Your eSIM QR Code Is on the Same Phone. Now What?

Your phone’s camera can’t scan a QR displayed on that same screen. After landing on steady Wi-Fi, use a supported on-screen installation option, show the code on a second trusted screen, or use the manual details from your setup email.

Apple supports touching and holding a QR code in a default email app or browser on iOS 17.4 or later, then choosing Add eSIM. The option depends on where the code is displayed and the software in use. If it isn’t offered, you haven’t broken anything; use another method.

If your SIM Shop email includes a quick-install link, follow that email’s route after arrival. Don’t tap it before travel just to preview the next screen.

Open the email on your own laptop or a trusted companion’s device, then use the intended phone’s Add eSIM / Scan QR route. A printed copy also works where the phone supports QR installation. Keep the code private; don’t post it in a group or ask an airport stranger to install it for you.

If the email provides manual details and your phone offers that route, copy those exact fields. Our manual activation guide explains the SM-DP+ address and activation code. Don’t borrow another traveller’s values or substitute an ICCID.

Select the installed travel line for mobile data, keep automatic switching off where available and follow the email’s roaming instruction. Test a normal webpage with Wi-Fi briefly off, then restore Wi-Fi if the data test fails.

If a profile already appears or an error says the code has been used, leave the profile installed. Send the Travel Desk the order number, exact phone model, software version and error text, with QR and activation details hidden. Repeated scans and deleting the profile can make recovery harder.

• Apple Support AU: Set up eSIM on iPhone
• Google Pixel Help: Set up a new eSIM
• Samsung Australia: install a nano-SIM card and eSIM on Galaxy
• eSIM Access: Available eSIM activation methods
• eSIM Access: Problems after purchase