When you activate an eSIM along with your physical SIM for dual SIM capability, you may see the “No service” issue on your physical SIM. Learn how to fix “No Service” issue on physical SIM after eSIM activation in this guide.
In this article
The “No service” issue on your physical SIM after eSIM activation occurs due to how your phone manages dual SIM operations. This issue can happen on both iPhones and Android phones that support eSIM technology.
For iPhones, this is commonly related to iOS’s dual SIM management system, while for Androids, it often depends on the manufacturer’s implementation of dual SIM technology.
The common causes are:
Remember that only one SIM can use data at a time and the SIM not in use will show No Service. The wrong data settings may cause no service.
Phones may incorrectly prioritize eSIM over physical SIM. Or, sometimes, outdated carrier settings can affect connectivity. That is when network settings might need updating.
Physical SIM improperly inserted, expired, or damaged can be a reason for “No service” issue. Or, there may be compatibility issues with the device.
Now you can apply these solutions to fix “No service” issues on physical SIM after activating eSIM on your phone:
Remember that while both SIMs can receive calls and texts, only one SIM can use cellular data at a time and the SIM not in use will show No Service.
To change which number uses cellular data, you follow these steps:
There, ensure both SIMs are enabled and check their individual settings. Some Android phones let you set preferred SIMs for data, calls, and SMS separately.
A basic restart can resolve many network-related issues, including the “No service”.
It is essential to ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest operating system version to warrant proper functioning.
Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you will see a prompt to update your carrier settings. After installing updates, check if the physical SIM is recognized
To determine if the problem lies with your physical SIM or phone, you can try using the SIM in another device. Alternatively, test another physical SIM on your phone. This troubleshooting step will help identify whether the issue is hardware or software-related.
if the problem still persists, try removing and reinstalling your eSIM. Go to Settings > Cellular, select your eSIM plan, and remove it. Then, contact your carrier for a new QR code or follow the process to reinstall the eSIM.
Sometimes, only a fresh eSIM installation can resolve conflicts with the physical SIM.
This is a more comprehensive solution.
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
Be aware that this will erase all saved WiFi passwords and network preferences, so make sure that you have this information backed up.
If none of these solutions work, you need to contact your physical SIM’s carrier for support. They will verify your SIM card’s status, check for account-related issues, and provide specific guidance based on their network requirements. They may also need to replace your physical SIM if it is damaged or outdated.
Holafly is a popular eSIM provider among international travelers who seek connectivity on the go while abroad. Known for their “unlimited” data plans covering both short and long-term trips across most of their services areas, Holafly has some limitations worth noting. Their “unlimited” data plans actually throttle speeds after reaching the high-speed data threshold. So […]
Airalo is good but they also have some weaknesses, like dead zones in some areas, network quality varying significantly by location, slow response times, limited support channels, poor handling of technical problems, and difficulty getting a refund when service does not work. There are many eSIM providers offering eSIMs for international travel. However, choosing the […]
Discover exactly how much data your Zoom calls consume, from one-on-one meetings to group video conferences, and learn to estimate your data needs accurately. Zoom consumes around 900MB of data per hour during video calls – nearly 1GB per hour. While this is manageable for occasional meetings, it can quickly add up if you’re in […]
For travelers heading to Europe, understanding how to make calls using an eSIM is crucial for maintaining communication while avoiding excessive roaming charges from their home carriers. This guide will walk you through the process of learning how to make a phone call in Europe through both traditional calling options and modern internet-based solutions, so […]
Choosing between separate eSIMs for your smartphone and smartwatch is an important decision that affects both functionality and cost. As mobile technology evolves, many users are weighing the benefits of independent device operation against shared connectivity. This guide explain whether or not you need two separate eSIMs for smartphone and smartwatch, how separate eSIMs work, […]
The time needed to activate an eSIM can vary significantly based on your carrier, device, and setup method. While most activations complete within minutes, some may take longer. This guide of “How long does it take to activate eSIM?” will explain eSIM activation time, common delays, what to expect during the process, and tips to […]
