Why 'Activating...' or 'Activation Failed' Appears Before Departure
Why "Activating..." or "Activation Failed" Appears
When a customer installs an eSIM in advance while still in their home country, experiencing an "Activating..." loop or a system pop-up stating "Activation Failed" is expected behavior on both iOS and Android.
Technical Cause: The eSIM profile is already successfully installed in the device's secure element, but the phone is attempting a network handshake with carrier cell towers that are physically unreachable from the home country.
Device Functionality: This state does not impact the rest of the phone: customers can continue using their primary cellular services, Wi-Fi, and all standard apps without interruption.
Data Consumption & Validity: The data allowance and validity period do not begin countdown prematurely; the plan activates strictly upon the first successful connection to a supported local network in the destination country.
Critical Support Rule: DO NOT DELETE THE PROFILE
Important: Customers must NEVER delete the eSIM profile from their device. eSIM profiles cannot be reinstalled or recovered using the original QR code or activation code once removed. Deleting the profile requires support agents to manually issue a replacement eSIM.
Pre-Departure Setup Instructions
For iOS (iPhone / iPad)
If the "Activation Failed" alert appears, simply tap "OK".
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and confirm the new eSIM profile is present (typically labeled Primary, Secondary, Personal, Cellular Data, or Travel).
Tap into this eSIM line:
Ensure "Turn On This Line" is enabled (keep the line active).
Toggle "Data Roaming" ON.
Before boarding or immediately after landing in the destination country, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select this eSIM as the dedicated line for internet access.
For Android Devices
Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (or SIM cards & mobile networks).
Ensure the installed eSIM line is toggled on (active).
Under Mobile Networks, turn "Data Roaming" ON.
Upon arrival at the destination, select the eSIM as the default SIM for "Mobile Data".
On-Arrival Troubleshooting Protocol
As soon as the plane lands and the device reaches coverage of a partner network, the profile automatically completes activation and connects online.
If the device does not connect automatically:
Turn Airplane Mode ON for 10–15 seconds, then turn it OFF to force a fresh network scan.
Confirm that "Data Roaming" is enabled within the eSIM settings.
Verify that the Unilink eSIM is designated as the active source under Cellular Data.
If no network is found, request screenshots of the cellular settings screen and escalate the issue to the Unilink support team.