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Full bars but nothing loads: signal without data
Signal bars show that a line is registered on a network, not that data is flowing. When calls work, or Wi-Fi works, and mobile data doesn't, it is nearly always one of four settings, and the first two take a minute to check.
Check first
Give your phone a minute to connect once you land. Still nothing? Switch on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then switch it off again.
The four settings
The bars belong to your home SIM
Your home SIM can be registered with full bars while its data roaming is off, which is exactly how it should be abroad. Data has to be pointed at the MTN Travel eSIM line. Set Cellular Data (iPhone), Mobile data SIM (Samsung), or Mobile data (Android) to the MTN Travel eSIM line. See Use your MTN Travel eSIM plan for data instead of your home SIM.
Data roaming is off for the MTN Travel eSIM line
Registering on a network and passing data are two different permissions. Data Roaming has to be on for the MTN Travel eSIM line itself, not your home SIM. The taps are in Turn on data roaming for your plan on iPhone, Turn on data roaming for your plan on Samsung, and Turn on data roaming for your plan on Android.
Your destination needs an APN
This is the classic full-bars, no-data cause in the destinations that need one. Most destinations need no APN. If yours is on this list, add it before you connect:
Destination
APN
Global, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Mauritius, Middle East, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
knowroaming
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico
tn1
Bahamas, Caribbean
altanwifi
Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
kroly
Europe, United States
No APN needed
Enter the value in lowercase with no spaces. The APN screen for your phone is in the platform article linked above, under Setting your APN. After you save it, switch on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then switch it off again.
Low Data Mode or Data Saver is on
Both settings hold back apps on mobile data, so everything works on Wi-Fi and the MTN Travel eSIM line looks dead. Turn them off for the MTN Travel eSIM line while you travel.
If it still isn't a setting
Your data has run out
A fixed plan stops at zero while the bars stay full. Open My plans on the MTN Travel eSIM website and check the balance; top up from the same screen if you need to. An unlimited plan slows down after its daily full-speed allowance but doesn't stop.
The reverse case: data works, calls don't
If data runs fine but calls to your home number fail, your home line is switched off or out of coverage. Turn the home line on in your SIM settings; its data roaming can stay off. Your plan is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. Calls and texts keep using your home number.
Still not working?
Still not working? Contact MTN Travel eSIM support and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.
Have questions about coverage, installing, or a plan you've already bought? Whatever it is, message us and a few quick questions will get you to the right person. Email works too, if you'd rather.
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