Airalo eSIM Not Working? Let's Fix It.

Works for Holafly, Nomad, and all travel eSIMs. Most issues have simple fixes.

🫂You're not alone. 80% of problems fixed in under 2 minutes by toggling one setting.

80% Success Rate ⏱️ 2 minutes

Quick Fix: The Most Common Solution

Problem: Your eSIM shows 'No Service' or won't connect to the internet

Solution: Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Select your eSIM → Turn Data Roaming ON. Then restart your phone completely (power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).

📋 Still not working? Let's diagnose:

Try each fix below. Most eSIM problems are solved within the first 3 steps.

Quick Reference: Common Fixes

1️⃣ Data Roaming Must Be ON

#1 reason eSIMs don't work. Travel eSIMs need Data Roaming enabled.

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Data Roaming = ON
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Your eSIM] → Roaming = ON

2️⃣ Restart Your Phone

Full power cycle forces network re-registration. OFF, wait 30 seconds, ON.

3️⃣ Manual Network Selection

Auto-selection sometimes picks wrong carrier.

Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Network Selection → Turn OFF "Automatic" → Wait for list to load → Select a supported carrier

Check your eSIM provider's email/app for list of supported networks in your country.

4️⃣ Check APN Settings

Most eSIMs configure APN automatically, but if not working, you may need to set it manually.

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Cellular Data Network
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [eSIM] → Access Point Names

Find the correct APN in your provider's activation email or help center.

5️⃣ Disable Your Home SIM

Your home carrier SIM can interfere with eSIM activation or cause unexpected roaming charges.

Settings → Cellular → [Your home carrier] → Toggle OFF
Or set to "Voice & Data" OFF and keep "Calls & SMS" only

Why Is Airalo Stuck on "Activating"?

This is one of the most common Airalo issues. Here's what's happening:

🌍 You're Still at Home

Many eSIMs won't fully activate until you reach your destination country. The "Activating" status is normal before departure. It will connect when you land.

📶 Data Roaming is OFF

This is the #1 fix. Go to Settings → Cellular → [Airalo eSIM] → Turn Data Roaming ON. Without this, the eSIM cannot connect to foreign networks.

✈️ Toggle Airplane Mode

After landing, turn Airplane Mode ON for 10 seconds, then OFF. This forces your phone to search for and connect to local networks.

⏰ Wait 5-10 Minutes

After arriving at your destination, give the eSIM 5-10 minutes to fully activate. Network registration can take time in congested areas like airports.

Still stuck after 30 minutes in-country? Contact Airalo support via their app. They can check your eSIM status and remotely reset it if needed.

Still Need Help? Contact Support

Email Template for Provider Support

Copy this template and fill in your details. Having this info ready gets faster responses.

Subject: eSIM Not Connecting - Order #[YOUR ORDER NUMBER] Hello, I purchased an eSIM for [COUNTRY] but cannot connect after following all setup steps. Order Details: - Order #: [NUMBER] - Email: [YOUR EMAIL] - Destination: [COUNTRY] - Travel dates: [DATES] Phone Details: - Model: [e.g., iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung S23] - OS: [e.g., iOS 17.1, Android 14] - Carrier unlocked: Yes What I've tried: ✓ Data Roaming is ON ✓ eSIM line is enabled ✓ Restarted phone multiple times ✓ Tried manual network selection ✓ Checked APN settings match your guide Current status: [No Service / Searching / Error message] Please advise next steps or issue refund if service cannot be provided. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

⏰ Response Time Expectations

Airalo: 12-48 hours (slower during peak times)
Holafly: 24/7 chat, usually 1-4 hours
Nomad: Email only, 24-72 hours
Tip: Use chat if available - it's always faster than email.

Advanced Troubleshooting

iPhone: iMessage/FaceTime Not Working After Installing eSIM

This is a known iOS issue. Fix it by:

  1. Go to Settings → Messages → Send & Receive
  2. Deselect your phone number, keep only your email
  3. Turn iMessage OFF, wait 30 seconds, turn back ON
  4. Repeat for FaceTime in Settings → FaceTime
iPhone: "PDP Authentication Failure" Error

This scary-looking error usually happens after an iOS update. It just means your network settings are glitching.

The Fix:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
  3. Warning: This forgets saved Wi-Fi passwords, but it fixes the eSIM connection 99% of the time.
Android: eSIM Shows "Invalid" or "Error"

Try these steps:

  1. Delete the eSIM profile completely
  2. Restart your phone
  3. Re-download the eSIM using the QR code
  4. Some Samsung models require "SIM card manager" app update from Galaxy Store
eSIM Stuck on "Activating..." for Hours

Many eSIMs won't fully activate until you reach your destination country and connect to a local network. If you're still at home:

  • This is normal - it will activate when you land
  • Make sure Data Roaming is ON now
  • When you arrive, toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF to force connection

🚫 Country-Specific Issues?

Some countries have restrictions that cause extra eSIM problems. Check these guides:

✅ Solved Your Problem?

Great! Here are helpful next steps: