eSIM Activation Problems? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 2025

Having trouble activating your eSIM? You're not alone. While eSIM technology is incredibly convenient, activation issues can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide covers every common problem and provides step-by-step solutions to get you connected quickly.

Quick Diagnosis: What's Your Issue?

Common eSIM Problems

Jump to your specific issue:

1. QR Code won't scan
2. eSIM installation failed error
3. No service after installation
4. Can't find eSIM option in settings
5. Cellular plan invalid error
6. Unable to complete cellular plan
7. Data not working
8. eSIM deleted accidentally

Pre-Activation Checklist

Before Troubleshooting

Verify These First:

✅ Device Compatibility

• Your phone supports eSIM
• Check: Settings > General > About > Check for "Digital SIM"
• List of compatible devices

✅ Device Not Carrier-Locked

• Unlocked phones work with any eSIM
• Locked phones only work with same carrier's eSIM
• Check with your carrier if unsure

✅ Internet Connection

• Need WiFi or data to activate eSIM
• Stable connection required
• Download eSIM profile requires internet

✅ iOS/Android Version

• iOS 12.1 or later for iPhone
• Android 9.0 or later for Android
• Update to latest version recommended

✅ Carrier Supports eSIM

• Not all carriers offer eSIM
• Check carrier compatibility list
• Some carriers require in-store activation

QR Code Scanning Issues

Problem: QR Code Won't Scan

Common Causes:

• Poor image quality
• Screen brightness too low
• Camera focus issues
• Already used QR code
• Damaged/corrupted code

Solutions

Solution 1: Improve Scanning Conditions

1. Maximize screen brightness on device showing QR code
2. Clean camera lens on your phone
3. Hold steady 6-12 inches from screen
4. Ensure good lighting - avoid glare
5. Keep camera parallel to QR code
6. Try different angle if not working

Solution 2: Print the QR Code

If scanning from screen doesn't work:

1. Print QR code on paper
2. Use white paper, not glossy
3. High quality print setting
4. Full size, not scaled down
5. Scan from printed version

Solution 3: Manual Entry

Every eSIM has manual entry option:

iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
2. Tap "Enter Details Manually"
3. Enter SM-DP+ Address
4. Enter Activation Code
5. Confirm

Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
2. Add > Download a SIM instead
3. Tap "Need help?" or "Enter it manually"
4. Input SM-DP+ and Activation Code
5. Proceed

Where to Find Manual Details:

• Email from eSIM provider
• eSIM provider's app
• Order confirmation page
• Support ticket response

Solution 4: Try Another Device

If available:

1. Display QR code on tablet/computer
2. Use larger screen
3. Better resolution often helps
4. Try scanning from different device

Solution 5: Request New QR Code

If all else fails:

• QR code might be corrupted
• Contact your eSIM provider
• They can generate new code
• Usually free replacement

Installation Failed Errors

Error: "Installation Failed - Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added"

Common Causes:

• Another installation in progress
• Previous failed installation
• Network connectivity issue
• Device storage full
• eSIM profile corruption

Solutions

Solution 1: Remove Previous Installation Attempts

iPhone:

1. Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
2. Look for pending cellular plans
3. Delete any failed installations
4. Restart device
5. Try installing again

Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
2. Check for pending downloads
3. Cancel and remove
4. Restart device
5. Attempt installation again

Solution 2: Reset Network Settings

iPhone:

1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Reset > Reset Network Settings
3. Enter passcode
4. Confirm reset
5. Device will restart
6. Reconnect to WiFi
7. Try eSIM installation

⚠️ Warning: This will forget all WiFi passwords

Android:

1. Settings > System > Reset Options
2. Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
3. Confirm reset
4. Restart device
5. Reconnect to WiFi
6. Try eSIM installation

Solution 3: Clear Storage Space

Low storage can prevent installation:

1. Check available storage (need 1GB+ free)
2. Delete unused apps
3. Clear cache
4. Remove old photos/videos
5. Restart device
6. Try again

Solution 4: Update Software

Outdated OS can cause issues:

iPhone:

1. Settings > General > Software Update
2. Download and install if available
3. Restart after update
4. Try eSIM installation

Android:

1. Settings > System > System Update
2. Check for updates
3. Install if available
4. Restart
5. Try eSIM installation

Solution 5: Force Restart Device

iPhone 8 and later:

1. Press and quickly release Volume Up
2. Press and quickly release Volume Down
3. Press and hold Side button
4. Release when Apple logo appears

iPhone 7:

1. Press and hold Volume Down + Side button
2. Keep holding until Apple logo appears

Android:

1. Press and hold Power + Volume Down
2. Hold for 10-20 seconds
3. Release when device restarts

After restart, try installation again.

No Service After Installation

Problem: eSIM Installed But No Service

Check These:

✅ Is eSIM Actually Activated?

• Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data
• Check if eSIM shows "Active"
• Green indicators mean active

✅ Is Cellular Data Enabled for eSIM?

• Settings > Cellular
• Select your eSIM
• Turn on "Cellular Data"
• Enable "Data Roaming" if needed

✅ Correct Network Selection?

• Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
• Network Selection
• Try "Automatic"
• Or select network manually

Solutions

Solution 1: Toggle Airplane Mode

Simple but effective:

1. Enable Airplane Mode
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Disable Airplane Mode
4. Wait for network connection
5. Check for service

Solution 2: Select Network Manually

iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
2. Network Selection
3. Turn off "Automatic"
4. Wait for networks to load
5. Select your carrier
6. Wait for connection

Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet
2. Your eSIM > Network
3. Disable automatic selection
4. Select carrier manually
5. Wait for registration

Solution 3: Check APN Settings

Sometimes APN settings need manual configuration:

iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
2. Cellular Data Network
3. Enter correct APN details
4. Save

Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet
2. Your eSIM > Access Point Names
3. Add new APN
4. Enter correct settings
5. Save and select

Get correct APN settings from your eSIM provider

Solution 4: Verify Account Activation

Check with your eSIM provider:

• Is account fully activated?
• Payment processed?
• Plan activated on their end?
• Any account issues?

Solution 5: Check Coverage Area

Make sure you're in coverage area:

• Verify carrier covers your location
• Check coverage map
• Indoor coverage can be weak
• Try different location

eSIM Option Not Available

Problem: Can't Find eSIM Settings

Possible Causes:

• Device doesn't support eSIM
• Carrier lock preventing eSIM
• Software version too old
• Regional restrictions

Solutions

Solution 1: Verify eSIM Support

Check if your device supports eSIM:

iPhone:

1. Settings > General > About
2. Look for IMEI
3. Look for Digital SIM or EID
4. If present, device supports eSIM

Android:

1. Dial *#06#
2. Look for EID number
3. If shown, device supports eSIM
4. If not shown, no eSIM support

Compatible devices as of 2025:

• iPhone XS/XR and newer
• Google Pixel 3 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
• Many flagship 2020+ Android phones

Solution 2: Check Carrier Lock

iPhone:

1. Settings > General > About
2. Scroll to "Carrier Lock"
3. Should say "No SIM restrictions"
4. If locked, contact carrier to unlock

Android:

1. Settings > About Phone
2. Status > SIM Lock Status
3. Should show "Allowed" or "Unlocked"
4. If locked, contact carrier

Solution 3: Update Software

eSIM requires minimum OS version:

• iPhone: iOS 12.1+
• Android: Android 9.0+

Update to latest version for best compatibility.

Solution 4: Regional Settings

Some regions have eSIM restrictions:

• China-bought iPhones don't have eSIM
• Some regional variants lack eSIM
• Check device's region/model

Cellular Plan Invalid Error

Error: "Cellular Plan from [Provider] is Invalid"

Causes:

• QR code expired
• Code already used
• Plan not activated yet
• Wrong region profile

Solutions

Solution 1: Verify Plan Status

Check with your eSIM provider:

• Is plan activated?
• Has activation window expired?
• Any account issues?
• Payment confirmed?

Solution 2: Request New QR Code

If code is expired or used:

1. Contact eSIM provider
2. Request new activation code
3. They should provide free replacement
4. Delete old eSIM profile first
5. Install new one

Solution 3: Check Device Date/Time

Incorrect time can cause issues:

1. Settings > General > Date & Time
2. Enable "Set Automatically"
3. Verify time zone is correct
4. Restart device
5. Try activation again

Solution 4: Remove and Reinstall

1. Delete the invalid eSIM profile
2. Restart device
3. Ensure good WiFi connection
4. Reinstall with fresh QR code
5. Follow activation prompts

Unable to Complete Cellular Plan

Error: "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change"

This usually means:

• Network connectivity issue during activation
• Server-side problem
• Device storage full
• Another installation in progress

Solutions

Solution 1: Check Internet Connection

1. Verify strong WiFi signal
2. Try different WiFi network
3. Test internet speed
4. Reset router if needed
5. Retry activation

Solution 2: Wait and Retry

Server might be busy:

1. Wait 30-60 minutes
2. Don't attempt multiple times rapidly
3. Clear any failed attempts
4. Restart device
5. Try once more with stable WiFi

Solution 3: Contact Provider

If repeated failures:

• Provider may need to reset on their end
• They can check account status
• Might need to issue new code
• They can see activation logs

Data Connection Issues

Problem: eSIM Active But No Data

Check These First:

✅ Cellular Data Enabled?

• Settings > Cellular
• Toggle on Cellular Data

✅ Correct Line Selected?

• Settings > Cellular
• Select eSIM for data
• Choose correct default line

✅ Data Roaming On?

• Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
• Enable Data Roaming
• Required for travel eSIMs

Solutions

Solution 1: Set eSIM as Data Line

iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular
2. Cellular Data
3. Select your eSIM
4. Confirm selection

Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet
2. SIMs
3. Tap your eSIM
4. Enable "Mobile data"

Solution 2: Enable LTE/5G

1. Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
2. Voice & Data
3. Select LTE or 5G
4. Don't select 3G

Solution 3: Verify APN Settings

Incorrect APN = no data:

1. Get correct APN from provider
2. Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network
3. Enter APN details exactly
4. Save
5. Restart device

Solution 4: Reset APN to Default

1. Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM
2. Cellular Data Network
3. Reset Settings
4. Restart
5. Try again

eSIM Deleted Accidentally

Problem: Deleted eSIM by Mistake

Good News: Can usually reinstall if within activation window

Solutions

Solution 1: Reinstall with Original QR Code

If code hasn't expired:

1. Find original QR code/activation details
2. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
3. Scan QR code again
4. Should reinstall

⚠️ Warning: Most QR codes work only once. This may not work for all providers.

Solution 2: Contact Provider

Most providers offer:

• Free reactivation
• New QR code
• Quick customer support
• May need to verify identity

Solution 3: Check Provider's App

Many eSIM providers have apps:

• Login to app
• Navigate to your plan
• Regenerate QR code
• Reinstall eSIM

AlwaySIM Example:

• Open AlwaySIM app
• My eSIMs section
• Select deleted plan
• Generate new installation code
• Reinstall

Error Code Reference

Common eSIM Error Codes

iPhone Error Codes:

Error 1:

• Meaning: QR code invalid or expired
• Solution: Get new code from provider

Error 10:

• Meaning: Network connection issue
• Solution: Check WiFi, try again

Error 14:

• Meaning: Device not compatible
• Solution: Verify eSIM support

Error 35:

• Meaning: Installation already in progress
• Solution: Remove pending install, restart

Error 54:

• Meaning: Activation server unavailable
• Solution: Wait 1 hour, retry

Android Error Codes:

Error Code 10001:

• Meaning: Invalid activation code
• Solution: Double-check code, get new one

Error Code 10003:

• Meaning: Network error
• Solution: Better WiFi, retry

Error Code 10005:

• Meaning: Installation failed
• Solution: Restart device, remove old profiles

Advanced Troubleshooting

For Persistent Issues

Full eSIM Reset Procedure:

iPhone:

1. Remove all eSIMs
2. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset
3. Reset Network Settings
4. Restart device
5. Update to latest iOS
6. Clear space (5GB+)
7. Connect to strong WiFi
8. Install eSIM fresh

Android:

1. Remove all eSIMs
2. Settings > System > Reset Options
3. Reset Network Settings
4. Clear cache partition
5. Restart device
6. Update Android
7. Ensure sufficient storage
8. Reinstall eSIM

When to Contact Support

Contact your eSIM provider if:

• Tried all troubleshooting steps
• Error persists after multiple attempts
• QR code repeatedly fails
• Service not working after 24 hours
• Billing issues
• Need new activation code

Be ready with:

• Order number/ID
• Device model and OS version
• Error messages/codes
• Screenshots of issue
• Troubleshooting steps already tried

Prevention Tips

Avoid Future Issues

Best Practices:

✅ Before Installing:

• Verify device compatibility
• Ensure device is unlocked
• Update to latest software
• Free up storage space
• Connect to stable WiFi

✅ During Installation:

• Don't interrupt process
• Keep screen awake
• Stay on WiFi throughout
• Follow all prompts
• Don't scan QR code multiple times

✅ After Installation:

• Test before traveling
• Enable data roaming
• Configure APN if needed
• Add to widget for quick access
• Label eSIM clearly

✅ General Tips:

• Save QR code/activation details
• Keep provider contact info
• Install eSIM before departure
• Test connection immediately
• Have backup plan (physical SIM)

Quick Reference Guide

Fast Solutions by Symptom

QR Code Won't Scan → Print it, manual entry, or new code

No Service → Toggle airplane mode, select network manually

Data Not Working → Enable roaming, check APN, set as data line

Can't Find eSIM Option → Check compatibility, unlock device

Installation Failed → Remove old attempts, restart, reset network

Error Messages → Check error code, contact support

Accidentally Deleted → Reinstall with code or contact provider

Conclusion

Most eSIM activation problems have simple solutions. The key is methodical troubleshooting:

1. Start with basic checks
2. Try simple solutions first
3. Progress to advanced steps if needed
4. Contact support when stuck

Remember:

• Most issues resolve with restart
• Network settings reset fixes many problems
• Providers are there to help
• eSIM activation should be quick and easy

Still having issues? Your eSIM provider's customer support should help resolve any persistent problems. Most providers offer 24/7 support for activation issues.

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Need a hassle-free eSIM experience? AlwaySIM offers 24/7 support and easy activation in 150+ countries. Get connected with confidence!

Fixed your eSIM issue? Share your solution in the comments to help others!