💚 Holafly Troubleshooting Guide
Holafly Not Working?
5 Common Problems & Fixes
Don't panic. 90% of Holafly issues have simple fixes. This guide covers the most common problems users face and exactly how to solve them.
Updated December 2026 • 5 min read
⚡ Try This First (Fixes 80% of Issues)
- 1 Enable Data Roaming: Settings → Cellular → [Holafly eSIM] → Data Roaming → ON
- 2 Airplane Mode Reset: Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then turn it OFF
- 3 Restart Phone: Full power cycle if the above doesn't work
Still not working? Read the specific problem sections below. 👇
Problem #1: No Service After Landing
You've landed, turned off Airplane Mode, but your Holafly eSIM shows "No Service" or "Searching..."
Why This Happens
Holafly eSIMs need to register with local roaming partners. This can take 1-5 minutes. If Data Roaming is OFF, it will never connect.
✅ How to Fix
- Step 1: Go to
Settings → Cellular - Step 2: Tap your Holafly eSIM line
- Step 3: Turn Data Roaming ON (this is crucial!)
- Step 4: Set as "Primary" for Cellular Data
- Step 5: Toggle Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF
- Step 6: Wait 2-3 minutes for network registration
Still No Service?
Try manual network selection: Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Network Selection → Turn OFF Automatic → Select a carrier from the list.
Problem #2: Hotspot / Tethering Not Working
You're trying to share your Holafly data with a laptop or tablet, but the hotspot won't connect or shows no internet.
⚠️ Important: This is a Holafly Limitation
Holafly blocks hotspot/tethering on most plans in most destinations. This is not a phone setting issue - it's a provider restriction built into their eSIM profile.
🔍 What You Can Do
- • Check your destination: Some countries (like Japan) may allow limited hotspot
- • Contact Holafly support: Ask if hotspot is available for your specific plan
- • Use Bluetooth tethering: Sometimes works when Wi-Fi tethering is blocked (slower)
💡 Need Hotspot for Your Trip?
If tethering is essential for your travel style (laptop work, sharing with family), consider Airalo which typically allows hotspot on their plans.
→ Compare Airalo vs HolaflyProblem #3: Slow Speeds or Throttling
Your connection started fast but has slowed to a crawl. Videos buffer, maps take forever to load.
Why This Happens
Holafly's "unlimited" plans have a fair use policy. After heavy usage (typically 10-20GB per day), speeds may be throttled to prevent network abuse.
✅ How to Improve Speeds
- 1. Try manual network selection: Switch to a different carrier in the list - some are faster than others
- 2. Wait for off-peak hours: Network congestion is real, especially in tourist areas
- 3. Restart your phone: Forces a fresh network connection
- 4. Disable Low Data Mode: Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Low Data Mode OFF
- 5. Check for carrier updates: Settings → General → About (may show carrier update prompt)
Expected Speeds
Normal: 20-50 Mbps
Throttled: 1-5 Mbps
Still
usable for maps & messaging
High Usage Activities
Video streaming, large downloads, constant video calls can trigger fair use throttling faster
Problem #4: No Coverage in Rural Areas
Your Holafly worked great in the city, but you've lost signal in the countryside, mountains, or smaller towns.
Why This Happens
Holafly partners with specific carriers in each country. Sometimes their roaming partner has limited rural coverage compared to the main national carrier.
✅ How to Fix
- 1. Try manual network selection: Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Network Selection → OFF Automatic
- 2. Select a different carrier: Choose the network with the strongest signal in your area
- 3. Enable Wi-Fi Calling: When on hotel/cafe Wi-Fi, you can still make/receive calls
- 4. Download offline maps: Google Maps/Apple Maps can work without data
📍 Country-Specific Coverage Notes
- • Japan: Rural areas may only have 3G coverage
- • Thailand: AIS has wider coverage than DTAC in islands
- • Mexico: Telcel-based eSIMs have the best rural coverage
- • Europe: Coverage varies significantly by country
Problem #5: Can't Activate / Install eSIM
You're scanning the QR code but getting errors like "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Setup" or "eSIM Cannot Be Added".
Common Causes
No Wi-Fi during scan, QR code already used, phone not unlocked, eSIM storage full, or attempting to scan from the same phone (screenshot issue).
✅ How to Fix
- 1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi: Mobile data works but Wi-Fi is more reliable for activation
- 2. Don't screenshot the QR: Scan it from the email on another device (laptop, tablet, printed)
- 3. Check eSIM lock status: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (must say "No SIM restrictions")
- 4. Delete failed eSIM profiles: Settings → Cellular → tap the failed eSIM → Delete eSIM
- 5. Try manual setup: Instead of QR, use Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually
📧 Contact Holafly Support
If the QR code was already scanned or is invalid, contact Holafly's 24/7 chat support. They can usually regenerate a new QR code within minutes.
📞 Still Need Help? Contact Holafly
Holafly has 24/7 live chat support with fast response times (usually under 5 minutes).
Support Contact Template
💡 Holafly Not Right For Your Needs?
If you've tried everything and Holafly still isn't working well for you—or if you need features like hotspot—here are alternatives:
🔵 Airalo
- ✓ Hotspot usually allowed
- ✓ Wider country selection (200+)
- ✓ Pay-per-GB model (cheaper for light users)
- ✓ Top-up if you run out
🟣 Nomad
- ✓ Budget-friendly options
- ✓ Simple flat-rate pricing
- ✓ Good for tech-savvy travelers
- ✓ Multiple eSIM management