O2 eSIM QR Code

How O2 sends you an eSIM QR code

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of a physical plastic SIM, your O2 eSIM is downloaded as a profile over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Once active, it works exactly like a physical SIM — you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data on the O2 network.

eSIMs are supported on iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and most recent Android flagships. You can hold both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time on dual SIM devices.

eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order

Scanning your O2 eSIM QR code correctly

Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your O2 eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the O2 app or account portal after ordering an eSIM.

On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code provided by O2. Follow the on-screen prompts to label the line and set it as your primary or secondary SIM.

On Android / Samsung: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan. Scan the O2 eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.

eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order

What to do if your O2 QR code does not scan

After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the O2 eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the O2 network name in your status bar.

If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your O2 account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each O2 eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact O2 for a replacement if needed.

eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order

Requesting a replacement O2 eSIM QR code

eSIM not activating: Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi and try restarting your phone, then retry activation from Settings → Mobile Data.

No signal after eSIM activation: Toggle aeroplane mode on and off. If the problem persists, go to Settings → Mobile Data, select your O2 eSIM line and check that it is set as the active data SIM.

eSIM profile missing after phone reset: Factory resets erase eSIM profiles on some devices. Contact O2 to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.

Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: O2 eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the O2 app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.

Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2

eSIM vs physical SIM on O2

Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the O2 network with the same speeds and coverage. The main advantages of eSIM are: no need to handle a tiny physical card, instant activation, and the ability to switch between networks without changing SIMs. The main advantage of a physical SIM is compatibility with older devices that do not support eSIM.

eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order