Common eSIM Problems and How to Fix Them: 2026 Troubleshooting Guide

This article is part of our complete travel eSIM guide for Pakistani travellers.

Most eSIM problems come down to one of a small handful of causes — almost always a settings toggle rather than a fault with the eSIM itself. Here's how to diagnose and fix the most common issues travellers run into.

Why Do You Have "No Service" or "No Internet" After Landing?

This is by far the most common complaint, and it's almost always the same cause: Data Roaming isn't enabled for the eSIM line. Go to your mobile data settings, select the eSIM specifically (not your Pakistani SIM), and turn Data Roaming on. On a prepaid travel eSIM this doesn't add any extra cost — "roaming" here just means connecting to a partner network abroad.

Why Won't the eSIM QR Code Scan?

• Make sure you're using the "Scan QR code" option inside your phone's SIM/eSIM settings, not a generic camera or QR-reader app.
• Display the code on a separate screen (laptop, tablet, or printed copy) — you can't scan a QR code shown on the same phone you're installing it on.
• Check lighting and screen brightness; a dim or glare-covered screen is a common cause of failed scans.
• If scanning repeatedly fails, use "Enter Details Manually" and type the activation code from your confirmation email instead.

Data Ran Out Before the Trip Ended

Simply buy a top-up or a new plan from simless.pk using Wi-Fi or any remaining data — no need to remove or reinstall your existing eSIM profile in most cases.

Phone Shows Two Signal Icons but No Internet

This usually means both lines are technically connected, but Mobile Data (the setting that decides which line actually carries internet traffic) is still pointed at your Pakistani SIM. Go into your SIM settings and explicitly set Mobile Data to use the eSIM line.

"Activation Code Already Used" Error

Activation codes are single-use by design, as an anti-fraud measure. If you see this error on the device you intended to use, check that the code wasn't accidentally opened or scanned elsewhere first — for example, by a QR scanner app automatically trying to process it. If the problem persists, contact simless.pk support with your order reference.

eSIM Was Working, Then Suddenly Disconnected

1. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force the phone to search for a network again.
2. Confirm the plan hasn't expired or run out of data in your provider's dashboard or app.
3. Restart the phone — this resolves the majority of "just stopped working" cases.
4. If in a border or coastal area, manually select a local network instead of relying on Automatic mode.

When to Just Contact Support

If you've checked data roaming, the correct data line and remaining allowance and it is still not working, reach out through the contact page with your order reference, device model and the exact error. Resolution time depends on the cause and whether the local network or supplier needs to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

My eSIM shows 'No Service' right after I land — what's the fix?

In nearly every case this means Data Roaming isn't turned on for the eSIM line yet. Go to your mobile data settings, select the eSIM, and switch Data Roaming on — it doesn't cause extra charges on a prepaid travel eSIM.

I ran out of data mid-trip — can I add more without reinstalling?

Yes. Buy a top-up or new plan from simless.pk on your existing Wi-Fi or remaining data, and most providers let you add the new allowance to the same installed profile rather than starting over.

My QR code says it's already been used — what happened?

Each activation code is single-use and gets marked redeemed after the first successful install. If you see this error on your intended device, the code may have already been scanned once (even accidentally) — contact support with your order details for help.

The eSIM installed fine at home but stopped working abroad — why?

Double-check three things: Data Roaming is on for the eSIM specifically, Mobile Data is set to use the eSIM line (not your Pakistani SIM), and the plan hasn't expired or run out of data.