An eSIM that won't activate is one of the most common — and easiest to fix — issues travelers run into. Here's how to get yours working.
What "not activating" means
There's a difference between installed and activated:
- Installed = the eSIM profile is on your phone (you see it in Settings)
- Activated = the eSIM has connected to a local network and is using data
Your eSIM can be installed but not activated until you arrive at your destination and connect to a foreign network for the first time.
Quick checklist
Before troubleshooting deeper, verify:
- ✓You're at your destination country (not at home)
- ✓Your tukango line is toggled ON in Settings
- ✓Data Roaming is enabled for the tukango line
- ✓Mobile Data is set to use the tukango line
- ✓Airplane mode is OFF
- ✓You've waited at least 60 seconds for network registration
If all of these are correct and you still have no service, continue below.
Troubleshooting
The single most effective fix. Power off, wait 10 seconds, power on. The phone re-registers with the local network from scratch and often resolves the issue immediately.
Turn airplane mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. This forces the cellular radio to reset and search for networks again.
Your phone's automatic carrier selection might be picking a network that doesn't support your eSIM. Switch to manual:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [tukango line] → Network Selection → turn OFF Automatic → pick a network
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators → search → pick one
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tukango → Mobile network → uncheck Automatic → pick one
Try each available network one by one. Look for the operators listed on your tukango plan page.
Log in to tukango.com on WiFi. Your eSIM status should show Active or In Use. If it shows Installed with no usage, the eSIM hasn't connected yet — restart and retry.
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset Network Settings
- Samsung: Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings
- Pixel: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
Still not activating?
Email support@tukango.com with:
- Your order number
- Phone model and OS version
- The country you're in
- A screenshot of your cellular settings
Our team typically responds within 10 minutes during business hours.
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