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Airalo eSIM not working? Here’s how to fix it
If your Airalo eSIM isn’t working, make sure data roaming and mobile data are enabled, restart your phone, and make sure the APN settings are correct.
The most common reasons for an Airalo eSIM not working are disabled data roaming or mobile data, incorrect APN settings, and temporary network glitches. Check that your Airalo eSIM is selected for mobile data, enable data roaming if required, restart your phone, and verify your APN settings.
Below, we’ll walk you through 8 ways to troubleshoot an Airalo eSIM that isn’t working. If you’re still having problems, you can contact Airalo’s support team or consider a travel eSIM provider such as Holafly.
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Why is my Airalo eSIM not working?
Before we start going through troubleshooting steps for an Airalo eSIM that doesn’t work, let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why Airalo eSIM is not working:
- eSIM not activated properly: Check the SIM card settings on your phone to make sure the eSIM was added and activated properly.
- Phone is carrier-locked: When you buy a phone from the carrier together with your mobile plan, it may be locked to your home carrier’s network. Check if your phone is unlocked before using it abroad.
- Outdated software: If you haven’t updated your phone’s operating system in a while, it might be time to do so. Outdated software can lead to a number of issues with your eSIM.
- No coverage: If you’ve ventured further away from the city or populated areas, the coverage may be too poor for the eSIM to work properly.
- No data remaining: Why is my Airalo eSIM suddenly not working is nearly always a plan question rather than a phone question. Check whether any data remains on your Airalo plan and whether the validity period has ended. If either has run out, top up your Airalo eSIM to get back online.
- Incompatible device: While most modern phones are eSIM-compatible, some older models and budget phones don’t support eSIM technology. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible before trying to use an eSIM.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of 22 September, 2026, and is subject to change.
Airalo eSIM not working: Troubleshooting
Now that you know some of the main reasons for an eSIM not working, let’s do some Airalo eSIM not working troubleshooting. Here are 8 fixes:
1. Turn on your mobile data and data roaming if required
Make sure your Airalo eSIM is switched on and selected as the line for mobile data. Some Airalo eSIMs also require data roaming to be enabled, so check the connection instructions for your specific eSIM in the Airalo app. If required, open your phone’s settings, find the Data Roaming option, and turn it on.
2. Turn airplane mode on and off
Toggle airplane mode on, wait 5-10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to reconnect and can eliminate minor network glitches, and can be one of the fastest ways to get back online.
3. Restart your phone
By restarting your phone, you reset the network connection and the software on your phone. This can solve any minor issues or temporary errors, allowing you to enjoy a functional eSIM again.
4. Check your coverage
Poor or no coverage can stop your eSIM from working. Check the signal bars at the top of your screen. If coverage is weak, move to a different location before troubleshooting further.
5. Update your APN settings
Your APN settings must be correct for the Airalo eSIM to work. While they’re typically set up automatically during the activation process, there may be errors with the settings.
Airalo lists the APN in the app under My eSIMs, then your eSIM, then View details. If no APN is shown there, your eSIM is set up automatically and you do not need to change anything.
6. Manually select a mobile network
In most cases, your phone will automatically connect to a mobile network in the country you’re visiting. However, sometimes choosing a different network results in a better connection.
In your cellular data settings, locate the network selection menu, disable the automatic selection, then select a different network manually. Try out several different networks to find which one works best for you.
7. Reset network settings
Resetting your network settings is usually a last resort option. It does fix some eSIM issues that the other troubleshooting steps don’t, but it also deletes all network settings, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings. Therefore, only try this step if you’ve tried all the steps above before.
Here’s how you can reset these settings depending on the type of device you have:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
- Android: Open Settings and search for “Reset network settings”. The exact menu path varies by manufacturer and Android version.
8. Contact the Airalo customer support team
If the steps above don’t solve the problem, reach out to Airalo’s customer support team for further assistance. They’ll be able to inform you about any network or service issues that you can’t fix on your own or suggest alternative troubleshooting steps.
Don’t delete your Airalo eSIM while you’re troubleshooting. Depending on the eSIM, you may be able to reuse it or purchase a top-up, and deleting it can make it harder to reconnect. Airalo recommends keeping an eSIM installed if you still plan to use it.
What to do if your Airalo eSIM data is not working
- Airalo eSIM not working on Android:
- On Google Pixel and other stock Android phones, open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs, select your Airalo eSIM, and make sure it’s switched on and selected for mobile data.
On Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager and select your Airalo eSIM for mobile data. Enable data roaming if required by your eSIM’s connection instructions. - Airalo eSIM not working on iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular, select your Airalo eSIM, make sure the line is turned on, and set it as your preferred line for cellular data. Enable data roaming if required by your eSIM’s connection instructions.
Airalo eSIM still not working? Try Holafly instead
Need an eSIM you can rely on? Holafly offers travel eSIMs in 200+ destinations with unlimited data included in every plan and Holafly Plans, a monthly eSIM subscription that offers coverage in 170+ destinations with a single plan. All eSIMs also offer 24/7 customer support, so you won’t be left stranded if questions or issues do arise.
To top it off, Holafly stays with you through Always On: 1 GB of built-in backup data that comes with every eSIM plan. Whether on a short trip, long layover, or quick border crossing, you’ll be covered as long as you keep the Holafly eSIM on your device. Simply get any Holafly plan and never install another eSIM again.
Not sure if Holafly is right for you? Check out our Holafly vs. Airalo blog and compare the two side-by-side.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
FAQs: Airalo eSIM not working
An Airalo eSIM may not work if mobile data or required data-roaming settings are disabled, the APN isn’t configured correctly, the phone is connected to an unsupported network, or the plan has expired or run out of data. Other possible causes include an eSIM-incompatible or carrier-locked phone. Check your eSIM’s connection instructions and work through the troubleshooting steps above.
If your Airalo eSIM is installed but you don’t have a connection, check that the eSIM is turned on, selected for mobile data, and that data roaming is enabled if required by your plan. Also check the APN and network selection settings. If the issue persists, try resetting your network settings as a last resort.
“No service” can occur when your phone can’t connect to a supported local network or you’re outside your plan’s coverage area. Try turning airplane mode on and off, then manually select a network listed in your Airalo eSIM’s connection instructions.
Make sure your Airalo eSIM is active and selected for mobile data, enable data roaming if required, and check the APN and network settings against the connection instructions for your eSIM. Restart your phone or toggle airplane mode if you still can’t connect. If the problem continues, contact Airalo support.
A top-up adds data to an eligible Airalo eSIM, but you may need to restart your phone or toggle airplane mode to reconnect to the network. If you don’t see a top-up option, the eSIM may not support top-ups. Check your Airalo app for the eSIM’s top-up options or contact Airalo support if the top-up isn’t reflected in your balance.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
