What is an eSIM QR Code?

An eSIM QR code is a digital activation key that contains the information needed to download and install your eSIM profile onto your device. Unlike a physical SIM card that you insert, an eSIM is built into your phone's hardware and is activated by scanning this QR code. Think of it as a digital "key" that unlocks your mobile connection without requiring a plastic card.

The QR code typically contains your mobile number (MSISDN) and ICCID mapped to an eSIM profile. Once you scan it, your device downloads the eSIM profile from your network operator and activates your mobile account.

Where Do I Get an eSIM QR Code?

For Traditional Operators (Jazz, Zong, Ufone)

To get a QR code for a local eSIM, you must visit a service center in person. After biometric verification, you receive a physical voucher containing a QR code. This QR code is linked specifically to your mobile number and should not be shared with anyone.

• Jazz: Visit a Jazz Experience Center, Franchise, or eligible retailer

• Zong: Visit a Zong Customer Service Centre or Franchise

For Travel eSIMs

Travel eSIM QR codes are delivered digitally. After purchasing a plan online, the QR code is sent to your email or made available in the provider's app. You can download and install it on your device before traveling, typically in 2–5 minutes.

For Onic (Digital-First Network)

Onic offers fully digital eSIM activation. You receive your QR code digitally through the Onic app or website after completing verification.

How to Scan an eSIM QR Code

Step-by-Step: Scan on iPhone

1. Connect to Wi-Fi – Ensure your phone has an active internet connection

2. Open Settings – Go to Settings on your iPhone

3. Tap Cellular – Select Cellular or Mobile Data

4. Add Cellular Plan – Tap "Add Cellular Plan"

5. Scan the QR Code – Your camera will launch automatically. Position the QR code in the frame

6. Follow Prompts – Complete the on-screen instructions to download the profile

7. Your eSIM is active – Activation takes 5 minutes or less

Step-by-Step: Scan on Android

1. Connect to Wi-Fi – Ensure your phone is connected to the internet

2. Open Settings – Go to your device Settings

3. SIM Card Manager – Navigate to SIM Card Manager

4. Select eSIM – Tap on eSIM

5. Add Mobile Plan – Tap "Add Mobile Plan"

6. Scan the QR Code – Use your camera to scan the QR code

7. Follow Prompts – Complete the installation

What If I Only Have One Device?

If you received your eSIM QR code by email and can't print it, you can still activate it:

On Android

Take a screenshot of the QR code, then in the scanner screen, tap the gallery icon (bottom right) and select the screenshot.

On Pixel Phones

Go to the Photos app, long press the QR code image, and tap "Add eSIM".

On iPhone

If you see the QR code on your device screen, hard press it and select "Add eSIM".

Important Notes About eSIM QR Codes

Security Warning

Do not share your eSIM QR code with anyone. It is linked directly to your mobile number. If someone else scans it, they could activate your number on their device.

Reusing the QR Code

• Zong: You can rescan the same QR code if you change your phone or delete the eSIM profile

• Jazz: The QR code can be re-used if it has been properly removed or deleted from the previous handset

Factory Reset Warning

If you factory reset your phone, your eSIM activation will be lost. For Jazz users, you need to visit a Jazz Experience Center, Franchise, or eligible retailer again to get a new QR code.

PTA Registration Requirement

Your eSIM activates a specific IMEI on your phone. To avoid blocking in DIRBS, send both IMEIs to 8484 and email screenshots to typeapproval@pta.gov.pk for whitelisting.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step-by-Step: Get a Local eSIM QR Code (Jazz/Zong)

2. Visit a service center - Jazz Experience Center, Zong Customer Service Centre, or Franchise

3. Complete biometric verification - Mandatory thumbprint scan

4. Pay the fee - Rs. 2,000 for Jazz or Zong eSIM

5. Receive your QR code - Get a physical voucher containing the QR code

6. Do not share - The QR code is linked to your number

7. Step-by-Step: Get a Travel eSIM QR Code

8. Choose a provider - HelloRoam, Esima, Airalo, etc.

9. Select a plan - Purchase online

10. Receive QR code - Delivered by email within minutes

11. Install before travel - Scan QR code on home Wi-Fi

12. Step-by-Step: Scan eSIM QR Code on iPhone

13. Connect to Wi-Fi

14. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan

15. Scan the QR code with your camera

16. Follow on-screen instructions

17. Your eSIM will be active in 5 minutes

18. Step-by-Step: Scan eSIM QR Code on Android

19. Connect to Wi-Fi

20. Settings > SIM Card Manager > eSIM > Add Mobile Plan

21. Scan the QR code with your camera

22. Follow on-screen instructions

23. Your eSIM activates automatically