Column: Troubleshooting iPhone 15 "eSIM Activation Failed" Error and Apple’s Top-Notch Support
In Japan, alongside major carriers, a variety of MVNOs (so-called "budget SIMs") like UQ Mobile, Y!mobile, and Rakuten Mobile are popular. If you’re using an iPhone 15 and suddenly see the error message "eSIM Activation Failed", it can be frustrating.
Background of the Issue
Recently, I switched my mobile service to LINEMO, a budget SIM provider. However, when trying to set up the eSIM for the secondary line on iPhone 15, I kept receiving the error "eSIM Activation Failed", rendering the dual SIM setup incomplete.
I repeatedly checked support pages and contacted customer support without any solution.
Apple Support’s Exemplary Help
As a last resort, I contacted Apple Support. They remotely accessed my iPhone to check the issue and discovered an unexpected cause:
The old MVNO configuration profile was still installed under “VPN & Device Management”.
This leftover profile was conflicting with the new network setup, blocking the eSIM activation process.
Apple Support advised me simply to:
"Remove the unnecessary configuration profile and restart your iPhone."
After doing this, the previously unavailable secondary network status changed from “Unavailable” to “SoftBank”, and the eSIM started working perfectly.
Lessons Learned
- When switching carriers or MVNOs, always check if old configuration profiles remain on your device.
- Removing unwanted profiles via "VPN & Device Management" can resolve many connectivity issues.
- If troubleshooting yourself proves difficult, Apple’s remote support is a reliable option that focuses on root causes with careful guidance.
Summary
If you encounter eSIM activation problems on iPhone, the first step is to review and tidy up your configuration profiles in VPN & Device Management. Especially if you have a history of using MVNOs, leftover profiles can cause unexpected conflicts.
If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support—they provide thorough, basics-first support that often solves underlying issues.
When using budget SIMs or switching providers, remember to clean up your configuration profiles. This simple step can save you from the dreaded "eSIM Activation Failed" error and keep your iPhone running smoothly.
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