Why is my Revolut eSIM not working?
If the setup process fails right away, make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and isn’t carrier-locked. If the eSIM profile is already installed but you still can’t get online, a quick review of your cellular menu will help pinpoint and fix simple connection problems:
The Revolut eSIM is installed but not activated.
Data roaming is disabled.
A different line is selected for mobile data.
The plan’s data allowance or validity period expired.
The network signal in your destination is poor.
Airplane mode or low data mode is active.
How to fix cell data not working on an eSIM
You try to open an app or search for a local spot, but nothing loads. Luckily, a disconnected eSIM might come down to one setting you can fix yourself:
Toggle airplane mode on and off.
Restart your device.
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line.
Set the eSIM as the default mobile data line.
Disable “Allow cellular data switching.”
Select the network manually instead of automatically.
Check the APN provided by the eSIM issuer.
Reset the network settings.
If your eSIM still isn’t working after a reset, a temporary disruption on the local network your eSIM connects to may be the cause. Contact your provider’s customer support to confirm whether there’s an active outage in your area.
How to find your device’s data settings
You can find your mobile data and roaming settings with just a few taps, though the exact steps vary slightly between iOS and Android:
On an iPhone, check “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data” and “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data options” > “Data roaming.”
On a Samsung device, look under “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager” and “Settings” > “Connections” > “Mobile networks” > “Data roaming.”
On a Google Pixel device, tap “Settings” > “Network and internet” > “SIMs.”
Update your phone’s operating system before starting setup. Having the latest iOS or Android version helps your device download and register the new eSIM profile.
How to activate your Revolut eSIM plan
Activating a Revolut eSIM plan is straightforward, whether you already use the Revolut app or you’re setting up an account for the first time. You manage the entire purchase and setup directly on your phone, so you don’t need to deal with physical SIM cards or third-party stores.
Check that your phone is unlocked from your carrier and supports eSIM technology.
Buy the data plan in the Revolut app before your departure.
Install the eSIM profile while connected to Wi-Fi or your home network.
Label the line so you can easily identify it.
Enable data roaming on the eSIM line.
Set the eSIM as the default mobile data line when you arrive at your destination.
You can complete the installation steps before your trip so your phone is ready on arrival. Just set the plan up shortly before you leave because, as we covered in our Revolut review, the plan validity period begins upon purchase or installation rather than when you land.
If the activation stalls during setup, give the app a few minutes to process. It can be tempting to delete the profile and start over when the connection seems dead. But Revolut eSIMs are bound to your specific device, so deleting the profile means you’ll likely need customer support to restore your access.
Why is my eSIM “on” but not working?
You purchased a data plan, installed the eSIM on your device, and set off to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Then you land at your destination and notice the connection isn’t activating. The eSIM might show as “on,” but you have no data. You can usually find the cause of the problem by checking a few settings on your device.
Select a local network manually — if it connects, the automatic network selection was likely failing.
Open your provider app to check your remaining data balance.
Confirm your plan hasn’t passed its validity end date.
Still no connection after adjusting your settings? Customer support can help resolve the issue. Keep these details handy to speed up your ticket:
Your device model.
Your current iOS or One UI version.
Your exact destination.
Your eSIM’s ICCID and your device’s EID (both appear in your phone’s eSIM settings).
Screenshots of any error messages.
How to prepare your connectivity before you travel
A week of relaxation and sightseeing loses its shine fast when the mobile data you’ve been counting on fails. You can avoid this by taking a few precautions before you leave:
Install your eSIM before leaving your house. Setting up the profile over your home Wi-Fi avoids activation problems in an unreliable network.
Choose a reliable eSIM provider. The Saily app holds a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot across more than 31,000 reviews, making it a well-tested choice for travel data.
Screenshot your APN settings and your provider’s support contact. Keep this information saved on your phone for offline use, because without mobile data, you can’t open web pages to look it up.
Check your device compatibility and carrier lock. An eSIM only works if your phone supports the technology and is unlocked from your home carrier.
Looking for a Revolut eSIM plan alternative?
While a Revolut data plan provides plenty of benefits, exploring other options before you leave helps you find the right fit for your itinerary. The Saily eSIM app covers more than 200 destinations with flexible single-destination or regional plans, as well as the Global eSIM option. With budget-friendly plans ranging from 1 GB for light browsing to larger multi-gigabyte data packages, you can easily pick a plan size that matches your travel habits.
While Revolut activates your data plan at purchase, Saily lets you set up in advance and only starts your plan once you arrive at your destination. Setup takes just a few taps and skips QR codes entirely — download the Saily eSIM app, pick your destination, choose the plan length, and you’re ready to go.
Revolut provides data-only plans, so Saily offers an advantage if you need to make calls and send texts. If you’re looking for an eSIM with a phone number, Saily has you covered. You can attach a US (+1) number to make calls and send texts alongside your mobile data — a feature available across all plans, not just US packages.
The information in this article was collected in September 2026 and was accurate at the time of writing. Revolut plans and features may change over time, but we do our best to keep everything up to date. If you notice anything that needs an update, let us know at [email protected].
