Guides · Updated September 2026

eSIM installed but no data? Work through this list

The six checks that fix almost every "installed but not connecting" problem, in the order they usually turn out to be the cause.

The eSIM shows on the phone, maybe even shows bars, and nothing loads. Go down this list in order. Most people are done by step two.

1. Data Roaming on the travel line. Settings, Cellular (iPhone) or SIMs (Android), tap the travel eSIM, and check Data Roaming is on. This is the cause more often than everything else combined. A travel eSIM is a roaming line, so without this it will show signal and do nothing.
2. Which line is doing data. In the same screen, make sure Cellular Data or Mobile data is set to the travel eSIM, not your home line.
3. Airplane Mode toggle. On, wait ten seconds, off. This forces the phone to register on the network again.
4. Pick the network by hand. If the phone is showing "No service" on the travel line, go to the line's settings, Network Selection, turn off Automatic, and choose one of the networks listed on your order page (for the Philippines, Smart or Globe). Sometimes the phone latches onto a network the plan does not cover.
5. Check the plan itself. Open your order page. If it shows data used up or days expired, that is your answer, and Top up is on the same page. If it shows "Not activated" and you are in the destination with the steps above done, wait two minutes and refresh.
6. APN. Rarely needed on modern phones. If the line's APN field is empty or shows your home carrier's APN, enter the one shown on your order page.

Error messages during install

• "Device is locked" or "Unable to complete cellular plan change": the phone is carrier-locked. See does my phone support eSIM for how to check and fix.
• "This code is no longer valid" or "Already installed": the eSIM has been installed once already, on this phone or another. Each eSIM installs on one device only. If it was this phone and you deleted it, contact us with your ICCID.
• Install just spins: weak Wi-Fi. Move closer to the router or use a different network and try again.

It worked yesterday and not today

Usually one of three things: the phone fell back to the home line for data after a restart, the daily quota on an unlimited plan was reached (speed drops, does not stop), or you have moved somewhere with coverage from only one of the two networks and the phone is stuck on the other. Steps 2, 5 and 4 in that order.

Common questions

The eSIM shows full bars but nothing loads.

Data Roaming is off on the travel line, or the phone is using the home line for data. Steps 1 and 2.

Do I need to delete and reinstall?

No, and do not: the eSIM can only be installed once. Reinstalling is never the fix for a connection problem.

Does the eSIM work on Wi-Fi calling?

It is a data-only line, so it does not make calls itself. Your home line can use Wi-Fi calling over the eSIM data connection on most phones.