eSIM QR Code Not Working? Easy Fixes for Scan and Activation Errors
You scan the QR code, wait for the new line to appear and… nothing. Or an error pops up telling you the code is invalid or no longer valid. When your eSIM QR code is not working, it's easy to panic, especially with a flight to catch. The good news is that the cause is usually simple, like an already-used code, an unstable connection or a phone setting, and most problems can be fixed in a few minutes.
This guide covers why an eSIM QR code won't scan or activate, what each error message means and how to fix it step by step on iPhone and Android. If you're new to eSIM, you can first see how eSIM installation works.
Why Is My eSIM QR Code Not Working?
An eSIM QR code usually stops working because it has already been used, the eSIM is already installed, the camera can't read the code, the internet connection drops during the download, or the phone is incompatible or carrier-locked. Most cases can be fixed by checking your settings, rescanning on stable Wi-Fi or entering the eSIM details manually.
The eSIM QR Code Has Already Been Used
Most eSIM QR codes are single-use: they can download one eSIM profile to one device. If you've scanned the code before, even if the installation seemed to stop halfway, the profile may already have downloaded, and a second scan will return an error. This is the most common reason behind an "eSIM QR code already used" or "no longer valid" message.
The eSIM Is Already Installed on Your Phone
Sometimes the first scan works, but the new line isn't obvious, especially if it hasn't activated yet. The eSIM is already sitting in your settings, and rescanning fails because the profile is already on your phone.
Your Phone Cannot Read the QR Code
When an eSIM QR code won't scan, the problem is often physical: low screen brightness, glare, a dirty camera lens, a crumpled or blurry printout, or holding the phone too close. Also keep in mind that your phone can't scan a QR code shown on its own screen, which is a common reason for an eSIM QR code not scanning.
Your Internet Connection Is Unstable
Scanning the code only starts the process. The eSIM profile is then downloaded over the internet. If your Wi-Fi drops or you're on a public network with a login page, the download can fail halfway.
Your Device Does Not Support eSIM
eSIM support depends on the phone model and, in some cases, the region where the phone was sold. If your phone has no "Add eSIM" option at all, it may not support eSIM.
Your Phone Is Carrier-Locked
Phones bought on a contract are sometimes locked to one carrier. A locked phone may refuse to install an eSIM from another provider, often with an "eSIM cannot be added" message.
The QR Code Is Invalid or No Longer Valid
An invalid eSIM QR code can result from a cancelled or reissued order, a code issued for a different device, or activation details copied with a typo. In these cases, rescanning won't help: an eSIM QR code not valid for your device has to be corrected or replaced by your provider.
A Temporary Device or Software Issue Is Blocking Installation
Outdated software, a pending carrier settings update or a simple glitch can interrupt the installation. These issues are usually solved with a restart or an update.
How to Fix an eSIM QR Code That Is Not Working
Work through these steps in order and stop as soon as the eSIM installs. The first four only take a moment and rule out the most common causes.
1. Check Whether the eSIM Is Already Installed
Before scanning again, open your phone's cellular or SIM settings. If you see a new line (it may be labeled "Secondary", "Travel" or with the provider's name), the eSIM is already installed. Turn the line on instead of rescanning. You'll find the exact paths for iPhone and Android below.
2. Make Sure Your Phone Supports eSIM
Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also check our up-to-date list of eSIM-compatible devices.
3. Check That Your Phone Is Carrier-Unlocked
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means your phone is unlocked. On Android, the location varies by brand, so the quickest option is to ask the carrier you bought the phone from.
4. Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network
Connect to a private, reliable Wi-Fi network, such as your home network, and stay on it until the installation is complete. Avoid airport, café or hotel networks that require a login page.
5. Try Scanning the QR Code Again
Display the QR code on a second device (a laptop, tablet or another phone) or print it out. Then:
- Turn the brightness of the screen showing the code up to maximum.
- Clean your camera lens.
- Avoid glare and reflections.
- Hold your phone steady, about 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) from the code.
Only have one phone? The iPhone and Android sections below explain how to install the eSIM without scanning a second screen.
💡 Tip: With Enjoy eSIM, you can install your eSIM at home before you fly, so your data is ready the moment you land.
6. Restart Your Phone and Try Again
A restart clears temporary glitches that can block the installation. While you're at it, install any pending iOS or Android update, then try once more.
7. Enter the eSIM Details Manually
If the code still won't scan, install the eSIM without the camera. You'll need the SM-DP+ address and activation code that came with your eSIM order. Copy and paste them instead of typing to avoid mistakes.
8. Contact Your eSIM Provider Before Deleting Anything
If none of these steps work, don't delete the eSIM or keep rescanning. Deleting a partially installed profile usually makes the QR code unusable. Contact your eSIM provider first. Enjoy eSIM's 24/7 support team can check your eSIM's status and tell you the next step.
What Do Common eSIM QR Code Error Messages Mean?
Whether you're dealing with an eSIM QR code invalid error, an eSIM QR code no longer valid warning or an activation failure, the message itself is a useful clue. Here's a quick overview, followed by more detail on each.
| Error message | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "This Code Is No Longer Valid" | The code was already used or the eSIM was deleted | Check whether the eSIM is installed; if not, contact your provider |
| "Invalid QR Code" | The code can't be read or isn't an eSIM code | Rescan in better conditions or enter the details manually |
| "eSIM Cannot Be Added" | Carrier lock, unsupported device or weak connection | Check the carrier lock and compatibility, and use stable Wi-Fi |
| "Unable to Activate eSIM" | The eSIM is installed but not connected yet | Turn the line on, enable data roaming and check whether the plan activates at your destination |
"This Code Is No Longer Valid"
This message means the eSIM QR code is no longer valid for a new installation, usually because it has already been used or the profile was deleted. Check whether the eSIM is already installed. If it isn't, contact your provider about a replacement.
"Invalid QR Code"
An invalid eSIM QR code message usually means the phone couldn't read the code correctly, or the code isn't an eSIM activation code. Rescan in better lighting, or enter the details manually to rule out a scanning problem.
"eSIM Cannot Be Added"
This error usually points to a carrier-locked phone, a device that doesn't support eSIM or a connection that dropped during the download. Go through steps 2 to 4 above.
"Unable to Activate eSIM"
Here, the eSIM is installed but hasn't connected to a network yet. Make sure the line is turned on and selected for mobile data, and that data roaming is enabled. Some plans only activate once you arrive at your destination. For more fixes, see our guide on what to do when your eSIM is not activating.
eSIM QR Code Not Working on iPhone
Menu names can differ slightly depending on your iOS version and region (for example, Cellular or Mobile Data).
Check If the eSIM Is Already Listed Under Cellular
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). If the new eSIM appears in the list, tap it and make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
Scan or Add the QR Code Correctly
There are three ways to add an eSIM with a QR code on iPhone:
- Camera: Open the Camera app, scan the QR code, then tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
- Settings: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan) and choose to use a QR code.
- One-phone option: If the QR code is in an email or web page on the same iPhone, tap and hold the code, then tap Add eSIM.
Restart Your iPhone and Try Again
Restart your iPhone, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try once more. It's also worth checking Settings > General > Software Update for a pending iOS update.
Enter eSIM Details Manually
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan), tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen and enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
eSIM QR Code Not Working on Android
Menu names vary by brand and Android version. The paths below are for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
Check SIM Manager for an Existing eSIM
On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. If the new eSIM is listed, turn it on.
Import or Scan the QR Code Again
On Samsung, go to SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code and scan again. Some Android phones also let you import the QR code image from your gallery on the scan screen, which helps if you only have one phone. A restart may be needed to complete the eSIM setup.
Try Manual eSIM Installation
On the scan screen, choose the option to enter an activation code instead (the wording varies by brand), then enter the details from your order.
🌍 Planning your next trip? Browse travel eSIM plans →
Can You Use an eSIM QR Code More Than Once?
Usually not. Most eSIM QR codes are designed to install one eSIM profile on one device. After a successful download, the code is marked as used, and scanning it again typically triggers a "This code is no longer valid" error. That's why it's worth installing carefully the first time, on stable Wi-Fi.
What If You Deleted Your eSIM?
Deleting an eSIM usually removes the profile from your phone for good, and you may lose access to the remaining data on that plan.
Do Not Keep Rescanning the Same QR Code
Scanning a used code again won't restore the deleted eSIM. It will usually return an error, and repeated attempts can make troubleshooting harder.
Contact Support Before Trying Another Installation
Your eSIM provider can check whether the profile can be reissued. When you get in touch, share your order number, your phone model and a screenshot of any error message to speed things up.
What If You Lost or Deleted Your eSIM QR Code?
If you haven't installed the eSIM yet, your QR code is usually in your order confirmation email. Search your inbox (and spam folder) for your order, or check the Enjoy eSIM app. If you still can't find it, contact support to have the code or the manual installation details resent.
If the eSIM is already installed, you don't need the QR code anymore. The eSIM stays on your phone until you delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my eSIM QR code say invalid?
An invalid eSIM QR code message usually means your phone couldn't read the code correctly or it isn't a valid eSIM activation code. Rescan with better lighting on a second screen, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually.
Why does my eSIM say "This code is no longer valid"?
The code has usually already been used or the eSIM was deleted. Check whether the eSIM is already listed in your settings. If it isn't, contact your eSIM provider instead of rescanning.
Can I scan an eSIM QR code twice?
Generally no. Most eSIM QR codes are single-use and can only install one eSIM profile on one device.
Can I scan an eSIM QR code from the same phone?
Your camera can't scan its own screen. Use a second screen or a printout. On iPhone, you can also tap and hold the QR code in an email or web page and tap Add eSIM, and some Android phones let you import the QR code image from the gallery.
Does an eSIM QR code expire?
Some eSIM QR codes must be installed within a set period after purchase. Check your order details and install your eSIM well before you travel.
What happens if I delete my eSIM after scanning it?
Deleting an eSIM usually removes the profile from your phone permanently, and the same QR code typically won't work again. Contact your eSIM provider before deleting anything.
How do I know if my eSIM is already installed?
On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). On Android, check SIM manager or Network & internet > SIMs. If a new line appears there, your eSIM is installed.
Can I install an eSIM without scanning a QR code?
Yes. On both iPhone and Android, you can enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your order manually instead of scanning the QR code.
🚀 Ready for your next trip? Get connected before you land.
