If your scanner doesn't recognize the QR code when trying to install your eSIM, you're not alone: it's one of the most common activation errors. The good news is that it can be fixed in under five minutes, either by correcting the scanning distance, increasing screen brightness, or using the manual installation method without a QR code that most carriers offer.
Why the QR scanner fails when installing eSIM
The process of installing an eSIM using a QR code seems simple, but it involves a chain of conditions that must be met simultaneously. When one fails, the scanner does not recognize the code, and the installation stops. These are the most common reasons:
1. You are displaying the QR on the same device you are trying to set up
This is the number one mistake. If you open the email with the QR on the same iPhone or Android you want to configure with the eSIM, the operating system blocks the scan for security reasons. iOS and Android detect that the camera is trying to read a QR code on the device's own screen and prevent it to avoid installation loops. The solution is to open the QR on another device: a computer, a tablet, or a friend's phone.
2. The brightness of the screen displaying the QR is too low
The camera needs sufficient contrast to read the code. If the screen displaying the QR has minimum or automatic brightness, indoors with low light there may not be enough detail. Increase the brightness to maximum on the device displaying the QR before scanning.
3. The distance or angle is not correct
The eSIM scanner uses the main rear camera. If you are too close (less than 15 cm), the autofocus does not have time to stabilize; if you are too far (more than 40 cm), the code may appear too small. The optimal distance is between 20 and 30 cm, with the device parallel to the screen displaying the QR, without inclination.
4. The QR is in a low-resolution PDF or image
If the provider sent you the QR as a compressed JPG image or within a low-resolution PDF, the code modules may appear blurry or pixelated. Try zooming in on the image before scanning, or ask the provider to resend the QR in higher resolution.
5. Reflection or overexposure on the screen
If there is a direct light source (window, lamp) behind or above the screen displaying the QR, the reflection can saturate the camera and prevent reading. Change rooms or rotate the screen's angle to eliminate reflections.
Requirements for correct QR scanning
Before attempting to scan, verify that you meet all these requirements. Installation will fail if any of them are missing:
- eSIM-compatible device: Not all phones support eSIM. Check the compatibility section below to verify your model.
- iOS 12.1 or higher / Android 9 or higher: Older versions do not include native support for eSIM installation via QR.
- Active internet connection: The device needs to connect to the carrier's SM-DP+ server during scanning. Use Wi-Fi or make sure you have data with your physical SIM.
- Available eSIM slot: On devices with two eSIMs (like iPhone 15 in the US), both slots may be occupied. Delete an inactive eSIM before installing the new one.
- QR not previously used: Each eSIM QR code is for single use. If it has already been scanned and installed, even partially, the code becomes invalid.
- Unlocked device (no carrier lock): If your phone is locked to a carrier, it may reject eSIMs from other providers. Contact your current carrier to request unlocking.
If, after checking all these points, the scanner still doesn't work, proceed directly to the alternative manual installation method.
Install eSIM without QR code (alternative method)
Manual installation is as valid as QR and in many cases even faster. Instead of scanning a code, you manually enter the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code provided by the operator.
On iPhone (iOS)
- Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan.
- On the scan screen, tap "Enter Details Manually" (blue link at the bottom).
- Enter the SM-DP+ address (also called LPA server) exactly as it appears in your provider's email.
- Enter the activation code (long alphanumeric string).
- Tap Next and wait for the profile to download (5-30 seconds).
- Confirm the installation and choose whether you want to use the eSIM immediately or later.
For more details on iPhone installation, see our complete guide: How to install and activate eSIM on iPhone step-by-step. If you have an iPhone 15 or higher, you can also use direct eSIM transfer: Activate eSIM on iPhone 15 without QR.
On Samsung Galaxy (Android)
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
- Tap "Add mobile plan".
- Select "Enter activation code" or "Don't have a QR code?" depending on the One UI version.
- Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- Confirm and wait for the profile to download.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy, our specific guide will help you: Install eSIM on Samsung Galaxy — Complete Guide.
Where to find the manual activation code
You will find the activation code in the purchase confirmation email for your eSIM. Look for fields with names like "SM-DP+ Address," "LPA Address," "Activation Code," or "Código de activación." If it doesn't appear in the email, access the provider's user panel or contact their support.
Request new QR from provider
If you prefer to use the QR method (for example, because you don't have access to the manual activation code) and the original QR was already invalidated or is damaged, you need to request a new code from the provider.
When the QR becomes invalid
- It has already been scanned and successfully installed on a device (even if you deleted the eSIM afterwards).
- There was a failed installation attempt midway through the process with some carriers.
- The QR's validity period has expired (some carriers limit its validity to 30-90 days).
How to request the new QR
- Access the provider's user panel and look for the option "Resend QR," "Regenerate code," or similar.
- If that option doesn't exist, contact support via chat or email, indicating: your purchase email address, the order number, and the reason (QR not working / QR already used).
- The new QR will arrive by email. Open it on a computer or tablet, not on the same phone where you are going to install the eSIM.
Most eSIM providers for travelers process these requests in less than 30 minutes. If you have been waiting for more than an hour, check your spam folder or contact them again, stating that you have not received a response.
Scanner compatibility by model
Not all devices behave the same when scanning eSIM QR codes. Here is a summary by manufacturer:
iPhone
All models from iPhone XS (2018) support eSIM. The built-in scanner in "Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan" works natively. iPhone 14 and 15 sold in the US are eSIM-only (no physical nano-SIM slot) and support up to 8 stored eSIMs (2 active simultaneously).
Samsung Galaxy
eSIM compatibility on Samsung varies by device destination market. Galaxy S20 and later models sold in Europe and the US generally have eSIM, but some models intended for Asian markets lack it even if they are the same model number. Check in Settings → About phone → Status if the "eSIM Status" option appears.
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and later support eSIM in almost all markets. The scanner is in Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
Other Android
Motorola (from Razr 2019), Huawei (P40 and later models, except in markets with restrictions), OnePlus (from OnePlus 12 in some markets), and Xiaomi (a reduced selection of premium models) have eSIM support. In these cases, access to the scanner depends on the Android customization layer manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't my phone scan the eSIM QR code?
The most frequent causes are: the camera focusing too close or too far, the QR code opened on the same screen that is being scanned (the system blocks it), insufficient brightness on the screen displaying the QR, or the device not being eSIM compatible. Adjust the distance, increase the brightness, and make sure to use a second device to display the QR.
Can I install an eSIM without scanning the QR code?
Yes. Most carriers offer a manual activation code (SM-DP+ Address + Activation Code) that you can enter manually in your device settings. On iPhone, go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan → Enter Details Manually. On Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add mobile plan → Enter activation code.
How many times can I scan the same eSIM QR code?
Normally only once. An eSIM QR code is single-use for security reasons. Once the profile has been scanned and installed, the QR becomes invalid. If you need to reinstall the eSIM, you will need to request a new QR code from your provider.
Does the normal camera's QR scanner work for installing eSIM?
Not directly. You must use the scanner built into your device's eSIM settings (Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan on iPhone, or Settings → Connections → SIM Manager on Samsung). If you point the normal camera at the QR, it may try to open it on the same device, which doesn't work.
How long does it take for the provider to send a new QR code?
It depends on the provider, but most eSIM providers for travelers (like PuraSim) send the new QR by email in less than 30 minutes. Some have real-time chat support that can generate the new code instantly.
