eSIM stuck on activating? Fix it before you fly
Stuck on Activating or No Service before your trip? That's normal on most plans. It connects at your destination. Check it under Settings → Mobile Service (iPhone), SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel).
Do this now
- Stay on strong Wi-Fi and give the install a few minutes.
- Turn airplane mode on, wait a moment, then turn it off.
- Restart your phone.
- Open Settings → General → About on iPhone, then tap the network provider version.
- Check the travel line shows in Mobile Service (iPhone), SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel).
- Keep the eSIM installed. Don't delete it, as each code installs once.
What do I do if the install screen hangs?
Stay on strong Wi-Fi and give it a few minutes. If it's still stuck, turn airplane mode on, then off, and restart your phone.
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Centre, then use the airplane mode switch.
- iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About, find the eSIM section, tap the network provider version, then tap Update if it's offered.
Why does my eSIM say Activating before I travel?
That's normal on most plans. The eSIM connects when it reaches a supported network at your destination, so it can wait until you land. Some plans start on install instead, and the plan page says which. Read when your plan starts if you're unsure.
How do I check the install is done?
The install is finished once the travel line appears in your settings:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
Your eSIMology eSIM page also shows its status: Ready to install, Active or Expired. If you're still at home, install before you travel and check it once more.
What do I do once I land?
Turn the travel line on, turn its Data Roaming on, and choose it for mobile data. Keep Data Roaming off for your home line.
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → tap the travel line → Turn On This Line, then Data Roaming. Then Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data → choose the travel line.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming. Then set the travel eSIM as preferred SIM for Mobile data in SIM manager.
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap the travel SIM → Roaming, then Mobile data.
Still stuck? What to do next
Don't delete the eSIM to start again, because each code installs once. Read why there's no service for more checks. If it still won't connect, contact us with your order number and phone model, and we'll help you from there.
Will my eSIM start working before I land?
Most plans start when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination. A few start on install, and the plan page says which.
Can I delete my eSIM and install it again?
No. Each code installs once, so don't delete the eSIM to start again. If it's stuck, contact us with your order number and phone model.
Which Wi-Fi should I use to install my eSIM?
Install on strong Wi-Fi. If the screen hangs, stay on it and give it a few minutes before you try the other fixes.
