Hi, I’m Anna – a frequent traveler who has tested dozens of eSIM providers across Asia, Europe, and the US. On one of my trips, I faced a frustrating issue: my Airalo not activated problem right when I landed at the airport.
If you’ve ever downloaded your eSIM, followed the steps, and still found that your data wasn’t working, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share my real experience, the solutions I found, and tips to make sure you don’t face the same headache.
👉 Quick Tip: If you’re ready to explore Airalo or want to fix your issue, check the official Airalo website here.
Why Does “Airalo Not Activated” Happen?
From my personal experience and after digging through Airalo’s help center, here are the main reasons why the Airalo eSIM doesn’t activate properly:
-
Device Compatibility – Not all phones support eSIM. Even if your phone does, you need to check if it works with Airalo’s partner carriers.
-
Wrong Installation Method – Airalo offers QR code, manual, and direct installation. If one fails, trying another method often fixes the problem.
-
No Roaming Enabled – Many travelers (including me at first!) forget to switch on Data Roaming in settings.
-
Activation Timing – Some eSIMs only activate when you land in the country/region they’re designed for.
-
APN Settings – Occasionally, APN isn’t set automatically, and you need to enter it manually.
My Personal Story: Airalo Not Activated in Europe
When I flew to Paris last year, I installed my Airalo Europe eSIM a day before departure. Everything seemed fine until I landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport and… nothing worked. No 4G, no data.
I panicked a little – I needed Google Maps to get to my Airbnb. After double-checking, I realized:
-
I hadn’t enabled Data Roaming.
-
The eSIM hadn’t activated because I installed it too early (before being in Europe).
Once I toggled roaming and restarted my iPhone, the eSIM finally connected. It was such a relief, and honestly, a good lesson learned.
💡 Traveler’s Note (Mid-content Trust Boost): As someone who has tried over 10 different eSIMs while backpacking, I can confirm that these small settings make the biggest difference. It’s rarely the eSIM itself that’s faulty—it’s usually a setup issue.
Step-by-Step Fix for “Airalo Not Activated”
If you’re facing the same problem, here’s the troubleshooting checklist I now use:
1. Confirm Your Phone is Compatible
-
Check Airalo’s official list of compatible devices.
-
Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked.
2. Verify Installation
-
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans (iPhone).
-
Make sure your Airalo eSIM is listed and active.
-
If not, reinstall using QR code/manual code.
3. Enable Data Roaming
-
On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Your Airalo eSIM > Data Roaming ON.
-
On Android: Settings > Mobile Network > Roaming ON.
4. Set the Correct APN
-
Usually, Airalo sets this automatically.
-
If not, enter manually:
-
APN: internet
-
Username/Password: leave blank.
-
5. Restart Your Device
Simple, but surprisingly effective. Restart forces the SIM to re-register with the network.
Airalo Support & Help Options
If none of the above works, don’t panic. Airalo has:
-
24/7 in-app support via chat.
-
A detailed troubleshooting guide inside the app.
-
Refund options if the eSIM fails (though rare).
When I contacted support, they responded within 10 minutes and guided me through resetting APN – which solved my issue.
Pros & Cons from My Experience
✅ Pros
-
Easy to buy and install before traveling.
-
Much cheaper than airport SIM cards.
-
Quick support when issues occur.
❌ Cons
-
“Airalo not activated” can be stressful if you’re not tech-savvy.
-
Requires compatible, unlocked phone.
-
Needs you to manually fix APN sometimes.
Is Airalo Still Worth It?
Even with the occasional not activated hiccup, I’d still say yes, absolutely worth it. Once set up correctly, Airalo worked flawlessly across France, Spain, and Italy during my 3-week trip.
The convenience of skipping SIM card kiosks and starting data immediately upon arrival outweighed the small setup hassle.
FAQs about Airalo Not Activated
1. What do I do if Airalo is not activated on my iPhone?
Check if roaming is on, reinstall the eSIM, and restart your phone.
2. Can I reinstall my Airalo eSIM?
Yes, but be careful—once deleted, some eSIMs can’t be recovered. Always use the “reinstall” option inside Airalo app first.
3. Is Airalo reliable after activation?
Yes. In my case, after the first hiccup, I had strong 4G across multiple European countries.
Conclusion
I’m Anna, and I hope my honest review of facing the Airalo not activated problem gives you clarity and confidence. If you prepare properly and follow the steps above, your eSIM will likely work smoothly.
👉 Ready to give it a try? Visit Airalo’s official site and grab your eSIM today.
Safe travels – and may your internet always activate on the first try! 🌍📱
RELATED ARTICLES:
Home – Airalo Esim Review – Airalo Reviews – – – –
Pingback: Airalo Reviews – My Honest Experience with Airalo eSIM for Travel