How to Add an eSIM from a QR Code Saved on Your iPhone
An eSIM QR code saved on an iPhone can be activated directly when the iPhone runs iOS 17.4 or later and the carrier supports QR-based installation. Open the QR code in Photos or the default browser, touch and hold the code, then select Add eSIM. Older iOS versions may require another screen or manual carrier details.
Steps
- Update iOS if needed. Open Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 17.4 or later when available.
- Open the saved QR code. Launch Photos and display the screenshot containing the carrier’s eSIM QR code. A QR code in Safari can also work.
- Scan the code on the same iPhone. Touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan when the option appears.
- Confirm the cellular plan. Follow the carrier activation prompts and enter any required confirmation code.
- Set the line preferences. Choose labels, the default voice line, and the line used for mobile data. Restart the iPhone if the carrier requests it.
Common Issues and Fixes
- No “Add eSIM” option appears: The iPhone may use an older iOS version, or the carrier may not support image-based QR activation. Update iOS or use a second screen.
- The QR code cannot be recognized: A blurry, cropped, expired, or previously used code can fail. Request a new QR code from the carrier.
- The QR code opens a webpage instead: The code may contain a carrier link rather than an eSIM installation profile. Follow the webpage instructions or contact the carrier.
- Activation stops during setup: Wi-Fi may be unavailable, or the carrier server may be busy. Connect to stable Wi-Fi and retry later.
- “Unable to Activate eSIM” appears: The plan may already be installed, restricted to another device, or incompatible with the iPhone. Check carrier eligibility and activation status.
💡Protip:
A screenshot is useful only when the carrier’s QR code remains valid and readable.
The iPhone must support eSIM, and some regional iPhone models may have eSIM restrictions.
Do not delete an existing cellular plan until the replacement line works.
Manual activation details, such as an SM-DP+ address and activation code, may be required when same-iPhone QR scanning is unavailable.
Related Questions
Can an eSIM QR code be scanned from the same iPhone?
Yes. On compatible iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later, a QR code in Photos or the default browser can often be selected with a long press and added as an eSIM.
What if the QR code is saved on an older iPhone?
Display the QR code on another phone, tablet, or computer and scan it from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Carrier-provided manual activation details may also work.
