in your phone’s network settings
• QR code expired: Contact Airalo support via in-app chat — they’ll regenerate a new QR code within minutes
• Support: 24/7 in-app chat, typically 5-10 minute response times

Saily Troubleshooting

Saily (by Nord Security) has streamlined activation, but you may encounter these issues.

Common Saily issues:

• “Cannot install eSIM” error: Update the Saily app to the latest version, then try installation again
• No data after installation: Verify you’ve activated the plan (not just installed the profile) — tap “Activate” in the Saily app
• Plan not starting: Saily plans activate on first network connection in the destination country — if you’re still in your home country, the plan won’t start until you arrive
• Support: 24/7 email and live chat

Holafly Troubleshooting

Holafly offers unlimited data plans, but activation can occasionally fail.

Common Holafly issues:

• “Invalid QR code” error: Check you’re scanning the correct QR code from the latest email confirmation — if you purchased multiple plans, each has a unique QR code
• Unlimited data not working: Holafly’s unlimited plans sometimes have tethering restrictions — if you’re trying to use hotspot, it may be blocked
• Validity starts immediately: Unlike Saily, Holafly plans start from activation time (not first use) — don’t activate until your travel day
• Support: 24/7 WhatsApp support, typically under 5 minutes

Nomad eSIM Troubleshooting

Nomad eSIM has a clean interface, but you may encounter these issues.

Common Nomad eSIM issues:

• Free trial not appearing: Free trials are only available in select countries (check Nomad’s website for current list)
• Per-country data tracking not updating: Tracking can take 30-60 minutes to update — check again later
• “eSIM already installed” error: If you deleted and are trying to reinstall, contact Nomad support for a new activation code
• Support: Email and in-app support

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When to Contact Support vs. Request a Refund

Contact Support First If:

• Activation fails repeatedly despite trying all troubleshooting steps
• eSIM disappeared and you can’t find it
• Data doesn’t work after 30 minutes of troubleshooting
• Speeds are extremely slow (under 1 Mbps) in areas with good coverage
• QR code won’t scan and manual activation also fails

Most eSIM providers ( Airalo , Saily , Nomad eSIM ) have 24/7 support and can resolve most issues within minutes.

Request a Refund If:

• Provider confirms zero coverage in your destination (you were misled by coverage map)
• Activation fails repeatedly and provider can’t resolve it after 48 hours
• Data doesn’t work at all after multiple support interactions and troubleshooting
• You purchased the wrong plan (wrong country/region) within 24 hours and haven’t activated it

Most reputable providers offer refunds for unused, unactivated plans or confirmed technical failures. Check your provider’s refund policy.

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Prevention Tips: How to Avoid eSIM Problems

1. Install the eSIM at home before you travel

Install the eSIM profile over reliable home WiFi before your trip. This ensures:

• No activation issues at the airport without WiFi
• You can troubleshoot problems before you leave
• The eSIM is ready to activate the moment you land

2. Save activation details as a screenshot

Screenshot the QR code AND the manual activation details (SM-DP+ address and activation code). Save them to:

• Your phone’s Photos app
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• Email them to yourself

This ensures you can reinstall if the eSIM disappears. If you’re carrying multiple devices — a laptop, tablet, or backup phone — a tech organizer keeps all your cables and accessories in one place so you always have a second screen available to display the QR code for scanning.

3. Verify phone compatibility before purchase

Use your eSIM provider’s compatibility checker:

• Airalo : Check “Supported Devices” page
• Saily : Use in-app compatibility checker
• See our eSIM Compatible Phones list

4. Check carrier lock status before purchasing

Don’t buy an eSIM if your phone is carrier-locked. Unlock it first (see “Carrier Lock” section above).

5. Read the coverage map carefully

Verify your destination is covered. Don’t assume “Europe eSIM” includes every European country — check the specific country list.

6. Buy from reputable providers

Stick with established providers that have 24/7 support:

• Airalo
• Saily
• Nomad eSIM

See our best eSIM providers guide for vetted recommendations.

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Recommended Gear for a Reliable eSIM Setup

A few accessories can prevent common eSIM frustrations before they start. A GL.iNet Beryl AX travel router creates a stable WiFi 6 network from your eSIM data, so your laptop and tablet stay connected without relying on flaky cafe WiFi — and its built-in VPN support adds a layer of security on public networks. Pair it with a portable power bank to keep everything charged, especially during long travel days when you need your phone’s eSIM connection the most.

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Next Steps

Now that you know how to troubleshoot eSIM issues, here’s where to go from here:

• Need an eSIM provider? Check our Best eSIM Providers 2026 comparison
• Want to learn activation basics? Read How to Activate an eSIM
• Considering specific providers? See our Saily Review or Airalo Review
• Not sure what eSIM is? Start with What Is an eSIM?
• Check phone compatibility: eSIM Compatible Phones

95% of eSIM problems have simple fixes. The key is methodical troubleshooting — work through the steps above, and you’ll almost always get your eSIM working within minutes. Once you’re connected, keep a portable power bank on hand — an eSIM-only setup is only as good as your battery life.

Get a Reliable Saily eSIM