Travelling connected has become essential. More and more people choose digital cards to avoid roaming or physical SIM hassles. However, things don’t always go as expected and sometimes the Revolut eSIM doesn’t work, which can cause frustration while travelling.
In this article, we’ll review the most common reasons for failure, from device compatibility issues to configuration errors on Android or iOS. We’ll also cover what to do if the eSIM gets deleted, how to act in case of poor coverage, and which alternatives are the best in today’s market.
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Why doesn’t the Revolut eSIM activate?
Usually, it doesn’t activate due to an incompatible or locked device, incomplete installation, a wrongly configured APN on Android, or poor coverage. Check each possible cause in this order and try activation again from the app.
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Revolut offers a compatibility list (iPhone 11+, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, etc.). If your device isn’t listed or is carrier-locked, activation may fail.
- Buy and install on the same device. Plans only work on the phone you purchase them with, not transferable.
- Follow installation steps in the app and phone settings. Revolut explains the download/installation flow and which switches you must enable (line, data, roaming).
- APN on Android. If browsing doesn’t work, add truphone.com as the eSIM APN and select it. This official adjustment usually solves the problem.
- Coverage. If everything looks fine but no data works, you’re likely in a weak-signal area. Move, restart your phone, or toggle airplane mode.
If you Google “Revolut eSIM issues“, you’ll see most get solved with compatibility, APN, and roaming checks.
How to check Revolut eSIM compatibility with your device?
First, confirm your model supports eSIM and is unlocked. Then open Help > eSIM to see the guide and supported models list. On iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, or others, check the minimum supported series.
In practice, you can also check the article on compatible devices. If your phone is Dual SIM, remember iOS and Android limit the number of active eSIMs simultaneously. If you use several lines, disable those you don’t need to avoid issues when installing Revolut’s eSIM.
- Do you want a reliable data eSIM for any destination worldwide? You can find it here: eSIM Holafly.
How to properly set up Revolut eSIM on Android?
To set this up, install the eSIM from Lifestyle > eSIM in the app. Then go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and enable Use SIM, Mobile Data, and Roaming. If there’s no connection, configure the APN truphone.com and restart your device.
The most common steps (may vary by manufacturer) are as follows:
- Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select Revolut eSIM.
- Enable Use SIM, Mobile Data, and Roaming.
- Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN) > add Name: Revolut / APN: truphone.com and select it.
- If still no data, restart, try airplane mode, and search the network again.
How to properly set up Revolut eSIM on iOS?
After installing the eSIM from the app, go to Settings > Mobile Data. Under Lines, click the newly installed eSIM, then activate “Turn On This Line” and “Data Roaming“. Then, under Mobile Data, select that eSIM as your data line.
If the Revolut eSIM still doesn’t work after this, restart your iPhone and reset Network Settings as a last resort. Also check you haven’t run out of data in your plan.
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What to do if the Revolut eSIM got deleted?
eSIMs and activation codes are usually single-use. If you deleted it, ask Revolut support to resend the eSIM/code, since the old one won’t work. You can manage the request from the chat inside the app.
Remember this: plans can’t be moved to another phone and the eSIM only works on the purchasing device. If you change phones, you’ll need to buy another eSIM from the new device.
What to do if Revolut eSIM doesn’t work due to no coverage?
The best advice is to change location, restart your phone, or toggle airplane mode. Then check signal, covered country, and try later. If you’re in a weak-signal area, mobile data might not start.
Real cases in several forums show country-specific issues (for example, installations failing or no service in certain destinations). These problems were solved with guided reinstallation from support or by adjusting the APN. We recommend following these steps:
- Confirm your plan is active in the app.
- Check you haven’t used all data.
- Force a network search.
- Ask technical support in chat if the problem continues.
The most common causes of Revolut eSIM failures are coverage and APN. The official eSIM guide includes a section named “Check your coverage“.
If your trip focuses, for example, on European destinations and you want to compare options besides Revolut, I recommend reading which is the best eSIM for internet on your Europe trip. There you’ll find detailed plan and coverage analysis.
What are the best alternatives if the Revolut eSIM doesn’t work?
If the Revolut eSIM doesn’t work or doesn’t convince you, three very popular alternatives are available: Holafly, Saily, and Airalo. The first stands out for unlimited data and global coverage in more than 160 countries. Saily has low prices but applies a daily fair-use policy, while Airalo has an enormous catalogue of countries.
Besides these three, other emerging options exist, such as Simcorner. If you want to know more about this provider, we recommend reading our opinion on Simcorner’s unlimited data eSIM, where we analyse its strengths and limitations.
Holafly eSIM
Holafly is undoubtedly the most recommended alternative. Very easy to install, it offers 24/7 English support and unlimited plans by country, region, or global. Its Monthly Plans provide coverage in more than 160 destinations with a single eSIM. A truly interesting option if you don’t want to worry about gigabytes.
Holafly is perfect for long trips or multi-destination journeys. This eSIM gives you great stability, especially if your Revolut eSIM didn’t work. You’ll find it easy to stay connected without swapping SIMs in every country.
- Interested in a reliable global data eSIM without hassle? You can find it here: eSIM Holafly.
- Want to know more? Read our complete Holafly review.
Saily
Saily, meanwhile, offers affordable plans and unlimited versions with FUP. The official policy gives you 5 GB at full speed daily, then slows to 1 Mbps until the period resets.
This option is useful if you want to spend little and know your usage won’t exceed 5 GB daily. If that’s too little, which often happens, the best choice will be upgrading to a real unlimited plan like Holafly.
Interested in Saily and its Ultra Plan? Read our comparison Saily Ultra Plan vs Holafly Plans and our article Alternatives to Saily’s Ultra plan.
Airalo
Airalo offers a marketplace with eSIMs in more than 200 countries and multiple operators per destination. It usually provides very affordable local options for short stays or less common countries. It’s often recommended when you need a very specific country eSIM or seek the lowest price in destinations without dedicated plans from other brands.
If you want an option for a specific destination, you can read which is the best eSIM for internet on your Norway trip. There we analyse the best available alternatives for travellers in that country.
If after all this the Revolut eSIM still doesn’t work, don’t waste time. Open the app chat with a record of completed steps (APN screenshots and signal bars). They can resend the eSIM or escalate the case. Meanwhile, continue travelling with an alternative eSIM to avoid losing connection.
Frequently asked questions about Revolut’s eSIM
No, only on devices compatible with eSIM technology and unlocked. Always check the official compatibility list before purchasing a plan.
No, an eSIM is single-use and can’t be reinstalled with the same code. If deleted by mistake, you must ask Revolut to resend a new one via support chat inside the app.
No, Revolut eSIM plans provide only mobile data. For calls or messages, use messaging apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, etc.). If you need SMS, keep your regular line or find another option.
If there’s no signal, first toggle airplane mode or restart your device. Check data and roaming are enabled and that your country is covered in the plan. If the issue persists, contact Revolut support.
Yes, Revolut eSIM allows sharing data through hotspot or tethering. Remember the shared usage comes from the same data package, so monitor consumption if travelling in a group.
The most recommended options are Holafly, which offers unlimited data in more than 160 countries; Saily, cheaper but with daily usage limits; and Airalo, with a wide catalogue of local and regional eSIMs for those seeking flexibility and low prices.
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