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!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Profile](\"https:\/\/japanconnect-esim.store\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/writer_icon_esim-portal.jpg\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\nKoki Abe<\/p>\n
eSIM Portal Administrator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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- Operates travel eSIM store for international travelers<\/li>\n
- 8 years of sales experience in telecommunications (mobile, fiber optic)<\/li>\n
- Backpacker who traveled to 16 countries worldwide<\/li>\n
- Shares insights on eSIM benefits discovered during travels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
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- <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mysmartphonelives.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/\u30ea\u30f3\u30af\u30ed\u30b4-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\u3000![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mysmartphonelives.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/x\u30ed\u30b4-1-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Unable to activate eSIM?\u00a0 How to Fix Common Activation Errors<\/h2>\n
After purchasing an eSIM, you may see an error message in your phone\u2019s settings during installation.
\nThe good news is that an error message doesn\u2019t always mean the eSIM installation failed \u2014 in many cases, the setup has already been completed successfully.<\/p>\nBecause errors vary by device and installation timing, jump to the section that matches your situation below.<\/p>\n
List | Common eSIM Installation Errors<\/p>
\n- \n
- Stuck on \u201cActivating\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cMobile data plan from this carrier can\u2019t be added\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cUnable to set up eSIM\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201ceSIM cannot be activated. Try again or contact your carrier.\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cActivation failed\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cThis code is no longer valid.\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cThis eSIM is not compatible with this device.\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a>Stuck on \u201cActivating\u2026\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/japanconnect-esim.store\/best-esim-japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-09-16-210140.png\")
<\/p>\nIf you install an eSIM before arriving at your destination, your phone may stay on \u201cActivating\u2026\u201d for a while.
\nThis is common during the early stage of eSIM installation. Depending on your internet connection, activation usually completes within 5\u201330 minutes.
\nIf you install your eSIM before traveling, it can sometimes take up to several hours.<\/p>\nIn most cases, the message disappears automatically and the eSIM will appear in your mobile plans.<\/p>\n
Some phones might show \u201cActivation Failed\u201d, but if you haven\u2019t arrived in the country yet, it\u2019s often because the device can\u2019t reach the partner carrier \u2014 not a real installation failure.<\/p>\n
If the \u201cActivating\u2026\u201d message remains even after you arrive, try the following:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Turn Airplane Mode on, then turn it off.<\/li>\n
- Restart your smartphone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a>\u201cMobile data plan from this carrier can\u2019t be added\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/japanconnect-esim.store\/best-esim-japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-09-16-201519.png\")
<\/p>\nWhen scanning your eSIM QR code, you might see \u201cMobile data plan from this carrier can\u2019t be added\u201d or \u201cUnable to add mobile data plan.\u201d
\nThe most common reasons include:<\/p>\nPossible Causes<\/p>
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- The same eSIM has already been installed.<\/li>\n
- The eSIM validity period has expired.<\/li>\n
- Your device isn\u2019t eSIM-compatible or still locked to a carrier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
Check these points first:<\/p>\n
What to Check<\/p>
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- Open Settings > Mobile Data and confirm the eSIM isn\u2019t already listed.<\/li>\n
- Ensure you\u2019re scanning the correct QR code for the eSIM you purchased.<\/li>\n
- Verify that your phone supports eSIM and that the SIM lock has been removed if bought from a carrier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
If none of these steps help, contact your eSIM provider to confirm the installation status or request a new QR code.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cUnable to Activate eSIM\u201d Error<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/japanconnect-esim.store\/best-esim-japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-09-16-201946.png\")
<\/p>\nDuring eSIM setup, you may see the message \u201cUnable to Activate eSIM<\/span>\u201d<\/strong>. This usually means the eSIM could not be added successfully.<\/p>\n
Below are the common causes and solutions for this error.<\/p>\n
Causes and Solutions<\/p>
\n- \n
- Unstable network connection<\/a><\/li>\n
- Incorrect QR code or eSIM information<\/a><\/li>\n
- Device not compatible with eSIM<\/a><\/li>\n
- Too many eSIMs added in mobile settings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Corporate or enterprise network restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a>Unstable Network Connection<\/h4>\n
Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and try installing the eSIM again in a stable network environment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a>Incorrect QR Code or eSIM Information<\/h4>\n
Verify that you are scanning the correct QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
\nIf the QR code cannot be scanned, manually enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a>Device Not Compatible with eSIM<\/h4>\n
Make sure your device supports eSIM.<\/p>\n
You can check this by dialing *#06#<\/strong> in your default phone app.
\nIf the device shows an EID (the unique identifier for eSIM), it is eSIM-compatible.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a>Too Many eSIMs Added in Mobile Settings<\/h4>\n
If you have too many eSIMs already installed, you may not be able to add a new one.<\/p>\n
Delete any unused eSIMs and try installing the new eSIM again.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a>Corporate or Enterprise Network Restrictions<\/h4>\n
Devices purchased under a corporate plan may have restrictions that prevent eSIM installation.<\/p>\n
Check with your company to confirm whether eSIM installation is restricted on your corporate device.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Common eSIM Installation and Activation Errors & How to Fix Them<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cCannot Activate eSIM\u201d Error<\/h3>\n
If you install an eSIM before arriving at your destination, you may see the following error even if the installation itself was successful:<\/p>\n
\u201cCannot activate eSIM. Please try again or contact your carrier for assistance.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
This happens because mobile data on the eSIM only becomes active when connected to a local network<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
To troubleshoot:<\/p>\n
Checkpoints<\/p>
\n- \n
- Confirm the eSIM plan is correctly added in your mobile settings.<\/li>\n
- If the eSIM is not displayed, try reinstalling it using a stable Wi-Fi connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Code is No Longer Valid\u201d Error<\/h3>\n
During installation, you might see:<\/p>\n
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- \u201cThis code is no longer valid\u201d<\/li>\n
- \u201cThis code has already been used\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Possible Causes<\/p>
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- The eSIM is already installed on your device.<\/li>\n
- You are using an old QR code that has expired.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
If the eSIM is Already Installed<\/h4>\n
Check your mobile settings to see if the eSIM is already added:<\/p>\n
How to Check<\/p>
\niPhone:<\/strong> Settings \u2192 Cellular \u2192 Cellular Plans
\nAndroid:<\/strong> Settings \u2192 Network & Internet \u2192 SIM \/ Mobile Network
\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cUnsupported eSIM\u201d Error<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/japanconnect-esim.store\/best-esim-japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-09-16-202938.png\")
<\/p>\nThis error usually occurs if your device is SIM-locked<\/strong> to a specific carrier.<\/p>\n
What is SIM Lock?<\/p>
\nSIM lock restricts a smartphone to only work with a specific carrier. Unlocking the SIM allows you to use eSIMs from other providers.
\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Check on iPhone<\/h4>\n
Settings \u2192 General \u2192 About \u2192 SIM Lock. If it shows \u201cSIM Locked,\u201d you need to unlock it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Check on Android<\/h4>\n
Settings \u2192 About phone or Connections \u2192 SIM status. For details, refer to your carrier or device manufacturer support page.<\/p>\n
SIM Unlock Pages for Major Carriers<\/p>
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- Docomo: Official Page<\/a><\/li>\n
- au: Official Page<\/a><\/li>\n
- SoftBank: Official Page<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
eSIM Not Showing in Mobile Settings After Installation<\/h2>\n
If your eSIM is not displayed in your device settings, the main causes are:<\/p>\n
Reasons eSIM is Not Displayed<\/p>
\n- \n
- Installation not completed properly<\/li>\n
- eSIM was accidentally deleted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Check Using ICCID<\/h4>\n
Every eSIM has a unique ICCID. You can verify the ICCID from your provider\u2019s purchase email or account page.<\/p>\n
<\/i>Check ICCID on iPhone<\/div>\n- \n
- Open Settings \u2192 Cellular \u2192 Select the eSIM<\/li>\n
- Turn off your main line and restart your iPhone<\/li>\n
- Go to Settings \u2192 General \u2192 About \u2192 Check the ICCID<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/i>Check ICCID on Android<\/div>\n
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- Settings \u2192 Network & Internet \u2192 Turn on eSIM<\/li>\n
- Open the Phone app, dial *#06# \u2192 Check the ICCID<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Summary<\/h2>\n
Most eSIM installation and activation errors occur due to not being at the destination, unstable Wi-Fi, or device-related issues<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n
- au: Official Page<\/a><\/li>\n
- Docomo: Official Page<\/a><\/li>\n
- Incorrect QR code or eSIM information<\/a><\/li>\n
- Unstable network connection<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u201cMobile data plan from this carrier can\u2019t be added\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Stuck on \u201cActivating\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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