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Nomad eSIM not working? Simple steps to resolve the issue

Nomad eSIM not working? We know what might be wrong with it. Read this article to learn how to fix it.

Chances are you’re googling ‘Nomad eSIM not working’ using your data roaming, so let’s make this quick.

We’re here to help you troubleshoot your eSIM connection issues and get you back online in no time. Read on to learn about:

Why your Nomad eSIM data isn’t working
Ways to fix the most common eSIM errors
A different eSIM to switch to in case you can’t fix your Nomad

In this article

Why is my Nomad eSIM not working?

Your Nomad embedded SIM (eSIM) may not be working for several reasons, including:

Incompatible phone: Your mobile device may not support eSIM technology.
eSIM not installed properly: The eSIM may not have been successfully installed or might not appear in your device settings.
eSIM not activated: The eSIM may require manual activation, which might not have been completed yet.
Incorrect data settings: Your mobile data may not be set to the eSIM, or data roaming could be disabled.
APN settings misconfigured: The APN settings might not be correctly set up for your eSIM, leading to connection issues.
Network selection: Automatic network selection may not be working, which can prevent your eSIM from connecting properly.

What to do if your Nomad eSIM is not working

If your Nomad eSIM isn’t working, there are a few key steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

This guide will walk you through checking your device’s compatibility, ensuring your eSIM is properly activated, configuring APN settings, and resolving common connectivity problems.

Check your device compatibility

Although most modern phones are compatible with eSIMs, older models may not support this technology.

Before we explore the possible reasons for your eSIM failing, make sure your device is not locked to a SIM carrier and is eSIM-compatible.

iPhone compatibility issues

On iOS, go to Settings, tap on Mobile/Cellular Data, and check to see if there’s an Add eSIM option under the SIMs settings. If you have this option displayed, your iPhone supports eSIMs.

To check if your phone is locked to a SIM carrier, go to Settings > General > About, and check under Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is not locked.

Android compatibility issues

On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet or Connections > SIMs > Add SIM. If the “Set up an eSIM” option is displayed, your device is eSIM compatible.

To check if your Android phone is carrier-locked, go to Settings > Network & Internet or Connections > Mobile network or Cellular network > Advanced or Network operators > toggle off Select automatically. If a list of carriers appears, your phone is unlocked.

⚠️ Important note: A carrier-locked phone can only use SIM cards or eSIMs from the carrier it’s locked to. If your phone is locked, it won’t be able to connect to a different network or use an eSIM from another provider, like Nomad.

Ensure proper eSIM activation

If your eSIM is stuck on ‘Activating…’ in the Nomad app, it usually means it hasn’t connected to a local network yet, which prevents it from completing activation.

This is common if you’re trying to activate the eSIM before reaching your travel destination.

To avoid this, simply turn off your eSIM until you arrive at your destination, then turn it back on to complete activation.

If you encounter error messages after pressing the ‘Activate Data Now‘ button, it could indicate a technical issue with the eSIM itself.

Take a screenshot of the error and contact Nomad’s customer support for assistance.

Configure APN settings

When setting up a new virtual SIM card, certain devices may require an APN update for mobile data to work properly.

In most instances, this update happens automatically after eSIM activation. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to manually adjust the APN settings to ensure your Nomad eSIM can connect.

Head to your mobile network settings, locate the APN section, and either check, update, or reset the settings:

Turn on Data Roaming.
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.
Tap Access Point Names (APN) and look for Nomad.
If you can’t find Nomad in the Access Point Names list, tap on the three dots in the top right corner > Reset to default > Reset.
Select Add > Enter Internet Information > Type “Nomad” in the name field > Type “data.esim” in the APN field. Leave the rest of the fields as default.
Tap on the three dots again in the top right corner > Save > Select “Nomad” from the list after saving.

Resolve connectivity issues

If you’re still experiencing trouble connecting to your eSIM, there are several factors to check to ensure proper connection:

Turn on mobile data: Your eSIM requires mobile data for internet access. Go to settings, enable mobile data, and connect.
Enable open bands: Your device needs open bands to connect with your eSIM. If unsupported, you won’t stay connected. Go to network settings, enable open bands, and select either automatic or manual network selection.
Activate roaming: Roaming must be on for your eSIM to connect outside your home carrier’s coverage. Turn it on in settings, especially when traveling internationally.
Check coverage range: Ensure you’re within the correct coverage area for your eSIM to work. Check your location or coverage map, or contact support for confirmation. If you’re outside the range, move to a supported area for a connection.

Choose Holafly for peace of mind as you travel

If you’re looking for a new eSIM that will take away your travel stress, look no further than Holafly.

Holafly offers a seamless experience that ensures you stay connected — without hassle — wherever you travel.

With a simple purchase process and a quick scan of a QR code, Holafly makes eSIM activation stress-free. With Holafly, you can be sure to receive:

Competitive pricing
Fast, smooth activation
Broad device compatibility
Unlimited data options
24/7 customer support in multiple languages

Holafly’s reliability and ease of use make it the go-to choice for travelers looking for dependable connectivity on their adventures.

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Olly Keell

Olly is a writer based in Manchester who grew up on the islands of the Bahamas on the smallest Island, Bimini. He discovered a great passion for writing while running an e-commerce store with his sister. He followed his passion and talent for writing and armed himself with a great understanding of SEO which led him to write for some amazing startups. When he’s not writing, he’ll often attend writers' meetups or travel to new places with his partner.

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