Can't Activate Your eSIM? Why It's Not Activating and How to Fix It

eSIM not activating? You're not alone, and it's usually fixable in a few minutes. Most of the time, an eSIM cannot be activated for one of a few reasons: your phone isn't connected to the internet during the download, it's locked to another carrier, the QR code has already been used, or your carrier hasn't finished setting up the line. This guide shows you how to fix an eSIM that won't activate on iPhone and Android, what the common error messages mean, and when to contact your carrier or eSIM provider.

Quick fixes when your eSIM won't activate

Try these in order. After each one, check if your carrier's name or signal bars appear at the top of your screen.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. Your phone downloads the eSIM over the internet. Apple asks you to be on Wi-Fi or a hotspot, and Samsung asks for Wi-Fi or mobile data. If a public Wi-Fi doesn't work, try another network or a personal hotspot.
2. Turn Airplane Mode on, then off.
3. Turn the eSIM line off and on again. If the eSIM already shows in your settings, switch that line off and back on.
4. Restart your phone.
5. Update your phone. Install the latest iOS or Android version. On iPhone, also check for a carrier settings update (see below).
6. Check your phone is unlocked if the eSIM comes from a different carrier than the one that sold you the phone.

Most of these steps come from Apple's own checklist for an eSIM that won't set up (Apple: If you can't set up an eSIM). Still stuck? Find your cause below.

Why is my eSIM not activating?

When an eSIM can't be activated, the cause is usually one of these:

• No internet connection during setup: the download starts but can't finish.
• Your phone doesn't support eSIM: iPhones need to be an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later. iPhones sold in mainland China only support eSIM on a few recent models (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Samsung also says eSIM support can depend on the country your phone comes from. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. More ways to check eSIM compatibility.
• Your phone is carrier-locked: a locked phone only accepts eSIMs from the carrier it's locked to.
• The QR code or activation code doesn't work anymore: it was already used, it expired, or the code was typed with a mistake.
• Your carrier is blocking SIM changes: US carriers have security settings, like SIM Protection, that stop eSIM changes until you turn them off.
• The carrier hasn't finished activating your line: for example during a number transfer, or if the plan isn't active yet.
• Outdated software: an old iOS or Android version, or old carrier settings.

How to fix "Unable to activate eSIM" on iPhone

Depending on your region, the menu is called Cellular or Mobile Service. The steps are the same.

1. Check that you're online

Connect to Wi-Fi or a hotspot before you scan the QR code. Apple says some eSIM-only iPhones can activate without Wi-Fi in some countries, but Wi-Fi is the safe choice.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode and the eSIM line

Turn Airplane Mode on and off. Then go to Settings > Cellular. If the eSIM you're activating appears there, turn that line off and back on. Then restart your iPhone.

3. Update iOS and your carrier settings

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update. Then go to Settings > General > About. In the eSIM section, tap the version number next to Carrier. If an update is available, install it. On iOS 18 or later, the Apple Support app can also run extra diagnostics (Apple).

4. Check that your iPhone is unlocked

Go to Settings > General > About and look at Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means your iPhone is unlocked. If you see something else, only your carrier can unlock it (Apple: Unlock your iPhone). Learn more about what a carrier-locked phone means.

5. Add the eSIM the right way

• QR code: go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Set Up Cellular) and tap Use QR Code. Or scan the code with the Camera app and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
• QR code on the same iPhone: your camera can't scan its own screen. On iOS 17.4 or later, press and hold the QR code in the email and tap Add eSIM.
• Code won't scan: tap Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as you got them. Here's how to enter an eSIM code manually.
• Confirmation code: if your iPhone asks for one, enter the code your carrier gave you.

No QR code from your carrier? Here's how to get a QR code from your carrier. New to all this? Start with how to activate an eSIM.

eSIM won't activate on Android (Samsung and Pixel)

Menu names change a little between models and Android versions. Connect to Wi-Fi first.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and tap Add eSIM.
2. Tap Scan QR code and scan the code from your carrier or eSIM provider.
3. Restart your phone. Samsung says you need to restart to apply the eSIM profile (Samsung: SIM cards for your Galaxy).

If your Galaxy asks for an unlock code, it's locked to another carrier. Contact the carrier that sold you the phone.

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM, and follow the steps (Pixel Phone Help: eSIM).
3. Still no connection? Restart your phone and check for updates in Settings > System > Software updates (Pixel Phone Help: fix mobile connectivity).

Your carrier may ask for your phone's EID or IMEI. On Android, you usually find them in Settings > About phone.

eSIM error messages and what to do

The message on your screen gives you a clue:

• "eSIM cannot be added" or "This code is no longer valid": the QR code has probably been used already. First check Settings > Cellular: the eSIM may already be installed. If it isn't, ask your carrier or eSIM provider for a new code. Don't keep rescanning the old one.
• "Cellular plans from this carrier cannot be added" or "SIM not supported": this points to a carrier-locked phone. Check your Carrier Lock status as shown above. See how to fix "Cellular Plans from this Carrier Cannot be Added".
• "Unable to complete cellular plan change": your phone couldn't finish adding the plan. Check your internet connection, restart and try once more. If it happens again, contact your carrier or eSIM provider with a screenshot.
• "SIM not provisioned": the eSIM is on your phone, but the network hasn't activated it yet. Wait a few minutes and restart. If it stays, ask your provider to check the line. More fixes in eSIM not working? How to fix it.

eSIM installed but not activated (stuck on "Activating")

If your eSIM shows in your settings but stays on "Activating", or has no signal, give it a few minutes first. Then:

1. Toggle Airplane Mode, turn the eSIM line off and on, and restart.
2. Install any iOS, Android or carrier settings update.
3. Moving your number from another phone? The transfer has to finish on your carrier's side first. On iPhone, if you see a Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan banner, tap it and follow your carrier's page.
4. Travel eSIM? Turn on Data Roaming for it, and choose it for mobile data. Some travel eSIMs only connect once you arrive in a country the plan covers, so check your plan details.

Don't delete the eSIM to start over. Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you'll need to contact your carrier to get a new one (Apple: Erase an eSIM). More on why an iPhone takes long to activate an eSIM. If your eSIM is active but you still have no data, read how to fix an eSIM that isn't working.

US carriers: turn off SIM Protection before you activate

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all have a security setting that blocks SIM and eSIM changes. It protects you from SIM swap fraud, but it also stops your own eSIM activation. If you're moving your number to a new phone or switching to eSIM, turn it off first:

• T-Mobile: turn off SIM Protection in the T-Life app before you upgrade or transfer service. T-Mobile says you'll get an error if you don't (T-Mobile: SIM card & eSIM).
• Verizon: in the My Verizon app, go to the Security section, tap SIM Protection and turn it off for your number. Verizon says there may be a short delay before SIM changes work (Verizon: SIM Protection and Number Lock).
• AT&T: with Wireless Account Lock on, you can't make SIM changes. Turn it off in the myAT&T app first (AT&T: Swap an eSIM or SIM between devices).

Your carrier may also ask for your account PIN or password to approve the change. Have it ready. In other countries, ask your carrier if a similar setting is turned on.

Travel eSIM not activating? Tips before you fly

A travel eSIM is easiest to set up at home or at the airport, while you still have Wi-Fi:

• Install it on Wi-Fi shortly before you leave. At SimOptions, the validity starts when the eSIM is downloaded and activated on your phone, so don't install it weeks early.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible before you buy.
• Keep the email with your QR code. The activation code for manual setup is in the PDF attached to it.
• Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM when you arrive, and pick it for mobile data. Keep roaming off on your home line to avoid charges.
• Don't delete the eSIM if it doesn't connect right away. Contact support first.

Bought your eSIM from SimOptions and it won't activate? Check our help center or contact our support team. If an eSIM can't be activated because of a technical problem, you can ask for a refund or a replacement.

Going to Europe? This data-only plan installs from an email QR code, so you can set it up at home before you fly.

Travelling somewhere else? Pick a data-only eSIM for your destination and install it on Wi-Fi before you leave.

USA, Mexico and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination

When to contact your carrier or eSIM provider

Contact them if the quick fixes don't help, if you see the same error twice, or if your QR code no longer works. To get help faster, have this ready (Apple):

• the exact error message, or a screenshot of it,
• your phone number, or your order number for a travel eSIM,
• your carrier account password or PIN,
• your phone's IMEI or EID: on iPhone in Settings > General > About, on Android usually in Settings > About phone,
• your phone model and software version, and what you've already tried.

FAQs

Why is my eSIM not activating?

Usually because your phone isn't online during setup, it's carrier-locked, the QR code was already used, or your carrier hasn't finished activating the line. Connect to Wi-Fi, toggle Airplane Mode, restart and update your phone. If that doesn't help, check your Carrier Lock status and ask your provider for a new code.

Why can't my eSIM be activated on my iPhone?

Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it doesn't say "No SIM restrictions", your iPhone is locked to a carrier. Also check that you're on Wi-Fi, that iOS and your carrier settings are up to date, and that the QR code hasn't been used before.

Do I need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM?

You need an internet connection to download it. Apple asks you to connect to Wi-Fi or a hotspot, and Samsung to Wi-Fi or mobile data. In some countries, eSIM-only iPhones can activate without Wi-Fi.

How long does eSIM activation take?

Once the eSIM is downloaded, it often activates within minutes. A SimOptions eSIM activates right after the activation request. A number transfer can take longer because your carrier has to finish it on their side. If it's still not active after that, restart your phone and contact your carrier.

Can I scan the same eSIM QR code again?

Often not. Many QR codes only work once, and a used code can show "This code is no longer valid". Some travel eSIMs can be installed again from the same code, depending on the plan. If yours doesn't work, ask your provider for a new one.

Should I delete my eSIM and install it again?

Only if your carrier or eSIM provider tells you to. Once deleted, you usually need a new eSIM from them. Try the fixes above first.

Can a locked phone use an eSIM from another carrier?

No. A carrier-locked phone only works with eSIMs from the carrier it's locked to. Ask that carrier to unlock it.