esim

eSIM QR Code Not Working: How to Fix It Fast & Get Online

You’ve landed, turned off airplane mode, opened the camera to scan your shiny new travel eSIM QR… and your phone throws an error. No mobile data, no maps, no ride-hailing apps. If your eSIM QR code is not working and you’re wondering how to fix it, you’re definitely not the first traveler in this situation.

Your eSIM QR Code Won’t Work – Here’s How To Fix It

This guide skips the theory and goes straight into practical troubleshooting you can do from an airport, hotel lobby, or café. We’ll walk through quick checks you should try first, what different error messages actually mean, how to activate your eSIM without scanning the QR code, and when it’s time to stop tweaking settings and ask your provider for a new QR or switch to another travel eSIM platform. Think of it as a calm, tech-savvy friend sitting next to you, helping you get online again.

Before You Panic: Quick Checks To Rule Out Simple Issues

Most “why is my eSIM QR code not working?” moments come from small, fixable things: bad Wi‑Fi, the wrong QR, or a camera that can’t read the code properly. Before diving into error codes, run through these basics.

Check Your Internet Connection

Your phone needs an active internet connection to download the eSIM profile, even though you’re scanning a QR code.

What to do:

Make sure you’re connected to Wi‑Fi that actually works:
- Open a browser and load any website.
- If the page won’t load or is painfully slow, that same connection will likely fail during eSIM activation.
If airport Wi‑Fi is overloaded (very common):
- Try another network:
  - Hotel Wi‑Fi.
  - A café hotspot.
  - Tether from someone else’s phone if possible.
Avoid turning on data roaming on your home SIM just to activate the eSIM, unless you’ve checked roaming rates. One short activation is usually fine, but know your plan.

In a few trips, we’ve seen “random” activation failures at airports vanish the moment we switched to more stable hotel Wi‑Fi.

Make Sure You’re Scanning The Right QR, The Right Way

Not every QR your provider sends is the eSIM activation QR. Some codes just log you into an app or open a website.

Check this:

Open the email or app from your eSIM provider.
Look specifically for terms like:
- “eSIM activation QR”
- “eSIM installation QR”
- “Cellular plan QR”
- “SM‑DP+ address” / “Activation code” (usually shown along with the QR)
On your phone, go into the eSIM menu first, then scan:
- iPhone:
  Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan → Use QR code.
- Android (generic):
  Settings → Connections / Network & Internet → SIM Manager / eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
Don’t use the camera app alone if your phone has a dedicated “Add eSIM” flow. That menu ensures the QR is interpreted as a mobile plan.

If you scan a login or website QR in the eSIM menu, you’ll just get errors that don’t really tell you what’s wrong.

Fix Basic QR Readability Issues

Sometimes the QR itself is fine, but your phone just can’t read it properly.

Try these quick tweaks:

Increase screen brightness to max if you’re scanning from another device.
Zoom out or show the QR at default size. Over-zoomed screenshots can confuse the reader.
Clean your camera lens and hold the phone steady for a few seconds.
Avoid harsh reflections:
- Tilt the screen slightly if bright lights are hitting it.
If you printed the QR:
- Make sure it’s not blurred, cropped, or low resolution.
- If it looks fuzzy, use the manual activation method (coming below) instead.
If your screen is cracked right over the QR area:
- Again, manual activation is your friend.

Decode Common eSIM QR Error Messages (And What They Really Mean)

When an eSIM QR code is not working, your phone shows cryptic messages like “This code is no longer valid” or “Cellular plans from this carrier cannot be added.” Behind each line there’s a very specific story: expired codes, carrier locks, or just flaky networks. Some you can fix, some you simply can’t.

Here’s what the most common messages really mean and what you can do.

“This Code Is No Longer Valid” / “Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added”

If you see:

“eSIM Cannot Be Added – This code is no longer valid”
“Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added” (older iOS versions)

…your phone is basically saying: this eSIM profile is already used or expired.

What’s happening:

Most travel eSIM QR codes are one‑time use:
- Once they’ve been used to download an eSIM profile, they usually can’t be reused.
Even if you:
- Started installation and canceled halfway.
- Deleted the eSIM profile from your phone.
- Tried to install it on a second device.
  The original QR is often burned for security reasons.
Some providers also set time limits:
- You must activate the eSIM within X days of purchase, or the code expires.

Can you fix this yourself?

No. There’s nothing on your phone that can revive a QR code once the provider marks it as invalid.
Re-scanning it 10 times or trying manual activation with the same code won’t work.

What to do:

Contact your eSIM provider via:
- In-app chat.
- Email.
- Support portal.
Clearly mention:
- The exact error: “This code is no longer valid”.
- Your device model and OS version.
- Screenshot of the error (if possible).
Ask for:
- A new eSIM profile / QR for the same plan, or
- A refund if they can’t reissue.

If they refuse to help and you’re stuck at the airport, it’s often faster to grab a new travel eSIM from a more transparent platform rather than fighting with a dead code.

“Cellular Plans From This Carrier Cannot Be Added”

This one usually points to compatibility or carrier lock issues, not a broken QR.

What it often means:

Your phone is carrier‑locked to one provider (for example, bought from AT&T on contract), and:
- It refuses to install eSIM profiles from other carriers or travel eSIM providers.
Or your provider’s eSIM:
- Isn’t supported in your region or by your phone’s firmware.

In plain English: your device is saying “I’m not allowed to use this eSIM.”

Can you fix this yourself?

Not instantly:
- To truly fix a carrier‑locked phone, only the original carrier can unlock it.
- That process can take days and might require:
  - Ending a contract.
  - Paying off the device.
  - Meeting their unlock conditions.

What to do now:

Check your lock status (see compatibility section below).
If your phone is locked:
- You won’t be able to use most third‑party travel eSIMs, including those from platforms like BitJoy.
- You’ll need:
  - A different phone that is unlocked, or
  - A travel data solution from your home carrier (usually roaming or their own eSIM add‑on).

“No SIM Restrictions” vs A Locked Device

On iPhone, you can quickly see if your phone is unlocked or tied to a carrier:

Go to Settings → General → About.
Scroll down to Carrier Lock:
- If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your phone is unlocked and can use almost any travel eSIM.
- If it shows a carrier name or something like “SIM locked”, your phone is restricted.

On Android, it varies by brand, but in general:

Insert a SIM from a different carrier:
- If the phone refuses to use it or shows a “SIM network unlock PIN” prompt, it’s locked.
Or check with your carrier’s support; they can confirm lock status.

A locked phone is one of the most common hidden reasons travel eSIMs fail, even when the QR looks fine.

“Something Went Wrong” / “Try Again Later”

This vague family of errors is usually less dramatic. It often means:

Temporary network issues (your Wi‑Fi or the provider’s server).
Slight OS glitches.
Temporary carrier settings problems.

What to try:

Restart your phone:
- Power off completely, wait 10–15 seconds, and turn it back on.
Check for OS updates:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update.
- Android: Settings → System → Software update (name may vary).
Check carrier settings (iPhone):
- Settings → General → About.
- If a popup offers a Carrier Settings Update, accept it.
Switch to a more stable Wi‑Fi network and try again.

If, after 2–3 attempts and a restart, the error changes to “code no longer valid” or stays exactly the same, it’s a strong sign the problem is on the provider’s side, not your phone.

Check Device Compatibility, OS Version & Carrier Lock

A lot of “eSIM QR code not working” stories are really “my phone doesn’t support what I’m trying to do.” Before you blame the QR, make sure your device can actually use that eSIM.

Make Sure Your Phone Supports eSIM

eSIM (embedded SIM, built into your phone) is supported only on certain models.

On iPhone:

eSIM is supported on:
- iPhone XS / XR and newer, but:
  - Some Mainland China versions don’t support eSIM at all.
Quick checks:
- Go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data:
  - If you see “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan”, your iPhone supports eSIM.
- Or in Settings → General → About:
  - Look for an EID number. That’s the unique ID used for eSIM.

On Android (generic):

Many recent Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S / Z, and other high-end devices support eSIM.
It’s typically under:
- Settings → Connections / Network & Internet → SIM Manager / eSIM / Mobile Networks.
If you can’t find any mention of eSIM or Add eSIM, there’s a good chance your device doesn’t support it.

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM at all, no QR or manual activation method will fix that—you’ll need either a different device or a physical SIM.

Check If Your Phone Is Carrier‑Locked

A carrier‑locked (not “unlocked”) phone is tied to one mobile network. It often rejects travel eSIMs from other providers.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings → General → About.
Scroll to Carrier Lock:
- “No SIM restrictions” = unlocked, good for travel eSIMs.
- Any other wording or a specific carrier name = likely locked.

On Android:

There isn’t a universal label, but you can:
- Insert a SIM from a different carrier:
  - If you get a network unlock PIN request or error, it’s locked.
- Or contact your current carrier and ask directly.

If your phone is locked:

Most independent travel eSIMs, including those on BitJoy, won’t install.
Options:
- Ask your carrier about unlocking:
  - Some unlock phones for free after a certain period.
  - Others require fees or contract completion.
- Use an unlocked spare phone or device for the eSIM instead.

Update Your OS And Carrier Settings

Out-of-date software can trip up eSIM activation.

Do this quickly:

Update OS:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update → install any pending update.
- Android: Settings → System → Software update (names differ).
Update carrier settings (iPhone):
- Settings → General → About.
- If a popup appears about carrier settings, tap Update.

These updates often include bug fixes for things like eSIM provisioning and can quietly solve activation failures.

How To Install Your eSIM Without Scanning The QR Code (Manual Activation)

If your camera refuses to read the QR, or the QR display is too small/blurred, you can usually install the eSIM manually. Think of the QR as just a shortcut for some text fields your phone can also accept by hand.

Most providers include:

An SM‑DP+ address (a server your phone contacts to download the eSIM profile).
An activation code.
Sometimes a confirmation code.

You’ll usually find these in the same email or app screen that shows your QR.

Manual Install On iPhone

Follow these steps on an iPhone:

Connect to a working Wi‑Fi network.
Open Settings.
Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
On the “Set Up eSIM” screen:
- Choose Use QR Code if prompted.
- Then look for an option like “Enter Details Manually” or “Enter Activation Code”.
Enter the details from your provider:
- SM‑DP+ address (exactly as written).
- Activation code.
- Confirmation code if they gave you one.
Tap Next and wait while your iPhone downloads the eSIM profile.
When asked:
- Choose whether this is your Primary or Secondary line.
- Make sure Data Roaming is enabled for this eSIM once you reach your destination.

If everything is valid, the eSIM should show up under Cellular Plans and eventually display a local network name.

Manual Install On Android

Android menus differ a bit by brand, but the flow is similar.

Generic steps:

Connect to a reliable Wi‑Fi network.
Open Settings.
Go to Connections or Network & Internet.
Tap SIM Manager, SIM cards, or eSIM (name may vary).
Choose Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
Instead of scanning a QR, choose:
- “Enter activation code” or
- “Enter details manually”.
Enter:
- Activation code (often includes or references the SM‑DP+ information), or
- Separate SM‑DP+ address and activation code, depending on your phone’s UI.
Confirm and wait while it downloads the eSIM profile.
Once added, set that eSIM as your mobile data line and enable data roaming if required for travel.

Check your notification shade for any prompts to finalize activation.

When Manual Activation Won’t Help

Manual activation bypasses camera and QR readability problems, but it does not override:

An expired eSIM profile.
A profile that’s already used on another device.
A device that’s carrier‑locked and refuses that provider.

If you enter the activation details manually and still see:

“This code is no longer valid”
“Cellular plans from this carrier cannot be added”
Or similar messages

…then the issue is with the profile or device permissions, not how you’re entering the data. At that point, your best next step is contacting the provider or using a different eSIM.

Full Troubleshooting Flow: Step‑By‑Step Checklist

If you’re standing in a terminal with limited time, here’s a compact “esim qr code not working how to fix” checklist you can run through quickly:

Check your Wi‑Fi/data connection
Make sure you’re on stable Wi‑Fi that can load a regular website.
Open the proper eSIM menu
Use Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan (or Android equivalent), not just the camera app.
Rescan the QR with better conditions
Turn screen brightness to max, clean your camera lens, and avoid glare or tiny/cropped screenshots.
Switch to manual activation
If scanning fails, enter the SM‑DP+ address and activation code manually from your eSIM email or app.
Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
Look for “Add eSIM” in settings and “No SIM restrictions” (iPhone) or confirm with your carrier for Android.
Update OS and carrier settings, then restart
Install any pending software or carrier updates, fully restart your phone, and try again.
Stop if you see “code no longer valid”
Don’t keep retrying the same QR or code. That message means the profile is expired or already used.
Contact your eSIM provider
Send them a screenshot of the error, your device info, and ask for a new eSIM / QR or a refund.
If you need data now and support is slow
Consider cutting your losses and buying a new travel eSIM from a clear, traveler‑focused platform like BitJoy, where compatibility and activation options are fully spelled out.

When It’s Time To Contact Your eSIM Provider (Or Switch To A New One)

Once you’ve gone through the checklist above, you’ll hit a point where more tinkering on your phone won’t change anything. Some problems are provider-side only.

Situations Where Only Your Provider Can Fix It

You should stop self‑troubleshooting and reach out to your provider when:

The error clearly says the code is expired or no longer valid:
- “This code is no longer valid”
- “Cellular plan cannot be added – code used or expired”
The eSIM shows as already installed on another device:
- For example, you switched phones and forgot the first one still has it.
You paid, but the provider never activated the plan in their system:
- Their backend still thinks your eSIM doesn’t exist or isn’t ready.
The provider’s own server is having a provisioning issue:
- You’ve tried different networks and devices and it fails in the same way.

In these cases, you can reasonably ask for:

A fresh eSIM profile / new QR code, or
A refund, if they can’t reissue.

No amount of resetting, manual APN tweaks, or QR re-scans on your side will fix a profile that’s invalid in their system.

What You Can Reasonably Expect From A Good Provider

A traveler‑friendly eSIM provider should:

Show a clear compatibility list:
- Which phones are supported.
- Any region/model exceptions (like certain China iPhones).
Be transparent about:
- One‑time use nature of QR codes.
- Activation windows (e.g., must activate within 30 days).
- Whether deleting the eSIM will permanently invalidate the profile.
Offer:
- Simple, step‑by‑step instructions for both QR and manual activation.
- Responsive support, ideally via live chat or fast email.
- Reasonable reissue or refund policies if activation fails due to technical issues.

If your current provider hides these details or takes days to respond while you’re already abroad, that’s a red flag for future trips.

When It’s Faster To Grab A New Travel eSIM (BitJoy)

Sometimes, especially mid‑trip, the most practical move is to cut your losses and get a new travel eSIM from a platform that does things more transparently.

Quick Provider Comparison

Here's how theBitJoy stacks up against other major eSIM providers:

Feature	theBitJoy	Airalo	Holafly	Nomad
Coverage	190+ countries	200+ countries	160+ countries	190+ countries
Starting Price	~$2.50-$2.90	$4.50	$6/day	$6
Activation Speed	2-5 minutes	2-10 minutes	Instant claim	5-15 minutes
Payment Options	Card + Crypto	Card only	Card only	Card only
Refund Window	5-day guarantee	7-day	Varies	14-day
Manual Activation	Yes (included upfront)	Yes	Yes	Yes
AI Assistant	Yes	No	No	No
Best For	Crypto users, flexible refunds	Budget-conscious	Unlimited data seekers	Mid-range

Prices verified January 2025. Always check current rates before purchase.

This is where BitJoy comes in as a smarter option for your next eSIM (or even this trip, if you need data immediately):

Global coverage: Travel eSIM data plans for 190+ destinations, from short business trips to long nomad stays.
Instant digital activation:
- eSIMs delivered within seconds.
- Activation via QR code or manual activation code—so you’re not stuck if the camera fails.
Clear, flexible pricing tiers:
- Light & short-trip plans from around $2.50.
- Essential and medium usage plans from roughly $4–11 for 3–10 GB.
- High usage and long-term plans up to 50 GB / 180 days, with flexible options depending on destination and duration.
AI Travel Shopping Assistant:
- Helps you pick the right data amount and duration so you don’t overpay or run out mid‑trip.
Modern payments:
- Supports cards and crypto, handy for digital nomads or travelers without local banking.
Optional 100% refund windows during certain promos:
- No-questions-asked refunds in eligible periods, great peace of mind for first‑time eSIM users.

If your current provider isn’t helping and you’re burning time in the terminal, it’s often more efficient to grab a new travel eSIM from a platform like BitJoy that spells out compatibility and activation clearly instead of leaving you guessing.

Practical Pre‑Trip Tips So Your eSIM QR Never Fails You Again

Once you’ve wrestled with a broken QR once, you’ll probably want to avoid that stress forever. Here are habits we’ve seen work well on multiple trips.

Check device compatibility before buying
Confirm your phone:
- Supports eSIM.
- Is unlocked (“No SIM restrictions” on iPhone, or carrier-confirmed on Android).
Save everything offline
Before you travel:
- Screenshot the QR, SM‑DP+ address, activation code, and instructions.
- Store them in your photo gallery and a cloud note app that works offline.
- Print a copy if you’re old‑school or helping less techy family.
Pre‑install the eSIM at home
If your provider allows:
- Install the eSIM while on strong home Wi‑Fi.
- Set it to stay inactive for data until you land.
- When you arrive, just switch mobile data to that eSIM and enable data roaming.
Help less tech‑savvy travelers ahead of time
For parents or friends:
- Install and test the eSIM before they fly.
- Show them:
  - How to turn the eSIM on/off.
  - How to switch the data line in settings.
Keep your physical SIM as backup
When possible:
- Don’t remove your main SIM.
- Use the eSIM for data and keep your home number alive for calls/SMS and 2FA.
Choose providers that focus on travelers
Look for:
- Clear activation docs.
- Manual activation data available.
- Compatibility + refund info upfront.
  Platforms like BitJoy are built with this clarity in mind, reducing your chance of hitting a mystery error at boarding time.

Conclusion: Don’t Let A Dead QR Code Ruin Your Trip

A non‑working eSIM QR code is annoying, but it doesn’t have to derail your travel. You now know how to handle esim qr code not working how to fix scenarios step by step: start with simple checks (internet, correct QR, camera issues), move on to decoding error messages, try manual activation using SM‑DP+ and activation codes, and recognize when the problem is beyond your phone and firmly in your provider’s hands.

Some issues—especially “code no longer valid” or a strictly carrier‑locked phone—can’t be solved locally. In those cases, your options are limited to getting a fresh eSIM from the provider or switching to a new service.

For your next trip, using a travel‑focused platform like BitJoy makes the whole process smoother: instant digital eSIMs across 190+ countries, clear plan tiers from light to unlimited, AI guidance so you pick the right data, flexible payments (including crypto), and optional refund windows for extra peace of mind. Check BitJoy’s latest travel eSIM options before your next flight so the only QR you’re thinking about at the gate is your boarding pass—not a dead eSIM code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my eSIM QR code not working?

Your eSIM QR code might not be working due to several reasons: it could be expired or already used, your phone might be carrier-locked or incompatible, or there could be temporary network or OS issues hindering the activation process.

Can I reuse an eSIM QR code if it didn't work the first time?

No, most eSIM QR codes are designed for a single use. If you encountered an error like "code is no longer valid," it means the code has been used or invalidated, and you will need to contact your provider for a new one.

What does "eSIM cannot be added - this code is no longer valid" mean?

This error message typically indicates that the QR code has already been scanned and used for installation, or it has expired. Each QR code is usually valid for one-time activation only.

How do I check if my phone supports eSIM or is carrier-locked?

For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About and look for "EID" or an "Add eSIM" option. For carrier lock status, check under "Carrier Lock." For Android, check in Settings under Network & Internet or Connections for eSIM options and carrier lock information.

How can I activate my eSIM manually if the QR code isn't scanning?

You can manually activate your eSIM by entering the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your eSIM provider. Navigate to your phone's cellular settings, choose to "Add eSIM," and then select the option to "Enter details manually."

What should I do if my eSIM QR code is "no longer valid"?

If your eSIM QR code shows as "no longer valid," you cannot fix this on your phone. You must contact your eSIM provider to request a new QR code or a replacement eSIM profile, or inquire about a refund.

Is it possible my phone's operating system is preventing eSIM activation?

Yes, an outdated operating system can sometimes cause issues with eSIM activation. Ensure your phone's iOS or Android is updated to the latest version available, as updates often include bug fixes related to connectivity and eSIM functionality.

When should I contact my eSIM provider for help?

Contact your eSIM provider if you've tried all troubleshooting steps, including manual activation, and the issue persists. This is especially true if you receive errors indicating the QR code is invalid, or if you suspect a problem with their provisioning system.

What are the signs of a reliable eSIM provider for travel?

A reliable travel eSIM provider will offer clear device compatibility information, provide both QR codes and manual activation details, have responsive customer support, and offer transparent pricing and data plans suitable for international travel.

How can I avoid eSIM QR code issues on my next trip?

Before your next trip, confirm your phone's eSIM compatibility and carrier lock status. Save your eSIM details (QR code, activation code) offline and, if possible, install the eSIM at home while on stable Wi-Fi before you travel.

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