Does each QR only work once?

Yes. eSIM QR codes are single-use by design. After successful installation, the QR is consumed and cannot be reused. If you need to install on a different device, regenerate the QR from your account.

Can I save the QR for later?

You can save the email but the QR is only valid until installed. For long-term access, use the manual activation URL which remains valid longer.

I scanned the QR on the wrong phone. Can I fix it?

Contact support immediately with your order ID. We can reset the profile and issue a new QR for the correct device.

Troubleshooting

eSIM QR code not working: seven fixes in order

A QR code that will not scan is almost always solvable in under two minutes. Here are the seven fixes in order of likelihood.

Updated 2026-04-14

Key takeaway

"A QR code that scans fine on a laptop screen often fails on a phone camera because of screen reflection. Printing the QR or displaying it on a matte screen fixes this in seconds."

The QR code is the weakest link in the eSIM install flow. Dim lighting, phone camera glare, screen reflection, and email rendering can all break a scan. The good news: every one of these is solvable in under two minutes.

Before you contact support, run through these seven fixes in order.

1. Try to scan from a non-reflective surface

Glossy phone screens reflect light back into the camera and disrupt the scan. Try opening the QR on a desktop monitor or tablet with lower reflectivity, or tilt the screen so you're not catching ambient light. Print-outs work perfectly if you have access to a printer.

2. Use a brighter environment

Low light makes QR scanning harder. Open the QR in a well-lit room or outdoors. Do not scan from a dark email in airplane mode.

3. Switch to manual entry

Every eSIM QR code also comes with a manual activation URL in the email. On iOS: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually. On Android: Add eSIM → Need Help? → Enter manually. Paste the URL. Works identically to scanning.

4. Confirm you have Wi-Fi

eSIM profiles download from the carrier's SM-DP+ server. Without an internet connection (Wi-Fi or working cellular), the QR scan appears to "work" but the download fails. Connect to Wi-Fi first.

5. Check storage on the phone

eSIM profiles are small but they still need free space. If your phone is totally full, the install can fail. Free up a few hundred megabytes if storage is tight.

6. Restart the phone and try again

Classic fix. Sometimes the eSIM subsystem needs a fresh start. Hard reboot, then retry the scan.

7. Request a new QR from your account

Very occasionally a QR is one-time-use and has been invalidated by a previous attempt. Log in to your account, regenerate the QR, and scan the new one. Do not attempt to scan both.

Questions people actually ask.

Yes. eSIM QR codes are single-use by design. After successful installation, the QR is consumed and cannot be reused. If you need to install on a different device, regenerate the QR from your account.
You can save the email but the QR is only valid until installed. For long-term access, use the manual activation URL which remains valid longer.
Contact support immediately with your order ID. We can reset the profile and issue a new QR for the correct device.

Keep reading.

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