eSIMs fail to activate correctly in approximately 3–5% of installations. While rare, when it happens during a trip, it can be very frustrating. This guide covers all known errors and their step-by-step solutions, ordered from most to least common.
Quick Diagnosis: Identify Your Error
Before diving into solutions, pinpoint exactly what's going wrong:
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Section |
|---|---|---|
| "QR already invalid" or "QR expired" | QR used before, expired, or scanned twice | QR Errors |
| "Cannot read QR code" | Poor image quality or incorrect distance | QR Errors |
| Installs but no signal | APN not configured, eSIM not selected | Network Errors |
| "This device does not support eSIM" | Phone locked by carrier or without eSIM capability | Device Errors |
| Error during profile download | Unstable WiFi or temporarily down server | Network Errors |
| eSIM active but no data | Mobile data off or plan not started | Plan Errors |
| Plan says it's active but doesn't work | Incorrect APN, restart needed | Advanced Solutions |
Activation QR Code Errors
Error: "The QR code has already been used"
The eSIM activation QR code is single-use. If it has been scanned before (even if the installation failed), it cannot be used again from the camera menu. Solution:
- Go to Settings → Mobile Data / Network → Add Data Plan
- Look for the option "Enter details manually" or "Use activation code"
- The provider must send you a new QR or an SM-DP+ code (alternative alphanumeric code)
- Contact PuraSIM support to have your code regenerated
Error: "Cannot read QR code"
- Increase the brightness to maximum on the screen displaying the QR code
- Hold the camera 20–30 cm from the code (neither too close nor too far)
- Avoid light reflections on the QR screen
- If the QR is on paper, ensure it's not creased or folded
- Try in a different room with different lighting
Network and connectivity errors during installation
Error: "Failed to download eSIM profile"
eSIM installation requires a stable WiFi connection. The steps are:
- Check that you have active and stable WiFi — do not use mobile data to install another eSIM
- Disconnect from WiFi and reconnect to refresh the connection
- Try a different WiFi network (friends, cafe, someone's hotspot)
- Temporarily disable your VPN if it's active
- Wait 15 minutes and try again (it might be server load)
Device Problems
Error: "This iPhone does not support eSIM" on a compatible iPhone
This error usually indicates that the iPhone is locked to the original carrier:
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| iPhone purchased with contract (locked) | Contact your carrier to request unlocking. In Spain, it's free if the contract has ended. |
| US iPhone with physical SIM only (some US iPhone 14/15) | These models do not have eSIM. You need a physical SIM or an iPhone from another region. |
| Android with eSIM deactivated by carrier | Some carriers deactivate eSIM. Call your carrier and ask them to activate it. |
| Outdated iOS | Update to the latest iOS version before attempting to activate the eSIM. |
Plan or Account Problems
eSIM installs but the plan doesn't start
- Go to Settings → Mobile Data and ensure the eSIM line is selected for data
- Activate "Data Roaming" for the eSIM line
- Check that "Mobile Data" is activated (not just WiFi)
- Verify in your PuraSIM panel that the plan has started correctly
- If the plan has a future start date, wait until that date
Advanced Step-by-Step Solutions
Manual APN Configuration
If the eSIM is installed but has no data, try configuring the APN manually. The APN is the address your phone uses to connect to the eSIM carrier's network.
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM (your travel plan) → Mobile Data Options → APN
On Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (eSIM) → APNs → Add APN
The correct APN for your plan appears in the confirmation email or on the provider's website. If you can't find it, contact support.
Full Network State Reset
On iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Note: this deletes saved WiFi passwords. After the reset, install the eSIM again.
When to Contact Support
If you have tried all the above solutions and the eSIM still doesn't work, contact support when:
- The QR no longer works and you need a new one
- The error is "Invalid activation code" after entering it manually
- The download repeatedly fails with different WiFi networks
- Your device is compatible but the error persists
At PuraSIM, support in Spanish responds in less than 2 hours. Provide: the exact model of your phone, operating system version, a screenshot of the error, and the email you used to purchase the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions: eSIM Activation Errors
Can I install eSIM without WiFi?
No. Installing an eSIM profile absolutely requires a WiFi connection. This is a technical requirement of the eSIM standard. Once installed, it works without WiFi via the mobile network.
How many times can I scan the same QR?
eSIM QRs are single-use by design for security. If you need to reinstall the eSIM (new device, reset), the provider must generate a new QR or activation code.
Does the eSIM remain valid if I delete it from my phone?
It depends on the provider. Some allow eSIM reinstallation up to 3 times; others generate a new code each time. Check with your provider before deleting an active eSIM profile.
What happens if I switch iPhones and already had an active eSIM?
You can transfer the eSIM to the new iPhone using Apple's direct transfer feature (iPhone 13 and later) or by requesting a new code from the provider. The eSIM on the old iPhone becomes deactivated.
Does my US iPhone 13 have eSIM?
The US iPhone 13 has eSIM (unlike the US iPhone 14 and 15 which are eSIM-only with no physical slot). Yes, you can install travel eSIMs on the American iPhone 13.
