eSIM QR Code Not Working? 9 Fixes That Actually Work

You bought an eSIM, scanned the QR code, and... it failed. Or it installed but shows No Service. Frustrating — but almost always fixable in a couple of minutes. Work through these nine fixes in order; most people are sorted by step 3.

1. Check you are on Wi-Fi or working data

Installing an eSIM downloads your plan from the internet, so you need a connection during setup. Connect to Wi-Fi first. This is the single most common reason a QR scan "does nothing."

2. Make sure you have not already used the code

An eSIM QR code can normally be installed once. If you scanned it already (even a failed-looking attempt that actually worked), scanning again returns an error. Check Settings → Mobile/Cellular for a plan that is already there.

3. Confirm your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable

A carrier-locked phone will refuse outside plans. Dial *#06# — if there is no EID, the phone cannot take an eSIM. See our compatibility guide to confirm your model, and check with your carrier that the phone is unlocked.

4. Scan from a second screen — or type the details

If the camera will not focus on the code, open the email on a computer or another phone and scan that screen. Still stuck? Every eSIM comes with manual details (an SM-DP+ address and activation code). On your phone choose Enter details manually and paste them in.

5. Update your phone's software

eSIM handling improves with OS updates. Install any pending iOS or Android update, restart, and try again — this quietly fixes a surprising number of "Unable to Add Cellular Plan" errors.

6. Restart (the boring fix that works)

Power the phone fully off and on. A restart clears the temporary glitches behind a lot of activation failures, especially "No Service" right after install.

7. Turn the eSIM line — and data roaming — on

Installing a plan is not the same as using it. Go to your mobile settings, select the new eSIM line, make sure it is turned on, set it as your data line, and enable Data Roaming for that line. (Roaming just means "use a network that is not your home one" — with a travel eSIM it is exactly what you want and costs nothing extra.)

8. Set the APN if data still will not flow

If you have signal but no internet, your plan's APN may need entering. Your provider lists it with the plan; add it under the eSIM line's settings, then toggle Airplane Mode on and off.

9. Do not judge it too early

Install the eSIM before your trip — but many plans only get service once you are in the destination and connected to a local network. Seeing "No Service" at home can be completely normal; it should connect on arrival once roaming is on.

Still not working?

If you have tried all nine and it still will not connect, it is usually one of two things: the phone is locked, or the plan needs to be re-issued. A good provider will resend or replace the eSIM quickly — you can re-download yours any time from your account dashboard, or reach our team on the contact page and we will sort it fast.

The vast majority of "eSIM not working" cases come down to Wi-Fi during install, a locked phone, or the roaming and data toggle — check those three first and you will rarely need the rest.