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.
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.
Why QR codes sometimes fail
QR scanning depends on the camera focusing on a sharp, well-lit code. Common failure causes include: laptop brightness too low, QR code displayed too small, smudged phone lens, glare on the screen, or scanning from a low-resolution print. Most failures are physical, not technical — the underlying eSIM data is fine.
Manual entry is the bulletproof fallback
Every Aria Mobile order email contains the SM-DP+ address (something like rsp.aria.mobile) and an activation code (a long alphanumeric string). On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually. On Android: SIM manager → Add eSIM → Enter manually. Paste both values and tap Continue. The phone contacts our provisioning server directly with no camera involved. This is also the right approach if you only have one device with you.
Other things to try
If neither QR nor manual works, the most likely cause is that the eSIM has already been installed once on another device (each QR is single-use). Contact Aria Mobile support with your order ID and we'll re-issue a fresh QR within a few minutes. Also check that your phone is on Wi-Fi or existing cellular — eSIM installation needs internet to contact our provisioning server.
People also ask
- 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.
- Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
In most cases an Aria Mobile eSIM stays tied to the device it was first installed on, so transferring it to a new phone is not automatic. If you change handsets mid-trip, contact our support team and we can usually issue a fresh QR code for the new device so you keep your remaining data without buying another plan.
- 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.