You've scanned your eSIM QR code, and instead of a successful activation, your iPhone displays: "eSIM Cannot Be Added: This code is no longer valid. Contact your carrier for more information."
Before you contact support or worry that you've lost your eSIM, take a breath. In most cases, this error appears because your eSIM is already installed on your phone—the installation just happened silently in the background. Let's check.
Why This Error Appears
Every eSIM QR code can only be used once. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized duplication of your eSIM profile. When you see "This code is no longer valid," it means one of three things:
- The eSIM is already installed: Your iPhone downloaded the profile successfully during or after scanning, even if you didn't see a confirmation message
- The installation was interrupted: You started scanning but cancelled midway—the code still counts as "used"
- Someone else used the code: If you shared the QR code image, another person may have scanned it first
On older iPhones (iOS 15 and below), you might see a slightly different message: "Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added." The cause and solution are the same.
Step 1: Check If Your eSIM Is Already Installed
Before doing anything else, verify whether the eSIM is already on your phone. Here's how:
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
- Look under Cellular Plans or SIMs
- Check for a new entry you don't recognize—it may be labeled "Personal," "Secondary," "Travel," or "Business"
If you see an unfamiliar cellular plan: Your eSIM is already installed! Tap on it and continue to Step 2 to configure it properly.
If you don't see any new plan: Skip to Requesting a New Code below.
Step 2: Configure Your Installed eSIM
Found the eSIM? Now make sure it's set up correctly:
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap on your eSIM under Cellular Plans
- Ensure "Turn On This Line" is enabled (toggle should be green)
- Tap Data Roaming and turn it ON
- Go back and tap Cellular Data at the top
- Select your eSIM as the data source
Your eSIM will activate automatically when you arrive at your destination and connect to a local network. No further action needed.
Optional: Rename Your eSIM for Easy Identification
To avoid confusion with multiple eSIMs:
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap your eSIM under Cellular Plans
- Tap Cellular Plan Label
- Choose a preset label like "Travel" or tap Custom Label to create your own (e.g., "Japan Trip" or "Simbye Europe")
Step 3: Verify Installation via ICCID
Still unsure if the eSIM installed correctly? Check the ICCID number:
- Go to Settings → General → About
- Scroll down to find ICCID
- If you see a long number (typically 19-20 digits), your eSIM is installed
- If you have multiple SIMs, you'll see multiple ICCID entries
You can compare this ICCID with the one in your purchase confirmation email to confirm it matches your new eSIM.
What If the eSIM Isn't Installed?
If you've checked Settings and there's no new cellular plan, the code was likely used but the installation failed partway through. You'll need a new activation code from your eSIM provider.
Before Contacting Support, Try These Steps:
- Restart your iPhone: Power off completely, wait 30 seconds, then power back on
- Check your internet connection: eSIM installation requires stable Wi-Fi or cellular data
- Disable VPN: VPNs can interfere with eSIM downloads—turn off any active VPN
- Update iOS: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates
- Delete old unused eSIMs: If you have too many stored profiles (iPhones can store 8-20 depending on model), remove ones you no longer need
If these steps don't help, contact your eSIM provider to request a replacement code.
How to Request a New Code from Simbye
Simbye makes getting a replacement code easy:
- WhatsApp: Message our support team directly
- Telegram: Send us a quick message
- Live Chat: Available 24/7 on simbye.com
Our team of 15 support agents responds within seconds—not hours. We can verify your purchase and issue a new activation code immediately. No ticket queues, no chatbots.
Other Reasons the Code Might Fail
While rare, these issues can also trigger the "code no longer valid" error:
QR Code Has Expired
Some eSIM providers set expiration dates on QR codes (typically 30 days from purchase). If you bought your eSIM far in advance, the code may have expired before you could use it. Check your purchase confirmation for any validity period mentioned.
Your iPhone Is Carrier-Locked
If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, it will reject eSIMs from other providers. To check:
- Go to Settings → General → About
- Scroll to Carrier Lock (or Network Provider Lock)
- If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked
- If it shows a carrier name, your phone is locked and you'll need to contact that carrier to unlock it
Too Many eSIM Profiles Stored
iPhones can store 8-20 eSIM profiles depending on the model. If you've reached the limit, you'll need to delete unused profiles before adding a new one:
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap an eSIM you no longer need
- Scroll down and tap Delete eSIM
- Confirm deletion
Warning: Only delete eSIMs you're certain you won't need again. Once deleted, you cannot reinstall the same eSIM without a new QR code from the provider.
How to Prevent This Error in the Future
- Have stable Wi-Fi before scanning: A weak connection during installation can cause partial downloads
- Don't interrupt the scan: Let the process complete fully before navigating away
- Screenshot your QR code: Keep a backup in case you need it for support verification (but remember, it's still one-time use)
- Save manual installation details: Your SM-DP+ address and activation code can be used if QR scanning fails
- Install before you travel: Set up your eSIM at home with reliable Wi-Fi—it will activate when you arrive at your destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same QR code on multiple devices?
No. Each eSIM QR code is designed for single use on one device only. If you need eSIMs for multiple devices, you'll need to purchase separate plans for each.
I cancelled the installation halfway through—can I retry?
Unfortunately, even a partial scan often marks the code as "used." Check your cellular settings first—the eSIM may have installed anyway. If not, you'll need to request a new code from your provider.
Will my eSIM work immediately after installation?
Travel eSIMs only activate when you're in the coverage area. If you install at home before traveling, the eSIM may show "Activating" or "No Service" until you arrive at your destination. This is normal.
How do I know if my provider can reissue codes?
Policies vary by provider. Simbye provides instant replacement codes via our 24/7 support team. Some providers charge a fee or have waiting periods. Check your provider's terms or contact their support directly.
What if I see "Unable to Activate eSIM" instead?
Get Back Online with Simbye
The "This code is no longer valid" error is almost always solvable—usually by discovering the eSIM is already on your phone. Take a moment to check your cellular settings before assuming the worst.
If you do need a replacement code, Simbye's support team is available around the clock via WhatsApp, Telegram, or live chat. We respond in seconds, not hours, and can issue new codes instantly.
New to eSIM? Try our free 100MB trial—no credit card required—and experience hassle-free travel connectivity.
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