Why Is My eSIM Showing “No Service” While Traveling Abroad?

Seeing a “No Service” message on your eSIM while traveling abroad can disrupt your plans, leaving you without access to mobile data, calls, or texts. This issue often arises due to incorrect settings, network restrictions, or plan limitations. Understanding the root cause and applying the appropriate fixes can help you restore connectivity.

Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve the “No Service” issue for your eSIM while traveling abroad.

1. Roaming Is Disabled on Your Device

Roaming must be enabled to allow your eSIM to connect to networks in foreign countries.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Enable roaming on your device:
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it on.
  • Android: Navigate to Settings > Mobile Networks > Roaming and enable roaming.
• Restart your device to refresh the network connection.

Example: A traveler entering Canada fixed the “No Service” error by enabling roaming on their device.

2. eSIM Plan Does Not Support Roaming in the Region

Not all eSIM plans include roaming capabilities in every country.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check your eSIM plan’s coverage details to confirm support for the current region.
• Contact your eSIM provider to upgrade to a plan that includes coverage for the destination.
• Consider purchasing a local eSIM plan tailored for the region if your current plan is not supported.

Example: A traveler with a Europe-only eSIM plan encountered “No Service” in the U.S. and resolved the issue by purchasing a global roaming eSIM.

3. Incorrect Network Selection Settings

If your device is set to manually select a network, it might fail to connect to available networks abroad.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Change your network selection settings to automatic:
  • iOS: Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and enable “Automatic.”
  • Android: Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and select “Automatic.”
• If automatic selection fails, manually select a compatible network in the list.

Example: A traveler in Japan manually selected a local network to restore connectivity.

4. Outdated APN Settings

Access Point Name (APN) settings are essential for mobile data connectivity and may need updating when traveling abroad.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Obtain the correct APN settings from your eSIM provider.
• Manually configure the APN settings:
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network and input the APN details.
  • Android: Navigate to Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.

Correct APN settings are critical for establishing a stable connection.

5. Insufficient Data or Plan Balance

If your eSIM plan operates on a prepaid model, insufficient balance or expired data allowance may block connectivity.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check your remaining balance or data quota via the provider’s app or website.
• Top up your balance or purchase additional data if required.

Example: A traveler in Asia resolved the “No Service” issue by recharging their eSIM account.

6. Network Coverage Limitations

In some locations, network infrastructure may be limited or incompatible with your eSIM.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Move to an area with stronger network coverage, such as a city center or open area.
• Check your eSIM provider’s coverage map to confirm network availability in your region.
• Switch to a compatible network manually if automatic selection fails.

Example: A traveler in a rural part of South Africa restored connectivity by moving to a nearby town with better coverage.

7. Device Compatibility Issues

Your device might not support the frequency bands or technologies used by local networks in your destination.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Verify your device’s compatibility with the network frequencies in your travel region.
• Contact your eSIM provider to confirm whether your device supports the local networks.

Example: A U.S.-based phone lacked support for certain LTE bands in Southeast Asia, causing connectivity issues.

8. Temporary Network or Provider Issues

Your eSIM provider or the local network may experience technical downtime, leading to the “No Service” error.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check your provider’s app or website for updates on network outages or maintenance.
• Wait and retry connecting after a few hours.
• Contact customer support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Temporary disruptions are typically resolved quickly.

9. SIM Card Conflicts

If you’re using a physical SIM alongside your eSIM, conflicts between the two profiles may prevent network access.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Remove the physical SIM and restart your device to prioritize the eSIM.
• Set the eSIM as the default for data, calls, and SMS:
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line.
  • Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager and set the eSIM as default.

Managing SIM settings effectively resolves conflicts.

Conclusion

The “No Service” issue on an eSIM while traveling abroad is often caused by disabled roaming, incompatible plans, or network limitations. By addressing these factors—such as enabling roaming, updating APN settings, and resolving SIM conflicts—you can restore connectivity efficiently.

Planning ahead by selecting a roaming-inclusive eSIM plan, testing your setup before departure, and understanding local network requirements can further enhance your travel experience.