How to Fix "eSIM Could Not Be Activated" or "Code Invalid" on iPhone & Samsung

Introduction: Why Do eSIM Activation Errors Happen?

Installing a travel eSIM before your international trip should be quick and seamless. However, travelers frequently encounter two confusing errors:

1. On iPhone (iOS): eSIM Could Not Be Activated (eSIM konnte nicht aktiviert werden / Impossible d'activer l'eSIM).
2. On Samsung Galaxy & Android: Code is Invalid or Already Used (Der Code ist ungültig oder wurde bereits verwendet).

In 99% of cases, the eSIM profile is 100% valid and untouched. These errors are caused by distinct device requirements and network environment settings.

Below is your ultimate, step-by-step guide to resolving both issues instantly.

Part 1: How to Fix "eSIM Could Not Be Activated" on iPhone (iOS)

When adding a travel eSIM to an iPhone, iOS immediately contacts the remote SM-DP+ server and attempts an initial handshake.

Top Reasons for iPhone Activation Errors:

1. Active VPN or iCloud Private Relay: VPNs route traffic through external servers, which frequently interrupts Apple's secure TLS handshake with the eSIM carrier server.
2. Unstable Wi-Fi Connection: Public hotel, airport, or captive-portal Wi-Fi blocks secure carrier provisioning ports.
3. Not Yet at Destination: Many travel eSIMs are roaming profiles. While the profile downloads successfully to your iPhone, iOS may show Activating... or Could not activate because local carrier towers cannot be reached until you land at your destination country.

Step-by-Step Fix for iPhone:

1. Turn OFF VPN and iCloud Private Relay: Go to Settings > VPN & Device Management and disconnect. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay and turn it Off temporarily.
2. Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi: Ensure you have direct, fast internet access.
3. Use Manual Entry If QR Code Fails:

• Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM.
• Tap Use QR Code, then tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
• Enter your SM-DP+ Address (e.g., esiminfra.toprsp.com or rsp.truphone.com).
• Enter your Activation Code (the unique string).
• Leave Confirmation Code blank unless specifically provided.

1. Upon Landing in Your Destination Country:

• Turn ON the eSIM line.
• Set Cellular Data to your travel eSIM.
• Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM line. Your phone will latch onto local 4G/5G networks within 1–2 minutes.

Part 2: How to Fix "Code is Invalid or Already Used" on Samsung Galaxy (Android)

If you see Could not add eSIM - The code is invalid or has already been used on a Samsung Galaxy device, do not panic. Your code is not used.

The Root Cause:

Unlike iPhone, which separates the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code into two boxes, Samsung Android has only ONE single input box.

Samsung requires the Complete LPA String, formatted as: LPA:1$smdp-server.com$ACTIVATION-CODE

If you only paste the short activation code into Samsung's single box, the phone cannot find the server address and throws the "Code Invalid" error!

Step-by-Step Fix for Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Scan QR Code, then tap Enter Activation Code at the bottom.
3. Paste the FULL LPA String, exactly like this:

LPA:1$your-smdp-address$your-activation-code (Example: LPA:1$esiminfra.toprsp.com$E3440EA2CA614E9B9AB88F1539196A29)

1. Tap Connect / Add.
2. The eSIM profile will download and appear in your SIM Manager immediately!

Summary Checklist for Smooth Travel eSIM Setup

Ready for Your Next Trip?

Get high-speed 5G/4G connectivity across 150+ countries with MollySIM—featuring 1-tap instant setup, no roaming fees, and 24/7 customer support.

• Explore Global eSIM Plans on MollySIM
• Download the MollySIM Mobile App