eSIM QR Code Will Not Scan? Six Causes and Three Things to Do First

Q: A Peanutmo code will not scan. What should I send you?

Message LINE at @peanutmo / WhatsApp +886-921-963-203 with two screenshots: the error, and the result of dialling *#06#. We can tell from those whether it is the handset, a carrier lock, or a code that needs reissuing.

peter

2026-08-04

You point the camera at the QR code and nothing happens, or you get "Unable to Add Cellular Plan". This is a different problem from an eSIM that installs and then shows no signal, and it needs a different fix. This article is only about the stage before the profile is on your phone.

Six reasons an eSIM QR code will not scan

You are viewing the QR code on the same phone. The most common cause by far. A phone cannot scan its own screen. Either display the code on another device, or save it as an image and import it from your photo library (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code Image).

Screen glare or low brightness. Turn the displaying device to full brightness, switch auto-brightness off, and hold the camera about 15–20 cm away.

The phone is offline. Installing an eSIM downloads a profile, which needs a connection. People often remove their home SIM before they have arrived and get stuck exactly here.

The code has already been used. Most plans install once. If you scanned it before and later deleted the profile, it usually cannot be reinstalled without us reissuing it.

The handset does not support eSIM, or is carrier-locked. No EID from *#06# means no support. Contract and some second-hand phones are locked.

The eSIM slots are full. Some models cap how many profiles they store. Delete an old one you no longer need — but confirm you are done with it first.

Will not scan vs. installed but no signal

What you see	Which stage	Where to look
Nothing happens, an error, never reaches setup	Installation	This article
Installed, line visible in settings, but no service	Connection	See the 8-step no-signal guide
Stalls halfway, stuck on "Activating"	Installation	Retry on stable wifi; message us if it still fails
A Thailand plan will not scan before you fly	Not a fault	Thai eSIMs install only after you land

That last row is worth repeating: a Thailand eSIM can only be installed once you are in Thailand and connected to airport wifi. Scanning it early will fail. This rule is specific to Thailand.

Three things to do before you install

✅ Screenshot the QR code into your photo album. Do not leave it only in your inbox — opening your inbox needs data, which is exactly what you may not have.
✅ Install at home on wifi before you fly (Thailand excepted). Leave mobile data on the new line switched off until you land.
✅ Leave your existing SIM in place until the new eSIM is confirmed working.

🐧 Peanutmo eSIM — money-back guarantee

📶 Native lines on the major local carrier in each destination
⚡ QR code emailed in about ten minutes. No SIM swap, no pickup queue
🛡️ Install or connection trouble? One-to-one help on LINE, refund if we cannot fix it

See all eSIM plans →　28 destinations

eSIM QR code FAQ

Can I scan the same QR code twice?

Usually not — most plans install once. If you installed and then deleted the profile, ask us before assuming it is gone; we may be able to reissue. Always ask before deleting an eSIM.

I have no second device to display the code. What now?

Save the QR code as an image and import it: iPhone → Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → use the image; most Android phones offer manual entry or a gallery picker on the add-SIM screen. If neither works, we can supply the activation code for manual entry.

The install stalled halfway. Have I broken it?

Usually not. Move to stable wifi and try again. If the system then says the code has already been used, send us a screenshot and we will decide whether to reissue.

Can I install on the plane or at an airport with no wifi?

No — installation needs a connection. That is why we recommend installing at home before departure, with the exception of Thailand plans, which must be installed after you arrive.

A Peanutmo code will not scan. What should I send you?

Message LINE at @peanutmo / WhatsApp +886-921-963-203 with two screenshots: the error, and the result of dialling *#06#. We can tell from those whether it is the handset, a carrier lock, or a code that needs reissuing.

Getting online abroad, sorted

Native local carrier lines · delivered in 10 minutes · one-to-one install help · LINE @peanutmo / WhatsApp +886-921-963-203

See all eSIM plans