lug 31, 2025

Why Your eSIM Isn’t Working and How to Fix It (Full Guide)

If your AlpineSIM eSIM isn’t connecting, don’t worry—most problems are easy to solve.
Here’s a complete checklist to diagnose and fix eSIM issues so you can get online in minutes.

1. Check Device Compatibility

Not all phones support eSIM.

iPhone: iPhone XS or newer (including SE 2nd gen)
Android: Most Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer
Other Brands: Check your phone specs for “eSIM support”

Tip: Carrier-locked phones (like US carrier devices) may restrict eSIM usage.

2. Update Your Software

An outdated operating system can prevent your eSIM from activating.

iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update
Android: Settings → Software Update / System Update

Always update before traveling to avoid activation errors.

3. Reset or Check Network Settings

If your eSIM is installed but you have no service:

Turn Airplane Mode On → Off
Toggle Mobile Data Off → On
Reset Network Settings if needed:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset Network Settings
- Android: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network Settings

4. Signal Issues

Sometimes your phone can’t find a stable signal because of:

Remote or rural locations
Poor indoor reception (like basements or hotels with thick walls)

Fixes:

Move outdoors or near a window
Enable manual network selection:
- Settings → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → Manual
- Choose the recommended network from your AlpineSIM confirmation email

5. Carrier-Imposed Locks

If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, eSIMs may fail.

Contact your original carrier to unlock your device
Check under Settings → About → Carrier Lock (iPhone)

6. Carrier Activation Issues

In rare cases, the eSIM might fail to activate if:

The QR code wasn’t scanned on Wi-Fi
You installed the eSIM multiple times

Fix:

Delete the eSIM → Restart Phone → Reinstall using the original QR code
Always activate on Wi-Fi before flying

7. Data Roaming Must Be Enabled

Without Data Roaming, your eSIM won’t connect to local networks.

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → AlpineSIM → Data Roaming → On
Android: Settings → Mobile Network → Data Roaming → On

Quick Recap Checklist

✅ Compatible & unlocked device
✅ Updated software
✅ Network settings reset if needed
✅ Signal & manual network selection checked
✅ eSIM activated on Wi-Fi
✅ Data roaming ON

If these steps don’t solve it: