My First “Airalo eSIM Not Working” Moment
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Hi, I’m Anna – a travel addict who’s explored 27 countries in the last six years. I’ve used over a dozen eSIM services to stay connected without paying ridiculous roaming fees.
But one rainy evening in Paris, my phone screen flashed the dreaded “No Service” message. My Airalo eSIM was not working, and I was stranded without maps or translation apps. That’s when I realized – travelers need real, experience-based tips to prevent this from happening. |
In this article, I’ll share my true story, common causes of Airalo not working, and step-by-step fixes so you can avoid the same nightmare.
🔗 Check official Airalo support & plans here
Many United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey’s travelers choose Airalo esim for trips to the US, Europe, and Asia. Website Airalo eSIM works great in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, offering affordable data plans for travelers.
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Why Airalo eSIM Might Not Work – Main Causes
Over the past year of using Airalo across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, I’ve found that eSIM issues usually fall into these categories:
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Device Compatibility
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Not all smartphones support eSIM technology. Check Airalo’s compatible devices list before purchase.
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Some dual-SIM phones require manual selection of the correct SIM slot for data.
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Incorrect Installation
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Forgetting to enable the eSIM in Settings > Cellular
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Skipping the “Set as Primary Data” step
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Roaming Settings
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Data roaming must be turned ON for Airalo to work internationally.
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APN Configuration
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Some plans require you to set the APN manually (e.g.,
airalo
).
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Plan Expiration or Data Usage
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Airalo plans stop working immediately once your data runs out or your validity period ends.
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How I Fixed My “Airalo eSIM Not Working” Issue in Paris
That night in Paris, here’s what I did step-by-step:
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Checked My Data Balance
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Turns out I had already used up my 3GB package streaming music on the train.
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Purchased a Top-Up
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Through the Airalo app, I added another 1GB for $4.50.
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Restarted My Phone
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This refreshed the network connection.
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Enabled Roaming
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I had accidentally turned it off to save battery.
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Within 3 minutes, my connection was back. I learned that most Airalo not working cases are quick fixes if you know where to look.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Airalo eSIM Not Working
If your Airalo eSIM is acting up, try this checklist:
1. Confirm Device Compatibility
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Go to Airalo’s device list. If your phone isn’t listed, the eSIM won’t work.
2. Check Plan Status
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Open Airalo app → “My eSIMs” → Check data & validity.
3. Enable Data Roaming
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iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Your Airalo Plan → Data Roaming ON
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Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Data Roaming ON
4. Set Airalo as Primary Data Line
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This ensures your phone uses Airalo for internet.
5. Manually Select Network
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In some countries, auto network selection fails. Choose a partner network from Airalo’s installation guide.
6. Contact Airalo Support
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If all else fails, Airalo has 24/7 chat support.
Mid-Content Trust Boost – My Personal View
As someone who’s used more than five different eSIM providers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, I can tell you this: Even the best services have hiccups. The difference lies in how fast you can troubleshoot and get back online. Airalo isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the easiest platforms to recover from issues quickly.
Preventing “Airalo Not Working” Before Your Trip
From my experience, prevention is the best fix. Before traveling:
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Download and Install Early – Don’t wait until you land.
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Save Installation Instructions Offline – Airport Wi-Fi is often unreliable.
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Have a Backup SIM – I carry a spare local SIM just in case.
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Use Wi-Fi for Heavy Tasks – Save your mobile data for navigation and messaging.
Airalo vs Other eSIM Providers When Problems Arise
Feature | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad |
---|---|---|---|
24/7 Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
App Usability | ✅ Very easy | ⚠️ Slightly complex | ✅ Easy |
Refund Policy for Issues | ✅ Case-by-case basis | ❌ Rarely | ⚠️ Limited |
Self-Troubleshoot Tools | ✅ Clear guides in-app | ⚠️ Email only | ✅ In-app instructions |
💬 My opinion: Airalo’s in-app troubleshooting is faster and more beginner-friendly than most competitors.
Pros & Cons of Airalo When It’s Not Working
Pros:
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Transparent issue guides in the app
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Quick top-up options
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Works in 200+ countries once fixed
Cons:
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Can stop without warning if data runs out
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Requires some tech know-how to fix
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No live phone support (chat only)
FAQ – Airalo eSIM Not Working
Q: My Airalo eSIM stopped working suddenly, what should I do?
A: Check data balance, restart phone, enable roaming, and manually select network if needed.
Q: Will Airalo refund me if my eSIM doesn’t work?
A: Refunds are handled case-by-case; contact support immediately.
Q: Can I reinstall the eSIM?
A: Yes, but be careful – removing it incorrectly can void the plan.
Q: Is Airalo eSIM available in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey?
A: Best Airalo eSIM plans for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey’s travelers
Conclusion – My Final Thoughts on Airalo eSIM Not Working
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I’m Anna, and after countless trips with Airalo, I’ve learned that most “Airalo not working” issues have quick solutions if you stay calm and follow the right steps.
While no eSIM service is flawless, Airalo remains my go-to because of its global coverage, easy troubleshooting, and affordable top-ups. |
📌 My advice: Install early, keep instructions handy, and don’t panic – 90% of the time, you’ll be back online in minutes.
🔗 Get your Airalo eSIM & check official plans here
If this review helped, please share it with other travelers — a little prep saves a lot of time on the road.
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