Ubigi eSIM not working: Causes and fixes for 2026

Why is my Ubigi eSIM not working? 

A Ubigi eSIM typically stops working because data roaming is switched off, Ubigi isn’t selected as the mobile data line, the eSIM hasn’t connected to a local partner network, the plan has expired or run out of data, or the device is carrier locked.

You might see “No service,” have signal bars but no internet connection, or find that the eSIM has installed successfully but won’t provide mobile data. Similar issues appear in discussions about an Ubigi eSIM not working on Reddit, and the same basic fixes tend to apply across devices.

Before troubleshooting the Ubigi profile, make sure your phone is carrier unlocked and supports eSIM technology. You can check the list of eSIM-supported devices if you’re unsure or see our guide to why your eSIM isn’t working for more general causes. Our Ubigi eSIM review also takes a broader look at the provider.

Ubigi runs its own connectivity platform and supports a wide range of devices. If you need an alternative, Saily is a prepaid travel eSIM from the company behind NordVPN with affordable plans in 200+ destinations, in-app installation without QR or activation codes, 24/7 live chat, and built-in security features including a virtual location with 115+ options, an ad blocker, and web protection.

Why is my eSIM getting no service?

An eSIM usually shows “No service” when the profile is installed but hasn’t registered successfully with an available local network.

Start by turning airplane mode on for around 30 seconds and then switching it off again. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone. You can also turn off automatic network selection and run a manual search. Once the available network is displayed, choose one of Ubigi’s partner networks — in Japan, your options are KDDI and NTT Docomo.

If your phone is locked to a particular network mode, changing it may also help. Try “5G auto” or “LTE” rather than forcing the device to use 5G only.

Coverage can still vary with location, including on fast-moving trains, on underground travel routes, or inside buildings. If you’re heading to Japan, installing a backup eSIM for Japan before you leave home can save you from trying to solve a connection problem after landing at Narita or Haneda.

How do I fix a Ubigi eSIM that’s not working?

Start with data roaming, line selection, and APN settings. The first three checks take only a few minutes and often resolve common setup problems. 

1. Turn on data roaming. Open your mobile network settings, select the Ubigi line, and make sure “Data roaming” is enabled. Travel eSIMs generally need roaming enabled to connect through partner networks.

2. Set Ubigi as your mobile data line. If you’re using dual-SIM functionality, your phone may still be routing data through your regular carrier. Select Ubigi for cellular or mobile data and turn off “Allow cellular data switching” on an iPhone.

3. Check the APN. Ubigi normally configures its APN automatically, but if the field is blank or the connection isn’t working, enter “mbb” as the APN. Android users can usually find this under “Mobile network” > “Access Point Names.” On an iPhone, the option may appear under “Cellular” > the Ubigi line > “Cellular data network.”

4. Refresh the connection. Turn airplane mode on for around 30 seconds, switch it off, and restart your device.

5. Select a network manually. Disable automatic network selection and try one of Ubigi’s available partner networks for your destination.

6. Update your phone and reset network settings. Install any available operating system updates first. As a last resort, reset your network settings, remembering that this can remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.

7. Check your Ubigi plan. Open the Ubigi app and confirm that the plan has activated, hasn’t expired, and still has data available.

If you have signal bars but still can’t get online, the problem may be with the data connection rather than the eSIM itself. Our guide to fixing cellular data that isn’t working covers some additional checks.

If none of the steps above helps, contact Ubigi support before buying another plan or deleting the profile.

How do I reinstall my Ubigi eSIM?

You can reinstall a Ubigi eSIM profile after deleting it, but reinstallation should come near the end of your troubleshooting rather than being the first thing you try.

Ubigi allows an eSIM profile to be reinstalled up to five times after deletion. Open the Ubigi app, sign in to your account, go to “Settings,” and select “Re-install my Ubigi eSIM,” then follow the on-screen instructions.

If the “Re-install my Ubigi eSIM” option doesn’t appear in your account, contact Ubigi support before deleting the profile.

On an iPhone, you can remove a profile from “Settings” > “Cellular” > select the Ubigi plan > “Delete eSIM.” On an Android device, the wording varies by manufacturer, but you’ll usually find the option under “Settings” > “Network & internet” or “Connections” > “SIMs,” “SIM manager,” or “SIM card manager.”

Make sure you have Wi-Fi or another working data connection before reinstalling. Keeping a second travel eSIM installed can also be useful if your main connection fails. Saily installs directly through its app without QR codes or activation codes and offers 24/7 support. 

If you ever run into trouble with Saily, you can check out the dedicated guide for a Saily eSIM that isn’t working.

Travelers comparing troubleshooting processes can also see our guides to Airalo eSIM troubleshooting and what to do when a Holafly eSIM isn’t working.

Why is my Ubigi eSIM not working on my iPhone?

If your Ubigi eSIM is not working on an iPhone or another supported iOS device, first check that data roaming is enabled for the Ubigi line and that the phone is actually using Ubigi for cellular data. 

Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data” and select Ubigi. Then open “Settings” > “Cellular” > your Ubigi line and switch on “Data roaming.” You can also turn off “Allow cellular data switching” to stop the iPhone from automatically routing mobile data through your primary SIM.

To check the APN, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > the Ubigi line > “Cellular data network,” where available, and make sure the APN is set to “mbb.”

When your Ubigi eSIM is working but iMessage isn’t, remember that Ubigi is a data-only service and doesn’t provide a phone number. You can continue using iMessage and FaceTime through the data connection with your Apple ID or a number associated with your regular SIM.

Keep data roaming switched off on your home SIM if you leave it active for calls, iMessage, or verification texts, which can help reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges.

Tips for planning a trip with a reliable travel eSIM in 2026

Most eSIM problems are easier to deal with before you travel than after you’ve landed. A few quick checks can make your arrival considerably less stressful.

• Check compatibility before buying. Make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and is carrier unlocked.

• Install the eSIM before you fly. A reliable home Wi-Fi connection is a much better place to download and configure an eSIM than an airport arrivals hall.

• Save important settings offline. Screenshot APN details and any other setup information you may need later.

• Keep your primary SIM available. You may still need it for your usual phone number, banking messages, iMessage, or two-factor authentication.

• Watch your data allowance. Check usage and plan validity in the provider’s app so you don’t suddenly lose service because the plan has expired or run out of data.

• Keep a backup connection. Having a second eSIM ready can reduce the risk of relying entirely on one provider.

• Check hotspot limits before tethering. Sharing your connection can use your allowance faster than expected, so it helps to understand how hotspot data works.

Saily offers country and regional plans across 200+ destinations. For more, Saily Ultra bundles 30 GB of high-speed data (then unlimited at 1 Mbps) in 120+ destinations with security extras — a virtual location with 115+ locations, an ad blocker, and web protection — plus airport lounge and fast-track benefits, priority 24/7 support, and Nord Security apps (NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni). It renews monthly and can be canceled anytime. 

Saily also offers an optional US-based phone number alongside its data eSIM. The add-on covers calls and SMS, though international calls aren’t available. With Saily’s Global eSIM plan, you can use calling services from supported countries you travel to without buying a separate calling plan for each destination.

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!