How to fix eSIM not working on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Some iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users have been experiencing eSIM issues, such as problems activating eSIM, SIM Failure, Invalid SIM, No SIM, No SIM Installed, etc., popping up on their devices. You may also have seen a notification like Searching, No Service, No Signal, or SOS on the iPhone’s screen.

Are you encountering eSIM related errors on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max causing the absence of cellular signal bars? If your eSIM does not work due to these errors, making calls, using mobile/cellular data, and sending or receiving SMS texts will not be possible. As a side note, you may still be able to send iMessages and make regular Wi-Fi calls. The good news is that you may be able to troubleshoot and resolve your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max eSIM problem quickly.

In this article, I’ll explain why eSIM is not working on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max and show you how to fix the problem.

Note: although this guide is for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can use the instructions to troubleshoot eSIM problems on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

How to Fix eSIM Problems on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Please try the steps below, in this order, until your issue is fixed.

Make sure eSIM is activated

If eSim is not working on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you should first check whether your eSIM has been activated. If you’re unable to activate your eSIM then you can use the following fixes to troubleshoot your iPhone 15:

• Wait a while: In most cases, waiting will help resolve most eSIM activation errors. Carriers around the world need some time to process and activate your eSIM. This time can range from a few hours to almost a day or two. Even if you have been issued a QR code and activation details from your carrier, likely, your eSIM is currently still being activated in the background. iPhones won’t register and install unactivated eSIMs during the setup process. Thus we recommend you wait a few hours and try to activate your eSIM again. In most cases, you should be able to easily activate eSIM on your iPhone 15 Pro once a few hours have passed.

• Get a new QR code: If your QR code doesn’t work even after waiting a day or two, then you can go ahead and ask for a new QR code from your carrier. A new QR code will help you install and activate your eSIM on your iPhone 15 Pro without any issues.

Turn Airplane Mode on and off

Turning Airplane mode on and off can effectively refresh your eSIM network, thereby resolving the problem you are experiencing. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or the Control Center and enable Airplane mode.

2. Wait about 15-second, then disable Airplane mode.

If your carrier name appears in the status bar or Control Center, it indicates that the eSIM is functioning properly.

Turn off/on eSIM

If eSIM on your iPhone 15 Pro has suddenly stopped working. Then it’s probably a configuration issue that could be fixed by ttoggling your eSIM off and on. Doing so can prompt your iPhone 15 Pro to reconnect to the networks and potentially fix the problem you are experiencing. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular. If you don’t see your line, you need to set up an eSIM.

2. If you see that your line is Off, tap on it. Make sure Turn On This Line is on.

3. If Turn On This Line is already enabled, toggle the switch to turn it off, then turn it back on.

Restart your iPhone

I myself have had eSIM problem on my iPhone 15 Pro a few times. When I restarted my iPhone, the problem was gone. Here is how you can restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the Side button and one of the volume buttons until the sliders appear.

2. Move the power off slider to the right, then wait 30 seconds.

3. Press the Side button until the Apple logo appears to turn it back on.

Update your iPhone settings

In the past, we have seen a few instances where a new update has caused eSIM problem on iPhone. However, Apple was quickly able to fix it with an update. Apple may have released an update to fix iPhone 15 Pro eSIM problems. Thus, it is recommended that you update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap Software Update to check if there is an iOS update available for your iPhone. If there is, update your device.

Check for carrier update

These usually happen automatically, but you can do it manually.

With your device connected to Wi-Fi, follow the steps below:

1. go to Settings > General > About.

2. If you see the option to update your carrier settings, then update.

Turn off VPN

Sometimes, a VPN may cause issues with eSIM. Some VPN software may have bugs or compatibility issues that could affect the iPhone 15 Pro ability to connect to a cellular network or gain access to the eSIM. A lot of times, users are unaware if they are using a VPN. To test if your VPN is causing issues, turn off VPN and delete the VPN profiles to see if that makes any difference. Here is how:

1. On your iPhone 15 Pro, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.

2. If Status says Connected, turn it off.

3. Then tap the info (i) button next to the VPN name and tap Delete VPN. If you have more than one profile, delete them all.

Turn on Data Roaming

If you’re traveling internationally and can’t connect to a network, you may want to turn on Data Roaming. Doing so can trigger the activation of your eSIM and allow you to use it properly.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.

2. Turn on Data Roaming.

Turn off Low Data Mode

iPhone software includes a technology called Low Data Mode to save cellular data. Some of the iPhone’s functionalities (such as iCloud Photo updates, Background App Refresh, etc.) are disabled on cellular when this feature is turned on. You may want to turn this off when troubleshooting iPhone 15 Pro eSIM problems. Here is how:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.

3. Tap Data Mode, then turn off Low Data Mode.

Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking

Limit IP Address Tracking is a new feature that prevents websites from seeing your IP address and exact location while preventing network providers from collecting your browsing activity in Safari. When this is enabled, it may prevent your phone from connecting to a cellular network correctly.

It’s possible your eSIM provider doesn’t support this feature. Here’s how to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.

2. Toggle on the switch next to Limit IP Address Tracking.

Reset Network Settings

If your issue continues, try this step. Please note that when you choose to Reset Network Settings on your iPhone, it means you are initiating a process that will revert all network-related settings to their default configurations. This action includes:

• Your Wi-Fi preferences and settings such as your passwords.
• Your Bluetooth connection settings.
• Your VPN configurations.

You should also note that this does not delete your content like your photos etc.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

2. Tap on Reset, then select Reset Network Settings.

Now check if eSIM is working or not.

Contact your cell carrier

If eSIM is still not working on your iPhone 15 Pro, this means that you should contact your carrier (Verizon, T-mobile etc). You can contact your carrier by phone or by visiting their local store. Tell them about your problem. They can check your account to make sure there are no problems with the account and that everything is set up correctly with them.

If your carrier was unable to help you, you could contact Apple Support for more assistance.

Erase and Reinstall eSIM

Reinstalling your eSIM is a potent solution to fix eSIM not working on iPhone 15 Pro. After erasing your eSIM, you’ll need to contact your carrier to get a new one. Then set up your new eSIM.

To erase your eSIM, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

3. Tap the plan that you want to erase.

4. Tap Delete eSIM.

Now, go ahead and add an eSIM in the settings.

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

3. Select Add eSIM.

4. You’ll now be asked if you want to Transfer From Nearby iPhone or Use QR Code. Pick what applies to your situation.

What helped you fix your iPhone 15 Pro eSIM problem? Let us know in the comments section below.