How do I scan an eSIM QR code?
To install an Aria Mobile eSIM, open your phone's Settings → Cellular (iOS) or SIM manager (Android), tap Add eSIM, then point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on another device's screen — laptop, tablet, or printed page. The whole process takes under 30 seconds and your travel eSIM is ready to enable when you arrive.
To install an Aria Mobile eSIM, open your phone's Settings → Cellular (iOS) or SIM manager (Android), tap Add eSIM, then point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on another device's screen — laptop, tablet, or printed page. The whole process takes under 30 seconds and your travel eSIM is ready to enable when you arrive.
Where to find the Add eSIM screen
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On most Android phones: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead, or on Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. The phone will open a viewfinder ready to scan a QR. You cannot scan a QR code displayed on the same phone — you need the QR on a separate screen (laptop, tablet, second phone) or printed.
If you don't have a second screen
Aria Mobile orders include both the QR code and a manual activation code (often called an LPA string starting with LPA:1$...). On the Add eSIM screen, tap 'Enter Details Manually' (iOS) or 'Need help / Enter manually' (Android) and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email. This avoids needing a second screen entirely. The Aria Mobile mobile app can also install the eSIM with one tap, skipping QR codes altogether.
Common QR scanning issues
If the camera isn't reading the QR, increase your laptop's screen brightness, make the QR larger on screen, and clean your phone's camera lens. Hold the phone about 15cm from the QR and keep it steady. If it still won't scan, switch to manual entry — the SM-DP+ and activation code in the email always work.
People also ask
- Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?
Yes. Modern iPhones (XS and later) and most flagship Androids let you store many eSIM profiles and have two active at once — typically your home line plus a travel eSIM. Calls and texts route through whichever line you choose as default, while data can be set to use the cheaper travel eSIM automatically.
- Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Almost every flagship phone released since late 2018 supports eSIM. That includes all iPhones from XS onward, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20-and-newer plus the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges. The other requirement is that the phone is unlocked to other networks — most UK contract phones are unlocked by default since 2021.
- How do I install an eSIM on my phone?
Installing an A.R.I.A Mobile eSIM takes about a minute over Wi-Fi. Open the install email or order page on a second screen, then on your phone go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM (Android), scan the QR code, name the plan and you're done. Enable data roaming on the new line so it can connect abroad.
- What if my eSIM QR code will not scan?
If your eSIM QR code won't scan, use manual entry instead — Aria Mobile includes a manual activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code) in every order email. On your phone's Add eSIM screen, tap 'Enter Details Manually' and paste both values. This works 100% of the time and skips the camera entirely. You can also use the Aria Mobile app for one-tap install.