You just arrived in a new country, excited to start your trip, but your phone isn’t cooperating. You’ve installed your Travel eSIM, expecting smooth access to mobile data, but instead, you’re left with no signal, no internet, and no idea what’s going wrong.
It’s a frustrating situation, especially when you’re depending on your phone for directions, bookings, or staying in touch with loved ones. The truth is, Travel eSIM UAE, Singapore, or Europe plans are reliable, but a few easy-to-miss settings can block the connection.
If you’re unsure why your Travelling eSIM isn’t working, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through the three most common issues that cause these activation problems and show you how to fix them quickly. With just a few checks, you’ll likely be connected and back on track within minutes.
Step 1: Is Your Data Line Turned On?
One of the first things to check is this: Did you go into your phone’s cellular settings and turn on the data line for your new eSIM?
After installing a Travelling eSIM, your phone might still be trying to use your old line for mobile data. You have to manually select the newly installed eSIM as your active data line.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap on Cellular Data
- Select your Travelling eSIM from the list
Without this step, your phone won’t use the eSIM for data, even though it’s been installed.
Step 2: Have You Set the APN (If Required)?
Some eSIM providers give you a custom Access Point Name (APN) that needs to be entered into your phone settings. Not all providers require this, but if your Travel eSIM Europe, UAE, or Singapore provider has given you APN details, don’t skip this part.
To set it up:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network
- Enter the APN exactly as provided
- Leave the other fields blank unless specified
If you skip this, your phone may show signal bars but won’t connect to the internet. That’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to call a ride or look up directions.
Step 3: Is Data Roaming Enabled?
Here’s a big one that many travellers miss: Have you turned on Data Roaming?
You might think turning it on will rack up huge fees. However, don’t worry – with a Travel eSIM UAE, enabling data roaming does not mean you will be charged extra. It’s required for most eSIMs to work properly because the data is routed through international carriers.
To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM Line
- Turn on Data Roaming
If this switch is off, your Travelling eSIM likely won’t function at all once you leave your home country.
Travel eSIM is Still Not Working? Other Things to Try
Even after checking those three things, your Travelling eSIM might still need a little push. Here are a few more things you can do:
1. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
You need an internet connection to activate your eSIM. Use airport Wi-Fi or hotel Wi-Fi if you didn’t activate it before your flight.
2. Restart Your Phone
It sounds basic, but rebooting can refresh your network connection and prompt the eSIM to activate.
3. Reset Network Settings
This won’t delete your eSIM, but it will clear any incorrect network data that might be blocking your connection.
Location-Specific Tips
Let’s look at a few details based on where you’re travelling:
Travel eSIM Europe
Some networks may take several minutes to connect after landing. Make sure you’ve selected the right data line and double-checked the APN. If you’re still having trouble, try toggling aeroplane mode on and off.
Travel eSIM UAE
In the UAE, providers might require manual APN settings, and roaming must be on. If you didn’t activate the eSIM before your trip, use Wi-Fi to trigger activation now.
Travel eSIM Singapore
Networks in Singapore usually connect fast, but sometimes your device just needs a reboot. If nothing happens after 5 minutes, try removing and re-adding the eSIM if the provider allows it.
Still No Luck? Contact Support
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, technical issues happen. Don’t hesitate to contact the eSIM provider’s support team. Keep this information handy:
- Your eSIM QR code or activation link
- Your device model
- A screenshot of any error message
- The steps you’ve already tried
Ask if your eSIM can be reset or if they can issue a new QR code.
Tips for Next Time for Travel eSIM
To avoid activation problems in the future:
- Activate your Travelling eSIM while still at home using Wi-Fi
- Use providers that offer app-based eSIM downloads (no QR code needed)
- Never delete a working eSIM before your trip ends
Ready to Roam
A Travel eSIM can make your trip easier.
Travel eSIM Singapore, Europe, and the UAE are great tools for staying connected without hunting down local SIM cards. But when things don’t work right away, it’s often just a small setting that needs to be fixed. Start with selecting the right data line, setting the APN, and turning on data roaming. Get those three right, and chances are you’ll be connected in no time.
Contact us or visit our website!
FAQs
- Can I activate a Travelling eSIM without Wi-Fi?
No, you need an internet connection (usually Wi-Fi) to install and activate your eSIM.
- Does Travel eSIM UAE require data roaming?
Yes, data roaming must be enabled for it to work, but you won’t be charged extra when using the eSIM plan.
- Why does my Travelling eSIM show bars but no internet?
You probably missed setting the APN or didn’t select the eSIM as your active data line.
- Can I reinstall my Travel eSIM if I delete it?
It depends on the provider. Some allow reactivation, others require a new QR code. Also, never delete the eSIM until you have fully consumed it.
- Can I add an eSIM while at the airport?
No, it is not recommended, as airport wifi usually has service restrictions, so your eSIM may not be installed perfectly, therefore, it is recommended to install it at home. There is no harm, your package start when you start using it for the first time means when you land at destination airport, there are two terminology, esim activation and package activation, you need to activate esim while before leaving home to start your journey, however package activation counts, when you start using esim for the first time, means first data connection.