How to Get a QR Code for eSIM Activation | Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Jony Ahmed

Sep 7th 2024

eSIM Guides

Jony Ahmed

Sep 7th 2024 |

eSIM Guides

Unlike the physical or traditional SIM, you need to have a QR code in order to activate the eSIM on your device. But how to get a QR code for eSIM? Well, the way to gain access to the eSIM QR code varies based on the carrier you choose.

Your carrier will deliver you the QR code to get started with eSIM on your phone or other compatible device. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow regardless of the carrier you choose. The general idea will remain the same.

Key Takeaways:

eSIM is an embedded SIM chip that connects users to their desired mobile carrier.
It is directly mounted in the device, making it unreplaceable.
The eSIM market was $4.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to be $16.3 billion by 2027.
Not all mobile devices have eSIM compatibility, so checking if your mobile company allows the features is essential.
Even the least popular mobile carrier should offer the eSIM feature.
To get the QR code for an eSIM, you must contact your carrier for the eSIM registration.

What Is eSIM?

eSIM refers to embedded SIM. This is a chip that is electronically installed on the hardware of your compatible mobile phone, which can be an Android or iPhone. Similar to the Physical SIM card, the eSIM chip connects you to your desired mobile carrier.

How to Get a QR Code for eSIM Activation

As it is directly mounted in the device, there’s no scope to replace it like a physical SIM. You can switch from one mobile carrier to another without replacing the SIM.

According to Statista, the market size of eSIM was $4.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to be $16.3 billion by 2027.

eSIM first came into the market back in 2016. Initially, eSIM could only be accessed with an Apple device.

However, renowned mobile companies like Samsung, Google, Oppo, Sony, and Xiaomi offer eSIM with their mobile devices. Instead of buying a Physical SIM card, you can purchase and activate the eSIM by simply scanning a QR code. Convenient, isn’t it?

How to Receive a QR Code for eSIM Installation

Having a QR Code for a mobile eSIM isn’t that hard. You should follow the right procedures. Now, Getting an eSIM QR Code for Activation can be a bit different depending on your mobile carrier. The general idea is the same.

Step 01: Know Whether Your Device Is Compatible for eSIM Activation

iPhone

Not all mobile devices have eSIM compatibility. You need to make sure your mobile company allows the features.

If you are using iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 12, 12 Mini, 13, 13 Mini, 13 Mini Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro Max, these models have the QR Code for mobile eSIM.

Read here How To Activate eSIM on iPhone.

Android mobile

Android mobile companies also offer eSIM.

This feature is available with the latest Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and other models.

You can also check whether your Android phone is eSIM compatible by going to your mobile settings and looking for the IMEI information.

If an IMEI (eSIM) is available, this means your device is ready to go with an eSIM. You can follow the process if you are a Samsung user.

For other Android devices, dial *#06 and press call. If your device is eSIM compatible, you will see the eSIM EID on the screen.

Step 02: Choose a Carrier That Supports Esim

Even if your mobile carrier is the least popular, it is supposed to offer the eSIM feature. Therefore, it is important to ensure your preferred carrier supports eSIM technology.

Step 03: Contact Your Carrier

Let’s say your carrier offers eSIM. How do you get the QR code for an eSIM in this case? You have to contact your carrier for the eSIM registration. You can perform the task by visiting their websites or mobile apps.

There, you will definitely find the eSIM activation menu. You can also call the support center to learn the process and then follow the prompt to get the QR code.

While asking for a QR code, you need to share some of your personal information. Also, you need to share the IMEI number of your mobile, make, and model for some carriers.

Moreover, you should act according to your carrier’s requirements to have an eSIM activation code.

Step 04: Get the QR Code

Once you follow all the instructions of your carrier, you are finally ready to get the QR code. Most mobile carriers send the QR code via email. There is also a download link for the QR code.

But for some carriers, the QR code is offered on their websites or mobile apps.

Step 05: Scan the QR Code

Reminder: You need to use a different mobile device to download or access the QR code. You need to scan the QR code on the device you want to activate the eSIM.

In order to scan the QR code in your iPhone,

Go to ‘Settings’.
Tap on ‘Cellular’.
Choose ‘Add SIM’.
Click ‘Use QR Code’.

Now scan the QR code and tap on ‘Continue.’ Here you go. You are done and dusted with getting and activating eSIM. But wait, what if you are an Android user? No worries!

In order to perform the eSIM Activation Process, Go to Settings>Mobile and Internet>Mobile Network>Add Carrier. Then, scan the eSIM QR code and follow the on-screen prompts to get the eSIM QR code for activation.

FAQs

How Do I Recover My eSIM QR Code?

The QR code will not be invalid until you scan it to activate the eSIM. But sometimes, it might happen that you have someone lose access to the QR code. In this case, contacting the carrier for further instructions is always better. This is not a big issue; you are supposed to be able to recover the QR code for your eSIM easily.

Can I Use an eSIM QR Code on Multiple Devices?

No, you are not allowed to use the eSIM activate code in multiple devices. When you ask for an eSIM from your mobile carrier, after verifying your information, they will bring you an eSIM-activated code. Now, you can only use the code on a single device, as using the eSIM QR code on multiple devices will be completely invalid.

Can I Transfer My eSIM Plan to a New Device Without a QR code?

You cannot transfer your eSIM plan to a new device without a QR code. In order to access eSIM on a new device, you first need to activate it. In order to perform the task, you need to get the QR code. You can transfer the plan once you can activate the eSIM on the other device.

Is It Possible to Transfer an eSIM Without Directly Contacting the Carrier?

Yes, it is possible to transfer an eSIM without contacting the carrier directly. But you need to make sure the other device is compatible with eSIM. Moreover, the Android version needs to be at least iOS 16 or later. For the iPhone, the device needs to be an iPhone XS or later.

How Much Time Does It Take to Arrive the QR Code for eSIM Activation?

It often takes around 15 minutes to arrive at the QR code for your eSIM on your device, so don’t lose patience so early once you are done applying or registering for the eSIM. However, the time period can vary based on the mobile carrier you choose. Make sure you check your email frequently during this period to get the QR code as soon as it arrives.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the eSIM QR Code generation process is super easy. You just need to follow the steps we mentioned above. The process might vary based on your carrier and mobile device, but the basic idea is the same.

Make sure you also perform the activation process carefully once you get the QR code. Wish you have a happy eSIM experience.

At Pirate Mobile, you can easily access eSIM plans tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s for short-term travel, long-term use, or international roaming.

With Pirate Mobile’s global coverage, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or dealing with local carriers. Instead, you can activate an eSIM by simply scanning a QR code – and you’re ready to go! Check out our all the plans for different countries here- Pirate Mobile eSIM packages.