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eSIM Not Working Overseas: How I Got Connected Again

by

I was standing in Tokyo’s Narita Airport at 6 AM, exhausted from a 14-hour flight but excited to finally explore Japan. I’d done everything right – purchased a travel eSIM three days before departure, pre-installed it on my iPhone while still in the US, and confirmed it showed up in my cellular settings. The moment I landed, I turned off Airplane Mode, ready for instant connectivity.

Nothing happened.

No signal bars. No network name. Just “No Service” where “Docomo” or “SoftBank” should have appeared.

I toggled Airplane Mode. Nothing. Restarted my phone. Still nothing. What was supposed to be seamless international connectivity turned into three days of frustration, multiple eSIM purchases, and eventually a desperate trip to a tourist SIM card kiosk – the exact thing eSIM was supposed to make unnecessary.

Here’s what I learned about why eSIM fails overseas and, more importantly, the solutions that actually work.

Table of Contents

Quick Diagnosis: Why Your eSIM Isn’t Working

Before diving into fixes, identify which type of failure you’re experiencing:

Type 1: Phone finds no networks

  • Screen shows “Searching…” then “No Service”
  • Manual network search finds nothing
  • Problem: eSIM not properly activated or wrong network bands

Type 2: Phone finds networks but can’t connect

  • Networks appear in manual selection
  • Connection attempts fail with “Unable to activate” errors
  • Problem: eSIM profile missing country-specific permissions

Type 3: Connected but no data

  • Phone shows network name and signal bars
  • Voice might work, but data doesn’t
  • Problem: Missing or incorrect APN settings

Type 4: Works intermittently

  • Connection drops randomly
  • Some locations work, others don’t
  • Problem: Network compatibility or provider infrastructure issues

Knowing which type helps target the right solution.

Immediate Fixes (Try These First – 15 Minutes)

1. Verify Data Roaming Is Enabled for Your Travel eSIM

This is the most common oversight and the easiest fix.

Steps to check:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
  3. Tap your travel eSIM specifically (not your primary line)
  4. Verify “Data Roaming” is toggled ON
  5. Confirm this eSIM is selected as your data line
  6. Restart your phone

Many people enable roaming globally but forget to enable it for their specific travel eSIM. This must be done for each line individually.

2. Force Network Search with Airplane Mode

Sometimes the phone needs a hard reset of its network search.

How to do it:

  1. Enable Airplane Mode
  2. Wait 30 full seconds (count slowly)
  3. Disable Airplane Mode
  4. Wait 2-3 minutes without touching anything
  5. Watch for network connection

If this works, you’ll see signal bars appear and the local carrier name.

3. Manually Select a Network

Automatic network selection sometimes fails when traveling internationally.

Manual selection process:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap your travel eSIM
  3. Tap Network Selection
  4. Turn OFF Automatic
  5. Wait for available networks to load (can take 1-2 minutes)
  6. Select any available network from the list
  7. Wait 30-60 seconds for connection

If networks appear and you can connect to one, your eSIM is working – it just needed manual guidance. If no networks appear after 2 minutes, move to the next solutions.

4. Restart Your Phone Completely

A full restart clears connection states that simple toggling doesn’t.

Proper restart:

  1. Press and hold Side button and Volume button
  2. Slide to power off
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Press and hold Side button until Apple logo appears
  5. Let phone fully boot (1-2 minutes)
  6. Check for connection

Don’t just restart multiple times – if it doesn’t work after one restart, move on to other solutions.

Check Your eSIM Installation (5 Minutes)

Verify the eSIM Is Actually Installed

Sometimes installation appears successful but isn’t complete.

How to check:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Look for your travel eSIM in the list
  3. Tap it and check for these details:
    • Shows a label/name
    • Has a phone number or identifier (some don’t, which is normal)
    • Status shows “Active” or “Ready”
    • Doesn’t show error messages

If the eSIM appears but with errors: Remove and reinstall it using your provider’s QR code or app.

Remove and Reinstall the eSIM

This often fixes corrupted installations.

Before removing:

  • Ensure you have the QR code or activation method available
  • Verify you can reinstall (some providers allow multiple installations, others don’t)
  • Connect to Wi-Fi (required for reinstallation)

To remove:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap your travel eSIM
  3. Scroll down and tap “Remove Cellular Plan”
  4. Confirm removal

To reinstall:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap “Add Cellular Plan”
  3. Scan your QR code or follow provider’s installation method
  4. Wait for installation to complete
  5. Enable data roaming for this eSIM
  6. Restart phone
  7. Test connection

APN Settings Configuration (10 Minutes)

If your phone connects to a network but data doesn’t work, APN settings are likely missing or incorrect.

What Are APN Settings?

APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to mobile data. Some eSIM profiles include these automatically; others require manual entry.

Check If You Need APN Settings

How to check:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap your travel eSIM
  3. Look for “Cellular Data Network” option

If this option appears: You may need to enter APN settings manually

If this option doesn’t appear: APN settings are embedded in your eSIM profile (which is normal and preferred)

Find Your APN Settings

Check your eSIM provider’s:

  • Confirmation email
  • Website FAQ or support section
  • App (if they have one)
  • Live chat support

APN settings typically include:

  • APN address (e.g., “internet” or “data.provider.com”)
  • Username (often blank)
  • Password (often blank)

Enter APN Settings Manually

Steps:

  1. Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap your travel eSIM
  3. Tap “Cellular Data Network”
  4. Under “Cellular Data” section, enter:
    • APN: (provider’s APN address)
    • Username: (if provided)
    • Password: (if provided)
  5. Leave other fields blank unless specified
  6. Go back to save
  7. Restart phone
  8. Test data connection

Contact Your eSIM Provider (The Critical Step)

If basic troubleshooting hasn’t worked after 30 minutes, the problem requires provider intervention.

What to Ask Provider Support

Be specific to get helpful responses:

Critical questions:

  1. “Is my eSIM properly activated in your system?”
  2. “Can you verify my eSIM works in [country name] specifically?”
  3. “What are the correct APN settings for this country?”
  4. “Can you see any error logs from my device trying to connect?”
  5. “Can you push a refresh or new activation to my eSIM?”

Information to Provide

Help them help you faster:

  • Country you’re currently in
  • Local time and date
  • Phone model and iOS version
  • Exact error messages (take screenshots)
  • What troubleshooting you’ve already tried
  • Whether manual network search shows available networks

Red Flags for Bad Providers

Some providers have terrible support that won’t help:

  • Only email support with 24+ hour response times
  • Generic responses that don’t address your specific issue
  • Can’t see your device status in their system
  • Blame your device without checking their backend
  • Refuse to issue refunds for non-working service

If you encounter these, consider purchasing from a better provider while requesting a refund.

Try a Different Network Manually

Your eSIM might work with some local carriers but not others.

Why This Happens

eSIM providers have agreements with specific carriers in each country. Even if your provider claims to work “in Japan,” they might only have an agreement with NTT Docomo, not SoftBank or AU.

Test Multiple Networks

Steps:

  1. Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Network Selection
  2. Turn off Automatic
  3. Wait for the complete list of networks
  4. Try connecting to each available network one by one
  5. Give each network 60 seconds to connect before trying the next

If one network works: Your eSIM does work in this country, just not with all carriers. You can manually stay on the working network.

To prevent automatic switching: Keep “Automatic” turned off and stay on the network that works.

Check for iOS and Carrier Updates

Outdated software can cause international connectivity issues.

Update iOS

Steps:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (hotel, airport, café)
  2. Settings > General > Software Update
  3. Download and install if available
  4. Let phone restart
  5. Test eSIM connection

Success rate for this: About 15%, but worth trying if you have Wi-Fi access.

Install Carrier Settings Update

How to check:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Settings > General > About
  3. Stay on this screen for 60 seconds
  4. If update available, a pop-up appears
  5. Tap “Update”
  6. Restart phone

Purchase a Better eSIM Provider

Sometimes your eSIM simply doesn’t work with your current provider, and buying from a different provider is the fastest solution.

Reliable Providers for International Travel

Based on extensive testing and research:

Best overall reliability:

  • Airalo – Works in most countries, large established provider
  • Nomad – Excellent support, reliable in Asia and Europe
  • Holafly – Great for longer stays, unlimited data options

Best for specific regions:

  • Japan: Nomad, Ubigi
  • Europe: Orange Travel eSIM, Airalo
  • Southeast Asia: Airalo, Nomad
  • Multiple countries: Airalo (most consistent global coverage)

What Makes a Good Provider

Green flags:

  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Instant eSIM delivery after purchase
  • Clear setup instructions for your phone model
  • Transparent about which local carriers they use
  • Recent positive reviews for your specific destination
  • Easy refund process

Red flags:

  • Email-only support
  • Activation takes 24-48 hours
  • Vague coverage claims (“works in 150+ countries”)
  • No information about local carrier partnerships
  • Prices significantly lower than competitors
  • Recent complaints about connection issues

How to Buy While Traveling

If you have Wi-Fi access:

  1. Research providers with good reviews for your location
  2. Purchase new eSIM plan
  3. Install it while connected to Wi-Fi
  4. Remove non-working eSIM
  5. Test new eSIM connection

Cost consideration: Yes, you’re paying twice, but $20-50 for working connectivity is worth it versus days without service.

The Physical SIM Backup Option

If eSIM continues failing, physical SIM cards are the reliable fallback.

Where to Buy Physical SIM Cards

At the airport:

  • Most international airports have SIM card kiosks in arrivals
  • Usually open 24/7 or extended hours
  • Staff can install and test it for you
  • Prices are reasonable at major airports

In the city:

  • Electronics stores
  • Convenience stores (in some countries)
  • Carrier stores
  • Tourist information centers

Cost Comparison

  • Physical SIM: $15-40 depending on country and data amount
  • Non-working eSIM: $30-50 (wasted money)
  • Working replacement eSIM: $30-50

Total spent when eSIM fails: $60-100

If I’d started with a physical SIM: $15-40 and immediate connectivity

Advantages of Physical SIM as Backup

  • Works immediately after installation
  • No activation delay
  • No dependency on provider’s backend systems
  • Can easily switch between devices
  • Store staff can troubleshoot installation issues
  • More reliable in countries with developing eSIM infrastructure

Emergency Connectivity Solutions

While working on fixes, you need immediate connectivity for maps, communication, and bookings.

Use Wi-Fi Calling

If your home carrier supports it, Wi-Fi calling lets you make calls and texts over Wi-Fi.

How to enable:

  1. Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling
  2. Toggle on “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”
  3. Add or confirm emergency address
  4. Connect to Wi-Fi
  5. You can now make calls and send texts

Limitations:

  • Only works when connected to Wi-Fi
  • May not work with all international Wi-Fi networks
  • Some carriers charge international rates even over Wi-Fi

Find Wi-Fi Hotspots

Free Wi-Fi locations:

  • Hotels (even if you’re not staying there, lobbies often have free Wi-Fi)
  • Cafés and restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald’s usually have free Wi-Fi)
  • Airports and train stations
  • Libraries and tourist information centers
  • Public parks in some cities

Apps to find Wi-Fi:

  • WiFi Map (shows passwords for public networks)
  • WiFi Finder
  • Your accommodation’s recommendation

Download Offline Resources

When you find Wi-Fi:

  1. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
  2. Download transit apps with offline functionality
  3. Screenshot important reservations and addresses
  4. Save emergency contact information
  5. Download translation apps with offline dictionaries

Prevention: How to Avoid These Issues

Having been through eSIM failure overseas, here’s what I do now to prevent it.

Pre-Travel Preparation (Do This 1 Week Before)

Research providers:

  • Read recent reviews specifically for your destination country
  • Check Reddit, travel forums for real experiences
  • Verify the provider partners with major carriers in that country
  • Confirm they have real-time support (not just email)

Test installation:

  • Purchase and install eSIM 1-2 days before departure
  • Verify it shows in your cellular settings
  • Contact provider support with a test question (verify they respond quickly)
  • Take screenshots of all settings

Backup plan:

  • Research where to buy physical SIM at your destination airport
  • Have $20-40 in cash or accessible funds for emergency SIM purchase
  • Download offline maps before departure
  • Save important addresses and phone numbers offline

Day of Travel Checklist

Before boarding:

  • Verify eSIM still appears in Settings
  • Confirm data roaming is enabled for travel eSIM
  • Have provider support contact info saved offline
  • Take screenshots of QR code and activation details

After landing:

  1. Turn off Airplane Mode
  2. Wait 2-3 minutes without touching anything
  3. If no connection, try Airplane Mode toggle
  4. If still nothing, try manual network selection
  5. If that fails, find airport Wi-Fi and contact provider

Countries Where eSIM Works Well vs. Problematic

Generally reliable:

  • Japan (with good providers)
  • Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, etc.)
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Australia/New Zealand

Hit or miss:

  • Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines)
  • Eastern Europe
  • India
  • Middle East
  • South America

Often problematic:

  • China (complicated regulations)
  • Africa (except South Africa)
  • Remote areas anywhere
  • Small island nations

This doesn’t mean eSIM won’t work in “problematic” locations – just that having a backup plan is more critical.

What Doesn’t Work (Don’t Waste Time)

Based on research and experience, these rarely fix international eSIM issues:

Ineffective troubleshooting:

  • Restarting your phone 10+ times
  • Factory resetting your phone
  • Repeatedly removing and reinstalling the same eSIM
  • Toggling settings randomly without understanding them
  • Waiting for it to “eventually work”

Why they don’t work: If your eSIM profile is missing permissions for that country, or your provider doesn’t have proper agreements with local carriers, no amount of device troubleshooting will help.

My Current International Travel Setup

After my Tokyo disaster, I never travel internationally without redundancy.

Primary connectivity:

  • Well-reviewed eSIM from proven provider
  • Purchased 1-2 days before departure
  • Tested and verified before leaving

Backup options:

  • Know where to buy physical SIM at destination
  • Have $40 cash for emergency SIM purchase
  • Google Fi eSIM as secondary (for US travelers)
  • Portable hotspot device for critical trips

Emergency resources:

  • Offline maps downloaded
  • Important info saved as screenshots
  • Provider support contacts saved offline
  • Wi-Fi calling enabled on home carrier

Quick Reference: Problem-Specific Solutions

Problem: “No Service” – Phone Finds No Networks

Solutions in order:

  1. Enable data roaming for travel eSIM specifically
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode (30 seconds on, then off)
  3. Restart phone
  4. Try manual network selection
  5. Remove and reinstall eSIM
  6. Contact provider to verify activation
  7. Try different eSIM provider

Problem: Networks Appear But Won’t Connect

Solutions in order:

  1. Try each available network manually
  2. Check with provider which carrier they partner with
  3. Verify your phone model is supported in that country
  4. Check for carrier settings update
  5. Request provider push new activation
  6. Consider different provider or physical SIM

Problem: Connected But No Data

Solutions in order:

  1. Verify data roaming enabled
  2. Check if APN settings needed
  3. Enter correct APN settings manually
  4. Contact provider for correct APN details
  5. Remove and reinstall eSIM
  6. Request new eSIM profile from provider

Problem: Works Then Stops Randomly

Solutions in order:

  1. Turn off automatic network selection
  2. Manually select the network that worked
  3. Contact provider about infrastructure issues
  4. Try different available network
  5. Consider switching to physical SIM for reliability

The Bottom Line: eSIM Overseas Success Strategy

What actually works:

  1. Choose proven providers – Don’t go with the cheapest option, research thoroughly
  2. Have a backup plan – Know where to get physical SIM if eSIM fails
  3. Test before traveling – Install and verify eSIM 1-2 days before departure
  4. Act quickly when it fails – Don’t waste days troubleshooting, buy physical SIM or different eSIM
  5. Contact support immediately – Good providers can push fixes remotely

My personal rule: If eSIM isn’t working after 1 hour of troubleshooting, I buy a physical SIM. My time and connectivity are worth more than the $20-30 cost.

The reality: eSIM technology is convenient when it works, but it’s less mature than physical SIM cards. Provider quality varies enormously. Some countries have better eSIM infrastructure than others.

That physical SIM card I bought in desperation at Tokyo airport? Best $20 I spent that trip. It worked instantly and reliably for two weeks.

eSIM is the future, but the present still requires having a physical SIM backup plan when traveling internationally. Learn from my expensive mistake: convenience isn’t worth being disconnected in a foreign country.

Test your eSIM provider before you truly need them. If they fail you, don’t be stubborn like I was – get a physical SIM and enjoy your trip connected.