Install with a QR code from another screen

Last reviewed 13 Oct 2026Checked against Apple Support, Samsung US and Pixel Phone Help

Use this when your order page is open on a different device from the phone you'll travel with, such as a laptop or tablet. A phone can't scan a code shown on its own screen. If you're reading this on that phone, use install on iPhone or install on Android instead.

The QR code is only on your order page. We never send it by email.

Steps

  1. On the order page, choose Show QR code for another device, then Show QR code.
  2. Scan the code with the phone you'll travel with:
    • iPhone: open the Camera app and point it at the code. Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
    • Samsung Galaxy: open Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM, then tap Scan QR code.
    • Google Pixel: open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM and follow the steps on screen.
    • Other Android phones: use the scan option in the phone's eSIM setup screen. Menu names vary.
  3. Follow the steps on screen to finish.

If it won't scan

  • Turn up the brightness on the screen showing the code, and make the code bigger.
  • Hold the phone steady at a comfortable distance.
  • Still not reading? Enter the details yourself. They're shown under the QR code on the order page. See QR code won't scan.

One eSIM, one phone

Your order is for one eSIM on one phone. Don't scan the same code with a second phone. If you scan it and the install fails, don't scan it again: see install problems.

Sources

Steps checked on 13 October 2026 against Apple Support (Set up eSIM on iPhone), Samsung US (SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet) and Pixel Phone Help (Set up a new eSIM).