eSIM Not Working While Traveling? A Step-By-Step Guide to Troubleshoot and Fix

Staying connected while abroad is essential—whether you’re checking flight updates, navigating unfamiliar cities, or messaging family. eSIMs offer a convenient way to access mobile data without swapping physical SIM cards, but they don’t always work perfectly. If your eSIM isn’t working during your trip, you’re not alone. Common issues like failed activation, no signal, or unexpected data loss can disrupt your plans. The good news? Most of these problems are easy to fix with a few quick steps.

This guide covers the most common eSIM issues travelers face—and how to troubleshoot them fast so you can get back online and enjoy your journey without the tech headaches.

Common eSIM Issues Travellers Face

Travelers often find eSIMs to be lifesavers, but there are a few common issues that pop up now and then.

Here’s a quick overview of what you might face:

• Problems with activating the eSIM on your device.
• Connectivity drops or unable to connect to local networks.
• Data running out too quickly.
• Trouble switching between local networks .

Knowing what to expect can help travelers prepare better. It's always a good idea to have a quick checklist of what might go wrong and have solutions handy. This way, you’re ready to overcome any obstacles that could interrupt your use of an international eSIM. Preparation is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress on your trip.

Unable to Activate eSIM

Activating an eSIM should be straightforward, but it occasionally trips people up.

First, ensure that your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Most newer smartphones support eSIMs, but it's always wise to double-check. Also ensure your device’s software is upto date.

Still stuck? Try these quick fixes:

1. Restart your device.
2. Check that you have a stable internet connection during activation.
3. Verify that the eSIM QR code is scanned correctly.
4. Ensure your phone’s settings match the eSIM provider’s requirements.

If these actions don’t resolve the issue, it might be time to reach out for support. Most eSIM providers offer customer service that can help iron out any kinks. Sometimes, getting a fresh QR code or following a few extra provider-specific steps can solve things quickly.

Activating an eSIM can feel like a tricky puzzle, but once you're connected, the convenience of having mobile data ready globally makes it all worthwhile.

Connectivity Problems

One of the most frustrating things travelers experience is losing signal when they need it most. This can happen anywhere — at an airport, on a train, or even while walking through a city center. When an international eSIM suddenly disconnects or won’t connect at all, there are usually a few common reasons and ways to fix them.

• Start by checking if your device has selected the right network. Sometimes it latches onto a weaker signal or the wrong local provider. Manually choosing a stronger, supported network can often solve the issue.
• Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. This resets the connection and allows your phone to search again for the best available signal.
• Make sure data roaming is turned on, as some phones keep it off to prevent surprise charges.
• Check for any software updates that might improve connectivity.
• Restart your phone or popping into a local area with better coverage may do the trick.

Data Usage Concerns

Running out of data mid-trip feels a lot like hitting a dead end with no signs around. You’re following maps, checking translations, or uploading photos, and then suddenly—nothing loads. This kind of issue is common, especially when there's no real-time way to monitor your usage.

Luckily, there are ways to cut down on unnecessary data drains. Here are a few quick ideas:

• Turn off auto-updates for apps while you're abroad.
• Use Wi-Fi whenever it's safe and available. (Tip: While connecting to Wi-Fi is also an option, make sure to read up on the do’s and dont’s of public Wi-Fi safety before connecting.)
• Disable background app refresh for non-essential apps.
• Lower video streaming quality on platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Netflix.
• Set a mobile data limit in your phone settings

Also, take a glance at your phone’s built-in data tracker. Most smartphones show which apps are digging into your allowance. If something looks off, like a weather app using giant amounts of data, close it or adjust how often it refreshes.

An example that comes up often is travelers using their usual ride-share apps without realizing videos in the app load in high quality. That short animation or promotional clip can use more data than a quick social media scroll. Adjust those app settings before your trip or once you're connected to your eSIM.

Not sure how much data you’ll need for your trip? Try Nomad’s Data Calculator to find the plan that best fits your travel needs. For extra savings, check out our blog post on smart data usage tips to help you stay connected without overspending.

Switching Between Networks

As you cross borders, your eSIM may need to jump from one local network to another. This handoff doesn't always go as smoothly as it should. If you’ve landed in a new country and your connection drops, your phone might still be trying to hold onto the old network. Manually selecting a carrier from the list of available networks often fixes this.

Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Go to your Network Settings.
2. Disable Automatic and select a local network that works well in your area.
3. Wait a few seconds and see if the signal becomes stable.
4. If not, try switching back to Automatic so the device can search again on its own.
5. Reset your network settings if the problem keeps popping up.

Make sure your eSIM provider allows switching between countries or works across multiple regions without needing activation from scratch each time. Reading through any travel-specific settings in your phone doesn't take long and can help prevent these problems altogether.

Some travelers find it helpful to reboot their devices after landing in a new country. That small step forces the phone to refresh all carrier settings and connect to the appropriate network. Think of it like flipping a switch — sometimes it’s just what the system needs.

Getting Ahead of Your eSIM Issues

Being prepared helps you stay connected and worry less about the tech side of your trip. However, even with the best planning, small tech hiccups can sneak in along the way. Thankfully, most of these issues are easy to resolve with a few basic steps and these tips can make things easier.

Fixing these common eSIM issues doesn’t need to involve a lot of stress. With a few checks, some quick settings adjustments, and knowing when to reach out for support, you can keep things running smoothly for the rest of your journey. Traveling should be about exploring new places — not troubleshooting phone problems the whole time.

Stay Connected Without the Hassle

For smoother travel days ahead, check out Nomad’s global and regional eSIMs that keep you connected across borders. The flexible and affordable options to help you stay online without the stress, with customer support ready if things go sideways, so you're free to focus on the moments that truly matter.