To activate your EscapeSIM in Latin America, you usually install the eSIM before you travel (using Wi-Fi), then when you land you turn the eSIM line on, set it as your mobile data line, and enable Data Roaming for the eSIM. If it doesn’t connect immediately at the airport, it’s almost always a settings issue you can fix in 2-3 minutes.

One important detail: activation timing depends on your plan. Many plans activate on first data use in your destination, but some activate as soon as you install. Check your purchase confirmation email (and your plan’s instructions) so you don’t accidentally start the validity early.

• Install on Wi-Fi before you fly (or while you still have stable internet).
• QR codes are single-use. Don’t delete the email until you’re connected.
• At the airport: turn on the eSIM, set it for Mobile Data, and enable Data Roaming (most common fix).

Pick the “best plan” for Latin America (regional vs single-country)

The best plan depends on how many borders you’re crossing:

• Visiting multiple countries: start with Latin America eSIM plans and confirm the country list matches every stop on your itinerary (including transit stops if you plan to use data there).
• Staying in one country: a country plan is often simpler to manage. For example, if you’re only going to Peru, check Peru eSIM plans.

If you’re unsure your phone supports eSIM (or you’ve never used one before), check the compatibility guidance first. The quickest universal check is to dial *#06# and look for an EID number. You can also see more device notes in Device Compatibility.

What you need before you start

• A stable Wi‑Fi connection (eSIM installation needs internet).
• Your EscapeSIM QR code email from your purchase (keep it accessible offline if possible, for example saved to Files/Photos, but don’t scan it twice).
• An unlocked phone. If your phone is locked to a home carrier, the eSIM won’t activate properly even if the QR scans.
• 10 minutes of calm. If you’re doing this at the airport, step away from crowds and give the phone a moment to register a network.

Step-by-step: activate your EscapeSIM when you land

1. Check your activation instructions

   Open your EscapeSIM confirmation email and read the activation notes for your specific plan. Some plans start validity on installation, others on first data use in-destination. If you’re still at home and you don’t want validity to start yet, wait to complete the final “turn on data” steps until you arrive.

2. Install the eSIM profile (ideally before you fly)

   On iPhone (iOS 26): Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. On Android 16 (menu varies): Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code while connected to Wi‑Fi. Remember the QR code is single-use: once it’s been scanned successfully, you can’t reuse it on another device.

3. Label your lines

   When prompted, name the new line something obvious like “EscapeSIM LATAM”. Keep your home SIM as the default for calls and SMS (most travellers do this), so you can still receive texts for banking or logins.

4. Set the EscapeSIM line as your Mobile Data line

   On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, then select your EscapeSIM line. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs, then choose the EscapeSIM for Mobile data. Also turn off any “Switch data automatically” style features so your phone doesn’t jump back to your home SIM and rack up roaming charges.

5. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM

   This is the number one reason an eSIM shows signal but no internet. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > your EscapeSIM line > Data Roaming ON. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > EscapeSIM > Roaming ON. Data roaming must be enabled because your travel eSIM uses partner networks in the destination.

6. Force a fresh network connection

   Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. Give it up to 2 minutes to find a network. If you’re inside an arrivals hall, walk closer to a window or outdoors. Concrete walls and underground areas can delay connection.

7. Confirm you have data

   Open a simple webpage (not a heavy app). If it works, you’re done. If you still have no data, move to the troubleshooting section below and follow the fixes in order (don’t jump around, it wastes time).

Troubleshooting at the airport (fast fixes in the right order)

If your eSIM doesn’t work immediately, do these in order. Stop as soon as it connects.

1) You have signal but no internet

This is usually Data Roaming is off on the EscapeSIM line, or your phone is still using your home SIM for mobile data. Recheck both: EscapeSIM must be selected for Mobile Data, and roaming must be ON for the eSIM. Then toggle the eSIM line off and on once.

2) The eSIM says “Activating” for ages

This commonly happens if you’re not yet in a covered country, or the phone hasn’t latched onto a partner network. Make sure you’re physically in your destination (or a covered stop), then enable Data Roaming and do an Airplane Mode cycle. If it still hangs, restart the phone. After reboot, wait 2 minutes before changing anything else.

3) No signal / “No Service”

Start simple: move outdoors, do the Airplane Mode cycle, then restart. If you still have no service, try manual network selection (your phone may be stuck trying the wrong network):

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > EscapeSIM line > Network Selection > turn off Automatic, then try the available networks one at a time.
• Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > EscapeSIM > Network > turn off Automatic, then select a network.

If none connect, double-check your plan covers your current country (regional plans don’t always include every country in the region).

4) “Unable to Activate eSIM” or the QR code won’t scan

First, confirm the phone is unlocked. Then try again on strong Wi‑Fi and increase the QR code screen brightness. If the camera struggles, open the QR code on another device (laptop/tablet) and scan it from there. If your email includes manual install details (SM-DP+ and activation code), use the “Enter details manually” option instead of scanning.

If you already scanned the QR once, don’t keep rescanning it. QR codes are single-use. If you need a replacement, contact EscapeSIM support via https://escapesim.com/contact-us and include your order number (ESCAPE-xxxxx). Support is available 24/7 and typically responds within 1 hour.

5) It worked, then stopped before the expected end date

The two usual causes are (1) the plan validity started earlier than you expected (for example, it started on installation for that specific plan), or (2) your data allowance has been used up. Check your purchase confirmation email for the exact activation/validity rule for your plan, then check your usage in the My eSIMs area of your EscapeSIM account.

If the dates or remaining data don’t look right, contact EscapeSIM support via https://escapesim.com/contact-us with your order number (ESCAPE-xxxxx) and the country you’re currently in. Mention whether you see signal bars and what your phone shows under Mobile Data.

6) You installed it at home and now you’re worried you “started it too early”

Installation and activation aren’t always the same thing. Many plans only start once you use data in your destination, but some start immediately on installation. The only safe answer is your plan’s instructions in your confirmation email (or on the plan page). If you tell support your order number, they can confirm what applies to your plan.

If you’ve tried the steps above and still can’t get data, use the dedicated fixes in EscapeSIM eSIM troubleshooting guide and then message support with your order number. It’s much faster than experimenting with random settings while you’re in arrivals.