If you’ve reached your new destination and the Roamless eSIM isn’t working, it’s normal to feel confused: Did I do something wrong, or is it the service’s fault? Don’t worry, it’s usually about small details you can fix by checking each possible cause calmly before giving up.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the most frequent causes and practical solutions. We’ll also explain when it makes sense to contact support to understand what’s behind Roamless eSIM problems. Sometimes it’s the phone itself, other times it’s the local network, or even an activation that didn’t finish because of an unstable Wi-Fi. A small adjustment before considering other options like Holafly eSIM.
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Why doesn’t the Roamless eSIM activate?
Roamless explains that an eSIM may fail to activate for three main reasons: device, network, or settings. Although these issues usually resolve quickly, many travellers prefer to play it safe and check Holafly Plans directly.
In practice, this means you should check if your phone supports eSIM and isn’t locked by a carrier. Confirm the profile downloaded and installed with a stable connection, and ensure the phone uses that profile for data with roaming turned on. If activation happened with a weak Wi-Fi signal, the profile may stop halfway, forcing you to repeat the process.
Other system-related issues can also interfere. On iPhone, for example, make sure the profile shows as “Activated” and that Settings > Mobile Data displays the correct eSIM selected for data.
For Android, choose the right profile under “Mobile Networks”, restart, and confirm the APN has reset. This usually restores 4G/5G when it’s stuck on 3G or offline. These are simple yet crucial steps to move from “not activating” to “I’ve got internet now”.
Finally, don’t underestimate the propagation time. Activation isn’t always instant and may take several minutes until the local network recognises the profile. If that happens, restart your phone and try again. If the wait lasts too long after checking everything else, contact support with screenshots of your settings so they can verify the profile status.
Common issues with the Roamless eSIM
When travellers say their Roamless eSIM doesn’t work, the problems are usually very similar. On Trustpilot, the company holds a rating of 3.8 out of 5, a middle score showing both great experiences and critical ones. Something similar happens with other providers, as we mention in our review of Revolut’s eSIM.
The most interesting point is that most complaints repeat: trouble making calls, data not activating at first, slow speeds in some countries, and more. Let’s go through the most common cases to understand what might be behind those ratings.
I can’t make calls or send text messages
Many users expect the Roamless eSIM to work like a regular SIM with calls and SMS included. However, this service doesn’t yet offer text messages or local numbers, and calls only work through its app via VoIP. This causes confusion since, technically, the eSIM works but not in the way some travellers imagine.
Data connection is unstable in some countries
Another frequent Trustpilot comment refers to network stability. In destinations with good coverage, the connection links fast and browsing works smoothly. However, in others, users report drops, slow speeds, or the need to restart their phones several times. This happens because Roamless relies on local network agreements, and quality isn’t always equal in every country.
It doesn’t activate after installing the eSIM
Some travellers follow the steps correctly but still find the eSIM installs without activating. This usually occurs when the profile downloads over weak Wi-Fi or when a carrier setting blocks activation. Generally, reinstalling the eSIM or restarting the device solves the initial block.
Data usage turns out more expensive than expected
Roamless offers pay-per-use and limited data plans. In both cases, prices can be higher than buying a local SIM. Some travellers accept this cost for the convenience of one eSIM across more than 200 countries. Others see it as a drawback, especially in destinations where internet costs very little.
To compare with an option that offers more data capacity, you can read our review of Saily’s Ultra Plan.
How to fix a Roamless eSIM that won’t activate
When it seems your Roamless eSIM isn’t working, most issues relate to simple settings anyone can fix without tech skills.
A good starting point is to check how the eSIM was installed. If the Wi-Fi connection was unstable during the download, activation probably stopped halfway. In that case, reinstall the profile from the Roamless app using a stronger connection. This usually helps the system recognise and activate the eSIM properly.
Another useful step is to check which line is set as primary for mobile data. On iPhone, open Settings > Mobile Data and ensure the Roamless eSIM is active. On Android, you’ll find it under Mobile Networks or SIM and Mobile Data. Confusion here may make your phone connect to the physical SIM or another eSIM, preventing the new one from activating.
Restarting the phone also remains a classic fix that rarely fails. Although basic, switching the device off and on often helps the local network detect and assign the profile correctly. Turning flight mode on and off forces the phone to search for networks again, restoring the connection.
Finally, if nothing else works, check the APN (Access Point Name). Usually, Roamless configures this automatically, but sometimes it’s empty or incorrect. We recommend entering your network settings and adding the APN manually.
This can make the difference between no data and a normal connection. In practice, these steps solve almost every issue with the Roamless eSIM. Many users find that after these basic checks, the service starts working. If you want to compare it with another real-tested option, read our Revolut vs Holafly comparison.
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When should you contact customer support?
Sometimes, even after checking everything, your Roamless eSIM still doesn’t work, and you’ll need help. The company itself advises contacting support if installation fails several times, the profile shows as active but there’s no data connection, or usage doesn’t match what the app shows.
You should also contact them if you’ve had no service for over 30 minutes after arriving at your destination. Sometimes local networks take a bit to recognise the eSIM, but if the wait lasts too long, something in your account might not be set correctly. In these cases, take screenshots of your network settings and eSIM status so support can find the issue faster.
The good thing is that Roamless offers support directly through its app. You don’t need to look for emails or external forms. Just open the chat, explain the problem, and they’ll guide you or reissue your eSIM profile if needed.
Still, you might want to consider other options. Here’s our review of the best eSIMs for digital nomads, where we analyse its performance across different destinations.
How do I know if my Roamless eSIM is working?
Sometimes, the doubt is whether your Roamless eSIM is active or not. The most direct way is to check the signal icon on your phone. If you’re connected to 4G or 5G and can open web pages or travel apps, everything’s fine.
Inside the Roamless app, you can also see the status of your eSIM and real-time data usage. If the counter decreases as you browse, the service is clearly active.
Finally, test something practical: open Google Maps, send a WhatsApp message, or upload a photo. If it works, your eSIM is running. But if there’s no response or speed is too slow even with good coverage, it’s time to apply the earlier steps or contact support.
If all tests show no response, the issue might come from the service’s own limits, not your phone. If you bough a Revolut eSIM and it doesn’t work, read our guide about what to do when your Revolut eSIM is not working.
Frequently asked questions about Roamless issues
The best option is to enable flight mode for a few seconds and restart the device so the local network detects the eSIM. Sometimes, it just needs a few minutes to connect. But if the wait takes too long, check your settings to ensure the correct data line is active.
Not yet. The Roamless eSIM only allows calls through its app using credit, just like a VoIP service. Traditional SMS and local numbers aren’t available yet, so most travellers keep using WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram to stay in touch.
In some countries, coverage depends on Roamless’s agreement with local operators. This means the connection may be unstable in certain areas. If you notice frequent drops, try switching networks manually in your phone’s settings to improve the signal.
Inside the Roamless app, you can check in real time how much data you’ve used. If the counter doesn’t change while browsing, the eSIM might be inactive, so review your network settings. But if usage appears and you still have no internet, contact support so they can check your profile.
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