You've installed your eSIM, you've landed at your destination, and now your phone is showing no signal. Frustrating, right? The good news is that most eSIM issues are quick to fix once you know what to look for. Here are the most common problems travelers run into and exactly how to solve them.
No Signal After Arrival
This is the most common one. You land, turn on your eSIM, and nothing happens. Before you panic, try these in order:
- Make sure the TellingSIM eSIM is actually turned on in your SIM settings
- Set it as your Mobile Data line
- Turn Data Roaming on
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the network to register your device
Most of the time, one of these steps is the missing piece.
eSIM Installed but No Internet
Your eSIM shows as active but you still can't browse. This usually comes down to one thing: Data Roaming is off. Head to your cellular settings and make sure it's enabled. On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → [TellingSIM] → Data Roaming. On Android, it's usually under Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming.
Phone Not Finding a Network
If your phone is searching endlessly for a signal, try this:
- Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off
- Restart your phone completely
- Go to your network settings and try selecting the network manually
Sometimes your phone just needs a nudge to lock onto the local carrier.
QR Code Won't Scan
If you're still in the installation phase and the QR code isn't scanning, check that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection first. eSIM installation requires internet. If the scan still fails, use the manual entry option instead. Your activation email includes the SM-DP+ address and activation code you'll need.
eSIM Disappeared from Settings
This can happen after a factory reset or if you accidentally deleted the eSIM profile. Unfortunately, most eSIM plans can only be installed once. Contact TellingSIM support and we'll check your order and help you get a replacement if eligible.
Slow Data Speeds
If you're connected but speeds feel slow, it could be network congestion in a busy area. Try moving to a different spot or switching to a different network band if your phone supports it. If speeds are consistently poor, reach out to our support team with your location and we'll look into it.
Still Not Working?
If none of the above fixes your issue, don't spend hours troubleshooting on your own. Contact TellingSIM support with your order number and a description of the problem. We're here to help and usually respond quickly so you're not stuck without data for long.