I can not install my eSIM

If you can’t install your eSIM, it usually means your device hasn’t added it yet, or something blocked the setup process. The most common reasons are an incompatible or locked phone, unstable internet during setup, outdated software, or APN configuration issues.

1. Check your eSIM status in the Ohayu app

Open the Ohayu app and go to the My eSIMs tab.

  • If the status shows “Activated”, your eSIM was successfully installed and activated.
  • If the status shows “Installed”, your eSIM is already on your device but still needs activation.
  • If the status shows "Not installed", it means installation didn’t complete — please follow the steps in the next section.

    Activation Status screenshot

2. Follow the installation instructions

If your eSIM status hasn't appeared as "Installed", please install it using one of the official guides:

3. Your device is not eSIM-compatible

If your phone doesn't support eSIM, it won't be able to download or use any digital SIM profile. This issue usually affects older phone models that were released before eSIM became standard or budget models. Check if your device is eSIM-compatible using one of the options below or see our Compatibility Guide for the full list.

Ohayu automatic device compatibility check

Install the Ohayu app on your iPhone or Android device. In the Ohayu app, open Settings (the gear icon, top right) and choose Device compatibility.

Dial *#06# to verify if eSIM works on your device

  • You can dial this code for free to check your device’s eSIM compatibility. This is a free request to the system (not a call). If an EID number appears on the screen, your phone supports eSIM.

    EID Number screenshot

Check compatibility in settings

You can also verify eSIM support directly in your phone’s settings.

eSIM compatibility check on iOS (iPhone)

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go To Settings on iPhone screenshot

  2. Tap Mobile Service or Cellular.

    Tap Mobile Service or Cellular on iPhone screenshot

  3. If you see "Add eSIM" button, your device is compatible.

    Add eSIM on iPhone screenshot

eSIM compatibility check on Android

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go to Settings on Android screenshot

  2. Tap Connections.

    Tap Connections on Android screenshot

  3. Tap SIM manager.

    Tap SIM manager on Android screenshot

  4. If you see "Add eSIM" option, your device is compatible.

    Add eSIM on Android screenshot

4. Your phone is carrier-locked (SIM-locked)

If your phone is carrier-locked, it can only use SIMs from one specific mobile provider. This means it won’t accept or activate an Ohayu eSIM until it’s unlocked. You can check the lock status in your settings or by contacting your carrier directly.

Check carrier-lock in settings

Carrier-lock check on iOS (iPhone)

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go To Settings on iPhone screenshot

  2. Tap General.

    Tap General on iPhone screenshot

  3. Tap About.

    Tap About on iPhone screenshot

  4. If Network Provider Lock says "No SIM restrictions", your phone is unlocked.

    No SIM restrictions on iPhone screenshot

Carrier-lock check on Android

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go to Settings on Android screenshot

  2. Tap Connections.

    Tap Connections on Android screenshot

  3. Tap Mobile networks.

    Tap Mobile Networks on Android screenshot

  4. Select Network Operators.

    Select Network Operators on Android screenshot

  5. Turn off the automatic selection.

    Turn off the automatic selection on Android screenshot

  6. If several networks are shown, the phone is probably unlocked.

    Several Networks on Android screenshot

Check carrier-lock manually

Insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If it works, your phone does not have a carrier lock.

Contact your carrier

If you’re not sure whether your phone has a carrier lock, contact your mobile carrier. Ask them to check the lock status and unlock the device if needed. Most carriers can do it remotely in just a few minutes, as long as your contract or payments are up to date.

5. You don’t have a stable internet connection during installation

You need to have a reliable internet connection in order to install the eSIM. We recommend using a strong Wi-Fi connection during installation, as mobile data can drop or switch networks mid-process.

For the smoothest setup, it’s best to install your eSIM before you travel, while you still have access to a stable and secure network. Remember, that it only relates to the installation, you should activate eSIM only in your destination country.

6. Check APN settings (Access Point Name)

The issue might be related to your APN (Access Point Name) settings.
You can easily verify and update them by following the steps below.

Step 1: Check your APN in the Ohayu app

  1. Open the Ohayu app and go to the My eSIMs tab
  2. Tap your eSIM to open its details

    Tap your eSIM to open its details..png

  3. In the Plan details section, you’ll see your APN (Access Point Name) — copy it

    In the Plan details section, you’ll see your APN (Access Point Name).png

Step 2: Add or edit the APN on your device

iPhone

  1. Go to Settings

    Go To Settings on iPhone screenshot

  2. Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular)

    Tap Mobile Service or Cellular on iPhone screenshot

  3. Select your Ohayu eSIM (shown as Ohayu, Secondary, or other)

    Select your eSIM on iPhone screenshot

  4. Tap Mobile Data Network

    Tap Mobile Data Network.png

  5. Paste the copied APN into all APN fields

    APN into all APN fields screenshot

  6. Leave all other fields blank

Android

  1. Go to Settings

    Go to Settings on Android screenshot

  2. Tap Connections

    Tap Connections on Android screenshot

  3. Choose Mobile networks

    Tap Mobile Networks on Android screenshot

  4. Tap Access Point Names

    Tap Access Point Names screenshot

  5. Tap Add (or the + icon)

    Tap Add (or the + icon) screenshot

  6. Enter the copied APN in both the Name and APN fields

    Tap Add (or the + icon) screenshot

  7. Leave other fields blank
  8. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and press Save

    Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and press Save screenshot

  9. Select the new APN to enable it

    Select the new APN to enable it screenshot

7. Your device software is outdated

If your phone runs an outdated version of iOS or Android, it can cause connection issues or prevent your eSIM from working correctly. Update your software to the latest version to ensure full eSIM compatibility and stable network performance.

Update software on iOS (iPhone)

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go To Settings on iPhone screenshot

  2. Tap General.

    Tap General on iPhone screenshot

  3. Tap Software Update.

    Tap Software Update on iPhone screenshot

  4. Choose Update Now.

    Choose Update Now on iPhone screenshot

Update software on Android

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go to Settings on Android screenshot

  2. Tap Software update.

    Tap Software update. on Android screenshot

  3. Tap Download and install, confirm.

    Tap Download and install, confirm on Android screenshot

8. You have enterprise or MDM restrictions

If your company, school, or organization manages your phone, the IT department might control which SIM profiles you can add or remove. Enterprise or MDM (mobile device management) policies often block eSIM installation, data plan changes, or even access to certain network settings. How to check:

  • On iPhone: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  • On Android: Settings > Security > Device admin apps or Work profile settings.

If you see a work or organization profile, contact your IT administrator and ask them to temporarily allow eSIM setup. Once approved, you can install the eSIM normally.

9. Your device requires a simple restart

A simple restart often solves temporary problems with eSIM not working. Rebooting or toggling Airplane Mode refreshes the system and clears small network issues that might block your eSIM from connecting.

How to turn on Airplane Mode

iOS (iPhone)

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go To Settings on iPhone screenshot

  2. Turn on Airplane Mode.

    Turn on Airplane Mode on iPhone screenshot

  3. Wait at least 10 seconds.
  4. Turn off Airplane Mode.

    Turn off Airplane Mode on iPhone screenshot

Android

  1. Go to Settings.

    Go to Settings on Android screenshot

  2. Tap Connections.

    Tap Connections on Android screenshot

  3. Turn on Airplane Mode.

    Turn on Airplane Mode on Android screenshot

  4. Wait at least 10 seconds.
  5. Turn off Airplane Mode.

    Turn off Airplane Mode on Android screenshot

How to reboot your phone

iOS (iPhone)

  1. Hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider to turn the iPhone off.
  3. After the screen goes black, hold the side button again until the Apple logo shows.

Android

  1. Press and hold the power button, or power + volume down together until the power menu appears.
  2. Tap Restart or Power Off.
  3. Press and hold the power button until the device turns on.

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