"Unable to Activate eSIM" error means:
Your device supports eSIM technology ✅
Your device is not carrier-locked ✅
But there is a device-side or network side issue preventing it from installing the eSIM ❌
Most Common Causes of "Unable to Activate eSIM" Error
1. Airplane Mode may be Turned ON
Your eSIM needs to be able to connect to the network to complete its activation. If you are connected to WiFi but have "airplane mode" turned on, the eSIM will download and install on your device, but it will not be able to complete activation, giving you this error.
Please turn off airplane mode and wait for 1-2 minutes for eSIM activation to complete. You can check the status under Device Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > SIMs > Roamless eSIM
Please note: If you started your eSIM activation on WiFi while airplane mode was turned on, the Roamless eSIM should already downloaded to your device. You do not have to start activation again.
2. Your Roamless eSIM may already be installed on your device.
You may have already installed the Roamless eSIM during a prior trip, or may have installed it earlier and forgotten about it. If the Roamless eSIM is already installed on your device, your device will not allow you to install it again.
Please go to Device Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > SIMs and locate your Roamless eSIM. If you see you eSIM in the list, it means you do not need to install or activate it. You can configure your device settings and start using it right away. If you do not see the Roamless eSIM
3. Your Roamless eSIM may currently be installed on a different device.
If you want to install your Roamless eSIM on a new or different device, you will get this error if you have not deleted the eSIM from the old device first.
Please delete the Roamless eSIM from your old device. After deleting it, you can install and activate it on your new device like usual.
4. Your VPN may be enabled
Although not too common, VPN services may sometimes interfere with eSIM activation.
Please disable (turn off) any VPN services on your device and try eSIM activation again.
5. You may be in a location with very weak or no network signal
If you got this error (likely after 20-30 minutes after starting your eSIM activation), it means you could be in an area where there is no network coverage on any Roamless network. Without connecting to the network, Roamless eSIM activation cannot be completed.
When you move to a location with stable network signal, your eSIM will complete activation and will be ready for use.
6. There may be too many eSIMs installed on your device
If you are an avid eSIM user with different eSIMs from different providers, your device's memory may be full, preventing the installation or the activation of your Roamless eSIM.
Please check your device settings and delete a few eSIMs that you no longer need to free up device memory.