How to Fix iPhone 15 (Pro/Pro Max) eSIM Not Working

It's a joyful thing when you get a new mobile phone. However, the "eSIM not working iPhone " issue has affected users across all models including the iPhone, iPhone Pro, and iPhone Pro Max. You may feel frustration when you encountered a eSIM error on the shiny new devices. Why is my eSIM not working iPhone 15? There are some potential reasons:

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iPhone Software Update

Software or Hardware Issue with iPhone

Network or Connectivity Problems

Damaged or Defective SIM Card

Improperly Seated SIM Card

Debris/Dust in the SIM Card Slot

In the next article, we'll provide practical solutions to get your iPhone 14/15 eSIM activated and functioning seamlessly.

How to Fix iPhone 15 eSIM Not Activating and Working

To solve apple eSIM not working, we list 8 ways to fix it. You can try the ways according to your needs and follow the detailed guide below. These fixes can also apply to other iPhone models, like the iPhone 14 eSIM not working, or on the latest iPhone.

Way 1. Turn on Bluetooth on Your Device

Ensuring that Bluetooth is enabled can facilitate the smooth work of the eSIM on your new iPhone. You can open the Settings app > Locate Bluetooth to turn it on. If Bluetooth is already on, toggle it off and then back on to refresh the connection.

Way 2. Check Internet Connection & Reset Network Settings

When you activate eSIM on iPhone 15/Pro/Pro Max, Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in transferring eSIM. Please make sure your devices have connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you will meet eSIM transfer not working issue.

One way is to turnoff Airplane mode: Go to Settings > Locate Airplane Mode > Toggle it off.

Another way is to reset your network settings: Open Settings > Go to General > Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone > Click Reset > Select Reset Network Settings > Enter your passcode to confirm the reset. It can be a helpful step in resolving network-related issues and not erase existing data on your iPhone.

Way 3. Confirm You Have an Active Plan

Upon acquiring a new iPhone series device, it is crucial to verify the activation status of your cellular plan before inserting the SIM card. In the event of a "iPhone 15 eSIM not working" error, promptly contact your carrier to confirm that your service is active and properly configured. After that, you can proceed to reinsert the SIM card into your iPhone to check if the problem has been solved.

Way 4. Update iPhone 15 to the Latest iOS Version

Outdated iOS versions can indeed contribute to eSIM not working. To resolve software-related "iPhone 15 eSIM not working" issues, it's advisable to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version available. You can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Check if there is an update available. If there is, tap Download and Install to update your iPhone 15.

But notice that there's a small chance that an update could lead to data loss or corruption. If you don’t want to take the risks of losing iPhone data, you can back up your iPhone before updating iOS.

Compare with the traditional method of backing up data with iCloud/iTunes, we highly recommend you use FoneTool to back up your iPhone data. FoneTool works well with various iOS devices, including iPhone 4 to iPhone 16, iPhone Pro/Pro Max, iPad and iPod Touch, as well as the latest iOS 18.

★It also combines more features:

It’s free to use and no space limitation. You can back up iPhone to iPad/PC/iPhone/Other external devices.

Back up data with a super fast speed. For example, you can back up 100 photos within 3 seconds. It’s easy to use.

With the use-friendly interface, you can complete your tasks with a few simple clicks.

Full and selective backup. You can choose to back up photos, music, contacts, videos, or other data you like, or back up everything on iPhone with one-click.

It doesn’t consume your cellular data. You can back up data without network.

Now download FoneTool and follow the guide to back up your iPhone data.

Step 1. Open FoneTool > Connect the iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Go to Phone Backup > Choose Selective Backup or Full Backup. We take Full Backup iPhone as an example > Tap Get Started.

Step 3. Enable Backup encryption to encrypt local backup > Set a backup storage path > Then click Start Backup and wait until it finishes.

After that, you can go to Backup History page to locate the latest iPhone backup, and click the three-dot and Restore to restore iPhone backup to other devices

Besides, FoneTool provides a professional iOS data transfer function. You can transfer old iPhone to new iPhone, share files from iPhone to PC or PC to iPhone.

Way 5. Force Restart the iPhone 15

Force restarting your iPhone is a common and effective solution for various iPhone issues, including problems with eSIM. A force restart can help in clearing temporary files and resolving minor glitches that might be affecting the normal functioning of the device. Check the steps below:

Step 1. Press and release the Volume Up button.  

Step 2. Press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo > Release the button and let the device restart.

Also, if restarting your phone doesn't work, you can also try to use FoneTool to reset the device, upgrade/downgrade iOS or repair iOS system issues, such as freezing, black screen, stuck on screen, infinite reboot and other problems.

Way 6. Erase All Content and Settings

Another method to solve iPhone15 eSIM not working is to resetting your iPhone to factory settings. However, it's crucial to emphasize that a factory reset erases all content and settings on your device, so you’d better prepare a iPhone backup. You can use FoenTool to finish the task.

Here's a guide on how to perform a factory reset: Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Choose Erase All Content And Settings > Enter your passcode to confirm.

Way 7. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card

Remove and reinsert your SIM card along with its tray can make proper contact with the device. It's a quick and straightforward step to troubleshoot connectivity issues related to the eSIM. If problems persist, consider exploring additional troubleshooting steps or contacting your carrier for assistance.

Way 8. Connect to Apple Support

You can follow the above steps carefully, and if issues “eSIM not working iPhone 14/15/16” still persist, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for personalized assistance. Apple Support can provide personalized assistance and guidance based on the specifics of your situation.

Conclusion

Although encountering iPhone 15 eSIM not working can be frustrating, but the solutions outlined above can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. With these fixes, you'll soon be enjoying the seamless benefits of your eSIM on the latest iPhone 15.

By the way, to avoid losing your data, you can use FoneTool to free back up your iPhone or transfer your iPhone files to PC/iPad/iPhone/Other hard drive.