eSIM not working on iPhone? 13 ways to fix it!

More and more people are turning to eSIM technology to simplify their cellular requirements. However, as with all new technologies, eSIM has its own issues and many users have reported problems during or after eSIM installation. In this article, I will provide some of the best solutions to fix eSIM not working on iPhone.

Before moving on to the troubleshooting procedures, I recommend checking out our guide to ensure that you are transitioning to eSIM using the correct method. Depending on the carrier, the eSIM activation procedure on the iPhone may vary, but it usually involves scanning a QR code or entering a unique code provided to you by your carrier.

With the basics taken care of, let’s see how to fix eSIM not working on iPhone.

1. Make sure that the eSIM is activated

If you are having trouble with eSIM on your iPhone, you should first check if your eSIM is activated. If the activation status is negative, you can do the following:

• Be patient: If you live in a country where eSIMs are allowed and your carrier offers this service, the first thing you need to do is wait for the eSIM to be activated. The time it takes for activation may vary depending on your location and carrier and can range from a few hours to a day or two. You have to wait some time before contacting your carrier to get the estimated activation time.
• Generate a New QR Code: I recommend that you delay generating a new QR Code for a day or two if your carrier offers and generates an automated action that can be performed using a specific carrier’s app to be scanned for eSIM activation. The updated QR Code will surely make it easier for you to successfully install and activate eSIM on your iPhone.

2. Reset network settings on iPhone

Resetting network settings can fix network problems on your iPhone. Resetting it will cause the device to forget every Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connection, and VPN settings it has ever used.

1. Start settings.
2. Choose General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.

   

3. Tap Reset → select Reset network settings.

   

4. Enter the password.
5. Confirm by clicking Reset Network Settings.

   

3. Disable/enable eSIM

By turning eSIM on and off, you can ask your iPhone to reconnect to the network and possibly fix any problems you’re experiencing. To do this, follow the simple steps below.

1. Start Settings → Select Cellular Data.
   In some areas, you may see Mobile Data.
2. Select your eSIM provider → turn on/off the button next to “Enable this line”.

   

4. Turn on/off flight mode

Turning Airplane mode on and off can effectively refresh your eSIM network. This procedure resets the connections, giving your phone a chance to re-establish it.

1. Access Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen.
   On the iPhone with the Home button, you need to swipe up.
2. Click on the airplane icon. It will turn yellow.
3. Wait a few seconds.
4. Touch the airplane icon again to turn it off.

   

5. Open VPN

Connecting to a VPN service can improve your device’s functionality and improve online security and privacy. However, using a VPN with an eSIM can also cause some issues. In some cases, a VPN can prevent your iPhone from successfully connecting to a cellular network or accessing an eSIM.

You may be able to solve this problem by disabling the VPN and trying to set up the eSIM again.

1. Go to the Settings app → General.
2. Scroll down and select VPN & Device Management → Disable VPN.

NB: It is recommended to refer to the official article provided by your VPN provider to disable any third party VPN apps that you may have installed on your iPhone.

6. Turn on data roaming

Data roaming is a feature that allows your device to connect to a cellular network outside your country or region. So, if you are traveling and cannot connect to a network, activating data roaming can activate your eSIM and allow you to use it properly.

1. Go to “Settings” → “General”.
2. Click Cellular/Mobile Data Options.
3. Turn on data roaming.

   

7. Manually select a network

Bad reception can be the main reason for bad eSIM experience for iPhone. However, manually selecting the network can often solve the problem.

1. Go to settings.
2. Select Cellular/Mobile Data → tap Select Network.
3. Turn off the button next to Auto.

   

The networks now available in your current area will be found and shown by your eSIM. From the onscreen list, tap and select your carrier. The eSIM will now be manually registered to your carrier’s network, which should solve your problem.

8. Disable low data mode

Low data mode may conflict with some carriers and make it difficult for your eSIM to work. As a solution, I suggest that you turn off Low Data Mode on your iPhone when you encounter eSIM-related issues.

1. Go to settings.
2. Select Cellular / Cellular Data → Select Mobile Data Options.

   

3. Tap Data mode → select any other low data mode.

   

9. Disable IP Tracking Restriction.

Restrict IP tracking is a new feature that is enabled by default in some cases and prevents your device from connecting to the cellular network.

There is a possibility that the eSIM provider you are currently using does not support this feature. To disable it on your device, follow the instructions below.

1. Start settings.
2. Choose Cellular / Cellular data → Choose mobile data options.
3. Disable IP tracking restriction.

   

10. Deactivate Private DNS

If your iPhone’s eSIM is not working, try disabling private DNS. Enabling private DNS may interfere with your eSIM and cause it to malfunction or stop working altogether.

1. Start settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi → click the (i) button next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
3. Turn off the button next to Private Wi-Fi Address.

   

11. Remove and reinstall the eSIM.

Reinstalling eSIM is an effective solution to fix eSIM not working on iPhone. To do this, you need to remove the existing eSIM from your device and then add it again. The exact process will depend on your carrier and the specific iPhone model you’re using, but you can usually access your eSIM settings by following the steps below.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Cellular / Mobile Data → select your eSIM provider.
3. Select Remove Cellular Plan / Remove eSIM.

   

4. Now the next steps will differ depending on your carrier; Follow the instructions on the screen carefully.

Next, you can read our article on how to activate and use eSIM on iPhone to reinstall eSIM.

12. Other Common Fixes:

• Contact your carrier. If you’re having issues with your iPhone eSIM not working or porting, it’s a good idea to contact your carrier as they can fix any issues they might have, such as an issue with your account or network. close.
• Restart your iPhone. A simple restart can be a quick and effective fix if your iPhone’s eSIM is not working properly. This process may resolve any temporary glitches or errors that may be causing the problem.
• Update your iPhone: Not only does Apple provide you with a quick software update with bug fixes, but it also releases improvements for its current iteration with new updates. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> select Download and Install if an update is available.
• Check for pending carrier updates: Important cellular fixes and improvements can be found in carrier updates that can resolve any eSIM not working issues.
  Go to the Settings app on your iPhone → tap on General → select About → follow the onscreen instructions to install new updates.
• Reset your iPhone: Resetting your iPhone can restore it to its factory defaults, erasing all data and settings. So, I personally do not recommend resetting your iPhone unless all other solutions have been exhausted.
• Contact Apple Support. If none of the above solutions work, contact Apple Support. Your iPhone’s eSIM functionality can be repaired by a dedicated team of Apple professionals.

13. Switch to a physical SIM card

While eSIMs have many advantages over traditional SIMs, such as the ability to store multiple phone numbers and activate a new data plan without a physical card, they can be more difficult to set up and prone to technical issues.

Switching to a physical SIM card can be a permanent solution to any issues you have with your eSIM.

However, it is important to ensure that your phone is compatible with a physical SIM card by checking with your carrier. It should be noted that the latest iPhone 14 models sold in the United States no longer support physical SIM cards.

Also, it is important that you have the correct type of SIM card for your device. To understand the topic better, you can check out our web story on the differences between eSIMs and physical SIMs.

Frequently Asked Questions What causes problems with eSIM?

Incompatible devices, poor network coverage, activation issues, crashes, security issues, etc. are some of the reasons why eSIM may not work properly on iPhone.

How to check if eSIM is working?

There are usually some steps required to verify eSIM functionality, although these may vary slightly depending on your device and carrier. You can try calling or texting someone, or you can check your internet connection.

Is roaming free for eSIM?

Roaming is a service provided by your carrier. The cost will vary depending on the mobile phone plan you currently have and your location.

Connection found!

Losing a connection can be frustrating, and it’s not an ideal situation. However, the above solutions are meant to provide helpful tips to fix any eSIM-related issues on iPhone running iOS 16. If you face any other issues with any Apple device, leave them in the comments and I won’t forget to contact them for a solution.

Read more:

• iPhone 14 eSIM-only: blessing or curse
• SIM card not supported on iPhone? How do you fix it!
• Reasons to use a dual SIM iPhone