eSIM help
Is your eSIM not working? Troubleshooting
By the Pago Team · Updated July 2026
In short: If your eSIM isn’t working, first check that you’re in the country for which you bought it, that it’s switched on for mobile data, and that data roaming is enabled for it only. Restart your phone or switch to Airplane mode for 15 seconds. Below you’ll find step-by-step solutions for the most common issues: it won’t connect, activation error on iPhone, wrong network, slow internet, plus APN and roaming settings.
Troubleshooting
Why isn’t my eSIM working?
Most often, the eSIM won’t connect because you’re not yet in the country where it’s valid, or because a setting is missing. Check the following one by one: • You’re in the country for which you purchased the plan (the eSIM only works there). • The eSIM appears in your phone’s settings and is switched on for mobile data. • Airplane mode is switched off. • Data roaming is enabled for the eSIM (but disabled on your main SIM card). • The correct network is selected (see ‘wrong network’ below). If it still doesn’t work, restart your phone.
What should I do if I get the ‘Unable to Activate eSIM’ error on my iPhone?
The eSIM is often already installed, even if you see the error message. Go to Settings → Mobile Data, select the eSIM, tap ‘Activate this line’ and set it as your data line. You’ll need an internet connection (Wi-Fi) for the activation to work. If the error persists: restart your phone, update iOS, check that it isn’t locked by your network operator (Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock must show ‘No restrictions’) and delete any unknown VPN or MDM profiles.
Why does the eSIM connect to the wrong network?
Your phone automatically selects a network, but sometimes it doesn’t choose the right one. Turn off automatic selection and choose the network manually: • iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Network Selection → turn off ‘Automatic’. • Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators → turn off ‘Auto-select’. • Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → eSIM → Advanced → Operator → turn off ‘Auto-select’. Then select the correct network for the country you’re in from the list.
My eSIM internet connection is very slow — how can I fix it?
First, make sure you’re within the coverage area. Then: • Turn Airplane Mode on and off to force a reconnection, or restart your phone. • Select a network manually instead of using automatic selection. • Switch to 4G/LTE if the 5G connection is unstable. If it’s still slow, reset your network settings (please note: this will delete all network settings, including Wi-Fi) and update your phone to the latest version.
How do I access the internet on an iPhone, Samsung or Pixel?
Once the eSIM has been installed, activate it for mobile data and, if necessary, set the APN: • iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → select the eSIM as the data line; APN under ‘Mobile Data Network’. • Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → enable the eSIM for data; set the APN under ‘Access Point Names’. • Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → enable data on the eSIM; set the APN under ‘Access Point Names’. Enable data roaming if your plan requires it.
The eSIM is installed, but the phone has no signal — what should I try straight away?
A few simple steps will sort out most issues: • Check that the eSIM is enabled for mobile data. • Switch on Airplane mode, wait for about 15 seconds, then switch it off. • Restart your phone completely. • Manually select the correct network and check the APN and roaming settings. Remember: the eSIM only works in the country where it’s covered — if you haven’t reached your destination yet, it’s normal not to have a signal.
Setup & managing
How do I connect to the network after installing the eSIM?
You need to do four things: enable the eSIM for data in your phone’s settings, set the APN if required, turn on data roaming if your plan requires it, and manually select the network if it doesn’t connect automatically. Important: for most plans, the validity period begins when you first connect to a network at your destination, not when you set it up. You can find the exact steps for your eSIM in the eSIM section of the Pago app.
How do I change the APN settings for my eSIM?
The APN tells your phone how to connect to the data network. It is usually configured automatically; if you need to set it up manually: • iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Mobile Data Network → enter the APN exactly as shown (lower case, no spaces), and leave the other fields blank. • Android: Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → Mobile networks → Access Point Names. If there is no APN field, it means it is configured automatically and you don’t need to do anything.
How do I enable or disable data roaming for my eSIM?
A travel eSIM needs data roaming to be switched on to work at your destination — but you should only switch it on for the eSIM, not for your main SIM card, to avoid incurring charges on your Romanian number. • iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Data Roaming (set per SIM). • Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming. • Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → eSIM → Roaming.
How do I delete an eSIM from my phone?
• iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → select the eSIM → ‘Delete mobile data plan’. • Android: Settings → SIM Manager (or Mobile Networks) → select the eSIM → Delete. Please note: only delete an eSIM if the plan has expired and you are no longer using it — an eSIM cannot be reinstalled once you have deleted it. If you just want to pause it, deactivate it instead of deleting it.
How long is the data package valid for, and when does it expire?
The package expires when the validity period ends or when you use up all your data — whichever comes first. For most plans, the validity period begins when you first connect to a network at your destination, not upon installation (some plans start as soon as you install them — check the activation policy before you buy). Check how much data you have left and how long your plan is valid for in the eSIM section of the Pago app.
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