An eSIM QR code is a carrier-issued code that downloads a mobile plan to a compatible phone. To get one, contact your mobile carrier or buy an eSIM plan from an eSIM provider. The carrier or provider may send the code by email, display it in an app or account portal, or print it on an activation card.
You cannot create a working carrier eSIM QR code yourself because the code contains the carrier's activation details. Some carriers activate eSIMs through the phone, carrier app or an activation link, so you may not need a QR code. On iOS 17.4 or later, Apple also supports adding an eSIM from a QR code displayed in an email or browser.
Where to Get Your eSIM QR Code
The source of your eSIM QR code depends on whether you are starting a new plan, moving an existing number or replacing an eSIM.
| Your situation | Where the QR code usually comes from |
|---|---|
| New mobile plan | Carrier website, email, app or activation card |
| Existing phone number | Carrier support, account portal or eSIM replacement process |
| Physical SIM converted to eSIM | Carrier app, online account or customer service |
| Travel eSIM | Email or account dashboard from the travel eSIM provider |
| eSIM deleted or phone replaced | A new QR code or eSIM profile from your carrier |
Buy an eSIM Plan
When you order service, choose eSIM, digital SIM or eSIM activation instead of a physical SIM. The provider may show the QR code after checkout or send it by email.
AT&T Prepaid provides an eSIM activation card with a QR code for compatible devices. T-Mobile says customers who need a QR code can contact support to have it emailed.
Check Your Carrier Account or Email
Search your email and carrier account for:
- eSIM
- QR code
- activation
- mobile plan
- digital SIM
- SIM replacement
- EID or IMEI
Check your spam or junk folder as well. Some providers put the QR code in their app or online account instead of sending it by email.
Ask Your Carrier for a QR Code
Ask your carrier for an eSIM activation QR code or eSIM replacement QR code. Have the following information ready:
- Phone number
- Account PIN or password
- Phone model
- IMEI or EID
- Billing ZIP code
- Reason for the request, such as a new phone or physical SIM conversion
The carrier may send a QR code, provide an activation link, activate the eSIM remotely or transfer the plan directly to your phone. Apple lists QR-code activation, carrier activation, carrier links, carrier apps and manual activation as possible methods.
How to Scan an eSIM QR Code on an iPhone
On an iPhone, you can scan the carrier's QR code during setup or after the phone is ready to use.
During iPhone Setup
- Turn on the iPhone and connect it to Wi-Fi.
- When the cellular setup screen appears, tap Use QR Code.
- Scan the QR code supplied by your carrier.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add the mobile plan.
After iPhone Setup
- Open the Camera app.
- Scan the carrier's eSIM QR code.
- Tap Mobile Plan Detected.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Add Mobile Plan.
If the QR code is displayed in an email or browser on the iPhone, press and hold the code and select Add eSIM. Some carriers provide an activation link or app instead of a QR code.
How to Scan an eSIM QR Code on a Samsung Galaxy Phone
On a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, add the eSIM through the SIM manager and then scan the carrier's QR code.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR code.
- Scan the QR code supplied by your carrier.
- Follow the prompts and restart the phone if requested.
Menu names can vary by Galaxy model, software version and carrier. Compatible Galaxy phones may also support carrier discovery, direct transfer or conversion from a physical SIM without scanning a QR code.
How to Add an eSIM on a Google Pixel
On a Google Pixel, add the eSIM through the network settings while connected to Wi-Fi.
- Connect the Pixel to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM.
- Select Set up an eSIM.
- Follow the carrier's instructions.
Some Pixel activations complete automatically through the carrier. Other Pixel models and carriers may ask you to scan a QR code or enter activation details manually. Google advises contacting the carrier if the eSIM is not detected or if the carrier needs to confirm the phone's IMEI or device ID.
What to Do if Your eSIM QR Code Does Not Work
If an eSIM QR code fails, check the phone's eSIM support, internet connection and activation details before asking the carrier to issue a replacement.
Confirm That the Phone Supports eSIM
The phone must support eSIM and will usually need to be carrier-unlocked before you can install service from another provider. On many phones, dialing *#06# displays an EID if the phone supports eSIM. AT&T uses the EID as an indication that a device can use eSIM.
Use Wi-Fi During Activation
Connect the phone to Wi-Fi before scanning the code. The phone needs an internet connection to download the carrier's eSIM profile.
Display the QR Code on Another Screen
If the code is in an email on the same phone, open it on a computer, tablet or another phone. You can also print it. Verizon advises displaying the QR code on a separate device when required for activation.
Try the Manual Activation Code
Some QR-code activation cards include a manual activation code. On supported phones, select Enter activation code instead of scanning. AT&T documents this option for compatible devices.
Ask the Carrier to Reissue the eSIM
Contact the carrier if:
- The QR code says it is invalid.
- The eSIM download fails.
- You replaced the phone.
- You deleted the eSIM.
- The number is still active on the old phone.
- The carrier account shows a pending activation.
Verizon says that customers who delete an eSIM may need support to restore the profile. T-Mobile directs customers to contact the company if their device requires an emailed QR code.
The process depends on the carrier, phone model and country. If the carrier supports automatic eSIM activation, you may be able to activate the plan without a QR code.