AT&T eSIM not working? Common errors and how to fix them

Why won’t your AT&T eSIM work, and how do you fix it?

Whether you’re seeing an error message or just zero signal bars, most AT&T eSIM issues stem from one of three things: a carrier-locked device, outdated network settings, or a QR code that has expired.

If your issue doesn't fit into one of those boxes, don't worry. We’ll also walk through other reported glitches and less common errors to make sure we cover all the bases. Note that most issues aren't unique to AT&T — they’re common hiccups with eSIMs in general.

But before we start troubleshooting, let’s identify the culprit. Below, we’ll help you match your specific issue to the right fix so you can stop guessing and get connected.

1. 1.

   Your device isn’t eSIM compatible or it’s carrier locked

2. 2.

   “Cellular plan can't be set up” error

3. 3.

   “No SIM” or “SIM failure” error

4. 4.

   QR code won't scan or a ”burned” QR code

5. 5.

   You have a signal but no internet

6. 6.

   No signal

7. 7.

   AT&T eSIM not transferring from another phone

The most common problem: Your device isn’t eSIM compatible or it’s carrier locked

You’ve bought your eSIM plan, you open your phone’s settings to install it, and… nothing. You look for the "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" button, but it’s simply missing from the menu.

Or you try to scan the QR code with your camera, and instead of launching a setup wizard, your phone just displays a text link or does absolutely nothing. A response like this usually means one of two things: either your device isn’t eSIM compatible, or it’s carrier locked.

Not every phone supports eSIM technology, and even if yours does, there’s a catch — carrier locks. If you bought your phone on a contract, your provider might have locked it to its network to prevent you from using a different carrier.

Fix #1: Upgrade to a compatible device

Unfortunately, you can't download hardware. If your phone lacks the chip, you will need to swap to a compatible model. For iPhone users, this means you need an iPhone XS, XR, or newer — earlier models (like the iPhone X) won't work. However, there’s a major exception to this rule, which we’ll cover in the next section.

The situation is a bit more complicated for Android users. While most modern flagship models (like the Google Pixel 3+ or the Samsung Galaxy S20+) are safe bets, many budget-friendly models still skip the eSIM feature entirely. If you aren't 100% sure about your specific model, you can verify it quickly on our list of eSIM-supported devices.

Tip: Feel free to check out our guide on why your eSIM isn’t working on an iPhone for Apple-specific solutions.

Fix #2: Contact your original provider

Even with a compatible phone, a carrier lock will make the eSIM unusable. If you discover your phone is locked, you must contact your original provider (the one you bought the phone from) to remove the restriction.

To check the lock on an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” > “Carrier lock.” You want to see “No SIM restrictions.” If the status reads “SIM locked,” your device is tied to your original carrier.

On an Android, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Mobile networks” > “Network operators.” From there, turn off “Select automatically.” Your device will search for available networks. If you see a list of multiple carriers, your phone is likely unlocked. However, if you only see your current carrier, the phone may be locked to that specific network. Keep in mind that these menu paths can vary depending on your phone's manufacturer.

“Cellular plan can't be set up” error

“Cellular plan can't be set up, eSIM installation is unsupported on your device” or, another variation, “Unfortunately, your device does not support eSIM technology” is a classic — and confusing — Apple error message. It sounds like your phone is too old, but if you have a modern device (iPhone XR or newer), that usually isn't the case.

On an Android, you generally won't see the exact same wording. Instead, you might see “Couldn't add plan,” “Network not activated,” or find that the “Add eSIM” option is grayed out entirely.

This specific error typically points to one of three specific culprits: a carrier lock, a regional hardware difference, or a corrupted software state.

Fix #1: Update your software

Before you start digging into hardware specs, check your OS. Outdated software often lacks the specific “Carrier bundles” needed to recognize new AT&T eSIM profiles.

To check on an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update.” On an Android, go to “Settings” > “System” > “System update.” If you have a pending update, install it. 

A software update alone can fix most of these errors, including sudden signal drops on a previously working line.

Fix #2: Check the hardware

This section addresses the major exception mentioned earlier. If your iPhone was manufactured for the markets in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao, it likely doesn’t support an eSIM.

Instead of an embedded chip, Apple manufactures these regional models with two physical nano-SIM slots to comply with local regulations. This restriction applies even to the newest flagship models.

Eject your SIM tray to verify. If the tray is designed to hold a physical SIM card on both the top and bottom, your device lacks the hardware necessary to use an eSIM.

Fix #3: Check the carrier lock (again)

If your hardware is fine, we circle back to the lock. Apple will throw this error if your phone is locked to a different carrier than the AT&T eSIM you are trying to install.

“No SIM” or “SIM failure” error

Did your eSIM work fine for months, then suddenly show a “SIM failure,” “No SIM card detected,” “No SIM available,” or a similar pop-up? This error message usually suggests a software crash where the phone thinks the active profile is corrupted or missing.

Fix #1: Reset your AT&T eSIM

Start by restarting your phone. If that doesn't clear the error — and it rarely does for this specific glitch — you will need to refresh the profile entirely.

To reset your AT&T eSIM profile, start by going to “Settings” > “Cellular.” If you can tap the glitched eSIM line, choose “Delete eSIM” (or “Remove cellular plan”). Then, request a new QR code from AT&T — we explain exactly how to get one in the “How to request a replacement AT&T eSIM” section below.

Tip: Nervous about deleting your plan? Read our full guide on how to reset and restore an eSIM on an iPhone before you begin.

Fix #2: Check for hardware issues

If the “SIM failure” pop-up survives a full eSIM reset, you likely have a physical hardware defect with the internal eSIM module. Unfortunately, this has become a known issue, particularly with iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. At this point, you’ll need to visit an Apple Store or a certified repair shop.

QR code won't scan or a “burned” QR code

You scan the code, the little wheel spins, and then you see an error: “Unable to complete cellular plan change,” “eSIM cannot be added. This code is no longer valid,” or “Cellular plan cannot be added.”

If you’re trying to activate a new prepaid AT&T eSIM through the official website, you might see a pop-up that says “We can’t activate your device because it’s already active on an AT&T plan.”

These errors put you in a frustrating “activation limbo.” If your AT&T eSIM activation is not working, it might be that you already tried to scan the QR code once, and even though it failed on your phone, AT&T's system marked the code as “successfully used.”

Most eSIM QR codes are one-time use tokens. Once the system thinks they are used, they are “burned.” You can’t rescan them.

Fix #1: Try manual entry (just in case)

Before you give up on the QR code entirely, check if it was just a camera glitch. Look for the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by AT&T (usually sent to your email). If the code is truly “burned,” manual activation won't work, but it’s worth a 10-second try.

• On an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM” > “Use QR code” > “Enter details manually.”

• On an Android, go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs” > “Add eSIM” > “Enter manually.”

Fix #2: Trigger “Carrier activation”

If the code is invalid, try bypassing it. Modern AT&T activations can often push the profile directly to your phone using just your EID number.

Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for a few minutes. Look for a notification that says “AT&T cellular plan ready to be installed.” If that message doesn't appear, try logging into the myAT&T app over Wi-Fi, navigating to “Manage my SIM,” and creating a new download request for your current device.

Fix #3: Get a new code

If manual entry fails and the app push doesn't work, you need a brand-new activation code.

• If you can log in, go to the AT&T online activation portal > “Manage my SIM” > “Get a new eSIM” > “Get started.”

• If you are locked out of your account, call AT&T's automated activation line at 877-426-0525. You will need your IMEI and ICCID number handy to trigger the activation.

You have a signal but no internet

You did everything right — the AT&T eSIM is installed, the bars are showing — but you have no data connection. Chrome is stuck, Spotify is buffering, and your messages won't send. Since you have a signal, you know the eSIM is working. This problem usually points to a settings mismatch blocking the data flow.

Fix #1: Enable data roaming

If you are traveling internationally with AT&T’s International Day Pass, this setting is crucial. Go to your cellular settings, tap your AT&T line, and toggle “Data roaming” on.

Pro tip: On eligible unlimited plans, you can use your AT&T eSIM in Canada at no extra cost. Just remember to turn on data roaming in your settings, or your connection won't work across the border.

Fix #2: Verify APN settings

The APN (access point name) acts like the password for your mobile data connection. If it’s wrong, you’ll have a strong signal but zero internet.

To check, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Carrier settings” (on an iPhone) or “Access point names” (on an Android). For most AT&T plans, the APN should read “enhancedphone” or “nxtgenphone.” If it’s blank or says something else, you may need to edit it manually.

Fix #3: Check for dead zones

If you are in a remote area, underground, or in a building with thick concrete walls, you might be out of luck regardless of your settings. If possible, try moving to a window or going outside to see if the data connection is restored.

No signal

No signal is a different problem: You had full bars an hour ago, and now you have none. It feels like your data just fell off the face of the earth, but the AT&T eSIM isn't broken. Usually, you just have a stale connection, a glitchy setting, or a local outage. Try these fixes to get back on the grid.

Fix #1: Toggle airplane mode

Toggling airplane mode on and off forces your phone to disconnect from the current cell tower and search for a closer, stronger signal. Simply open your “Control center” or “Quick settings” panel, tap the airplane icon, and count to ten. Then, tap it again to turn it off.

Fix #2: Toggle your line off and on

Toggling your line off and on is the “soft reset.” Sometimes the connection just gets stale and needs a nudge.

• On an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Cellular,” tap your AT&T line, and toggle the switch off. Wait 30 seconds, then toggle it back on. This is also your way of checking if the eSIM is really active on your iPhone.

• On an Android, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager,” toggle the eSIM off, wait, and then turn it back on.

Fix #3: Reset network settings

A network reset reverts your cellular configuration to factory defaults and clears out old, conflicting data roaming settings. Just know that resetting your network settings will wipe your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have them handy before you press the button.

• On an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings.”

• On an Android, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Reset options” > “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”

Fix #4: Check outages

See if the network itself is down. Visit a site like Downdetector or ask a friend who uses AT&T. If a nearby device also has no signal, you are likely facing a local service outage. Unfortunately, you just have to wait this one out.

Fix #5: Check for “ghost” conflicts

Did you recently upgrade your device? Your old phone might be the culprit. If the network detects two active devices trying to use the same number, it often knocks both offline for security purposes. Find your old phone and ensure you fully delete the eSIM profile.

Tip: Not sure how to find the setting? Follow our guide on how to delete an eSIM from an iPhone to make sure it's gone for good.

AT&T eSIM not transferring from another phone

You unbox your new iPhone, place it next to your old one, and hit “Transfer from nearby iPhone.” Instead of magic, you get a spinning wheel followed by “eSIM not supported,” or a generic “Contact carrier” error.

This situation is incredibly frustrating, but it usually happens for one of three reasons: AT&T’s activation server is overloaded, your new phone is running an older software version than your current device, or a security feature called “Wireless account lock” is blocking the transfer.

Fix #1: Use the AT&T portal

If the iPhone-to-iPhone transfer fails, ask AT&T to move the line directly. Log in to your myAT&T account. Go to “Manage your SIM” > “Switch devices.” Enter your new phone’s IMEI number. Doing so usually triggers a system notification on your new phone saying “AT&T cellular plan ready to be installed.”

Fix #2: Update first

Your new iPhone has likely been sitting in a box for months, so it might be running an older version of iOS than your current device. The transfer often fails if the software versions don't match.

Skip the eSIM step during the initial configuration by choosing “Set up later.” Complete the rest of the setup process and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Then, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update” and install the latest iOS. Once updated, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM” and try the transfer again. It should work perfectly now.

Fix #3: Check for “Wireless account lock”

Sometimes, an AT&T security setting designed to prevent SIM swapping accidentally blocks you from moving your own number. You can only manage this setting through the mobile app.

If you use AT&T wireless:

1. Open the myAT&T app on a device that is currently active.

2. Select “Services” (the second tab at the bottom).

3. Tap “Mobile security,” then scroll down to “Wireless account lock.”

4. Select “Continue,” then choose the account that you want to lock or unlock.

5. Follow the prompts to complete your transfer.

If you use AT&T prepaid:

1. Sign in to the myAT&T app.

2. Select the phone number you want to manage and tap “Continue.”

3. Go to “Profile & settings,” then tap “Account info & preferences.”

4. Find “Wireless account lock” and select “Turn off.”

5. Enter the one-time code sent by text message and tap “Validate” to finish.

Once unlocked, try the transfer again. You can re-lock this setting after you are done.

How to activate your AT&T eSIM

If you're starting from scratch, let’s do this the right way. Grab a coffee, make sure your device is on an active plan, and connect to a strong Wi-Fi network. This last part is mandatory — you cannot download an eSIM over a cellular connection you haven't set up yet.

Activation on an iPhone

For most modern iPhones (the iPhone 14 and newer), AT&T usually pushes the profile to you automatically.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Look for a notification saying “Carrier cellular plan ready to be installed.” Tap it and follow the prompts. If you haven’t received the notification, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM.”

3. Select “Set up cellular” or "Use QR code" to scan the code from your activation kit.

Tip: If you need a visual walkthrough, check our step-by-step guide on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone.

Activation on an Android

Android menus vary slightly depending on whether you have a Samsung or a Google Pixel, but the logic remains the same.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Open your settings. On a Samsung device, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM card manager” > “Add mobile plan.”  On a Google Pixel and other Android devices, go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Mobile network” (or select the plus sign “+” next to “Mobile network”).

3. Select “Download a SIM instead” or “Add using QR code.”

4. Scan the QR code provided in your kit.

What to do if activation fails

Before you check for the complex eSIM activation issues we outlined above, start with the basics. Try these simple troubleshooting steps if your eSIM activation fails:

• Reboot. This simple step clears temporary cache files that often block the activation process.

• Reset network settings. If a reboot doesn't work, clear out conflicting data configurations using the steps detailed in the “No signal” section above.

• Verify Wi-Fi. Did you really connect to Wi-Fi? Remember, an eSIM profile cannot download over cellular data because you don't have a cellular connection yet.

• Contact AT&T. If the status stays stuck on “Activating…” for hours, there may be a provisioning mismatch on your account (like a missing EID number). You’ll need to call support to refresh the line.

• Online: Log in to myAT&T and go to “Manage my SIM” to request a new eSIM.

• By phone: For technical support regarding prepaid accounts or tricky activation errors, call 800-901-9878 to speak with an agent.

How to transfer an AT&T eSIM to a new device

Upgraded to the latest shiny rectangle? Moving an eSIM isn't as simple as swapping a plastic chip, but it’s getting easier.

Transfer between iPhones

Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer is magical when it works:

1. Keep both iPhones updated and near each other.

2. On the new iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM.”

3. Select “Transfer from nearby iPhone” and follow the prompts.

Alternatively, to transfer your AT&T eSIM between iPhones during Quick Start setup, make sure you have your current iPhone and new iPhone next to each other and connected to Wi-Fi, then follow the steps:

1. Wait for “Transfer cellular plan” to display on your old iPhone, then select the AT&T eSIM you want to use on your new iPhone.

2. Select “Continue.”

3. Follow the prompts on your new iPhone to complete setup.

4. Make a call on your new iPhone to confirm the eSIM service is working.

Tip: Check our detailed guide on how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone from an iPhone or an Android for a complete walkthrough.

Transfer between Android devices

Android doesn't always support direct device-to-device transfer for every carrier yet. Your best bet is usually to log into your myAT&T account on the new phone to download the profile, or contact support at 800-901-9878 to request a fresh QR code. 

Tip: If you want to try moving it yourself first, read our full guide on how to transfer an eSIM to a new Android phone.

Moving from a physical SIM to an eSIM

Make sure you stay connected to Wi-Fi before you start the move from a physical SIM to an eSIM:

• On an iPhone, you can often convert a physical SIM to an eSIM directly in settings. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular,” tap your physical SIM line, and look for “Convert to eSIM.”

• On a Samsung, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager.” Tap the physical SIM you want to switch, select “Convert to eSIM,” and confirm.

• On a Google Pixel (Pixel 8 or later devices, including Fold), go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs.” Select your physical SIM, scroll down, tap “Convert to eSIM,” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, read our full guide on converting physical SIMs to eSIMs.

You accidentally deleted your AT&T eSIM: What’s next?

The bad news is that you cannot simply “undelete” an eSIM profile like a photo from your recently deleted album. What happens if you delete an eSIM from your settings is essentially the same as snapping a physical SIM card in half — the connection is broken, and you have to install a new one to get back online.

How to request a replacement AT&T eSIM

If your profile is gone, you need a fresh activation code to get back online. The process depends on which type of plan you have.

If you are on a standard AT&T wireless plan, the fastest way is through the online portal:

1. Log in to myAT&T on a computer.

2. Go to “Device options” > “Manage your SIM” for the line you need to fix. (You won’t see this option if you don’t have an eSIM already.)

3. Choose “Get a new eSIM,” and then “Get started.”

4. Follow the prompts to trigger a new setup.

If you have an existing AT&T prepaid plan, pick up a replacement eSIM activation card at an AT&T store or a retailer like Target or Best Buy.

AT&T eSIM still not working? Try Saily instead

Look, if you’ve rebooted, reset, and sat on hold with customer service for an hour and still can’t get connected, it might be time for Plan B. Troubleshooting is exhausting, especially when you just need to check your maps or book an Uber.

Sometimes, the easiest fix is simply trying a different provider. Saily is designed to offer a simpler setup than traditional carriers. It’s built for instant access — no store visits, no contracts, and no cryptic error codes.

• Get online in just a few taps. Download the Saily eSIM app, pick a data plan, and install. It’s that simple.

• Stay connected anywhere you go. Saily offers coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide. Its eSIM data plans for the USA work on major local networks to ensure you stay connected.

• Get help 24/7. If you do hit a snag, our round-the-clock support team is ready to help — in more than 14 languages!

If you are a frequent flyer, you might appreciate the Saily Ultra plan, which bundles unlimited high-speed data with travel-friendly perks like cybersecurity tools and 8% cashback on purchases. If you’re still on the fence, check out a full Saily review to see how it stacks up against traditional carriers.

We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!