TL;DR:
Nothing kills the excitement of landing in a new country quite like staring at “No Service” on your phone. You did everything right — downloaded Airalo, bought the eSIM, scanned the QR code — and now it just won’t connect.
Take a breath. About 20% of eSIM users experience activation hiccups on their first try, according to support forums. And the vast majority of these issues are fixable in under 5 minutes with simple settings adjustments. The problem is almost never Airalo itself — it’s usually a phone setting you didn’t know needed changing.
We’ve compiled every fix that actually works, tested them, and ranked them by how often they solve the problem. And if you still can’t get connected after going through all seven? We’ve also rounded up the best alternatives that travelers are switching to in 2026.
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1-800-557-8937Why Your Airalo eSIM Isn’t Working
Before we jump into fixes, it helps to understand why this happens. These are the most common root causes — and none of them mean your eSIM is broken:
Your Airalo eSIM can only work inside its coverage area. An eSIM purchased for France will show “No Service” until you’re physically in France. If you installed before traveling, the “Activating” or “Activation Failure” status on iPhone is completely normal — it will finish activating when you arrive.
7 Proven Fixes (Try in This Order)
Work through these in order. Most people are back online by Fix #2 or #3.
Status: “Pending”
Fixes 70% of all Airalo issues. This is the single most common reason eSIMs don’t connect. Your phone blocks international networks by default — you need to give it permission.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → tap your Airalo eSIM → toggle Data Roaming ON. Also make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → tap your Airalo eSIM → toggle Data Roaming ON and Mobile Data ON.
Also check:Â Under Cellular Data, make sure your Airalo eSIM (not your home SIM) is selected as the data source.
Toggle Airplane Mode On/Off
The classic IT fix that actually works. Toggling Airplane Mode forces your phone to disconnect from all networks and reconnect fresh — often picking up the Airalo network on the retry.
Turn Airplane Mode ON, wait 10 full seconds, then turn it OFF. Watch the status bar — within 30 seconds you should see signal bars appear and a network name show up.
Manually Select a Network
Sometimes “automatic” network selection picks the wrong carrier — or doesn’t find one at all. Switching to manual often fixes stubborn connection issues.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your Airalo eSIM → Network Selection → turn off Automatic → wait for a list → select one of the available networks.
Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → tap Search manually → pick an available network.
If one network doesn’t work, try another from the list. Different carriers have different coverage in different areas.
Check & Fix APN Settings
Some Airalo eSIMs require specific APN (Access Point Name) settings. While these are usually configured automatically, they sometimes fail — especially on Android devices.
Open the Airalo app → go to My eSIMs → Details → look for the APN information. Then go to your phone’s APN settings and make sure it matches exactly.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Cellular Data Network → enter the APN
Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names → add/edit to match
Restart Your Phone Completely
A full power-off restart (not just locking the screen) clears temporary network glitches that airplane mode toggle can’t fix. Power off completely, wait 15 seconds, then power back on.
After restarting, go back to Settings and confirm your Airalo eSIM is turned on, selected for data, and has Data Roaming enabled. This fixes roughly 50% of “transient” connection issues.
Remove and Reinstall the eSIM
If nothing else works, deleting the eSIM profile and reinstalling it often resolves deep configuration issues. But first: contact Airalo support — most QR codes are single-use, so you’ll need them to regenerate a new installation code (they do this for free).
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan → then reinstall using the new QR code.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan → then reinstall using the new QR code.
Verify Device Compatibility & Carrier Lock
If you’ve tried everything above and still can’t connect, your phone itself might be the problem.
Check eSIM compatibility: Dial *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. Generally, iPhone XS (2018) and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and later, and Google Pixel 3 (2018) and later support eSIM.
Check carrier lock: iPhone → Settings → General → About → scroll to “Carrier Lock” — it should say “No SIM restrictions.” If your phone is locked to a carrier, it may reject third-party eSIMs. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Airalo offers in-app chat support. Open the Airalo app → tap the help icon → start a chat. They can check your eSIM status, regenerate installation codes, and troubleshoot remotely. Response times are typically a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours during peak travel seasons. For faster help, consider one of the alternatives below — providers like Holafly offer 24/7 live chat and WhatsApp support.
Better Alternatives If Airalo Keeps Failing
Look — Airalo is a solid product that works great for millions of travelers. But if you’re consistently having issues, or if you want a provider with unlimited data, faster support, or a simpler experience, these are the top alternatives travelers are switching to in 2026:
Holafly
Travel eSIM · Unlimited Data
$6.90
/per trip (1–90 days)Unlimited Data · 200+ Destinations · 24/7 Live Support
- Unlimited data — no tracking, no topping up, no stress
- 24/7 customer support via live chat AND WhatsApp
- Works in 200+ destinations worldwide
- Hotspot/tethering included on most plans
- No app required — QR code sent direct to email
- Regional & global plans for multi-country trips
- 5G where available in supported destinations
- 10M+ customers — the most popular travel eSIM globally
Saily (by NordVPN)
Travel eSIM · Privacy-Focused
$1.89
/GB (varies by destination)174 Destinations · Built-in Security · Saily Ultra Subscription
- Cheapest per-GB pricing among major providers
- Built by NordVPN — includes ad blocker & web protection
- 24/7 live chat support (rated best in the industry)
- Saily Ultra: 30GB high-speed + unlimited 1Mbps in 113 countries ($59.99/mo)
- Flexible prepaid plans — local, regional, and global
- 5G coverage where available
- Easy app-based installation
- More flexible refund policy than Airalo
Nomad eSIM
Travel eSIM · Budget Friendly
$3.00
/GB (varies by destination)100+ Destinations · Great Value for East Asia
- Excellent coverage in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand
- Clean, easy-to-use app
- Plans from 1GB to 50GB
- Competitive pricing on popular Asian destinations
- Data-only plans with VoIP support
- Good for short trips with light-to-moderate data use
Jetpac
Travel eSIM · Ultra-Affordable
$1.00
/first plan (1GB, 4 days)200+ Destinations · Airport Lounge Access Included
- $1.00 introductory plan — try before committing
- Free airport lounge access — unique travel perk
- 200+ destination coverage
- Manage multiple eSIMs simultaneously
- Local, regional, and global plans available
- Ultra-affordable pricing for popular routes
Complete Comparison: Airalo vs. Alternatives
Pricing and features as of March 2026. Plans vary by destination.
| Provider | Destinations | Unlimited Data? | Starting Price | 5G? | Calls/SMS? | Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 200+ | Select destinations | ~$4.50/plan | Yes | Select plans | In-app chat | Multi-country trips |
| Holafly | 200+ | Yes, all plans | $6.90/trip | Yes | No (VoIP) | 24/7 chat + WhatsApp | Unlimited data travelers |
| Saily | 174 | Ultra plan only | $1.89/GB | Yes | No (VoIP) | 24/7 live chat | Budget + privacy |
| Nomad | 100+ | No | ~$3/GB | Yes | No (VoIP) | In-app chat | Asia destinations |
| Jetpac | 200+ | Local plans only | $1.00 intro | Yes | No (VoIP) | Email + chat | Budget + lounge access |
| aloSIM | 170+ | No | ~$4.50/GB | Some | Yes (Hushed app) | Calls + texts needed |
Which eSIM Should You Actually Pick?
Choose Saily If:
You’re visiting multiple countries and don’t want to mess with installing a new eSIM at every border. Saily’s single-eSIM approach with automatic country switching is a game-changer for multi-stop trips. The NordVPN team’s security features (ad blocking, web protection) are a nice bonus you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, it’s the cheapest starting option at just $1.99.
Choose Holafly If:
You’re a heavy data user who doesn’t want to worry about running out. Streaming on the hotel Wi-Fi? Video calling family back home? Working remotely from a café in Lisbon? Holafly’s unlimited data means you’ll never see that “data almost depleted” notification. The trade-off is no hotspot sharing and higher prices, but for peace of mind? Totally worth it.
Choose Airalo If:
You’re a budget traveler hitting one destination, you need the cheapest possible plan, or you’re traveling somewhere off the beaten path where other providers might not have coverage. Airalo’s $4 starting price and massive destination list make it hard to beat for quick, cheap connectivity. Just be prepared for email-only support if things go wrong.
For most travelers in 2026, Saily hits the sweet spot between price, convenience, and reliability. The single-eSIM-for-multiple-countries feature alone saves you from the hassle of managing separate eSIMs, and the 24/7 live chat means you can get help instantly — not 24 hours later via email. If you need unlimited data, go with Holafly. Either way, always install your eSIM before you leave while you’re on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Is Your Phone Even eSIM Compatible?
Before blaming Airalo (or any eSIM provider), make sure your device actually supports eSIM technology. Not all phones do, especially older models and some budget devices.
iPhones with eSIM Support
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and all newer models (including iPhone 14, 15, 16 series). The iPhone X and older models do not support eSIM. You can check by going to Settings → General → About and looking for “Available SIM” or the EID number.
Android Phones with eSIM Support
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, most OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OPPO flagships from 2021 onwards. Check by going to Settings → About Phone → Status and looking for an EID number. If you see one, your phone supports eSIM.
Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM. Check on iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock — it should say “No SIM restrictions.” If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock before purchasing any eSIM.
Switching carriers or unlocking your phone for eSIM?
Get help with carrier unlocks, plan changes, and eSIM activation.
1-800-557-8937This is almost always because you installed the eSIM before arriving at your destination. Airalo eSIMs can only connect to networks in their coverage area — a France eSIM won’t work until you’re in France. The “Activating” status on iPhone is completely normal and will resolve itself when you land. If you’re already in the right country and still seeing “No Service,” follow Fix #1 (Data Roaming) and Fix #2 (Airplane Mode toggle) above.
Yes! Modern phones support dual SIM — your regular SIM stays active for calls and texts on your home number, while the Airalo eSIM handles data. Just make sure you set the Airalo eSIM as your data source in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data. Keep your home SIM’s Data Roaming OFF to avoid surprise charges from your carrier.
Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM. Specifically: iPhone XS and all newer iPhones (iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only in the US), Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and most recent OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola flagships. To check yours, dial *#06# — if an EID number appears, you’re good. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use third-party eSIMs.
Yes, Airalo is a legitimate company founded in 2019. It’s one of the world’s largest eSIM providers with millions of users. The connectivity issues some people experience are typical of eSIM technology in general — not specific to Airalo. That said, some travelers have raised concerns about data privacy practices, and Airalo’s customer support can be slower than competitors like Holafly or Saily. If privacy is a priority, Saily (built by NordVPN) includes built-in security features.
They serve different needs. Airalo is better for budget travelers who don’t need much data and want pay-per-GB flexibility. It also offers global and regional plans that cover many countries under one eSIM. Holafly is better for travelers who want unlimited data and 24/7 support — no tracking usage, no worrying about running out. Holafly is pricier per trip but eliminates data anxiety entirely. If you’re a digital nomad or heavy data user, Holafly wins. If you’re a light user on a short trip, Airalo is fine.
Airalo’s refund policy covers failed activations — if the eSIM genuinely can’t be activated, they’ll typically issue a refund or replacement. However, if you’ve already used data or if the QR code was scanned (even if connection failed due to settings issues on your end), refunds become trickier. Contact support through the in-app chat and explain the issue. Saily is generally noted for having a more flexible refund policy than Airalo.
Most travel eSIMs (including Airalo, Holafly, and Saily) are data-only — they don’t include a phone number, calls, or SMS. However, you can make calls using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype over the eSIM’s data connection. If you specifically need a phone number and calling capability, aloSIM includes a dedicated number and calling credit via the Hushed app. Airalo also offers select plans with calls/texts (like their Discover+ global plans or specific US plans).
It depends on your travel style. For reference: Google Maps navigation uses about 5–10 MB per hour. Social media browsing uses 100–300 MB per hour. Uploading Instagram stories/reels uses 50–200 MB per post. Video calls use 1–1.5 GB per hour. For a typical 7-day vacation with moderate use, 3–5 GB is usually enough. Digital nomads or heavy users should budget 1–2 GB per day, or just get an unlimited plan from Holafly to avoid tracking.
Yes! Most modern phones can store 8–20 eSIM profiles at once, though only one or two can be active simultaneously. This means you can pre-install eSIMs for multiple destinations and switch between them as you travel — no need to buy and install at each stop. iPhone 14+ supports up to 8 eSIMs. Samsung flagships support around 5–10. Just label each one clearly so you know which is which.
Last updated March 2026. Pricing, features, and availability for all eSIM providers vary by destination and are subject to change without notice. Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM are independent companies — we are not affiliated with any of them. This guide is for informational purposes to help travelers make an informed choice. Some links may be affiliate links that help support our research at no extra cost to you. Always verify plan details, coverage, and refund policies directly with the provider before purchasing.
