topic Re: eSIM not working in SIM cards & Porting

eSIM not working

usmclsc — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:21:52 GMT

I live in the U.S. and tried to install an EE eSIM on my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone using the QR Code. When I attempted to install it, I got an error message saying: "The code isn't valid or has already been used." When I research it, I'm told to call EE at their number there to get a new activation code, but in order to do that, I would have to pay international rates, which sort of defeats the entire purpose of purchasing the eSIM in the first place. How can I get a new activation code for my eSIM without incurring additional charges?

Re: eSIM not working

bristolian — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:38:30 GMT

What's the reason for installing a new eSIM?

Are you a new EE customer? Or trying to replace a (presumably) working SIM whilst abroad?

Activation of new SIMs whilst abroad is never guaranteed, but there are some particular complications with eSIM & replacement SIM.

Re: eSIM not working

XRaySpeX — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:31:02 GMT

@usmclsc wrote:
I would have to pay international rates, which sort of defeats the entire purpose of purchasing the eSIM in the first place.

Eh? You still pay the same rates whether you use an eSIM or a pSIM.

Re: eSIM not working

usmclsc — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:47:30 GMT

The purpose of installing an eSIM is not the issue. My phone is unlocked, and I have used eSIMs without issues in the past on many occasions. It's the first time I traveled to the UK and wanted to use an EE eSIM due to the cost. I purchased the eSIM, but I can't load it on my phone, unlike other eSIMs I've used in the past.
EE's customer service is pretty much non-existent as they do not have any way of reaching out to them online.
Failing my ability to actually activate the eSIM I already paid for from EE, rest assured not only will I go back to the other eSIM companies, but I will make sure to comment on social media about their lack of customer support and an ability to use an eSIM after paying for it.

Re: eSIM not working

usmclsc — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:50:30 GMT

The point is that EE is selling a product that isn't working, yet I have no way of contacting them online. I'm forced to make an international call to attempt to resolve the issue since I am in the U.S. As I stated before, it defeats the purpose of purchasing an eSIM from EE if it won't load correctly and I'm forced to call them because they have no online customer support to resolve issues like this. I've used other eSIM companies in the past when traveling internationally, and on the rare occasion I had an issue, I was able to reach out to the company online to get the issue resolved.

Re: eSIM not working

bristolian — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:50:49 GMT

You only need reply once, all posts are visible to all users.

Your posts come across, to me at least, as wanting to rant rather than seeking assistance.

I therefore wish you good luck in resolving your issues.

Re: eSIM not working

Chris_B — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:46:24 GMT

@usmclsc As EE is a UK company that operates with in the UK have you thought you might need to be within the UK to activate the eSIM that’s from a UK company. I wonder why EE might do such a thing. Oh yes that’s because a sim has to be activated before roaming can be enabled on a sim/eSim. Oh you can’t activate a sim on a roaming network because you know it’s not got roaming activated because the sim card isn’t activated. Catch 22. Alway best to purchase a traveler’s eSIM once you reach the destination. Available at all good airport shops.