eSIM will not install or stays on “Activating”? One code, one install, and changing phones
Most eSIM install problems come down to four things: the phone, the connection, where you are, and a code that has already been used. Here is what each looks like and what to do, and what changing phones means for a travel eSIM.
Words like EID, SM-DP+ and APN explained: eSIM terms
It will not install
- Check the phone: dial *#06#. No EID line, no eSIM.
- Check the connection: installing downloads the eSIM, so the phone needs Wi-Fi or data.
- Mainland-China iPhone (iPhone Air, 17e and others)? It installs a foreign eSIM only abroad, with Location Services on.
- One-tap install opens only in Safari or the phone’s own browser; inside another app, scan the QR code or enter the details by hand instead.
- Still failing: do not try again and again with the same code. Contact support from the order page.
Stuck on “Activating”
- Before you reach the destination, a travel eSIM often shows Activating or No Service: it has no network of its own to join yet. That is normal.
- Once there, turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM and set mobile data to use it; it usually connects within a few minutes.
- Still stuck after arriving: restart the phone. Do not delete the eSIM to start over.
One code, one install
- An install code (QR code) works once, on one phone. Scanned on a second phone, it fails.
- Deleted after installing, an eSIM usually cannot be installed again from the same code.
- Only one phone and the code is on its screen? Save the QR code image to your photos and pick it from there on the install screen, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code by hand.
A new phone
- A travel eSIM stays on the phone it was installed on. Changing phones mid-trip, keep the old one for data or buy a new plan for the new phone.
- Bought but not yet installed? Install it on the new phone, or refund it from the order page, in full, to points.
Questions
My eSIM stays on “Activating”. What do I do?
Before you reach the destination that is normal. Once there, turn on Data Roaming for it and set mobile data to use it; if it still will not connect, restart the phone rather than deleting the eSIM.
Can an eSIM QR code be used again?
No: a code installs once, on one phone. Deleted after installing, an eSIM usually cannot be installed again from it.
Why did my eSIM install fail?
Usually the phone has no eSIM (no EID at *#06#), there was no connection, a mainland-China iPhone tried to install it at home, or the code was already used. Contact support from the order page rather than retrying.
What happens to a travel eSIM when I change phones?
It stays on the phone it was installed on. Not yet installed, it can go on the new phone, or be refunded from the order page to points.