How to solve iPhone stuck on “Activating…” & “Unable to Activate eSIM” error
This is most common when you are not yet arrived at your destination and there is no supported network for your eSIM to activate with.
1. Wait
You may wait approximately 10 minutes for the ‘Unable to Activate eSIM’ message to appear, or restart your phone to expedite the process.
2. Turn eSIM off and on
Afterward, turn off the eSIM. Once you arrive at your destination, turning the eSIM back on will restart the activation process.
This is due to delays from the carrier or unsupported networks, an installed eSIM may display “Activating…”.
This is part of the iPhone’s eSIM activation process. Once installed, the phone will immediately attempt to activate the eSIM and connect to a network. If it cannot connect, it will display “Activating” for about 10 minutes before showing “Unable to Activate eSIM”.
If you receive a notification saying that activation or enabling failed, you can try disabling other SIM cards on your phone, leaving only the newly installed eSIM active. This usually resolves the issue more quickly.
3. Disable other SIMs
If you receive a notification saying that activation or enabling failed, you can try disabling other SIM cards on your phone, leaving only the newly installed eSIM active. This usually resolves the issue more quickly.
4. Check Details
- ICCID 8948010010007564189
- Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → Cellular Data and make sure this same eSIM is selected for mobile data.
- Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data →eSIM Name and make sure this line is turned on.