You have the eSIM installed, the profile appears in the settings and says "Active" — but there's no internet. This is one of the most perplexing problems because everything seems correct but nothing works. In 92% of cases, it's resolved with one of the steps in this guide without needing to contact support.
60-second diagnosis
First, identify exactly what you see on your mobile to know where to start:
| What you see | Diagnosis | Section to follow |
|---|---|---|
| No signal bars, "No service" | eSIM not selected or out of coverage area | Basic settings |
| Signal bars but E/G (not 4G) | Incorrect operator connected | Operator selection |
| 4G bars but no data | Incorrect APN or roaming disabled | APN / Roaming |
| WiFi works but mobile data doesn't | Mobile data off or incorrect line | Basic settings |
| Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't | Weak coverage area or operator change | Operator selection |
Basic settings that almost always resolve the issue
Before getting complicated, check these 5 basic points. They resolve 60% of cases:
Basic checklist
- Mobile data activated? — Settings → Mobile data → must be ON
- Correct line for data? — Settings → Mobile data → "Mobile data" → Select your travel eSIM line
- Airplane mode activated by mistake? — Check that there is no airplane icon in the status bar
- Data limit reached? — Some phones block data when the configured limit is reached
- Has the plan started? — Check the confirmation email if the plan has a later start date
APN settings
APN (Access Point Name) is the "network address" that the mobile uses to connect to the operator's data. If it is misconfigured, there is a signal but no data.
How to check and set up APN on iPhone
- Settings → Mobile data → select the travel eSIM line
- Tap "Mobile data settings"
- In "APN" enter your provider's APN (found in the activation email)
- Leave "Username" and "Password" blank unless the provider indicates another value
- Save and restart your mobile
How to set up APN on Android
- Settings → Network & internet (or Connections) → SIM cards → select the eSIM
- Go to "Access Point Names" or "APNs"
- Add a new APN with the provider's data
- Set it as the default APN
- Restart the device
Most common APNs for travel eSIMs:
| Provider / Base operator | Typical APN |
|---|---|
| eSIM Access (multiple destinations) | data.esimaccess.com |
| Airalo / Truphone base | globaldata |
| GigSky | data641003 |
| Holafly |
holafly or as indicated in the plan |
Roaming issues
Travel eSIMs technically operate in roaming mode. If roaming is disabled, there will never be data, even if everything else is correct.
Activate roaming on iPhone
Settings → Mobile data → select travel eSIM line → activate "Data roaming"
Activate roaming on Android
Settings → Network & internet → SIM cards → eSIM → activate "Data roaming"
Important: Activating roaming for the travel eSIM does not activate roaming for your Spanish SIM. Only activate roaming for the travel eSIM line, not for your usual operator (this could incur charges).
Manual operator selection
Sometimes the mobile automatically connects to a local operator that does not have an agreement with your eSIM:
- Settings → Mobile data → select the eSIM line → "Network"
- Disable "Automatic" to see available networks
- Wait for the list to appear (it may take 1–2 minutes)
- Select the correct operator (as indicated by your eSIM provider) or one that shows 4G
- If there are several 4G operators, try the one that does not show an error
Restart and reset
If all the above fails, try in this order:
- Simple restart: turn your mobile off and on completely
- Airplane mode: activate for 30 seconds, then deactivate — forces the mobile to reconnect
- Reset network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Network settings (clears WiFi passwords)
- Delete and reinstall the eSIM: only if the provider can regenerate the code
If nothing works
Contact support and provide:
- Exact mobile model and iOS/Android version
- Country you are in and local operators that appear in the list
- Screenshot of mobile data settings
- Whether you have a signal (bars) or "No service"
FAQ: Active eSIM with no internet
Why does the eSIM work in one country but not another within the same plan?
Regional eSIMs use different operators in each country. If the operator you connect to in that country does not have an agreement with your eSIM provider, or is congested, there may be problems. Try manual operator selection.
Can the eSIM suddenly stop working after days of working well?
Yes, it can happen if: (1) the plan's data has run out, (2) the plan has expired, (3) the local operator has changed its roaming agreements. First, check the plan status in the provider's panel.
Is it normal for eSIM speeds to be slow even with a 4G signal?
Speeds with a travel eSIM may be lower than those of a local resident because network priority may be lower while roaming. During peak hours, the difference can be noticeable. It generally improves in the early morning.
Can I use the eSIM and hotel WiFi at the same time?
Yes. The mobile will use the hotel WiFi for apps that work over WiFi, and the eSIM for mobile data when you move outside of WiFi range. The transition is automatic.
