eSIM Not Working?

QR won't scan: You can't scan your own screen — use the one-tap install link from your confirmation email, or use a second device to scan. Make sure you're on Wi-Fi before scanning.

"Unable to Activate": Connect to Wi-Fi first. This is the #1 install error — your phone needs internet to download the eSIM profile.

Code already used: eSIM profiles install once. Check if a NomadSIM line already exists in your Settings. If not, contact us for a replacement code.

"Cellular plan cannot be added": Your phone may be carrier-locked. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock — it should say "No SIM restrictions".

No "Add eSIM" option: Your device may not support eSIM. Check compatibility.

Missing QR code: Check your confirmation email (including spam). Also available in your NomadSIM account.

The two most common causes — fix these first:

1. Turn on Data Roaming for the NomadSIM line. This is required even when you're already in-country.

2. Set NomadSIM as your data SIM. Your phone defaults to your home SIM for data unless you change it.

3. Check the line is enabled (not paused):

Still no data: Toggle Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds then off to force the phone to re-register on the network.

On unlimited plans, you get full-speed data up to a daily cap. After the cap, speeds reduce until midnight local time — this is normal. Check your plan details to see your daily limit.

On capped plans, check your remaining data in your account. If you're near zero, top up or add a new plan.

You can also try manually selecting a network operator — sometimes a carrier with a stronger local signal gives better speeds.

After a restart or update: iOS and Android sometimes reset roaming settings. Check that Data Roaming is still on and NomadSIM is still the data SIM (see the "No internet" section above).

Plan expired or out of data: Check your account for plan status. Add a new plan or top up at nomadsim.co/esim.

Crossed into a new country: Check that your plan covers your current location. You may need to add coverage.

NomadSIM eSIMs are data-only — this is intentional. They don't support traditional phone calls or SMS.

For calls and messages while travelling, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, iMessage (over data), or any other internet calling app. Keep your home SIM active for traditional calls and texts — most dual-SIM phones let you have both SIMs active at the same time.

eSIM profiles can only be installed once — the QR code and activation link are single-use by design. If you deleted the profile, the original code is spent and can't be reused.

Message us on WhatsApp and we'll look into issuing a new activation code for your account.

NomadSIM plans are prepaid and non-refundable — once purchased, the plan is active. If something went wrong on our end (a plan that didn't activate, a duplicate charge), message us with the details and we'll review it. Where our terms allow, we'll do what we can to put it right, often with account credit.

Message us with your order details and we'll take a look.