Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Ron D. Morgan
Having trouble activating the T-Mobile eSIM on your device or having issues with getting it to work? No worries. This post is for you.
There are several reasons the eSIM is not activating on the T-Mobile network. One possible reason the eSIM is not working may be that your device software is outdated.
Most people think that this doesn’t matter. But if the firmware, which is the software that powers most functionality on a device, is outdated, it can affect eSIM installation and activation.
To fix this, you have to check for firmware updates and download and install the new software on your device.
This post outlines other possible reasons the T-Mobile eSIM is not working on your device. The later part of the post will outline tips to fix the issue and get the eSIM working.
Why The T-Mobile eSIM Is Not Working?
a. Device Not Compatible With eSIM
The eSIM is not compatible with all devices. That means that you can only use the eSIM on a selected device. If the eSIM is not installed or activated on your device, it could be that the device is not compatible.
b. Device Locked To Another Network
Another reason could be that the device is locked to another carrier or network. If your device is eSIM compatible but locked to another network, you still can’t download the eSIM in the device.
c. Internet Connection Issue
During the eSIM installation and activation process, you have to connect your device to a wireless network. If the wireless network is slow or unstable, it can affect the installation and activation process.
d. Error In The Activation Process
T-Mobile has a guideline for installing eSIM on any device. You have to follow the instructions later to complete the installation process. Failure to follow the installation instructions can cause the eSIM not to work on the device.
e. Firmware Outdated
The point has been mentioned earlier in the post. The firmware affects most of the functionality on a device. So, leaving the firmware/ software outdated can affect eSIM functionality.
How To Fix The T-Mobile eSIM Not Working Issue
Now you know some of the possible reasons why your eSIM isn’t working, let’s check out some tips and pointers to fix the issue.
a. Confirm Coverage
This is the first thing to check if your eSIM isn’t working. You need to confirm your current location is within the T-Mobile coverage area. If you download and install the eSIM on the T-Mobile network, the SIM won’t work if there is no T-Mobile coverage in the location.
Use the T-Mobile coverage map, enter your current location, and confirm if there is T-Mobile network coverage in the location.
b. Contact Carrier To Unlock Device
If you are bringing your device to the T-Mobile network, the device needs to be unlocked to work on the network. If your device is locked to another network, check the network’s unlocking policy. Contact the carrier’s customer support if your device meets the unlocking requirements.
c. Confirm Device Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, the eSIM is only compatible with some selected devices. That’s why you need to confirm your device has the eSIM feature before you start the activation process.
T-Mobile eSIM Compatible Device
Here is a list of devices that are eSIM compatible for use on the T-Mobile network:
. Samsung: Samsung S23, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S21
. iPhone: XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, and later devices
. Google Pixel device: Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
d. Update Firmware
The troubleshooting tip is to check for a new firmware update. Download and install the software, and restart your device to complete the process. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
Update Software On Android
Go to Settings> About Phone> Updates> System Software> Install and Restart.
Update Software On iPhone
Open Settings> General> Software Update> Software Options> Download and Install> Wait to Install> Restart Device.
e. Delete Repeat eSIM Installation
If none of the steps has worked so far, you need to delete the current eSIM installation on your device and repeat the installation process. Here is a step-to-step guide on how to download and install the T-Mobile eSIM on your device.
During the installation process, apply the tips below to make the process seamless.
. Check Wireless Internet Connection
First, you have to confirm that your device is connected to a wireless network. Also, check the connection to ensure it’s stable. Connect another device to the network; visit this site to run a speed test.
Once you confirm the internet is stable, connect your T-Mobile device and continue with other troubleshooting steps.
. Turn On the Password and Bluetooth Lock
If you’ve installed and activated the eSIM in a phone and want to transfer the eSIM to another phone, make sure you turn on the Bluetooth and Password lock during the transfer process.
. Try QR Code
During the activation process, you will get a prompt to download the eSIM to your device. If you don’t get the download prompt, please try the QR code. Use your device camera to scan the code to download the eSIM on your device.
. Remove Physical SIM
Before you start the activation process, remove the physical SIM card on your device. You won’t need it for the activation process. Simply connect the device to a wireless network and continue with the process.
f. Contact T-Mobile Support
Is eSIM still not working? It’s time to call in the big dogs. Visit any T-Mobile store near you or contact customer support at 1-877-746-0909. The support person will work with you on additional steps to fix the eSIM issue.
Hi, I’m Ron D. Morgan. TECODY IS MY BRAINCHILD. I’ve worked in a tech startup in the last 7 years. I decided to branch out and start TECODY as a side project to provide tech troubleshooting tips for readers.
Got my two friends who are Nerd Heads too and here we are. The aim here is to provide readers with accurate info to help them resolve basic troubleshooting issues with Network and devices. You can always reach out to us via our Contact Us Page.