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Why am I seeing the "Unable to Activate eSIM" error on iOS?

Updated this week

This error appears when the eSIM isn’t fully installed or your device can’t validate it.

  1. Check if the eSIM is already installed

  2. Make sure Turn On This Line and Data Roaming (if needed) are enabled.

  3. Ensure you have internet. Activation requires a stable internet connection. Reconnect and try installing again.

  4. Restart your iPhone. A reboot often fixes minor activation issues.

  5. Visit Settings and go to Software Update, install updates, then try again.

  6. Check if your iPhone is unlocked: In Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock, ensure it says No SIM restrictions.

  7. Disable VPNs or device profiles: Remove or turn off VPN/MDM profiles under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

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