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Cannot Activate Your eSIM?

Complete guide to fix common eSIM activation issues

ℹ️

#1 Most Common Issue

Are you outside your destination? Many phones don't allow you to add an eSIM while you're outside of the destination country.

✅ Solution

You should be able to activate the eSIM just fine once you land in your destination. Your eSIM validity only starts when you activate it!

  • • Keep your QR code accessible (screenshot or save your order page)
  • • Connect to WiFi when you arrive
  • • Follow the installation instructions

Common Issues

🚫

"Contact Carrier" or "PDP Authentication Failure"

Usually caused by conflicts with other eSIMs or network settings.

Solutions (try in order):

  1. Check APN Settings (most common cause): Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Select eSIM → Cellular Data Network / Access Point Names. Ensure the APN field contains the correct value (e.g., xdata / plus — depending on the plan).
  2. Enable Data Roaming: Most travel eSIMs require roaming to be active. Please ensure Data Roaming is switched ON.
  3. Network refresh: Toggle Airplane Mode ON and OFF for ~15 seconds to re-register on the network.

Other solutions:

  1. Disable other eSIMs in your device settings
  2. Check if your SM-DP+ address (e.g., smdp.io) loads in your phone browser
  3. Disable VPN, ad blocker, or security apps
  4. Try a different WiFi network
  5. Re-scan QR code
📷

QR Code Won't Scan

Camera issues or display problems preventing scanning.

Solutions:

  1. Use "Enter Details Manually" with your SM-DP+ Address (e.g., smdp.io) and Activation Code
  2. Display QR code on another device and scan from your phone
  3. Ensure good lighting and clean camera lens
  4. Try downloading and using the QR code image
📱

Device Not eSIM Compatible

Not all phones support eSIM technology.

How to Check:

iPhone: Settings → General → About → Look for "Digital SIM" or dial *#06#

Android: Settings → About Phone → Dial *#06# to check for EID

Compatible: iPhone XS/XR+, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 3+

🔒

Phone is Carrier-Locked

Locked phones can't use eSIMs from other providers.

Solution:

Contact your carrier to unlock your device (usually free after contract ends). Takes 24-48 hours.

📶

No Stable WiFi Connection

eSIM installation requires a stable internet connection.

Solution:

Connect to stable WiFi (airport, hotel, or home network). Disable VPN during installation.

⚙️

Outdated Operating System

Older OS versions may have eSIM issues.

Solution:

Update to iOS 12.1+ (iOS 17+ recommended) or Android 9.0+ (Android 12+ recommended)

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Before contacting support, please verify:

Still Having Issues?

When contacting support, please include a screenshot of the error, your device model (and OS version ideally), and steps you've tried.

Contact Support