Why Your eSIM Shows Signal But Has No Internet
If your eSIM is installed and shows signal bars — but you can't load any websites or apps — you're experiencing the most common eSIM issue. The fix: in 90% of cases it's a single setting that's off: Data Roaming.
Travel eSIMs are roaming SIM cards by design. They only work when roaming is enabled. Your phone defaults to blocking roaming data to prevent unexpected charges from your home carrier — but this also blocks your travel eSIM's data.
Fix 1: Enable Data Roaming (Fixes 90% of Cases)
On iPhone / iPad
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap your travel eSIM line
- Toggle Data Roaming to ON
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON for 5 seconds, then OFF
On Samsung Galaxy
- Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks
- Toggle Data Roaming to ON
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON then OFF
On Android (General)
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Select your eSIM → Enable Roaming
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON then OFF
Fix 2: Make Sure Your eSIM Is Set as the Data SIM
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select your eSIM line.
Android: Settings → SIM Card Manager → Preferred SIM for Mobile Data → select your eSIM.
Fix 3: Turn Off VPN
Disable any VPN temporarily. VPNs can interfere with the initial eSIM connection. Re-enable after connecting.
Fix 4: Wait Up to 1 Hour on First Use
The very first connection in a new country can take 2 minutes to 1 hour as the device registers with the local network. This is completely normal. Wait at least 15–20 minutes before assuming something is wrong.
Fix 5: Japan — Set APN to vmobile.jp
If you're in Japan, you need to manually set the APN. See our Japan APN fix guide for step-by-step instructions.
Still Not Working?
Contact our support team with your order number. We'll check your eSIM status and troubleshoot or reissue at no charge.