What to do when your eSIM stops working, loses service, or won't connect to data.

eSIMs are incredibly reliable, but even the best digital SIMs can occasionally run into connection issues — especially when crossing borders, switching networks, or travelling through remote areas.

This guide gives you a quick, reliable troubleshooting checklist to get your eSIM working again, covers the most common causes of “No Signal / No Service”, and shows you exactly when to reset, when to reboot, and when to change APN or network settings.

 

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🚫 Why eSIMs Lose Signal (Most Common Causes)

Your eSIM may show No Service, SOS Only, or No Signal due to:

• The eSIM isn’t installed correctly
  
  

• Mobile Data isn’t turned on for the correct SIM
  
  

• Data Roaming is off
  
  

• The wrong APN is selected
  
  

• Your device is still connected to your home carrier
  
  

• The phone is on Airplane Mode
  
  

• You crossed into a new country without reconnecting
  
  

• Temporary local network congestion
  
  

• Weak reception in rural or mountainous regions
  
  

Most problems are solved in under 2–3 minutes using the steps below.

 

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🛠️ Quick Fix Checklist — Try These First (90% Success Rate)

Follow these in order:

1️⃣ Restart Your Phone

This resets network routing and fixes most quick glitches.

 

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2️⃣ Turn Mobile Data ON for your eSIM

iPhone:
Settings → Mobile Service → Select your eSIM → Turn ON “Mobile Data”

Android:
Settings → SIMs → Select your eSIM → Enable Mobile Data

 

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3️⃣ Turn ON Data Roaming

This is crucial. If roaming is OFF, you will not connect overseas.
Settings → Mobile Data Options → Data Roaming → ON

 

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4️⃣ Make Sure the Correct SIM Is Selected for Data

Your phone might still be using your home SIM.

Change it to your eSIM:
Settings → Mobile Data → Select “Your eSIM”

 

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5️⃣ Toggle Airplane Mode ON and OFF

This forces the phone to reconnect to the strongest tower.

 

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6️⃣ Manually Select a Network

If auto-selection fails:

iPhone:
Settings → Network Selection → Turn OFF Automatic → Choose available network

Examples:

• In Thailand → AIS / DTAC
  
  

• In Vietnam → Viettel
  
  

• In Japan → SoftBank
  
  

• In Europe → Vodafone / Orange
  
  

👉 Still no signal? Go to step 7.

 

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7️⃣ Reset Network Settings (Fixes APN & Routing Issues)

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset Network Settings

This does NOT erase your phone — just wipes saved networks/APNs.

 

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🔍 Advanced Causes & Fixes

APN Not Set Correctly

Some plans require a specific APN.
Check your provider’s instructions.

 

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Crossing Borders Without Reconnecting

When entering a new country (e.g., France → Italy), your phone may cling to the old network.

Fix:

• Airplane mode ON → wait 5 seconds → OFF
  
  

• Or manually pick a new network
  
  

 

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Device Compatibility Issues

Some older devices don’t support eSIM or certain bands.
Check compatibility before travel.

👉 Compatible device list:
 https://ezyesim.com/blogs/news/esim-device-compatibility-list-2026-full-guide-for-travellers

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Weak Reception (Mountains, Islands, Rural Areas)

Remote regions often have patchy coverage — regardless of SIM provider.

Fix:

• Move to a more open area
  
  

• Try manual network selection
  
  

• Hotspot from a travel partner if needed
  
  

 

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🧭 Troubleshooting by Travel Scenario

Scenario A — Airport Arrival, No Signal

• Turn ON Data Roaming
  
  

• Restart phone
  
  

• Turn off your physical SIM for Data to force eSIM usage
  
  

• Manually select a network
  
  

 

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Scenario B — Crossed Border, Lost Signal

• Airplane Mode ON → OFF
  
  

• Manual Network Selection
  
  

• Reset APN if needed
  
  

 

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Scenario C — Slow Data but Not Zero Signal

• Switch networks (AIS → DTAC, Vodafone → Orange, etc.)
  
  

• Move away from congested areas
  
  

• Restart your device
  
  

 

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Scenario D — Everything Worked Yesterday, Not Today

• Your plan may have expired
  
  

• You may have used all your data
  
  

• APN may have changed after a software update
  
  

Check plan status in your email or account dashboard.

 

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📊 Comparison: Common Issues vs Fixes

 

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🧲 When to Contact Support

Contact your provider if:

• The eSIM fails to install
  
  

• QR code shows “Activation Error”
  
  

• You reset everything and still have zero networks available
  
  

• Multiple travellers using the same plan have service but you don't
  

 

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🥇 Pro Tips to Avoid No-Signal Problems

• Install your eSIM before flying (but activate upon arrival)
  
  

• Turn Auto Network OFF if travelling through multiple borders
  
  

• Keep Data Roaming ON permanently
  
  

• Restart your phone at every country border
  
  

• Save APN instructions offline
  
  

• Keep your phone updated
  
  

 

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👉 Global eSIM:
https://ezyesim.com/products/global-120-areas-esim

👉 Device Compatibility List:
 https://ezyesim.com/blogs/news/esim-device-compatibility-list-2026-full-guide-for-travellers

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❓ FAQ 

1. Why does my eSIM show “No Service” after landing?

Usually roaming is OFF or your phone is still trying to use your home SIM. Turning roaming ON and selecting your eSIM for Mobile Data solves this instantly.

 

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2. Should I delete my eSIM if I lose signal?

No — never delete it unless support tells you to. Deleting it forces you to buy a new one.

 

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3. Why do I lose signal when crossing borders?

Your phone hasn’t switched to a compatible tower yet. Toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF and manually pick a local network.

 

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4. Does APN matter?

Yes — the wrong APN can stop data entirely. Resetting network settings usually restores it.

 

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5. Why do I have full bars but slow data?

This happens in congested areas — stadiums, airports, festivals.
Switch networks or move away from dense crowds.