eSIM QR code not working: what to check
Troubleshoot QR scan errors, already-used messages, and manual installation problems.
The phone cannot scan the eSIM QR code or shows an error while adding the mobile plan.
Use Wi-Fi, increase screen brightness, scan from another device, check that the QR code has not been used, and switch to manual activation details if scanning keeps failing.
- Open the QR code on a second device or print it so your phone camera can scan it clearly.
- Increase brightness and make sure the whole QR code is visible without cropping.
- Clean the camera lens and hold the phone steady for a few seconds.
- Confirm the phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked.
- Wi-Fi is connected before you start adding the eSIM.
- The QR code is not a screenshot compressed by a messenger.
- The eSIM was not already installed on this or another phone.
- Do not share the QR code publicly. It is tied to one eSIM installation.
- Manual entry is normal and safe when the phone cannot read the QR code cleanly.
Step-by-step fix
4 min read
- 1
Open the QR code on a second device or print it so your phone camera can scan it clearly.
- 2
Increase brightness and make sure the whole QR code is visible without cropping.
- 3
Clean the camera lens and hold the phone steady for a few seconds.
- 4
Confirm the phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked.
- 5
If scanning fails, choose manual entry and copy the activation details exactly.
- 6
If the phone says the code is already used, do not keep retrying on different devices. Contact support with the order number.
- Wi-Fi is connected before you start adding the eSIM.
- The QR code is not a screenshot compressed by a messenger.
- The eSIM was not already installed on this or another phone.
- The device camera can focus on the code clearly.
- Do not share the QR code publicly. It is tied to one eSIM installation.
- Manual entry is normal and safe when the phone cannot read the QR code cleanly.
- The device camera can focus on the code clearly.
- Manual entry is normal and safe when the phone cannot read the QR code cleanly.