Before your trip, “inactive” is normal: a Saily plan activates automatically when you arrive and connect to a supported network. If it stays inactive abroad, turn on data roaming for the eSIM, pick it for mobile data, and keep the Saily app open for up to 5 minutes so it can set the APN.
The catch: once a plan activates it can’t be paused, so don’t test it at home on mobile data you don’t need.
An installed Saily eSIM that says inactive on an Android phone looks like a problem, but most of the time it’s waiting for the right moment or one setting. These are the checks from Saily’s own help centre, in the order that solves it fastest.
Why your Saily eSIM shows inactive
Saily’s help centre explains how a plan starts:
- Your data plan activates automatically when you arrive at your destination and connect to a supported network, as long as the eSIM is installed and data roaming is on before the trip.
- You can install and activate within 180 days of purchase. If you don’t, the plan activates automatically after that.
So an eSIM that shows inactive while you’re still at home is usually fine. If you’ve already landed and it’s still inactive, work through the fixes below.
Quick checks first
- Turn off Wi-Fi, so the phone has to use mobile data: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi off.
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager, select your Saily eSIM and toggle it on.
- In the same screen, tap Mobile data and make sure the Saily eSIM is selected.
- Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and turn data roaming on.
Saily’s activation guide adds two settings that stop surprise charges from your home carrier: turn off your personal SIM (or at least its data roaming), and turn off mobile data switching so the phone stays on the Saily network.
Fixes if it still won’t connect
Open the Saily app and keep it open for up to 5 minutes. On Android, this sets the APN (Access Point Name) automatically.
Add it yourself: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access point names, tap + or Add with the eSIM selected, type wbdata in both the Name and APN fields, leave the rest blank, tap the three dots, Save, then select the new APN.
Reboot the phone: hold the power button (or power + volume down) for the power menu, or hold power until it restarts.
Turn off 5G: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → tap the eSIM → Preferred network type, and choose 4G or 3G.
Pick the operator by hand: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators, then select your provider. If you don’t see an option, contact Saily support.
Turn on flight mode, wait 15 seconds, and turn it off again. As a last step, reset network settings (search “reset” in Settings and choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth). This also resets data roaming and APN, so set them again afterwards.
Menu names differ a little between Android brands. On a Google Pixel, the same settings sit under Network and internet → SIMs; our Pixel guide has the exact path.
How to tell your Saily eSIM is working
Saily’s checklist for an active eSIM: the eSIM is enabled, data roaming is on for it, your primary SIM is off (or its data roaming is off on a dual-SIM phone), and on Android the Saily APN is present. When all four are true, you should be online.
If you haven’t installed the eSIM yet, start with how to install Saily eSIM. If none of this works, contact Saily support through live chat in the app.
FAQ
Why does my Saily eSIM say inactive before my trip?
Because the plan hasn’t started yet. It activates automatically when you arrive and connect to a supported network, provided the eSIM is installed and data roaming is on.
What APN does Saily use on Android?
Saily’s help centre gives wbdata for both the Name and the APN field. Usually you don’t need to type it: keep the Saily app open for up to 5 minutes and it sets the APN for you.
Can I pause my Saily plan once it’s active?
No. Saily says an activated plan can’t be paused.
Do I need to turn off my main SIM?
Saily recommends turning off your personal SIM, or at least its data roaming, so your home carrier doesn’t charge you while you use Saily.
Plans from $3.99, plus 15% off through our link. Prices checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.