If you are travelling and your Airalo eSIM is not working, it is normal to panic a little. After all, you are in a foreign country, without data, unable to book an Uber, check Google Maps… and probably with no Wi-Fi nearby. Luckily, there is almost always a solution. In this article, we will help you identify the problem and solve it step by step.
We’ll explain in which situations an eSIM might fail, what to do if it doesn’t work at all, and what alternatives can save you if Airalo doesn’t respond. Everything explained simply, without technical jargon, so you can get your connection back and keep enjoying your trip.
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When can an Airalo eSIM stop working?
Installing an eSIM is a straightforward process. However, certain errors can occur for different reasons. Here we review the most common ones. If your Airalo eSIM is not working, it is likely due to one of these common cases:
The eSIM did not activate correctly
One of the most frequent problems is that the eSIM is installed but not properly activated. This may happen if you didn’t follow all the steps from Airalo or if the connection failed during activation.
Remember: you need to be connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to activate the eSIM profile after installation. If it hasn’t been activated, you’ll see it in your phone settings but without a network provider name or internet connection.
In many cases, the device will display “No Service” or won’t assign a network. A possible fix is to delete and reinstall it from the Airalo app. You should also restart your phone after installation, as it may take a few minutes to fully connect.
- Do you want a reliable data eSIM for any destination worldwide? You can find it here: eSIM Holafly.
The data plan is not yet active
Every Airalo plan has a validity period that starts when you activate it (not when you buy it). It is quite common for some travellers to buy the eSIM a few days before their trip, install it at home and, without realising, activate the plan before reaching their destination.
This means that, when they land, the plan has already started or even expired without being used. That’s why you should always check the plan status in the Airalo app. And if you want to compare options before purchasing your plan read this comparison: Nomad vs Holafly.
If the plan shows “Active” but you have no connection, it may already have expired. In that case, contact Airalo support or purchase a new plan directly from the app.
Data roaming is disabled
It may sound minor, but it’s essential. If roaming is off, the eSIM will not work, even if everything else is fine. Many travellers disable roaming for fear of unexpected extra charges. But if you are using an international eSIM such as Airalo, you need to have roaming enabled so it can connect to the local network in the country you are visiting.
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Airalo eSIM > Data Roaming and ensure it is switched on. This step is necessary even if you are not using your regular physical SIM card. Sometimes simply activating this option and restarting the phone solves the issue.
The APN is not configured properly
The APN (Access Point Name) is a small setting that allows your phone to connect to the internet properly. On some devices, especially Android models, the APN is not configured automatically when installing the eSIM.
If the Airalo eSIM is not working, it may be because the APN field is empty or incorrectly written. To check it:
- Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN).
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Network.
There you should see the access point name provided by Airalo. If nothing appears, or if you see a generic value, you will need to enter the correct one manually according to Airalo’s instructions. Always remember to save the changes and restart your device for them to take effect.
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, for example, you can check this guide on the best eSIM for internet in Morocco, with specific tips to avoid configuration errors in this destination.
Your phone is incompatible or locked
Lastly, though no less important, remember that not all devices support eSIM, and not all models are compatible with the networks of every country. Apple, Samsung, Google and other recent brands include eSIM support in many of their models, but not in all of them. And even if your phone supports eSIM, if it is locked by your carrier, you will not be able to use an international plan such as Airalo.
Check by inserting a SIM card from another provider. If it does not accept another SIM, you will need to contact your provider to unlock it. Also, keep in mind that some brands such as Huawei or Xiaomi present more difficulties, since their international versions are not always compatible with the LTE bands of all countries.
Important tip: always check the compatibility list on the Airalo website before purchasing your plan. PLus, check other options and if they work as a hotspot, like Saily eSIM.
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A good alternative to Airalo: Holafly eSIM
If your eSIM is not working and you need an urgent solution, Holafly is a highly recommended alternative. This company (Holafly) also offers eSIMs for travellers, along with some very interesting advantages that can make a big difference in an emergency situation.
One of the main advantages of Holafly is that most of its plans include unlimited data. This allows you to browse, upload photos, use GPS and make video calls without worrying about how many gigabytes you have left. It is therefore a very attractive option if you are staying several days in one country or need to work remotely during your trip.
Another standout feature is their 24/7 customer support in English, which is essential if you are abroad and face an urgent problem. Unlike other companies that only provide support in other languages or have long response times, Holafly answers in real time via chat, even on holidays.
Installation is also easier than with Airalo. Once you purchase your plan, you will receive an email with a QR code. Simply scan it from your phone settings and the eSIM will be ready to use. You don’t need to enter the app, copy details or choose between multiple installation methods like with other systems.
Another important advantage is that many Holafly plans allow you to use the same eSIM across multiple destinations without changing it. For example, you can purchase a Europe plan and travel through Spain, France and Italy without losing connection.
In addition, some plans allow you to share data with other devices, something that many Airalo plans do not offer. If you are travelling as a couple, with friends or with family, another person can connect through your phone, saving money and avoiding the need to buy multiple plans.
- If you want to get an eSIM with an unlimited data plan and global coverage, you can do it here with Holafly Plans.
If you are considering other options besides Holafly, you may want to check these reviews of the Sim Options eSIM, another popular alternative among frequent travellers.
In conclusion: What to do if your eSIM is not working
When the Airalo eSIM is not working, the first thing is to stay calm. Most errors have quick solutions if you know where to look. Here is a short summary of the steps you should follow to restore your connection as soon as possible:
- Here’s a quick step-by-step checklist: Check that your plan is active in the Airalo app.
- Enable roaming in your phone settings, as this is essential for the eSIM to work.
- Check the APN configuration on your phone. If it is empty or incorrect, you need to edit it with the details provided by Airalo.
- Verify that you have unlocked your phone for international networks and confirmed its compatibility.
- Restart your phone after any changes.
- If everything fails, contact Airalo support via the app or by email.
- And if you do not get a response or need urgent connectivity, Holafly can save the day with a new eSIM active in just a few minutes.
To help you even more, here is a quick list of the most common mistakes to avoid before and during your trip:
- Activating the eSIM too early at home, causing the plan to expire before arrival.
- Forgetting to enable roaming.
- Not restarting after installation.
- Forget to check whether you have unlocked your phone.
- Confusing the installed eSIM with the active line (prioritising the physical SIM can cause conflicts).
One of the best recommendations before travelling is to install and test the connection before you land at your destination. For complete peace of mind, install a second eSIM (like Holafly) as a backup if the first fails.
We recommend it if you are travelling across Asia. We suggest checking this comparison of the best eSIM for internet in Japan, with updated options depending on the country and type of trip.
FAQs about Airalo eSIM not working
If your Airalo eSIM is not working, check your internet connection and confirm the plan is active in the app. Enable roaming, restart your phone and make sure Airalo is selected as the primary data line. If it still doesn’t work, review the Airalo app or contact support.
In general, the eSIM activates a few minutes after completing the installation and restarting your phone. If more than 10–15 minutes pass without connection, check that the plan is within its valid period, verify the configuration and the plan status in the app. Restarting the device and disabling other mobile lines can also help.
No. An eSIM is tied to one device only. Once installed on a phone, you cannot move the eSIM to another device, not even by reusing the original QR code. If you change your phone, you will need to buy a new eSIM from the Airalo app.
If you delete the eSIM, you will lose access to the data plan. Although some providers allow reactivation, in most cases you must purchase a new plan, since you can only use the QR code once. For this reason, we recommend not deleting it unless strictly necessary. Try contacting support to see if they can generate a new one for you.
Everything will depend on your destination and your needs. Holafly is very easy to install, offers 24/7 support in English, and includes unlimited data, which makes it ideal for travellers who want a hassle-free experience. Airalo, on the other hand, has a wider variety of plans and prices, but its installation requires more steps.
Other possible reasons why the Airalo eSIM may not work include: local network issues, interference with another active SIM, low battery, or even temporary operating system errors. It is also possible that your phone has tried to connect to an incompatible network. Restarting the phone often solves many of these cases.
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