Why “No Service” Happens and What to Check First
Landing in a new country only to see “No Service” on your phone can be stressful — especially when you’ve just installed a new eSIM.
But don’t worry: in most cases, this issue is easy to fix and has nothing to do with your device being faulty.
Below are the most common reasons your eSIM might not connect immediately after landing — and how to fix each one.
1. Roaming is Turned Off
This is the most frequent reason travelers see “No Service.” Your phone must have Data Roaming enabled for the eSIM to connect to a local carrier. On iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → Your eSIM → Data Roaming → ON
On Android:Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming → ON
Without it, the phone will refuse to connect to partner networks even if your plan is active.
2. The eSIM Hasn’t Activated Yet
Many eSIMs — including some Roafly regional plans — activate only once the phone registers in the destination country.
If you installed the eSIM days before your flight, it might still be in “Pending” mode.
Try this simple refresh:
Turn Airplane Mode ON → wait 20 seconds → turn it OFF again.
This forces the device to send a new registration request to the local network.
3. Automatic Network Selection Failed
Sometimes your phone doesn’t automatically choose the right partner network.
To fix this, manually select one:
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iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → Turn off Auto → pick one of the listed networks
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Android: Settings → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → Search Networks
Check your Roafly eSIM details to see which networks are officially supported in that country (for example, Orange in France, AIS in Thailand, or Vodafone in the UK).
4. APN Settings Are Missing or Incorrect
If your phone shows “Connected” but you still have no Internet, the APN (Access Point Name) is probably missing.
This setting tells your device how to reach the carrier’s data gateway.
To add or check it:
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On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network
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On Android: Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names (APN)
Most Roafly eSIMs use simple APNs like internet, data, or the one specified in your confirmation email.
After entering it, restart the phone or toggle Airplane Mode to apply changes.
5. The Local Network Is Congested
Airports and border zones often experience temporary overload when hundreds of phones try to register simultaneously.
Give it 10–15 minutes — the connection usually stabilizes on its own.
You can also try briefly switching between 4G and 5G modes to trigger a new registration.
6. Your Plan Doesn’t Cover the Current Country
Some regional eSIMs work only in specific areas (for example, “Europe” or “Asia-Pacific”).
If you’ve crossed into a non-supported country, the SIM won’t register.
You can verify your plan’s coverage list directly in your Roafly account or app.
Advanced Fixes and Roafly Recommendations
If you’ve gone through all basic steps and still see “No Service,” let’s dig a bit deeper.
7. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)
This doesn’t delete your eSIM — it only clears saved Wi-Fi and APN data.
On iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
On Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
After resetting, restart the device and allow it to re-register on the local carrier.
8. Don’t Delete the eSIM
Some users try removing the eSIM and reinstalling it, but this can permanently disable your plan.
Unlike physical SIMs, most eSIM profiles are one-time use — once deleted, they cannot be reinstalled.
Instead, perform a network refresh:
Airplane Mode ON → wait 30 seconds → OFF again.
Then reboot your device.
If the problem continues, contact support before attempting any removal.
9. Use Wi-Fi to Trigger Activation
If your eSIM is installed but not yet active, connect to Wi-Fi.
This allows your phone to communicate with Roafly’s activation server or the carrier’s provisioning system.
In many cases, the connection will start working within a few minutes.
10. Check Time Zone and System Date
It may sound minor, but mismatched time zones sometimes cause provisioning mismatches.
Ensure your phone’s date and time are set to “Automatic” based on your current location.
11. Contact Roafly Support
If none of the above helps:
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Open the Roafly app or visit roafly.com/support
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Provide your ICCID number (found under Settings → About → eSIM).
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Our team can remotely re-sync your profile or refresh your line with the carrier.
Roafly’s support can often restore service within minutes without any local store visit.
Bonus: Why “No Service” Happens More in Some Countries
Certain destinations — such as Russia, China, and the UAE — apply temporary restrictions or verification delays for foreign SIMs and eSIMs.
These are government-imposed security checks, not provider faults.
Roafly automatically reroutes connections through alternative partner networks where possible, ensuring faster restoration once allowed.
Final Tips Before You Travel
- Activate your eSIM the day before your flight but keep it unused until you land.
- Keep Data Roaming ON.
- Download offline maps and translate packs in advance.
- Always keep your QR code or installation link saved, just in case support needs to verify it.
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling as a backup.
Conclusion
Seeing “No Service” right after landing can be annoying, but it’s rarely serious.
In most cases, enabling roaming, refreshing your connection, or correcting the APN brings your eSIM back online within minutes.
Roafly’s eSIMs are designed for 200+ destinations worldwide, with automatic network switching and 24/7 support to help you stay connected wherever you go.
Travel smart. Stay connected. Choose Roafly.