Bars but No Data? Fix Your Travel eSIM in Five Minutes

You installed the eSIM. The signal bars look fine. But nothing loads. Here’s the fast, field-tested fix that solves 90% of cases—no tech jargon, just do this in order.

The 60-Second Flow (do these in order)

1. Set Data Line → eSIM

2. Turn Data Roaming ON (for the eSIM line only)

3. Add/confirm APN → save

4. Airplane mode 10s → OFF (or reboot)

5. Manual network select → pick another partner if speeds are dead

6. Still stuck? Reinstall / Resend eSIM profile

Tip: Name the eSIM line “Trip Data” so you don’t toggle the wrong one at 3 a.m.

iPhone: exact taps

1. Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data) → Cellular Data → choose Trip Data (eSIM).

2. Cellular → Trip Data → switch Data Roaming = ON.

3. Cellular → Trip Data → Cellular Data Network → add the APN your provider lists, leave fields you don’t have blank.

4. Swipe down Control Center → Airplane ON 10s → OFF (or Settings → General → Shut Down then restart).

5. Cellular → Network Selection → OFF Automatic → choose another listed carrier.

6. If activation broke mid-way: Cellular → eSIMs → Remove eSIM, then install again (QR or in-app). Keep your activation code/QR saved.

Android (generic): exact taps

1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → set Mobile data = eSIM.

2. SIMs → eSIM → Roaming → ON.

3. APN: SIMs → eSIM → Access Point Names → add the APN from your provider → select it.

4. Airplane mode ON 10s → OFF (or restart).

5. Network operators → Search networks → pick a different partner.

6. Reinstall profile via app/QR if needed. Some plans require a resend—ask support.

What “good” looks like after the fix

• Status bar shows 4G/5G and arrows blink when loading.

• Speed test opens; maps load tiles; chat messages send without delay.

• Hotspot works only if the plan allows it—check the plan page.

Three mistakes that cause most failures

• Data line left on your primary SIM. Bars show, but the wrong line is using data.

• Roaming left OFF on the eSIM line. Travel eSIMs roam by design—keep it ON (only for the eSIM).

• Wrong/missing APN. If there’s an APN field on the plan page, add it exactly; leave unknown fields empty.

When to switch carriers (and why it helps)

Partner A may have coverage but be congested in your area. Manually choosing Partner B often fixes “bars but slow/no data.” If speeds later drop, switch back—there’s no penalty.

Keep yourself future-proof

• Screenshot your QR/activation code and order ID.

• Label your eSIM line (“EU Data”, “KR Week”).

• Save provider live chat URL inside Notes.

• Top-up path bookmarked (some plans let you add data without reinstalling).

Copy-and-paste help (for your app/support)

• Quick help CTA: “No data? Tap here to switch your Data Line, enable Data Roaming, and add APN.”

• Stuck after steps? “Tap Reinstall eSIM → we’ll resend your profile instantly.”

Where Esimxen fits

Buy by route, install before you fly, and if something misbehaves, our app walks you through the exact toggles above—plus instant resend when you need it.

Bottom line: Set the right data line → Roaming ON → APN → Radio reset → Manual carrier → Resend. Five minutes, trip saved.