So, you finally got your hands on an eSIM QR code. Maybe you’re gearing up for a trip abroad, or you’re just tired of swapping those tiny plastic SIM cards every time you change networks. Either way, you’re here because you want to know exactly how to scan that eSIM QR code the right way.

Don’t worry—you’re in the right place.

Setting up an eSIM might sound intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never done it before. But once you understand the steps (and a few things to watch out for), it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s walk through the whole process together.

First, What Even Is an eSIM?

If you’re still new to the concept, an eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device. No more fiddling with physical cards or little metal pins. An eSIM allows you to switch carriers or data plans just by scanning a QR code or entering a code manually—super handy if you’re a frequent traveler or just someone who values convenience.

And yes, it’s legit. Major carriers and eSIM providers use this tech, and most modern smartphones support it.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you dive into scanning, take a second to check these off:

✅ eSIM-compatible phone – iPhones from XR onward, most newer Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices support it.

✅ Stable Wi-Fi connection – You’ll need internet to activate the eSIM.

✅ The eSIM QR code – Sent to you by your provider via email, on a printed card, or in your account dashboard.

✅ Battery life – At least 50%. You don’t want your phone dying mid-activation.

Alright, got all that? Let’s move on.

The Main Event: How to Scan the eSIM QR Code

Depending on your phone, the process can vary a bit, but here’s the general step-by-step:

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings
   Open your Settings app, then tap Cellular or Mobile Data (depending on your region).

2. Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan”
   You’ll see an option to add a new plan. Choose the “Use QR Code” option.

3. Scan the QR Code
   Point your phone’s camera at the QR code you received. This might be on another screen (like your laptop), or you may have printed it out. Your phone should automatically detect the eSIM details.

4. Follow the Prompts
   It’ll ask you to label your new plan (you can call it “Travel Data” or something helpful). Then just confirm activation.

5. Done!
   Your phone will download the eSIM settings, and you’re good to go. You can now switch between your primary line and the eSIM in your settings.

For Android Users (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):

1. Open Settings
   Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager (on Samsung) or Network & internet > SIMs (on Pixel).

2. Tap “Add Mobile Plan” or “+”
   Choose to add a new plan and then select “Use QR Code”.

3. Scan the QR Code
   Point your phone’s camera at the code. Again, it can be on a screen or printed out.

4. Download and Activate
   The phone will download the necessary profile. You may need to restart your device after activation.

5. You’re All Set!
   Just toggle which SIM is active when you’re ready to use it.

What If You Can’t Scan the Code?

Sometimes the QR code won’t scan—maybe it’s too blurry, or you don’t have a second screen to view it on. No problem.

Most eSIM providers also include something called an activation code or SM-DP+ address and activation code. Here’s how to use that:

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

• Tap “Enter Details Manually”

• Input the SM-DP+ Address, activation code, and (if needed) the confirmation code

On Android:

• Tap Add mobile plan manually

• Enter the SM-DP+ and other details provided

It’s basically the backup method, and it works just as well.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Setup

Now that you’ve got the steps, here are a few real-world tips to avoid snags:

Tip 1: Don’t delete your eSIM unless you’re 100% done with it

Once you delete an eSIM profile, it’s usually gone forever. Most providers won’t let you scan the same QR code again—so don’t test it unless you know you won’t need it anymore.

Tip 2: Use Wi-Fi for activation

While some eSIMs can activate over mobile data, most need a solid Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal could mean activation fails halfway through.

Tip 3: Know your plan rules

Some eSIMs activate immediately after scanning. Others wait until you actually start using data in a specific country. Read your provider’s fine print to avoid accidentally starting your plan early.

Tip 4: Label your eSIM

When you add a new plan, label it with something you’ll remember—like “Japan Trip” or “Airalo USA.” It makes switching easier when you’ve got multiple eSIMs.

Still Having Issues?

If your eSIM isn’t working after scanning, don’t panic. Here’s what you can try:

• Restart your phone

• Make sure the eSIM is set as the active data line

• Double-check APN settings if data isn’t working

• Contact your eSIM provider’s support—some even offer live chat for fast help

Why Bother With All This Anyway?

Fair question. Setting up an eSIM might sound like extra work—but the benefits are worth it:

• Instant connectivity when you land in a new country

• No more roaming shockers from your home carrier

• Dual SIM freedom—you can keep your regular number active while using data from your travel eSIM

Plus, let’s be real—it feels pretty futuristic to just scan a code and get connected in seconds.

Wrapping It Up

Scanning an eSIM QR code properly really just boils down to a few things: following the prompts, making sure you’ve got a stable connection, and not rushing the process. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you ever messed with physical SIM cards in the first place.

Are you ready? Go for it—you got this. 🚀

And hey, if you’re still shopping around for eSIMs, check out our top picks on Alertify for travel-friendly data plans in 200+ countries. You might even find some with free trial data to test out. Get it here: