When using an eSIM, you may see "No Service" displayed on your smartphone, indicating that you cannot connect to the mobile network.
This is especially problematic after setting up a local eSIM while traveling abroad, where you might encounter situations like, "I added the eSIM, but it still shows No Service" or "I can't get a signal even after arriving in Japan."
The cause of No Service is not solely due to the eSIM itself. Multiple factors can be considered, such as the communication area, activation of the line, network settings, and device compatibility.
In this article, we will explain the main causes of eSIM showing No Service and the troubleshooting steps you should check in order.
Order of Checks When eSIM Shows No Service
- Check if you are in a communication area
- Toggle airplane mode on and off
- Check if the eSIM you are using is activated
- Check the mobile data connection
- Check network selection
- Check data roaming if necessary
- Restart your smartphone
- If the issue persists, contact the eSIM provider
Even if No Service is displayed, it is not advisable to delete the eSIM immediately. First, check the communication area and basic settings.
What Does No Service Mean for eSIM?
If "No Service" is displayed, it may indicate that the smartphone is not properly connected to the mobile network it usually uses.
On devices with Japanese display, a similar state may be shown as "Out of Service Area."
However, just because No Service is displayed does not mean the eSIM is faulty. It is important to check the signal conditions, device settings, and the network you are using in order.
Main Causes of eSIM Showing No Service
| Main Cause | Check Points |
|---|---|
| Out of communication area / weak signal | Move to a different location to check signal conditions |
| eSIM line is disabled | Turn on the eSIM you are using |
| Unable to connect to the network | Check airplane mode and network selection |
| Device is not compatible with the network | Check compatible models and frequencies |
| Travel eSIM setup is incomplete | Check the setup guide from the provider |
| Temporary network issues | Wait a while, change locations, or restart the device |
Check Communication Area and Signal Conditions
The first thing to check is the communication status of your current location.
In places like underground, deep inside buildings, or mountainous areas where signals are hard to reach, you may temporarily see No Service displayed.
- Move from underground to above ground
- Move outside the building
- Check near a window
- Move slightly and wait for reconnection
If you get a signal after moving, it is likely that the issue was not with the eSIM, but rather the signal environment of that location.
Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
If No Service persists even in a communication area, try turning airplane mode on and then off.
- Turn on airplane mode
- Wait a few seconds
- Turn off airplane mode
- Wait for reconnection to the network
- Check if the No Service display disappears
If it is a temporary connection error, reconnecting to the mobile network may resolve the issue.
Check if the eSIM You Are Using is Activated
Simply adding the eSIM to your device does not guarantee that the line is activated.
Especially if you have multiple SIMs or eSIMs registered, check if the eSIM you plan to use in Japan is activated.
- Is the eSIM added to the device?
- Is the eSIM line you are using turned on?
- Are you selecting the correct eSIM?
The names of the settings screens may vary depending on the device and OS.
Select the Correct eSIM for Mobile Data
If you are using dual SIMs, please check the line used for mobile data communication as well.
Make sure the eSIM you are using for your trip to Japan is selected as the line for data communication.
Using your regular SIM for data communication abroad may incur international roaming charges depending on your contract.
Check Network Selection
Even if the eSIM is activated, if it cannot connect to the corresponding mobile network properly, it may show No Service.
Usually, automatic network selection works, but some travel eSIMs may require you to select a specific carrier.
If the eSIM provider specifies a carrier, please follow their instructions for network selection. If there are no specifications, it is advisable not to change network settings unnecessarily.
Check Data Roaming Settings
Depending on the travel eSIM, you may need to turn on data roaming to use data communication locally.
However, turning on data roaming does not guarantee that No Service will be resolved. No Service is related to the connection status to the mobile network, so it is also necessary to check the communication area, line activation, and network selection.
Please check the setup guide for the eSIM you purchased to see if data roaming is necessary.
Check if Your Device is Compatible with Japanese Networks
If you purchased your smartphone overseas, the frequency bands supported by the device may differ from those used by networks in Japan.
Even if the device is eSIM compatible, it does not guarantee that it can connect to mobile networks in all countries or regions under the same conditions.
- Is the device compatible with eSIM?
- Is there any issue with SIM lock status?
- Is it compatible with the frequency bands of the network you are using?
- Does it meet the conditions for eSIM service compatibility?
Restart Your Smartphone
If no issues are found in the settings, try restarting your smartphone.
Restarting may reload the network connection and allow you to obtain a signal properly.
What is the Difference Between No Service and SOS Display?
Both may be displayed when the device is not properly connected to the usual mobile network.
The actual display may vary depending on the device, OS, and current network status.
If you see No Service or SOS, do not judge the cause solely by the display name; check the communication area, eSIM activation, and network settings.
Do Not Immediately Delete eSIM When No Service Occurs
Even if No Service persists, it is not advisable to delete the eSIM as an initial response.
In some cases, deleting the eSIM may prevent you from reusing the same QR code, requiring reinstallation or reissuance of the QR code.
First, check the communication area, airplane mode, eSIM activation, and network settings.
If the issue still does not improve, contact the support of the provider before deleting the eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM showing No Service a malfunction?
It does not necessarily mean that the eSIM or smartphone is malfunctioning. No Service may be displayed if you are out of the communication area, if the eSIM line is not activated, or if you cannot connect to the corresponding network.
Why does eSIM show No Service even after arriving in Japan?
Possible reasons include that the eSIM for Japan is not activated, you have not yet connected to the corresponding network, or the signal is weak in your current location.
First, check the communication area, toggle airplane mode on and off, activate the eSIM line, and check network settings in order.
What should I do if eSIM shows No Service on my iPhone?
Open mobile data settings from the iPhone's "Settings" and check if the eSIM line you are using is activated.
Then, try toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting the device, and check the data roaming and network selection settings as instructed by the eSIM provider if necessary.
What if eSIM shows No Service on Android?
On Android, the names of the settings screens may vary by manufacturer and OS.
Check the eSIM you are using from "SIM," "Mobile Network," "Network & Internet," or "Connections," and verify if the line is activated.
Can eSIM show No Service even if it has been added?
Yes. Adding the eSIM to the device and being able to connect to the local mobile network are separate issues.
Even if the eSIM is added, it may show No Service if the line is disabled, if you are out of the communication area, or if you cannot connect to the corresponding network.
Will turning on data roaming fix No Service?
It does not guarantee improvement. While some travel eSIMs require data roaming to be turned on, No Service is also related to the communication area and network connection.
Please follow the setup guide for the eSIM you purchased to determine if data roaming is necessary.
Is it okay to manually select the network when No Service occurs?
If the eSIM provider specifies a carrier to use, you may be able to manually select the network according to their instructions.
If there are no specifications, it is advisable not to change the network unnecessarily and to use automatic selection as a general rule.
Are No Service and "Out of Service Area" the same?
Depending on the display language of the device, the state of being unable to connect to the mobile network may be shown as "No Service" or "Out of Service Area."
It is important not to judge the cause solely by the display and to check the communication area, eSIM settings, and network connection.
What is the difference between No Service and SOS?
Both may be displayed when you cannot use the usual mobile network, but the display content may vary depending on the device and network status.
If SOS is displayed, please check the troubleshooting steps related to SOS display as well.
Can I still use Wi-Fi when No Service occurs?
Yes. Even if the mobile network shows No Service, if you can connect to an available Wi-Fi network, you may still be able to access the internet.
If No Service persists while traveling, it is advisable to connect to Wi-Fi to check your purchase email or setup guide.
Should I delete the eSIM if No Service does not go away?
It is not advisable to delete the eSIM as an initial response.
In some cases, deleting the eSIM may prevent you from reusing the same QR code, requiring reinstallation or reissuance. First, check the settings, and if the issue does not improve, contact the provider before deleting.
What should I do if nothing works and No Service persists?
If you have checked the communication area, eSIM activation, network settings, and device compatibility but the issue persists, contact the support of the eSIM provider.
When contacting, it is helpful to provide information about your smartphone model, OS version, current location, when No Service occurred, and the troubleshooting steps you have tried.
Conclusion
If your eSIM shows No Service, it may indicate that your smartphone is not properly connected to the mobile network it usually uses.
However, just because it shows No Service does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the eSIM itself. It is important to check the communication area, eSIM activation, and network settings in order.
- Check the communication area and signal conditions
- Toggle airplane mode on and off
- Check if the eSIM you are using is activated
- Check the mobile data connection
- Check network selection
- Check data roaming if necessary
- Check if the device is compatible with the network
- Restart your smartphone
- Do not immediately delete the eSIM just because of No Service
If No Service continues, contact the support of the provider before deleting the eSIM.
