QR Code Not Scanning? Fix Your eSIM Install

A QR code that won't scan is frustrating but almost always fixable in under two minutes. Work through the fixes below in order — if none of them work, manual installation is a guaranteed fallback that doesn't require a camera at all.

Common Reasons the QR Code Won't Scan

Before diving into fixes, it helps to know what's usually going wrong:

• Screen brightness too low on the device showing the QR code (most common)
• No active Wi-Fi — your phone needs internet during the install, not just to scan
• Smudged or dirty camera lens causing the code to appear blurry to the sensor
• Wrong scanning method — using the Camera app instead of the in-Settings scanner
• Wrong scanning distance — too close or too far causes blur

Fix 1 — Increase Screen Brightness

This solves the majority of failed scans.

On the device displaying the QR code (your laptop, tablet, or a friend's phone):

1. Set screen brightness to maximum — 100%, not "auto"
2. If using a laptop, open the QR code in a full-screen browser tab to make it as large as possible
3. Reduce ambient glare — turn away from bright windows, or cup your hands around the screen to reduce reflections
4. Increase the contrast if your device/browser supports it (try setting the browser background to black if the page is white)

Then retry the scan from 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) away.

Fix 2 — Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

The QR code scan itself doesn't need Wi-Fi — but the eSIM download that immediately follows does. If your Wi-Fi drops right after a successful scan, the download will fail or hang.

• Confirm you're connected to a working Wi-Fi network before starting
• Avoid networks with captive portals (hotel or airport Wi-Fi login pages) — these often interrupt the download
• If you're on a captive portal network, open a browser tab, complete the login, then immediately return to your SIM settings and try again
• If your home Wi-Fi seems slow, move closer to the router

Fix 3 — Clean Your Camera Lens

A fingerprint or smudge on your camera lens creates blur that the scanner can't resolve, even if the QR code looks perfectly clear to your eye.

Use a soft, dry cloth (like a glasses cleaning cloth) to gently wipe your camera lens. Then retry the scan.

Fix 4 — Use the Correct Scanning Method

The regular Camera app cannot process an eSIM profile. You must scan from inside your phone's Settings:

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
• Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add SIM → Scan QR code
• Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → + → Download a SIM → Scan

If you've been using your Camera app or a third-party QR scanner, that's the problem. Open Settings and navigate to the correct screen above.

Fix 4 — Use Manual Installation Instead

Manual installation is the most reliable fallback — no camera, no scanning, no distance calibration required. It produces the exact same installed eSIM as the QR code method.

On iPhone:

1. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually
2. Paste your SM-DP+ address and Activation Code (found in your Roamix dashboard or confirmation email)
3. Leave Confirmation Code blank
4. Tap Next

On Android: During the QR scan step, look for "Enter manually", "I don't have a QR code", or "Enter activation code" and tap it.

Your manual codes are always available at roamix.app → My eSIMs, right below the QR code image.

What If Nothing Works?

If you've tried every fix above and the eSIM still won't install, contact the Roamix support team:

• Email: support@roamix.app
• Include in your message: your order number, device model and iOS/Android version, and the exact error message you see

Common error messages and what they mean:

Still having trouble? Browse your Roamix dashboard at roamix.app for your manual codes, or reach out and our support team will get you sorted before your trip.