The short version first. If your eSIM seems stuck on "Activating," try these three steps in this order: (1) connect to stable Wi-Fi, (2) toggle Airplane Mode off and on once, and (3) restart your device. In most cases the cause is a temporary hiccup in the connection, and these steps get things moving again. If nothing changes, move on to waiting a little while, then checking that your device actually supports eSIM. Deleting and re-adding the eSIM over and over can make setup more complicated, so stay calm and start with the three steps above.
This article is for anyone whose eSIM setup has stalled — before a trip or after arriving — and who's starting to worry, "Is it broken?" or "What if it doesn't work when I get there?" We'll gently walk through what's actually happening and what to do about it. It's unsettling when the screen freezes mid-setup, but getting stuck on "Activating" isn't unusual at all, and working through it step by step usually leads to a fix. If you'd like to review the setup process itself, it also helps to look at How to set up your eSIM and What to do when you can't connect alongside this guide.
What "Activating" actually means when it stalls
"Activating" is the message your device shows while it receives the line details and switches the eSIM into a usable state. You'll see this screen right after installing the profile or when the line is being enabled. When it appears to stall here, it usually means the back-and-forth between your device and the network isn't completing for the moment — and in most cases the eSIM itself is not broken.
In other words, "stuck on Activating" does not equal "failed" or "faulty." Once you steady your connection and try again, it often finishes within anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Knowing this in advance means you won't worry more than you need to if the screen pauses. Let's work through the possible causes one at a time.
Keep in mind that activation requires an internet connection. Since the eSIM isn't usable yet while it's being activated, the basic rule early on is to do the setup while connected to Wi-Fi. Just keeping this in mind can noticeably cut down on the moments where things stall.
Common causes, organized
Here are the main things that can cause "Activating" to stall. You don't need to pinpoint exactly which one applies — working through the steps further down, from the top, tends to resolve it even when the cause is unclear.
- Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data: Activation needs a connection. It's more likely to stall in areas with weak signal or on busy public Wi-Fi at airports and cafés.
- Activating too early or too late: The right timing for activation varies by plan. Acting earlier than instructed can cause it to stall.
- Device doesn't support eSIM, or is carrier-locked: Activation won't complete on an unsupported device, or if a carrier lock from another provider is still in place.
- Outdated OS, or a temporary device glitch: Sometimes the device's own state is the cause.
- Re-adding the same eSIM repeatedly: Reinstalling again and again can congest the process and actually make it harder to complete.
It's fine if you can't narrow it down to a single cause. Simply trying the next steps in order resolves most cases.
First things to try (in this order)
None of this requires anything technical. Work through the following from the top. The order matters, so try not to skip ahead where you can.
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi: Try a reliable connection, such as your home Wi-Fi. If it stalls on public Wi-Fi, consider a different network or tethering from another device.
- Turn Airplane Mode on, wait about 10 seconds, then off: Resetting the connection can get a stalled process moving again.
- Restart your device: Simply powering off and back on resolves it more often than you'd think.
- Wait a few to several minutes, then open it again: If it's temporarily delayed due to congestion, giving it time can let it finish.
- Update your OS to the latest version: Check Settings for an available update and install it if there is one.
Most of the time things start moving by this point. If steps 1–3 don't change anything, move on to "Fixes by situation" below. And remember: deleting and re-adding should be a last resort (we'll explain why). You can also review the whole picture on the setup page.
Fixes by situation (pick the one that fits)
If you're unsure which case is yours, pick the closest situation and check it. Starting from the row that matches saves you detours.
| Situation | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Can't connect to Wi-Fi, or weak signal area | Move to a different spot or reconnect to a stable network. Activation struggles to progress on a weak signal. |
| QR code scanned fine but won't progress | Toggle Airplane Mode off/on, then restart. The scan itself succeeded, so there's no need to rush. |
| An error like "Unable to activate" appears | Check whether your device supports eSIM and isn't carrier-locked. See the compatible devices page. |
| Stalls when setting up before departure | Activation timing varies by plan. Check the guidance you received at purchase and proceed at the specified time. |
| Same result no matter how many times you re-add it | Stop repeating the delete-and-add cycle and wait a while. If it doesn't improve, note the details and contact support. |
If an error message appears, note the exact wording (or take a screenshot) — it makes things smoother if you reach out later. General troubleshooting is also gathered in What to do when you can't connect.
Set up before departure, or after you arrive?
When it stalls on "Activating," it's easy to worry, "What if it's not ready when I get there?" Generally, you'll have a calmer experience if you install the eSIM (add the profile) before departure while you have Wi-Fi, and activate the line during the period and timing you were told about. Thinking of installation and activation as two separate steps makes it easier to see where things are stalling.
That said, activation timing varies by plan. Acting too early can make it look stuck on "Activating," so it's important to check the guidance from your purchase and follow the specified timing. If you're nervous, doing it somewhere with Wi-Fi — your accommodation or the airport — is one good option. (As of June 2026. Plan details and steps may change, so please check the latest information before purchasing.)
Be careful with deleting and reinstalling
When it stalls, it's tempting to think, "Let me just delete it and start over." But the number of times an eSIM can be reinstalled may be limited, and repeatedly deleting and re-adding it can make setup harder. First try Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, restart, and waiting; only if that doesn't work should you reinstall, following the guidance from your purchase or your support contact.
Before deleting a profile, always confirm the steps for reissuing or re-setting it up. Simply keeping in mind "before I delete it, check whether there's a way to add it back" helps you avoid unexpected snags.
When activation finishes but data still won't start
If "activation is complete but I still can't get online," do a final check of your settings. Data may not start even after activation if the following aren't switched correctly.
- Is the right eSIM selected for mobile data? On a device with multiple lines, you need to choose which line handles data.
- Is Data Roaming turned on? When using the eSIM abroad, you may need to enable roaming on that eSIM.
- Is Airplane Mode off? Check that it wasn't left on while you were on the move.
The names and locations of these settings differ by device and OS (as of June 2026). If you're unsure, don't force changes — go through them one by one while following How to set up your eSIM.
Notes on data-only eSIMs
Bloomy plans are data-only by design. Even when activation completes, that means "data is available" — voice calls over a phone number and sending or receiving SMS (text messages) are generally not included. If you need a phone number or SMS verification, it's worth also lining up another option, such as a local SIM or a plan that comes with a number.
App-based calls and messaging — through apps like WhatsApp — can often be used wherever you have a working data connection. If you're worried about staying in touch, getting these apps ready before you go and sorting out how you'll reach family and friends can help you feel settled once you arrive. Communication quality depends on the local network, your device, and the area, so it can vary.
What you can do with Bloomy, and where to check when you're stuck
You can check the status, QR code, and remaining data of an eSIM you've purchased from My Account. When setup stalls, checking here first to see whether the eSIM in question appears makes it easier to get your bearings. To go back over the steps from the start, see How to set up your eSIM; if that still doesn't resolve it, reach out via Contact with the error wording shown and your device name. The more specific the details, the shorter the path to a fix.
If you're choosing a plan for an upcoming trip or rethinking your data amount, the eSIM comparison page lets you search by country, data amount, and number of days. If you're unsure about device compatibility, checking compatible devices before buying makes setup less likely to trip you up. Common questions are also gathered in our FAQ. Please note that plans are subject to a fair use policy, and final details and pricing should be confirmed at the time of purchase.
Articles on the same topic are collected in our eSIM Guide. Use it as a starting point whenever you're unsure about setup or how to choose.
