The QR code is on your screen and your phone is pointing at it, but nothing happens. This usually comes down to one of three things: you are not in the right menu, the camera cannot read the code clearly, or the code has already been used. Work through the sections below.
You cannot scan an eSIM QR code using the regular Camera app or a third-party QR scanner. The scan has to happen inside the eSIM provisioning screen:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code
- Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download a new eSIM
Only the built-in eSIM screen can process the provisioning data encoded in the QR code.
If the QR code is saved as an image on your iPhone:
- Open the eSIM scanning screen in Settings.
- Tap "Open Photos" at the bottom.
- Select the QR code image from your photo library.
- The system reads the image the same way it would read a live camera feed.
This works on iPhone running iOS 17 or later. On Android, some Samsung models let you tap the Gallery icon on the scanning screen to upload a saved image.
If you are scanning from a second screen (laptop, tablet, or another phone):
- Turn up the brightness on the screen displaying the QR code. Low brightness makes the code hard for the camera to parse.
- Remove glare. Tilt the displaying screen to avoid reflections from overhead lights or windows.
- Hold the right distance. About 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) between the camera and the QR code is ideal. Too close and the code blurs; too far and the details are too small.
- Tap to focus. On most phones, tapping the center of the QR code on the camera preview forces a focus lock.
If the camera is damaged, the screen is cracked, or the QR code image is too degraded to scan, you do not need the camera at all. Manual activation enters the same provisioning data by pasting two values from your confirmation email.
- Open your Roamiya confirmation email and find the Manual Activation Details section.
- Copy the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.
- Follow the manual entry steps for your device in our manual activation guide.
Manual activation works every time as long as the codes are valid and your phone is unlocked. It is functionally identical to scanning -- same result, different input method.
If the scanning screen says the code is expired or no longer valid:
- Was the code already scanned? eSIM QR codes are single-use. Check your SIM manager to see if the profile is already installed.
- Did you install and then delete the eSIM? Once a profile is deleted, the original QR code cannot be used again. See what to do if your eSIM was deleted.
- Is the code from an old order? Codes from expired or already-activated orders will not work. Check the order date and status in your confirmation email.
- Manual activation guide -- step-by-step manual entry for iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel
- Activation failure -- if the eSIM fails to activate even after successful scanning
- Device compatibility -- confirm your phone supports eSIM
