App Update (vX.Y): eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0 + APN Finder

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App Update (vX.Y): eSIM Compatibility ...

App Update (vX.Y): eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0 + APN Finder

30 Oct 2025

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App Update (vX.Y): eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0 + APN Finder

Travellers want one thing from mobile connectivity: it should just work. This simology app update focuses on removing the guesswork. In vX.Y, we’re introducing eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0 and a new APN Finder to make sure your phone is genuinely eSIM-ready for your destination, and your data comes up first time. The upgraded checker runs a deeper device scan (on-device, privacy-first) to assess eSIM support, 4G/5G and VoLTE readiness, dual SIM limitations, and region quirks. The APN Finder pairs your device and destination with the correct Access Point Name settings and can apply them automatically on many Android devices. iPhone users get clear, per-carrier instructions.

You’ll also find faster QR installs, clearer status messages, and more help built in. Where relevant, we’ve added labelled screenshots in the app’s Help and on the store listing to guide you through each step. If you’re heading to multiple countries, our regional guides—like Esim Western Europe and Esim North America—work hand-in-hand with this update for a smoother trip.

What’s new in this simology app update

Here’s what’s in vX.Y:

  • eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0
  • Deeper device scan for eSIM hardware/firmware support
  • Region-aware 4G/5G/VoLTE readiness checks
  • Dual SIM and travel profile conflict detection
  • Clear “Good to go / Works with caveats / Not supported” outcomes
  • APN Finder (new)
  • Curated APN library for major travel carriers, refreshed daily
  • Auto-apply APN on many Android devices (no reboot needed)
  • Guided APN steps for iOS with exact field values
  • Offline cache for recent destinations
  • Faster eSIM install
  • Improved QR and activation code parsing
  • Better error explanations and retry prompts
  • Smarter destination matching
  • Plan hints based on your device’s 5G capability by region
  • Warnings for country-specific restrictions (e.g., VoLTE requirements)
  • Privacy-first diagnostics
  • On-device checks by default; optional, consented logs for support

Pro tip: Combine the checker with our country pages—Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain—to choose the right plan for your itinerary.

How eSIM Compatibility Checker 2.0 works

The new checker verifies more than “does my phone support eSIM?” It also looks at what will work where you’re going.

Step-by-step: run the checker

  1. Open the simology app and tap Compatibility Checker.
  2. Allow the app to read device and network capabilities (no personal data collected).
  3. Select your destination(s) or pick a regional bundle like Esim Western Europe or Esim North America.
  4. Tap Run Check.
  5. Review the results screen, which includes: - eSIM support status (hardware + OS) - 4G/5G capability and likely regional band fit - VoLTE readiness (important in countries phasing out 3G) - Dual SIM nuances (e.g., 5G may be limited to one SIM) - Recommended next steps and a link to suitable plans

Understanding your result

  • Good to go
  • Your device supports eSIM, the destination’s bands, and VoLTE/5G where applicable.
  • Proceed to purchase and install. Expect immediate data after activation.
  • Works with caveats
  • Examples: 5G not guaranteed in rural areas; VoLTE required on certain carriers; dual SIM may restrict 5G to one line.
  • We’ll show clear notes and the best plan fit.
  • Not supported
  • Your device or OS doesn’t support eSIM, or regional compatibility is too limited.
  • We’ll suggest alternatives or upgrades.

Pro tips: - Update your OS first. eSIM features often improve with the latest iOS/Android build. - If you run dual SIM, keep your primary line set to “Calls/SMS only” to prioritise data on the travel eSIM. - For multi-country trips, re-run the check for each country to catch band differences (e.g., 5G n78 in parts of Europe vs n71/n41 in North America).

APN Finder: get data working first time

APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to a carrier’s data network. Many eSIMs auto-configure APNs; some don’t. APN Finder removes the guesswork.

Step-by-step: apply APN with one tap (Android)

  1. In the simology app, go to APN Finder.
  2. Choose your destination and selected plan/carrier.
  3. Tap Apply APN.
  4. Confirm the change when prompted.
  5. Toggle Airplane mode off/on once; data should come up within 30 seconds.

Note: Auto-apply works on most stock Android and recent Samsung/Pixel devices. If your OEM skin blocks APN edits (seen on some carrier-locked models), the app will guide you to manual entry.

Step-by-step: guided APN on iPhone

  1. Open APN Finder in the app and select your destination.
  2. Tap View Settings to see the exact fields.
  3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM > Mobile Data Network.
  4. Enter the APN, Username, and Password exactly as shown (other fields can stay blank unless specified).
  5. Return to the main screen and toggle Mobile Data off/on.

If you don’t see “Mobile Data Network,” your carrier profile may manage APNs automatically; give it a minute after activation or reboot your device.

Manual APN fallback (quick checklist)

  • Turn off Wi‑Fi while testing mobile data.
  • Ensure Mobile Data and Data Roaming are enabled for the eSIM line.
  • Reset network settings only if needed (this clears saved Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth).
  • As a final step, remove and re-add the eSIM profile if activation stalled.

Planning a trip? Match plan to device and region

Use the checker to align your device with the right plan. Some examples:

  • United States: 3G shutdowns make VoLTE essential. Check your device’s VoLTE readiness and see our Esim United States guide for carrier options and 5G notes.
  • France, Italy, Spain: Many urban areas have strong n78 5G. Rural coverage can be 4G-focused. Compare notes in Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.
  • Multi-country Europe: If you’ll cross borders, consider Esim Western Europe to avoid APN resets at every border.
  • USA + Canada + Mexico: See regional options in Esim North America and run the checker for each country to confirm 5G band fit.

Shortcut: Browse all supported locations in Destinations, then use the checker to validate your device before you buy.

Known issues and current workarounds

We test widely, but some OEM and OS behaviours vary. Here’s what we’re tracking:

  • iOS manual APN visibility
  • Some carriers lock APN fields on iPhone. If APN fields are missing, wait 2–3 minutes after activation or reboot; the profile often autoloads. If not, our guide will confirm whether manual entry is supported.
  • Samsung dual SIM + 5G priority
  • On certain models, 5G works on only one SIM at a time. Set your travel eSIM as the “Primary SIM for mobile data” in SIM Manager. Toggle Airplane mode after switching.
  • MIUI/ColorOS APN edit restrictions
  • A few builds restrict APN editing. Our APN Finder will show a manual path if available. If not, use the auto-config QR from the plan screen or contact support via in‑app Help & Feedback.
  • Pixel VoLTE toggle location
  • On some Pixels, VoLTE/4G Calling toggles are under Network & Internet > SIMs > Preferred network type. Ensure VoLTE is on in the destination country.
  • Older Android versions (pre-11)
  • eSIM management can be less stable. We recommend upgrading if possible before travel for smoother activation.

We’ll keep this list updated as OEM updates roll out. Most hiccups are resolved by toggling Airplane mode, switching the data SIM to your travel eSIM, or re-applying APN settings.

For teams and partners

Managing multiple travellers?

  • For travel managers: bulk activation guidance, device readiness reports, and invoicing are available in For Business.
  • For distributors and affiliates: access co-branded resources, plan catalogues, and onboarding via the Partner Hub.

The checker can be used during device onboarding to pre-qualify travellers before they depart.

Privacy and data handling

  • On-device first: device capability checks run locally.
  • No personal data: we don’t collect contacts, messages, or browsing data.
  • Optional diagnostics: if you opt in while seeking support, we collect anonymised device model/OS/build and error codes to improve the tool. You can opt out any time.

How to share feedback

We build from real travel scenarios. To help us prioritise:

  • In the app: Settings > Help & Feedback > Send feedback (attach logs if you consent).
  • Feature requests: tag “APN Finder” or “Compatibility Checker” to route it quickly.
  • Partners: submit requests via the Partner Hub.

We review feedback weekly and publish release notes with fixes and improvements.

FAQ

  • Will the checker guarantee 5G in every city?
    No tool can guarantee 5G everywhere. The checker validates your device’s capability and the region’s typical bands. Coverage depends on local towers and your location (e.g., indoor vs outdoor). We’ll always show when 5G is unlikely so you can set expectations.
  • Do I need to run the checker for each country on a multi-stop trip?
    Yes. Bands and VoLTE policies differ by country. Run it per stop, or select a regional plan like Esim Western Europe or Esim North America and review the per-country notes.
  • Can the APN Finder change my iPhone settings automatically?
    iOS typically requires manual APN entry unless the carrier profile auto-loads. The app provides exact values and a short checklist. On many Android devices, we can apply APNs with one tap.
  • What if my device says “Not supported” but other sites claim it’s eSIM-ready?
    Some models have regional variants. Our check looks at your exact hardware/firmware, which may differ from the general spec sheet. If you believe it’s an error, send feedback with your model number; we’ll verify.
  • Does the app use mobile data during checks?
    Checks run locally and are lightweight. If you’re fully offline, you’ll still get device-capability results; regional hints and APN lists use a cached snapshot when available.
  • Will this update help with voice and SMS?
    The checker flags VoLTE readiness (critical for voice where 3G is retired). SMS behaviour depends on the plan and local network. Data connectivity remains our primary focus.

Next step

Plan your route, then validate your device before you buy. Start with our full list of supported locations in Destinations, run the Compatibility Checker for each stop, and use APN Finder to bring data up on arrival.

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EU Long Stays: Fair‑Use for Nomads & Students (90/180‑Day Rule)

EU Long Stays: Fair‑Use for Nomads & Students (90/180‑Day Rule)

Planning a long stretch around Europe? Here’s the traveller‑first guide to EU fair use on long stays. Confusion often comes from mixing two different systems: immigration rules (the Schengen 90/180‑day stay limit) and telecom rules (EU roaming fair use). They are not the same. Immigration limits how long you can stay. Telecom fair use limits how long you can roam on an EU plan before surcharges kick in. If you’re a student with local residency, you’re treated differently to a roaming nomad bouncing between countries. And regional eSIMs add a third option that avoids most “home vs abroad” checks altogether. This guide cuts through the jargon with plain‑English explanations, examples you can copy, and practical checklists to keep your connectivity clean and cost‑predictable. If you just want a solution: country eSIMs are best when you settle in one place; regional EU eSIMs shine for multi‑country hops. Keep reading for the details and how to choose.The quick version: Fair‑use vs 90/18090/180 rule: Immigration. Most visa‑exempt visitors can stay in the Schengen Area up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. Nothing to do with mobile plans.EU roaming fair use: Telecom. EU/EEA operators let their customers “roam like at home” across the EU. To stop permanent roaming, they can apply fair‑use checks over a four‑month window and, if triggered, add regulated surcharges after warning you.Regional travel eSIMs: These are made for roaming. They don’t rely on EU “roam like at home” privileges, so the home‑vs‑abroad test usually doesn’t apply. Instead, your limit is the plan’s validity and data allowance.For country coverage quirks (e.g., Switzerland, UK post‑Brexit), see Destinations.What the EU fair‑use policy actually says (for travellers)EU “Roam Like at Home” (RLAH) protects EU/EEA subscribers using their home mobile plan around the bloc. It applies primarily if you hold an EU plan with an EU operator.The home‑presence and usage test (4‑month window)Your EU operator can watch usage over at least four months. If both are true, they may flag permanent roaming:1) You’ve been more time “abroad” than “at home,” and2) You used more data while roaming than you did at home.If they detect this, they must warn you and give at least 14 days to change your pattern (e.g., use the line domestically or reduce roaming). If nothing changes, they can add small, regulated surcharges on roaming usage. Your service isn’t cut off, but costs rise.Data caps on “unlimited” plans while roamingIf your domestic plan is unlimited or very cheap per GB, your operator can set a specific fair‑use roaming data allowance, calculated from your plan price and EU wholesale caps. The allowance and any out‑of‑bundle surcharge must be clearly communicated. Always read the roaming section of your tariff.Residency or “stable links”Operators can ask for proof of residency or stable links (study, work) when you buy or keep a domestic plan. This isn’t immigration control; it’s to ensure domestic plans aren’t used as permanent roaming products.Warnings and surchargesYou’ll receive a warning before any fair‑use surcharge applies.Surcharges are capped by EU rules and reviewed periodically.Paying a surcharge doesn’t fix the root cause. If your lifestyle is long‑term roaming, reconsider your setup (see below).Note: RLAH covers EU/EEA. It does not automatically include Switzerland or the UK. Check Destinations before you go.Residency vs roaming: which bucket are you in?Students with a local contract (resident or stable link)If you study in, say, France and sign up for a French mobile plan using local documentation, France becomes your “home” for that line. Your everyday use in France typically outweighs your time abroad, so your weekend trips to Spain or a fortnight in Italy sit comfortably within fair use. For deeper country fit, see Esim France, Esim Spain and Esim Italy.Digital nomads and long‑stay visitors (non‑resident)If you don’t have EU residency and you rely on a single EU domestic SIM while rarely returning to its home country, you’re likely to trip the fair‑use test after a few months. Two cleaner options:Use country eSIMs in each country you stay in for a month or two; orUse a regional travel eSIM designed for roaming around Europe.How regional eSIMs fit into long staysRegional travel eSIMs are built for cross‑border use. Instead of offering a domestic plan with RLAH, they provide roaming access in multiple countries from day one. This sidesteps the “domestic vs roaming” test entirely.Multi‑country coverage: A single profile that works across much of the EU. See Esim Western Europe for a practical one‑SIM solve when you’re rotating through EU hubs.Validity and data: Plans come with defined validity (e.g., 15–90 days) and data buckets. If you run out, top up or add another plan—no residency checks.Outside the EU: Heading to or from North America? Pair your Europe plan with Esim North America or set up before you fly with Esim United States.When you’re staying a whole term in one country, a local eSIM can be cheaper for heavy data. For multi‑country months, regional usually wins on simplicity.When to choose a country eSIM vs a regional EU eSIMChoose a country eSIM when:You’ll spend 30+ days in one country and use lots of data.You need local rates for domestic calls or long‑term top‑ups.Example pages: Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim Spain.Choose a regional EU eSIM when:You’ll cross borders frequently (e.g., 3–6 countries over 2–4 months).You prefer one number/data plan to manage across the trip.See: Esim Western Europe.Use dual‑SIM: keep your primary line for authentication calls/SMS, and set the travel eSIM as your data line.Step‑by‑step: Students (semester or year abroad)1) Get a local plan in your host country- Sign up with local ID/student proof. Your host country becomes “home” for that plan.2) Read the roaming section of your tariff- Note any roaming data caps and the four‑month fair‑use window.3) Use your host‑country SIM domestically most of the time- Weekend trips are fine. Long multi‑month trips outside your host country might trigger warnings.4) Add a regional eSIM for holiday stretches- If you’ll travel for several weeks, switch your data line to Esim Western Europe to avoid breaching your domestic plan’s fair‑use pattern.5) Keep alerts on- Don’t ignore SMS warnings. You usually get at least 14 days to adjust your usage before surcharges apply.6) Check non‑EU neighbours- UK/Switzerland often sit outside inclusive roaming. Verify on Destinations before you go.Step‑by‑step: Digital nomads (90–180 days across EU)1) Decide your pattern- Many short stays in multiple countries? Start with a regional plan. One or two long stops? Mix in country eSIMs for each stop.2) Set up before you move- Install the eSIM profile while you have reliable Wi‑Fi. Test with a small top‑up.3) Use dual‑SIM smartly- Keep your home SIM active for 2FA/texts. Set the travel eSIM as the default for data.4) Rotate plans, not penalties- Regional eSIMs like Esim Western Europe are priced for roaming and won’t run into EU “permanent roaming” tests. When staying put, switch to the local country plan (e.g., Esim Spain).5) Avoid long‑term reliance on a single EU domestic plan- If you don’t live there, the four‑month fair‑use pattern will likely catch up and add surcharges.6) Leaving or arriving via the US/Canada?- Bridge the gap with Esim North America or sort stateside coverage with Esim United States.Worked examplesStudent in France, 9 months, frequent tripsYou take a French plan as your main line. You spend most days in France, with occasional weekends in Spain/Italy. You remain well within fair use. For a four‑week summer rail trip, you add Esim Western Europe for data and keep the French SIM for calls/SMS.Nomad, 5 months, 5 countriesMonth in Portugal, then Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands. You use a regional plan for months 1–3. For months 4–5, because you’re stationary and need more data, you add Esim Spain and Esim France during those longer stays. No EU domestic fair‑use checks apply to your regional eSIM; the country eSIMs are priced for local use when you’re settled.US visitor, 2 months in Italy with side tripsYou keep your US number active for banking but avoid pricey long‑term roaming on your domestic US plan. You install Esim Italy for the base month and add a short regional top‑up for a two‑week loop through neighbouring countries.Pro tips to stay compliant and connectedTrack days and data: set a calendar reminder every time you cross a border and use your phone’s data counter per SIM.Respect SMS warnings: they are your early‑warning system before surcharges.Prefer Wi‑Fi calling and messaging apps for cross‑border calls.Use hotspot sparingly if your plan restricts tethering.Check country exceptions on Destinations before visiting microstates or non‑EU neighbours.Business travellers: corporate pools can smooth roaming costs—see For Business or partner with us via the Partner Hub.FAQQ1: Does the Schengen 90/180‑day rule limit my mobile usage?A: No. 90/180 is immigration. EU telecom fair use is separate. You could be within your visa limit yet still trigger a roaming fair‑use surcharge—or vice versa.Q2: How long can I roam on an EU domestic plan before fair‑use kicks in?A: Operators check at least a four‑month window. If, in that period, you spend more time and use more data abroad than at home, they can warn you and later add regulated surcharges.Q3: I have an “unlimited” EU plan. Is roaming unlimited too?A: Not necessarily. Operators can set a specific fair‑use roaming data cap for unlimited/low‑cost plans and must tell you the allowance and any surcharge once you hit it.Q4: Do regional travel eSIMs have fair‑use limits?A: They’re built for roaming, so the EU “home vs abroad” test doesn’t apply. You’re bound by the plan’s validity and data bucket, plus any reasonable‑use terms (e.g., hotspot limits). For multi‑country trips, see Esim Western Europe.Q5: If I buy a French SIM, can I spend the summer in Italy on it?A: Yes, but extended, heavier use outside France could trigger the four‑month fair‑use test. For a long Italy stay, switch to Esim Italy or add a regional eSIM for the travel leg.Q6: I’m a US traveller. Should I rely on my US plan’s roaming?A: For short trips, maybe. For long stays, many US plans throttle or cap roaming after a few weeks. It’s usually better value to keep your US number for SMS and run EU data on a regional or country eSIM. Start here: Esim United States and Esim Western Europe.Next stepPlan your route, pick your coverage: explore country and regional options on Esim Western Europe, then check country specifics via Destinations.

23 Dec 2025
No Service After Installing an eSIM: 10 Checks to Do First

No Service After Installing an eSIM: 10 Checks to Do First

When your eSIM installs but your phone still shows “No Service”, it’s usually a setup detail, not a dead SIM. The good news: most fixes take minutes and don’t require support. This traveller-first checklist walks you through the 10 most common causes—coverage and plan activation, data line selection, roaming and network mode toggles, APN configuration, IMS (VoLTE) registration, and when to reissue a QR. Follow the steps in order; test after each change. If you’re roaming across borders, keep an eye on network selection and data roaming settings as you move. Finally, make sure you bought the right regional product (e.g. Esim North America vs a single-country plan). With a few precise tweaks, most “esim no service” cases go from offline to online in under 10 minutes.Pro tip: Do all installation and major changes over a stable Wi‑Fi connection, and keep your original QR or activation details handy.Before you start: quick basicsRestart your phone.Ensure Wi‑Fi is on and working.Update iOS/Android to the latest version.If you installed the eSIM abroad, toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.The 10 checks (in order)1) Confirm coverage, plan activation, and date validityVerify your eSIM plan is active for today and includes the country you’re in.If you’re travelling cross-border, confirm your plan’s region (e.g. Esim Western Europe vs single-country options like Esim France, Esim Italy or Esim Spain).Check coverage for your destination via Destinations. Rural areas or islands can have patchy service.If your plan shows expired or out of data, you’ll often see “No Service” or “SOS only”—top up or activate a fresh plan.Pro tip: In the US, coverage varies by carrier. If you’re using a US plan like Esim United States, move to a spot with open sky or try manual network selection (see Check 7).2) Confirm device compatibility and unlock statusEnsure your phone supports eSIM and is network-unlocked.iPhone: iPhone XS/XR or newer support eSIM.Android: recent Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold, and others support eSIM.Check it’s not carrier-locked:iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”.Android: Insert a different physical SIM (if available) to verify it accepts other networks, or ask your original carrier.Make sure 4G/LTE (and 5G if applicable) are supported bands for your destination.Pro tip: If the phone is locked, you’ll likely see “No Service” on foreign eSIMs. Unlocking is required.3) Verify the eSIM line is installed, turned on, and set for dataiPhone:Settings > Mobile Data (Cellular) > tap your eSIM > ensure “Turn On This Line” is enabled.Set “Mobile Data” to your eSIM line. If you need your physical SIM for calls, keep “Default Voice Line” on physical and data on eSIM.Android (varies by brand):Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > ensure the eSIM is enabled.Set “Mobile data” to the eSIM.Pro tip: If you see multiple eSIMs, rename them so you can select the correct one.4) Temporarily disable other SIMs to isolate the issueTurn off the physical SIM or other eSIMs for a minute so the phone focuses on the travel eSIM.Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.Check if service appears. If yes, re-enable your other SIM and set priorities:Data on the travel eSIM.Calls/SMS on your home SIM (if you need it).Pro tip: iPhone users—disable “Allow Mobile Data Switching” while testing.5) Enable Data Roaming and confirm network modeiPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Data Roaming > On. Then Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data: select 4G or 5G (not 3G).Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Data roaming > On. Preferred network type: 4G/5G Auto.Turn off any “Data Saver/Low Data Mode” while testing.Why this matters: Most travel eSIMs are roaming profiles by design. If roaming is off, you’ll get “No Service”.6) Check APN settings (and add them manually if needed)Many eSIMs auto-configure the APN. If they don’t, data won’t start even if you have signal bars.Find the APN from your activation email or profile details.iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM > Mobile Data Network > enter APN exactly (leave username/password blank unless provided).Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Access Point Names > add APN. Save and select it.Toggle Airplane Mode after saving.If APN fields are locked: remove and reinstall the eSIM (see Check 10), or perform a Network Settings reset: - iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. - Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.Note: A network reset clears saved Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth—reconnect to Wi‑Fi afterwards.7) Switch between Automatic and Manual Network SelectionStart with Automatic. If it shows “No Service”, try Manual:iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection > turn off Automatic > wait for the list > tap a listed carrier > test.Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Network operators > Search networks > choose one.If multiple networks appear, test each. Give it up to 2 minutes after selection.If only 2G/3G options appear, stick with 4G if available. Many modern travel eSIMs don’t support 3G/2G for data.Cross-border tip: Switching countries on a regional plan (e.g. Esim Western Europe) may require a brief manual selection to latch onto a partner, then you can go back to Automatic.8) Confirm IMS registration (VoLTE/4G Calling)IMS handles 4G voice (VoLTE) and Wi‑Fi Calling. Some networks require VoLTE for full registration.iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM > Voice & Data > ensure 4G/5G with VoLTE is on.Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > VoLTE calls: On.Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > eSIM > Enable 4G Calling/VoLTE.Advanced (Android): You can view IMS status via Phone app > dial ##4636## > Phone information > IMS registration: Registered. If not registered, toggle VoLTE off/on, reselect the network (Check 7), or reboot.Note: Data can work without IMS, but some carriers require IMS before allowing any service. If IMS won’t register where 4G signal exists, move outdoors or try another partner network.9) Update carrier settings, system software, time, and regioniPhone: Settings > General > About—if a Carrier Settings Update prompt appears, accept it.Android: Check for system updates and any vendor-specific carrier configuration updates.Ensure time/date are set to Automatic and the correct time zone—wrong time can block authentication on some networks.If you installed the eSIM in one country and powered on in another, a second reboot often helps the device request fresh network parameters.10) Reinstall or request a QR reissue (clean install)If you’ve tried everything above:Remove the eSIM profile:iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM > Remove eSIM.Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > your eSIM > Delete.Reinstall over strong Wi‑Fi. Use the original QR or activation code. Do not scan the same QR multiple times on different phones.If the QR has been consumed or the install failed mid‑way, request a reissue. Resellers can do this in the Partner Hub. Team admins can coordinate via For Business.After reinstall: repeat Checks 3–8 quickly (enable Data Roaming, set the eSIM as the data line, confirm APN/VoLTE, try manual network select).Pro tip: If you move from the US to Canada/Mexico on a regional plan like Esim North America, expect a brief delay while the SIM registers on the new partner. A manual network nudge (Check 7) speeds this up.Extra things to verify if you’re still offlineYou’re indoors with poor coverage: step outside or move near a window.You used all data: top up or switch plan.VPN or private DNS is interfering: disable while testing.Power-saving mode is limiting connectivity: turn off temporarily.IMEI restrictions: very rare, but if the device IMEI is blocked in-country, you may see persistent “No Service”.When to contact support (and what to include)If “No Service” persists after all 10 checks, contact support with:Device make/model and OS version.Country/city, and whether you’re indoors/outdoors.eSIM ICCID (and EID if requested).Screenshots of:SIM status page,APN screen,Network operators list,IMS registration status (if on Android).A brief list of which checks you’ve completed.This speeds up resolution significantly.FAQs1) Why does my eSIM show Installed but still says “No Service”? - The line may be off, data roaming disabled, APN missing, or the phone is still prioritising another SIM. Work through Checks 3–7 first—those resolve most cases.2) Do I need Data Roaming enabled for a travel eSIM? - Yes. Travel eSIMs are typically roaming profiles. Keep Data Roaming on, and set the preferred network to 4G/5G.3) Will voice calls work on my travel eSIM? - Many data-only eSIMs provide data only. Use apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.) for calling. If your plan includes voice/SMS, ensure VoLTE/IMS is enabled (Check 8) and select a supported network manually if needed (Check 7).4) My APN field is blank or locked—what do I do? - Reinstall the eSIM to refresh carrier settings (Check 10). If manual entry is allowed, use the APN provided in your activation email. A Network Settings reset can also unlock APN editing.5) Can I keep my physical SIM active while using the eSIM for data? - Yes. Set the eSIM as the Mobile Data line and keep your physical SIM for calls/SMS. If there’s conflict, disable the physical SIM briefly to let the eSIM register, then re-enable and set correct priorities.6) I’m crossing borders in Europe. Do I need a new eSIM? - Not if you chose a regional plan like Esim Western Europe. As you cross borders, the SIM will roam to partner networks. If it hesitates, toggle Airplane Mode or try manual network selection once per new country.Pick the right plan before you flyChoosing a plan matched to your route prevents most “No Service” surprises. See coverage and options for your trip in Destinations, or go straight to regional picks like Esim North America and Esim Western Europe, or country plans such as Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.Next step: Check coverage and pick the right plan for your itinerary via Destinations.

30 Oct 2025
Work Laptop on the Road: VPN, Split Tunneling & Compliance Basics

Work Laptop on the Road: VPN, Split Tunneling & Compliance Basics

Travelling with a corporate laptop is a balancing act between security, performance and convenience. Your company VPN protects sensitive traffic, but it can slow things down, drain battery and block local services. Split tunnelling promises relief by sending only work apps through the VPN and letting everything else use the local connection. Used wrongly, it can leak data or breach policy. Used correctly, it’s a smart way to stay productive on hotel Wi‑Fi, airport lounges and 4G/5G hotspots. This guide explains what split tunnelling is, when to use it, how to prepare before you fly, and the battery/compliance trade‑offs to watch. It’s written for travellers first, while staying friendly to IT policies and tooling. We’ll also cover practical connectivity choices, from personal hotspots to regional eSIMs such as Esim North America and Esim Western Europe, so you aren’t left fighting captive portals when a meeting starts.What is split tunnelling?When you connect to a corporate VPN, you typically get one of two modes:Full tunnel: All traffic goes through the VPN. Maximum control and security. Greater latency, bandwidth overhead and battery use.Split tunnel: Only defined apps or destinations go through the VPN. Everything else goes out locally to the internet. Better performance and battery. Increased exposure if misconfigured.There are two common flavours of split tunnelling:Per‑app: Only specific applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, SAP) use the VPN. Others (e.g., Spotify, personal browser tabs) bypass it.Per‑destination: Traffic to corporate domains, subnets or IP ranges uses the VPN; everything else goes direct.Key risks to understand:Data leakage: If an app that handles company data is not routed via the VPN, logs and content may leak to local networks.Policy breach: Many organisations disable or tightly control split tunnelling to enforce monitoring, DLP and compliance.Captive portals: Some networks block or throttle VPNs. Split tunnelling can help you authenticate to the network, but policies still govern what’s allowed.If your search intent is “vpn split tunneling travel,” the core takeaway is: it’s useful on the road, but only when your company explicitly allows and configures it.Should you use split tunnelling on the road?Pros (when permitted by IT): - Faster access to local/cloud services (video calls, maps, local content). - Better battery life due to reduced encryption overhead and lower round‑trip times. - Fewer geolocation issues for non‑work apps (streaming, public cloud buckets in‑region). - Smoother captive portal logins on hotel and airport Wi‑Fi.Cons: - Increased risk surface on untrusted networks; misrouted traffic could expose metadata or content. - Harder for IT to enforce uniform controls and logs across all traffic. - Some collaboration tools may behave unpredictably when half inside, half outside the tunnel.Bottom line: Use split tunnelling only if your IT policy allows it, ideally with centrally managed per‑app rules. If your device is managed (MDM/EDR), let IT push the profile. Avoid ad‑hoc, user‑side tweaks unless you have explicit approval.Prepare your work laptop before you travelUse this checklist one week before departure:Confirm policy - Ask IT whether split tunnelling is allowed on corporate devices. - Clarify which apps must be forced through VPN and which can bypass. - Request written guidance for your destination(s).Update and test - Patch your OS, VPN client and browser. - Test the VPN on at least two networks (home and a mobile hotspot). - Confirm you can reach key services (email, intranet, storage, CRM) with and without split tunnelling (if permitted).MFA and recovery - Add backup MFA methods (TOTP app, phone, hardware key). - Generate one‑time recovery codes in case SMS is unavailable. - Ensure your device time zone and clock auto‑sync (MFA can fail with time drift).Profiles and policies - Have IT push the correct VPN profile(s) and DNS split rules for your region. - Check that Always‑On VPN behaviour matches policy (e.g., blocks traffic until tunnel up). - Verify the kill switch is enabled if required.Connectivity plan - Prefer mobile data over insecure public Wi‑Fi when possible. Load an eSIM for your route: see Destinations, or choose a regional plan like Esim North America or Esim Western Europe. Country options include Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain. - Set up your phone’s personal hotspot as a backup. - Save hotel Wi‑Fi details offline, but avoid auto‑connect on unknown networks.Contacts and contingencies - Save IT helpdesk contacts and escalation hours in your calendar (local time). - Request an alternative protocol/port (e.g., TLS/443) profile if your main VPN is blocked. - Ask for safe split tunnelling defaults if you’ll be presenting or streaming.Pro tips: - Download offline installers for the VPN client and MFA app. - Cache the latest company root certificates in case the device can’t reach internal distribution points. - If travelling to higher‑risk regions, ask about a “clean laptop” policy and temporary accounts.Configure split tunnelling safely (with IT approval)Your corporate image may lock these settings; if so, use IT‑pushed profiles instead. If user‑config is permitted:Windows 11/10 (generic steps)Open your corporate VPN client. Look for “Split tunnelling,” “Per‑app VPN” or “Exclude local networks.”Choose the mode approved by IT:Per‑app include list: Add only work apps to the VPN list.Per‑app exclude list: Keep all apps in VPN except those explicitly excluded (safer default).Per‑destination: Add corporate subnets (e.g., 10.0.0.0/8), domains or DNS suffixes.Ensure DNS for corporate domains resolves via the VPN (check “Use VPN DNS for internal domains”).Enable the kill switch if required, and verify that non‑VPN traffic is blocked when the tunnel is down (for non‑split apps).Apply and test:Open a corporate app (should route via VPN).Open a public website (should route directly if excluded).Confirm IP paths with “whoami” sites or tracert; check DNS with nslookup against internal names.macOS (generic steps)In your managed VPN app or Network settings profile, locate split tunnelling controls.Use per‑app or per‑domain routing as defined by IT; avoid wildcards that could capture personal traffic.Verify “Send all traffic over VPN” is disabled only if split tunnelling is explicitly allowed.Check DNS suffix search and internal resolver settings are applied when the tunnel is up.Test with Activity Monitor’s per‑process network view or a browser extension that shows current egress IP.Pro tips: - Don’t exclude your browser if you access SaaS tools that handle company data—keep it on the VPN unless IT says otherwise. - Avoid excluding update services; patching over untrusted networks is sensitive and may be blocked by your company anyway. - If performance is poor, ask IT about protocol options (e.g., IKEv2 vs TLS) rather than changing encryption settings yourself.Network choices on the roadOrder of preference for reliability and safety:Mobile data via eSIM on your laptop/tablet or phone hotspot.Known, password‑protected networks you control (MiFi, travel router with your SIM/eSIM).Enterprise‑grade public networks (airline lounges).Hotel or café Wi‑Fi (last resort).Why eSIMs help: - Stable IPs and lower contention than crowded hotel networks. - Fewer captive portals that break VPN handshakes. - Predictable costs and usage alerts.Plan ahead with Destinations and pick a regional or country plan to match your itinerary: Esim North America, Esim Western Europe, Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy or Esim Spain. If you’re managing a team, centralise purchasing and support via For Business. Partners and MSPs can streamline provisioning through the Partner Hub.Captive portal tip: - Most portals block VPNs until you accept terms. Temporarily disconnect the VPN, join the Wi‑Fi, complete the portal, then reconnect. If policy enforces Always‑On VPN, use mobile data to complete sign‑in or ask IT for a captive‑portal profile.Battery and performance trade‑offsVPNs consume CPU to encrypt/decrypt traffic and can keep radios active, increasing battery use. Practical steps:Prefer modern, efficient protocols approved by IT. IKEv2 and WireGuard‑based options are generally lighter than older SSL/TLS stacks, but only switch if your organisation supports them.Use split tunnelling (if allowed) for heavy, non‑sensitive traffic like video conferencing to reduce packets through the tunnel.Avoid marginal Wi‑Fi. Weak signals force higher transmit power and retries. A good eSIM or hotspot can use less energy overall.Close background sync and heavy downloads before joining a meeting. Cloud drive re‑indexing can saturate the tunnel.Reduce resolution/frame rate in video calls if bandwidth is tight.Let your device sleep between tasks; some VPN clients keep sockets alive—enable power‑friendly settings if IT permits.Keep your device cool. Thermal throttling increases energy per task and can worsen VPN performance.Compliance essentials (don’t break policy)Respect MDM/EDR controls. Don’t install personal VPNs or proxies alongside corporate VPN clients.Don’t modify encryption, DNS or split rules beyond what IT has approved.Treat public cloud/SaaS as “work data” unless explicitly personal. If you use a browser for both, keep that browser within the VPN.In restricted or high‑risk countries, consult IT about export controls, device searches and data minimisation. Ask whether a loaner device is required.If your VPN is blocked regionally, use the IT‑approved fallback profile. Avoid consumer workarounds that could violate policy.Troubleshooting on the road: quick fixesIf the VPN won’t connect: - Try another network (switch to your eSIM or hotspot). - Check time/date and time zone; re‑sync if MFA fails. - Complete captive portal sign‑in before reconnecting. - Toggle a secondary protocol/port profile (e.g., TLS/443) if provided. - Reboot the device; network stacks and drivers often recover on restart.If split tunnelling misroutes traffic: - Flush DNS cache and retry. - Ensure corporate domains are on the “include” list. - Remove risky exclusions (e.g., your browser) and test again.If calls are choppy: - Move the conferencing app to bypass VPN (only if IT allows). - Drop video quality or switch to audio‑only. - Swap to mobile data; hotel Wi‑Fi uplinks are often the bottleneck.If you can’t reach internal sites: - Verify the VPN is up and that DNS suffix search is applied. - Try the short hostname and the FQDN. - Ask IT whether the site is geo‑restricted or requires a different profile.Pro tips: - Keep offline copies of key docs for read‑only access if the VPN drops. - Save your helpdesk’s “known issues” page for quick self‑diagnosis.FAQWhat is split tunnelling in a VPN? Split tunnelling routes only selected apps or destinations through the VPN, with other traffic using the local internet. It improves performance and battery life, but must be configured and approved by IT to avoid data leakage.Is it safe to use split tunnelling on hotel Wi‑Fi? Only if your company allows it and has defined which traffic must stay inside the tunnel. Use mobile data where possible, and keep work apps (email, browsers used for SaaS, storage clients) inside the VPN.Will a VPN slow my connection? Yes, some. Encryption and longer routes add latency and reduce throughput. Efficient protocols and split tunnelling (if permitted) mitigate this. A good eSIM or hotspot often outperforms congested Wi‑Fi.Can I watch streaming services while connected to my corporate VPN? Often your company blocks or discourages this. Even if it works, streaming through the VPN can waste bandwidth and trigger policy issues. If allowed, keep streaming outside the tunnel with split tunnelling, and only on personal time.My VPN breaks at captive portals. What should I do? Disconnect the VPN, complete the portal login, then reconnect. If your device enforces Always‑On VPN, connect via mobile data first or use an IT‑approved captive‑portal profile.Should I tether from my phone or use hotel Wi‑Fi? Tethering via a regional eSIM is typically safer and more reliable. See Destinations for travel options, including Esim North America and Esim Western Europe.Next step: If you’re equipping a team for secure travel, centralise data plans and support with For Business.

30 Oct 2025