How to Fix "eSIM Cannot Be Added: This Code is No Longer Valid" on iPhone

You scanned your eSIM QR code, and instead of a successful activation, your iPhone shows: "eSIM Cannot Be Added: This code is no longer valid. Contact your carrier for more information." Before you worry that you have lost your eSIM, take a breath. In most cases this error appears because the eSIM is already installed and the install just happened silently in the background.

Why This Error Happens

Every eSIM QR code can only be used once. This is a security feature that prevents your eSIM profile from being duplicated. When you see "This code is no longer valid," it almost always comes down to one of these causes:

• The eSIM is already installed once: Your iPhone downloaded the profile successfully during or after scanning, even without a clear confirmation message. Re-scanning the same code then fails because it is already used.
• The QR code has expired: Some eSIM providers set an expiry date on the QR code (often around 30 days from purchase). If you bought far in advance, the code may have lapsed.
• Weak internet during install: A poor Wi-Fi or cellular connection can interrupt the download partway through, marking the code as "used" without finishing.
• Wrong region or carrier-locked phone: An iPhone locked to a specific carrier, or set up against the wrong region, can reject an eSIM from another provider.

On older iPhones (iOS 15 and below) you may see a slightly different message, "Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added." The cause and the fix are the same.

Cause and Fix at a Glance

Step-by-Step Fix

Work through these steps in order. Most people are back online by Step 2.

1. Check if the eSIM is already installed. Open Settings, tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions), and look under Cellular Plans or SIMs. Watch for a new entry you do not recognise — it may be labelled "Personal," "Secondary," "Travel," or "Business."
2. If you see an unfamiliar plan, configure it. Tap the eSIM, make sure "Turn On This Line" is enabled (green), then tap Data Roaming and switch it ON. Go back, tap Cellular Data at the top, and select your eSIM as the data source. It will activate automatically when you reach your destination and connect to a local network.
3. Confirm the install via ICCID. Go to Settings → General → About and scroll to ICCID. A long number (typically 19–20 digits) means the eSIM is installed. You can match it against the ICCID in your purchase confirmation.
4. If there is no new plan, do the quick checks. Restart your iPhone (power off, wait 30 seconds, power on), confirm you are on stable Wi-Fi, disable any VPN, and install any pending iOS update under Settings → General → Software Update.
5. Free up space if needed. iPhones can store roughly 8–20 eSIM profiles depending on the model. If you are at the limit, delete an eSIM you no longer need under Settings → Cellular, then try again. Only delete eSIMs you are sure you will not need — a deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled without a fresh code.
6. Re-download instead of re-scanning. If the old QR keeps failing, do not keep scanning it. Get a fresh copy of your eSIM from the Simbye app (see the next section) or request a new code from support.

For Apple's own reference on this message, see the Apple Support guide to setting up an eSIM.

How to Re-Download a Simbye eSIM From the App

The fastest fix is usually to pull a fresh copy of your eSIM straight from the Simbye app, rather than re-scanning a used QR image:

1. Open the Simbye app and sign in with the same account you used to buy the eSIM.
2. Go to My eSIMs and select the plan that is failing.
3. Open the eSIM details to view its QR code and manual install info (SM-DP+ address and activation code).
4. Tap Install eSIM on iPhone to add it directly, or scan the in-app QR with a second device.

If you do not have the app yet, you can install it here: Download for iPhone or Download for Android. Keeping your eSIM in the app means you always have a clean copy, even if the original QR image is lost.

Other Reasons the Code Might Fail

Your iPhone Is Carrier-Locked

If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, it will reject eSIMs from other providers. Go to Settings → General → About and scroll to Carrier Lock (or Network Provider Lock). If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked. If it shows a carrier name, the phone is locked and you will need that carrier to unlock it.

Too Many eSIM Profiles Stored

iPhones can store around 8–20 eSIM profiles depending on the model. At the limit, remove an unused profile in Settings → Cellular → tap the eSIM → Delete eSIM, then add the new one. Once deleted, an eSIM cannot be reinstalled without a new QR code from the provider, so only remove ones you are certain you will not need.

How to Prevent This Error in the Future

• Use stable Wi-Fi before scanning: a weak connection during install can cause a partial download.
• Do not interrupt the scan: let the process finish before navigating away.
• Keep your eSIM in the app: with Simbye you can always re-download it, so a lost QR image is no problem.
• Save the manual install details: your SM-DP+ address and activation code work if QR scanning fails.
• Install before you travel: set up your eSIM at home on reliable Wi-Fi — it activates when you arrive at your destination.

Contact Simbye Support If You Still Need a New Code

If the eSIM is genuinely not installed and a fresh download does not work, Simbye can verify your purchase and issue a new activation code right away — no ticket queues, no chatbots:

• Live Chat: available 24/7 on simbye.com
• WhatsApp: message our support team directly
• Telegram: send us a quick message

Our team of 15 support agents typically replies within seconds, not hours, and can reissue your code immediately.

Get a Simbye eSIM

Need a fresh, reliable eSIM with instant QR delivery and 24/7 support? Simbye plans start at just $3 and cover 190+ countries, with the QR always available to re-download in the app:

• Europe eSIM — from $25
• USA eSIM — from $3
• Turkey eSIM — from $3
• Browse all 190+ destinations →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "eSIM Cannot Be Added: This Code is No Longer Valid" mean?

It almost always means the QR code has already been used. An eSIM QR can only be installed once, so the most common reason is that the eSIM is already on your iPhone. Check Settings → Cellular for a new plan before assuming it failed.

How do I fix the "code is no longer valid" error?

First check whether the eSIM is already installed under Settings → Cellular. If it is not, restart your iPhone, connect to stable Wi-Fi, disable any VPN, and re-download a fresh copy of the eSIM from the Simbye app instead of re-scanning the old QR.

Can I use the same QR code on multiple devices?

No. Each eSIM QR code is for single use on one device only. If you need eSIMs for several devices, you will need a separate plan for each.

I cancelled the install halfway through — can I retry?

Even a partial scan often marks the code as "used." Check your cellular settings first, since the eSIM may have installed anyway. If not, re-download it from the Simbye app or request a new code from support.

Will my eSIM work immediately after installation?

Travel eSIMs only activate when you are in the coverage area. If you install at home before travelling, the eSIM may show "Activating" or "No Service" until you arrive at your destination. This is normal.

How do I get a replacement code from Simbye?

Contact Simbye via 24/7 live chat on simbye.com, WhatsApp, or Telegram. Our support team verifies your purchase and issues a new activation code instantly, with no waiting period.

Why did my QR code expire before I could use it?

Some providers set an expiry on the QR code, often around 30 days from purchase. If you bought your eSIM far in advance, check the validity period in your confirmation email and ask support for a fresh code if it has lapsed.