You scanned the QR code. Your phone showed a loading screen. Then: Activation Failed, or Download Failed. Here is what happened and how to fix it.
Causes and Fixes in Order
| Error | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Failed immediately | Carrier lock or QR already used | Check carrier lock. If QR used: contact provider |
| Download starts then fails | Weak or unstable WiFi | Move to stronger WiFi, retry |
| QR code does not scan | Brightness too low or glare | Max brightness, clean camera lens, try again |
| Scan works but installation times out | eSIM server blocked (inside China) | Contact provider for manual activation code |
| No Add eSIM option in Settings | Phone does not support eSIM | Check EID in Settings, General, About |
Fix 1: Carrier Lock
iPhone: Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM Restrictions: unlocked, not the cause. If it shows a carrier name: locked — contact that carrier to unlock before retrying. This is the most common cause of immediate Activation Failed.
Fix 2: WiFi Stability
eSIM installation connects to external provisioning servers and needs stable continuous WiFi. Public WiFi with packet loss causes mid-download failures. Move to home broadband or hotel room WiFi (not lobby). Cancel the stalled installation in Settings, return to home screen, retry once on stronger connection.
Fix 3: QR Scanning
Max screen brightness on the device showing the QR code. Clean the camera lens on the scanning phone. Remove heavy glare screen protectors. If scanning still fails: use manual entry — Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, Enter Details Manually. Request SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider as an alternative.
Fix 4: Inside China
China's firewall blocks many eSIM provisioning servers. Installing a QR code inside China fails on most connections. The correct approach is installing before boarding your flight. If already in China: contact your eSIM provider immediately for manual activation credentials that bypass the external server requirement.
Fix 5: QR Code Already Used
eSIM QR codes can typically only be scanned once. If a failed installation marked the code as used: contact your provider with proof of purchase. Most providers issue a replacement QR code within minutes.
FAQ
Can I scan the QR code on a different phone?
Only if it was not successfully installed on the first phone. If the installation completed successfully, the profile is bound to that device. If installation failed and the QR is marked used: contact support for a new QR code.
How long should eSIM installation take?
On stable home WiFi: 60-90 seconds from scan to completed installation. If still loading after 5 minutes: cancel and retry on stronger WiFi. Do not let a stalled installation run indefinitely.
Still failing after all fixes? Email us with your order number, phone model, iOS or Android version, and the exact error message shown. We respond within hours.