An eSIM QR code is the activation token a carrier sends you when you sign up. It encodes the address of the carrier's provisioning server (SM-DP+) and an activation token specific to your line. Your phone scans it, downloads the eSIM profile, and you're connected.
How activation works
- Carrier sends you a QR code (usually by email)
- On iPhone: open Camera, point at the code, tap the notification. On Android: Settings → eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan QR
- Phone contacts the SM-DP+ server using the address in the QR
- Server sends down the eSIM profile (about 1 MB)
- Phone stores it on the eSIM chip and activates
The whole process takes 2-3 minutes from scan to working signal.
Security
QR codes are single-use. Once your phone has consumed a code, the activation token is invalidated — nobody else can use the same code to activate on a different device.