"Invalid SIM" error: what to do
This error is almost never the eSIM's fault: in the vast majority of cases the phone is locked by the carrier you bought it from. Here is the diagnosis in order.
Cause 1 (the most common): carrier-locked phone
If you bought the phone on a carrier plan, it may be locked to only accept that carrier's SIMs. The eSIM installs fine, but "Invalid SIM" appears when it tries to connect.
- How to confirm: on iPhone, Settings → General → About → "Carrier Lock". If it says "SIM locked", that is it.
- Fix: request the unlock from your carrier (app or call). In most countries it is free once the contract term is met, and takes minutes to 48 h.
Cause 2: badly installed profile
If the installation was interrupted (Wi-Fi dropped mid-QR), the profile can end up corrupt.
Fix: do NOT delete the profile yourself — many QR codes are single-use. Write to your provider's support first so they reissue the code.
Cause 3: pending restart
Sometimes the system needs a restart to register the new profile. Restart the whole phone (not just airplane mode) and wait 2 minutes.
Cause 4: system date/region
A wrong manual date or a management profile (work phone) can invalidate the SIM. Turn on automatic date and check with your IT team if it is a corporate device.
Interactive guide
eSIM Rescue walks you through this diagnosis step by step for your phone brand, free and with no sign-up.
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See my price →Frequently asked questions
Does "Invalid SIM" mean the eSIM is broken?
Almost never. The number one cause is that the phone is locked by the carrier you bought it from; the eSIM itself is fine.
How do I know if my phone is carrier-locked?
iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. Android: try a SIM from another carrier; if it does not work, it is locked.
Can I delete the eSIM and rescan the QR?
Do not do it without talking to support: many QR codes are single-use and deleting the profile can mean losing the eSIM.
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