QR code won't scan: what to check

Check first

Open the original QR code at full size on another screen, such as a laptop or tablet, and scan it from your phone's settings. If it still won't read, type the details in instead; they're on your order page under "Enter the details by hand."

Causes, in order

You're scanning a screenshot or a forwarded copy

Saved, forwarded, and resized images lose the detail a scanner needs. Open the original confirmation email or your order page on a laptop or tablet, at full size, and scan from that screen.

Glare, low brightness, or a small screen

Turn the brightness up on the screen showing the code, tilt it out of direct light, and hold the phone still about 20 cm away. A printed copy can blur; scan from a screen instead of paper.

You're using the wrong scanner

Use the eSIM scanner in Settings, not the camera app or a third-party reader. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code. Other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Scan QR code.

The code has already been used

Each QR code adds one eSIM to one device, once. If a first attempt looked like it failed, check your SIM list for an MTN Travel eSIM line before scanning again. See "This code has already been used" error.

Nothing reads it

Type the details instead. The SM-DP+ address and activation code are in the same email and on your order page. See Enter your activation details by hand.

Still not working?

Still not working? Contact MTN Travel eSIM support and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.