The QR code is the key that unlocks your eSIM profile for installation. Every eSIM provider delivers it differently: some via email, some through their app, and carriers through account portals. This guide covers where to find your QR code from every major provider and what to do if you lose it or if the original code stops working.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Get the QR code from a travel eSIM provider app
After purchasing an eSIM plan from Airalo, Saily, HelloRoam, Nomad, or Holafly, open the provider's app. Navigate to 'My eSIMs,' 'My Orders,' or 'Order History.' Tap the purchased plan and the QR code displays on screen. You can scan this QR code directly from another device or take a screenshot to scan later from your phone's photo gallery.
The QR code is typically available within 30 seconds of completing the purchase.
Tip: Take a screenshot immediately and save it to both your photo gallery and a cloud storage service. If you lose access to the app, the screenshot serves as backup.
- 2
Find the QR code in your email
Most providers also send the QR code to the email address you used during purchase. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from the provider with subject lines like 'Your eSIM is Ready,' 'eSIM QR Code,' or 'Order Confirmation.' The email contains the QR code as an image plus the SM-DP+ address and activation code as text. If the email does not arrive within 10 minutes, check your spam folder or log into the provider's website to access the code.
Tip: Forward the QR code email to a secondary email address as an extra backup layer.
- 3
Request a replacement QR code
If your QR code was consumed (already scanned once), lost, or corrupted, log into your provider's app or website. Most travel eSIM providers offer a 're-download' or 'resend QR' option in the order details. Airalo provides unlimited re-downloads.
Saily and Nomad also offer free re-downloads. HelloRoam sends a replacement via support chat within minutes. For carrier eSIMs, contact your carrier's support to request a new provisioning QR code.
Tip: Each QR code is single-use. Once successfully scanned and installed, the original code is consumed. The re-download generates a new, valid QR code tied to the same plan.
- 4
Get a QR code from a carrier eSIM
For carrier eSIMs (T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, and others), the QR code process runs through the carrier instead of an app. Request the eSIM through the carrier's app, website account portal, or by contacting customer support. Some carriers send a link to complete provisioning on their site instead of showing a QR code directly.
Carrier eSIM provisioning typically completes within 5 to 30 minutes, slower than the near-instant delivery from travel eSIM providers.
Tip: If you are switching from a physical SIM to a carrier eSIM, ask the representative to keep your existing plan and number attached to the new eSIM profile.
- 5
Enter the activation code manually if you can't scan
If you cannot scan a QR code, a common issue when the code is displayed on the same phone you are installing it on, enter the details manually. Every QR code encodes an SM-DP+ server address and an activation code as text. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually and type both strings.
On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Enter it manually. Your provider's confirmation email includes both text strings below the QR code image for exactly this situation.
Tip: Copy and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email instead of typing them by hand to avoid entry errors.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an eSIM QR code valid?
Unscanned QR codes do not expire for most travel eSIM providers. They remain valid until you scan and install them. Once installed, the QR code is consumed. Some carriers expire uninstalled QR codes after 30 to 90 days. Check your provider's terms if you plan to purchase far in advance.
Can I use the same QR code on two different phones?
No. eSIM QR codes are single-use. Once scanned and installed on one device, the code is consumed and cannot be used on another device. To move the eSIM to a different phone, delete the profile from the first phone and request a replacement QR code from your provider.
What is the difference between a QR code and an activation code?
The QR code is a visual encoding of two pieces of information: the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code. They contain the same data, just in different formats. If you cannot scan the QR code, you can manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code text strings to achieve the same result.
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