Holafly eSIM not working: 8 ways to fix it

If your Holafly eSIM isn’t working, don’t worry–there are several ways to fix it. Like any technology, you might run into issues from time to time, but usually, there’s an easy way to fix it.

The first steps usually involve checking your device settings, confirming your data plan, and ensuring the eSIM was activated correctly. However, the issues may also come from regional restrictions or software updates. Each issue has a different fix, but fortunately, they’re usually quick and easy to resolve.

Below, we’ll cover eight methods to troubleshoot and fix your Holafly eSIM so you’ll be back up and running in no time.

Reasons why the Holafly eSIM is not working

When you’re wondering “why is my eSIM not working?”, it can be frustrating. The good news is that it’s probably not Holafly’s fault, and it’s probably an easy fix.

An eSIM from Holafly works the same as other eSIMs, which means that the problems you might face are also similar. There are several reasons why eSIMs either don’t work at all or stop working, and we’ll go into them below.

Also, it’s worth noting that these issues don’t happen often when using Holafly’s service. They’re (fortunately) rare, but it’s still better to know how to fix the issues when they arise.

Here are the common issues you’ll find with eSIMs:

• The eSIM wasn’t activated properly: When scanning the QR code to activate your eSIM, you need to check you follow the steps. If you don’t, then the eSIM won’t work.
• Your phone is carrier locked: All cellphones using international eSIMs need to be unlocked and able to operate at different bands or frequencies. That way, you can use a larger variety of network providers.
• The SM-DP+ address isn’t set up: When you’re using an e-SIM compatible device, you’ll need to set up an SM-DP+ address. If this isn’t working, you’ll need to fix it before you can use your eSIM.
• Lack of coverage: Wherever you are in the world, coverage won’t always be the same. Some areas, especially remote or rural places, have less signal coverage, which means that SIMs and eSIMs won’t work there.
• Your data has run out: All data plans from Holafly work for a certain number of days. After the contract period is up, the eSIM won’t work anymore. Alternatively, you might have used up all the data you bought in your plan. In both cases, you’ll need to purchase a new plan.

Remember, these aren’t specific to Holafly not working, but can happen with any eSIM.

What other issues can people have with an eSIM?

Aside from the more common problems like activation issues, users might encounter other problems when using eSIMs. These can range from technical glitches to user errors, and some are harder to resolve than others.

For example, a hardware issue on a faulty device might mean that your phone has trouble recognizing the eSIM. In these cases, you might need a professional repair.

Users may also unintentionally delete the eSIM profile, either while switching networks or resetting their phone. In this case, you need to reinstall the eSIM, which might mean getting a new QR code from the service provider.

Of course, it also depends which provider you’re using. If you’re using other eSIMs (not Holafly), there are other issues you might encounter. Find out more about why your eSIM is not working.

How to fix Holafly’s eSIM not working

If your Holafly eSIM is not working, don’t worry. Since it functions similarly to most other eSIMs, the troubleshooting steps are also the same. And fortunately for you, most of these fixes are incredibly simple!

Let’s go through them.

1. Reboot your device

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary software glitches that might stop your eSIM from working.

Restarting your phone refreshes its system, allowing the device to reconnect to the network successfully. 

On an Android:

1. Hold the power button until you see the Power Options menu.
2. Select Restart or Power off and restart. 

Note: Some Android devices are different. On some Samsungs, you can hold down the power button and volume down button at the same time. On the Google Pixel 6, hold down the power button and the volume up button.

On an iPhone:

1. Press and hold down the side button and either volume button.
2. When the slider appears, drag it to power off your iPhone.
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on.

2. Check your data plan

If your Holafly eSIM has expired or you have run out of data, your eSIM will stop working. You can verify the plan’s active period and data balance by checking the Holafly app or the email you received upon activation.

This is the most likely issue if your eSIM was fine before and you’re suddenly wondering “why did my eSIM stop working?!” Or, you might be out of signal (see below).

The fix here is quick–simple log into your Holafly account through the app or website, then purchase a new plan. Or, top-up your data allowance.

3. Check your plan coverage

Certain countries and regions have limited network coverage, and not all eSIMs work in all countries. Before traveling, check that Holafly offers service in your destination country. And always check the carrier network to avoid gaps in your service.

4. Reinstall the eSIM

If your Holafly eSIM isn’t working even after checking the data plan and coverage, you might need to reinstall it. Here’s how.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network or Mobile Data. Locate the Holafly eSIM profile and tap on it.
3. Scroll down and tap Remove to delete the eSIM.
4. Then, open the email from Holafly that contains your eSIM QR code.
5. Open Settings and tap Network or Mobile Data. Tap Add Carrier or Add Cellular Plan.
6. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code from the email.
7. Complete the set-up by following the on-screen instructions.

5. Update your phone software

Outdated software can sometimes cause problems with your eSIM. Check that your phone’s operating system is up-to-date by heading to your settings.

If it isn’t, follow the on-screen instructions to update your operating system to the latest version. Then, reboot your phone and try again.

6. Check carrier lock

Make sure that your phone isn’t connected to a specific carrier. If it is, then it may prevent the eSIM from working correctly. Carrier locks restrict your phone to a single network provider, and because eSIMs allow users to access a variety of networks, having a locked phone can be a problem.

You can check if your phone is carrier locked by heading to the settings. It’s usually somewhere in Network settings depending on your device, but you can also ask your network provider if you’re unsure.

If your device is locked, you’ll need to contact your carrier to request an unlock. Be aware that many carriers impose eligibility requirements before unlocking, such as the phone being fully paid off.

7. Check for eSIM configuration errors

During the setup process, incorrect configurations can easily prevent your Holafly eSIM from functioning. To resolve this, verify that the SM-DP+ address and activation code were entered correctly. These details are crucial for establishing a connection between your device and the eSIM service.

If you mistyped the SM-DP+ address or skipped any installation steps, the eSIM won’t activate. Revisit your setup guide and correct any wrongly entered information.

If you’re unsure, try reinstalling the eSIM and carefully re-entering these settings.

8. Contact Holafly’s customer support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps without success, contacting Holafly’s customer support is your next best move. They can provide specialized assistance, including diagnosing account-related issues, checking network configurations, and offering more advanced technical support.

The team can guide you through resolving common problems with your eSIM card not working and also address more complex issues.

FAQs about the Holafly eSIM

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!