After you scan a QR code or tap Add eSIM, the screen may sit on “Activating…” or jump to “Unable to Activate / Could not add cellular plan.” Deleting and starting over feels tempting.
Pause. Jeko’s order email also says: if iPhone shows “Activating” before you arrive, that is often normal. And most eSIM profiles can be downloaded successfully only once—deletion often cannot be undone.
This guide separates a stuck “Activating” state from add/activate failures, with a do-not-delete-first checklist.
(Related: SM-DP+ manual install, no internet abroad, install guide.)
Three situations to tell apart
| What you see | Usually means | Do this first |
|---|---|---|
| “Activating” during add/download | Downloading the profile from SM-DP+ | Stay on stable Wi‑Fi; wait; do not interrupt or delete |
| Line appears; looks activating / off | Profile is likely installed; not used for data yet | Leave it off until arrival; then enable data/roaming |
| Unable to activate / cannot add / error code | Download or validation failed | Change network, confirm unlock, try manual entry; then support |
System “Activating” ≠ “you are online abroad.” After install you still need the correct data line and roaming when required.
Why does “Activating” keep spinning?
1. You have not arrived yet (very common)
From the order email:
If iPhone shows “Activating” before you arrive, that is common. Turn it on after you land.
Install, turn that eSIM line off, then enable it and set mobile data after you are in coverage. Do not delete the profile just to clear the spinner.
2. Unstable network during download
Adding an eSIM needs a stable connection. Prefer solid Wi‑Fi; do not switch networks mid-install. Installing before departure is safer than trying on weak signal abroad.
3. Download / registration simply takes time
The first add contacts SM-DP+ and can take a few minutes. Confirm Wi‑Fi works, wait, or refresh with Airplane Mode—then retry only if the line is not already in the list. Never scan a successfully installed QR a second time on another phone.
Common causes of “Unable to activate / Cannot add”
- No eSIM support or carrier lock—dial
*#06#for an EID; on iPhone check Carrier Lock = No SIM restrictions. - Wrong or already-used QR / SM-DP+ / activation code
- One-tap install opened on a computer—provisioning must happen on the phone
- Installing the same profile twice—one eSIM stays on one device
- Managed / restricted devices that block new plans
- Redeem / scan deadline passed on some plans (see your order notes)
Safer order of checks (do not delete yet)
- Open Cellular / SIMs—if the travel eSIM is listed, download likely succeeded; turn it off or wait until arrival instead of deleting.
- Switch to stable Wi‑Fi and retry add only if the line is missing.
- Enter details manually: Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually → paste SM-DP+ and activation code from the email.
- Confirm unlock and compatibility (Support).
- Airplane Mode 30 seconds → off → reboot if needed, then recheck status.
- Still failing: screenshot the exact error, SIM list, and order number for support—say it is stuck activating / cannot add, and that you have not deleted it.
It is in the list but does not “feel ready”
That is usually not a failed download:
- Turn the eSIM on
- Set mobile data to that line
- Enable data roaming for roaming plans (native plans follow the notes)
- Be inside coverage
Signal but no data → follow the connectivity checklist (APN, network selection). Again: do not delete first.
When is removal OK?
Only if support instructs you to, or they will reissue a new code after confirming a failed remnant. Risks of deleting on your own:
- The same QR / code often cannot be downloaded again
- Refund policy: incompatible/locked devices, setup mistakes, and self-deletion are often outside refund coverage
Bottom line
Treat “Activating” as download-in-progress or a pre-arrival status until proven otherwise. Treat “Unable to activate” as a network, unlock, or code problem—try manual SM-DP+ before anything destructive.
Keep a downloaded eSIM on the phone and contact support with screenshots. Install screens: iPhone guide.
