Unable to Activate eSIM? iPhone & Android Troubleshooting Guide

In general, if you install an eSIM under a stable Wi-Fi connection, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter issues like “unable to activate eSIM.”

However, depending on your device or network environment, you may occasionally see unclear error messages, or the eSIM might not be added properly.

This article summarizes common questions and issues when installing an eSIM for international travel. If you want to use an eSIM abroad and ensure reliable internet access, this guide is for you!

Additionally, if you cannot install an eSIM at all, your device may not support eSIM functionality. Check whether your device is compatible by referring to the article linked below.

Writer Introduction

Koki Abe

eSIM Portal Administrator

• Operates travel eSIM store for international travelers
• 8 years of sales experience in telecommunications (mobile, fiber optic)
• Backpacker who traveled to 16 countries worldwide
• Shares insights on eSIM benefits discovered during travels

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Unable to activate eSIM?  How to Fix Common Activation Errors

After purchasing an eSIM, you may see an error message in your phone’s settings during installation.
The good news is that an error message doesn’t always mean the eSIM installation failed — in many cases, the setup has already been completed successfully.

Because errors vary by device and installation timing, jump to the section that matches your situation below.

Stuck on “Activating…”

If you install an eSIM before arriving at your destination, your phone may stay on “Activating…” for a while.
This is common during the early stage of eSIM installation. Depending on your internet connection, activation usually completes within 5–30 minutes.
If you install your eSIM before traveling, it can sometimes take up to several hours.

In most cases, the message disappears automatically and the eSIM will appear in your mobile plans.

Some phones might show “Activation Failed”, but if you haven’t arrived in the country yet, it’s often because the device can’t reach the partner carrier — not a real installation failure.

If the “Activating…” message remains even after you arrive, try the following:

“Mobile data plan from this carrier can’t be added”

When scanning your eSIM QR code, you might see “Mobile data plan from this carrier can’t be added” or “Unable to add mobile data plan.”
The most common reasons include:

Check these points first:

If none of these steps help, contact your eSIM provider to confirm the installation status or request a new QR code.

“Unable to Activate eSIM” Error

During eSIM setup, you may see the message “Unable to Activate eSIM”. This usually means the eSIM could not be added successfully.

Below are the common causes and solutions for this error.

Unstable Network Connection

Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and try installing the eSIM again in a stable network environment.

Incorrect QR Code or eSIM Information

Verify that you are scanning the correct QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
If the QR code cannot be scanned, manually enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.

Device Not Compatible with eSIM

Make sure your device supports eSIM.

You can check this by dialing *#06# in your default phone app.
If the device shows an EID (the unique identifier for eSIM), it is eSIM-compatible.

Too Many eSIMs Added in Mobile Settings

If you have too many eSIMs already installed, you may not be able to add a new one.

Delete any unused eSIMs and try installing the new eSIM again.

Corporate or Enterprise Network Restrictions

Devices purchased under a corporate plan may have restrictions that prevent eSIM installation.

Check with your company to confirm whether eSIM installation is restricted on your corporate device.

Common eSIM Installation and Activation Errors & How to Fix Them

When using an eSIM for travel or business abroad, you may encounter errors during installation or activation. This guide explains the most common eSIM errors, their causes, and how to resolve them.

“Cannot Activate eSIM” Error

If you install an eSIM before arriving at your destination, you may see the following error even if the installation itself was successful:

“Cannot activate eSIM. Please try again or contact your carrier for assistance.”

This happens because mobile data on the eSIM only becomes active when connected to a local network.

To troubleshoot:

“This Code is No Longer Valid” Error

During installation, you might see:

• “This code is no longer valid”
• “This code has already been used”

If the eSIM is Already Installed

Check your mobile settings to see if the eSIM is already added:

“Unsupported eSIM” Error

This error usually occurs if your device is SIM-locked to a specific carrier.

Check on iPhone

Settings → General → About → SIM Lock. If it shows “SIM Locked,” you need to unlock it.

Check on Android

Settings → About phone or Connections → SIM status. For details, refer to your carrier or device manufacturer support page.

eSIM Not Showing in Mobile Settings After Installation

If your eSIM is not displayed in your device settings, the main causes are:

Check Using ICCID

Every eSIM has a unique ICCID. You can verify the ICCID from your provider’s purchase email or account page.

Summary

Most eSIM installation and activation errors occur due to not being at the destination, unstable Wi-Fi, or device-related issues. Following the steps in this guide will resolve most issues. If not, contact your eSIM provider for support, reissuing the QR code, or detailed guidance.