Short answer
"Cellular plan cannot be added" means the iPhone did not add the plan, and "This code is no longer valid" means the iPhone says that code is not valid. Apple's failed-setup page does not define either alert, so note the exact message, check whether that line is already listed, and contact the seller; how many eSIMs the phone can hold is a separate limit and it is not one number for every phone.
If the Japan eSIM is already on the phone and still has no data, those checks are in Japan eSIM installed but no internet?.
Fact table
As of 2026-10-21
Each claim names its source. The full source list, with the date each page was read, is below.
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Apple says the iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot to set up an eSIM, and that in some countries and regions an eSIM-only iPhone can activate without a Wi-Fi network. The iPhone needs the latest iOS it can use. After each step, Apple says to open Control Center and check whether the carrier appears in the status bar. The steps are to turn Airplane Mode on and off, then open Settings, tap Cellular, and if the number is already shown turn that line off and back on, then restart the iPhone. On iOS 18 or later, Apple says you can use the Apple Support app for more diagnostics. Carrier settings are under Settings, General, About, in the eSIM section next to Carrier: tap the version number if an update is offered. Apple's page was published 23 April 2026. That page does not quote "Cellular plan cannot be added" or "This code is no longer valid". | Apple Support, can't set up an eSIM |
| If the eSIM still cannot be set up, Apple says to contact the carrier. Apple says to note the error message, and to have the phone number, the carrier account password or PIN, and the iPhone's IMEI or EID. The IMEI and EID are in Settings, General, About. | Apple Support, can't set up an eSIM |
| Apple says an eSIM lets you manage up to eight or more eSIMs. That page was published 17 September 2026. It does not say every iPhone stores the same count, and it does not define "Cellular plan cannot be added" or "This code is no longer valid". | Apple Support, set up eSIM |
| Apple says you can have two eSIMs active at the same time on supported iPhone models. If the iPhone has a SIM tray, Apple says you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling. That page was published 17 September 2026. | Apple Support, travel with eSIM |
| Google says you can have multiple eSIM profiles on the same Pixel and switch between them. That page does not state a maximum number stored. Google says you may use 2 eSIM profiles at once if the phone is a Pixel 7 or later and the carrier allows it. Phones in the US with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL model do not use physical SIMs and are eSIM-only. | Google Pixel Help, about eSIM |
| Google says a Pixel 3a or later can use two SIMs, one physical SIM card and one eSIM. Google says you can use 2 eSIM profiles at once if the phone is a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, or later and the carrier allows it. Google says that, based on the device and the carrier, you can have either 2 eSIMs or one eSIM and one physical SIM. A Pixel 3a bought in Japan cannot have two SIMs. Google marks this as US only: a Pixel 10 or later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, can only use an eSIM. Google says some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. | Google Pixel Help, dual SIMs |
| Samsung says a Galaxy can download up to 20 eSIM profiles, and that this maximum can be lower when a large profile is downloaded, because of the memory on the eSIM chip. Samsung says how many profiles can be downloaded is distinct from how many eSIMs can be opened. Samsung's illustration is that a chip with memory capacity 100 can hold up to 10 profiles of size 10, or up to 2 profiles of size 50. The page's own last update is 2 June 2025. That page does not name "Cellular plan cannot be added" or "This code is no longer valid". | Samsung Gulf, eSIM profile limit |
| Android's developer documentation describes separate download failures: the activation code can be invalid, the embedded SIM can have no more space for a new profile, a download or a switch to another profile can fail because the device is carrier locked, and a download can fail because a connection could not be created. Those descriptions are not the wording of the iPhone alerts. | Android Developers, embedded SIM downloads |
| For an au line, au says the iPhone sentence 「eSIMは追加できません。このコードはもう有効ではありません。詳しい情報については通信事業者にお問い合わせください。」 can mean the Wi-Fi or other connection is unstable, the line switch has not been completed, or a 5G SA line is being downloaded onto an iPhone that does not support 5G SA. au says to reconnect to Wi-Fi or try a stable connection, to wait a few minutes after the line switch, or, for the 5G SA case, to apply to reissue the eSIM with identity confirmation. au updated that page on 16 October 2026. Those causes are for an au line. They are not a statement about a Wakamo plan. | au support, eSIM cannot be added |
| au's iPhone download-error index, updated 9 September 2026, says the cause depends on the error wording. It places 「eSIMは追加できません。このコードはもう有効ではありません。詳しい情報については通信事業者にお問い合わせください。」 under an unstable connection, a line switch that was not done, or the contracted line type. A different alert, 「アクティベートできません。」, is the one au says may be a SIM lock. au does not list a SIM lock as the cause of the code sentence. That index is about an au line. | au support, iPhone download errors |
| SoftBank's business eSIM page quotes a screen that reads 「eSIMは追加できません」「モバイル通信プランは追加できません」 and 「このコードはもう有効ではありません。詳しい情報については通信事業者にお問い合わせください。」 SoftBank says that screen means the QR code was already read on another device, and that a reissue is then required. On a different screen, SoftBank says to check whether the same QR was read again on the same device, or whether a VPN or corporate Wi-Fi is blocking internet access. SoftBank says a wrong confirmation code can be tried again when the mistakes stay within 10, and that 10 or more mistakes invalidate the code. SoftBank says a QR code already used to download a profile cannot be used again, and that the QR code stays valid until the profile is downloaded. Those sentences are about a SoftBank business line. They are not a statement about a Wakamo plan. | SoftBank business, QR eSIM |
| Wakamo help says to keep an internet connection while the eSIM downloads. If you still need help, email [email protected] and include the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened. Keep installation codes private. Help does not define "Cellular plan cannot be added" or "This code is no longer valid", and it does not say those alerts send a new installation code. | Wakamo help |
| The Japan eSIM guide is the write-up for how to install. This page does not repeat those steps. | Wakamo Japan eSIM guide |
FAQ
What do those two alerts mean?
"Cellular plan cannot be added" means the iPhone did not add the plan, and "This code is no longer valid" means the iPhone says that code is not valid. Apple's failed-setup page does not quote either alert. For an au line, au lists an unstable connection, a line switch that was not completed, or a 5G SA line on a phone that does not support 5G SA, for the Japanese sentence that includes 「このコードはもう有効ではありません」. SoftBank's business page says the screen that includes 「モバイル通信プランは追加できません」 and 「このコードはもう有効ではありません」 means the QR code was already read on another device. Those are au's and SoftBank's own lines. Wakamo help does not define the two English alerts.
What should I try before contacting anyone?
Apple says to connect to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot, with the exception that in some countries and regions an eSIM-only iPhone can activate without Wi-Fi, and to use the latest iOS the iPhone can run. Then turn Airplane Mode on and off, and if the number is already shown under Settings, Cellular, turn that line off and back on, then restart. Check carrier settings under Settings, General, About. On iOS 18 or later, Apple also points to the Apple Support app. Wakamo help says to keep an internet connection while the eSIM downloads.
Who do I contact for a Wakamo Japan plan?
Email [email protected]. Include the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened, and keep installation codes private. Apple says to note the error message and to have the IMEI or EID from Settings, General, About. Wakamo help does not say those alerts send a new installation code. Apple also asks for a phone number and a carrier account password or PIN, which is Apple's list for contacting a carrier. The Wakamo help list is the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened.
How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?
Apple says you can manage up to eight or more eSIMs, and that two eSIMs can be active at the same time on supported iPhone models. If the iPhone has a SIM tray, Apple says you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling. Apple does not say every iPhone stores the same count.
How many eSIMs can a Pixel hold?
Google says a Pixel can hold multiple eSIM profiles and does not state a maximum number stored. Google says you may use 2 eSIM profiles at once on a Pixel 7 or later when the carrier allows it, and the dual-SIM page says the same for a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, or later when the carrier allows it. A Pixel 3a or later can use one physical SIM and one eSIM, except a Pixel 3a bought in Japan, which cannot have two SIMs. Phones in the US with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL model are eSIM-only. Google marks a separate US-only line: a Pixel 10 or later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, can only use an eSIM.
How many eSIMs can a Galaxy hold?
Samsung says a Galaxy can download up to 20 eSIM profiles, fewer when a profile is large, because of the memory on the eSIM chip. How many can be downloaded is distinct from how many can be opened. Samsung's illustration is a chip of memory capacity 100 holding up to 10 profiles of size 10, or up to 2 of size 50.
What if Android reports a failed download?
Android's developer documentation describes an invalid activation code, no more space on the embedded SIM for a new profile, a carrier-locked device, and a connection that could not be created, as separate download failures. Those descriptions are not the wording of the iPhone alerts.
Does this alert mean the phone is carrier-locked?
au's index puts a SIM lock on a different alert, 「アクティベートできません。」, and does not list a SIM lock as the cause of the code sentence. Android's documentation says a download or a switch to another profile can fail because the device is carrier locked. This page does not give unlock steps.
What if the line is already listed?
Apple says that if the number is already shown under Cellular, turn that line off and then back on. This page does not repeat the checks for an installed line that has no data.
Can I scan the same QR code again?
SoftBank says a QR code already used to download a profile cannot be used again, and that the QR code stays valid until the profile is downloaded. SoftBank also says 10 or more wrong confirmation codes invalidate the code. Those sentences are about a SoftBank business line. Wakamo help does not say an install alert sends a new installation code, and it does not publish SoftBank's reuse rule as a Wakamo rule.
Sources
Apple Support, can't set up an eSIMsupport.apple.com
Connect to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot. In some countries and regions an eSIM-only iPhone can activate without Wi-Fi. Use the latest iOS the iPhone can run. After each step, open Control Center and see if the carrier is in the status bar. Turn Airplane Mode on and off. If the number is already under Settings, Cellular, turn that line off and on. Restart. On iOS 18 or later, the Apple Support app can run more diagnostics. Carrier settings are under Settings, General, About, beside Carrier. If setup still fails, contact the carrier, note the error, and have the phone number, the carrier account password or PIN, and the IMEI or EID from that About screen. Published 23 April 2026. The page does not quote the two English alerts.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, set up eSIMsupport.apple.com
An eSIM lets you manage up to eight or more eSIMs. Published 17 September 2026. The page does not say every iPhone stores the same count, and it does not define the two English alerts.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, travel with eSIMsupport.apple.com
Two eSIMs can be active at the same time on supported iPhone models. An iPhone with a SIM tray can use a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling. Published 17 September 2026.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Google Pixel Help, about eSIMsupport.google.com
A Pixel can hold multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them. The page states no stored maximum. Two eSIM profiles at once require a Pixel 7 or later and a carrier that allows it. US Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones do not use physical SIMs and are eSIM-only.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Google Pixel Help, dual SIMssupport.google.com
A Pixel 3a or later can use one physical SIM and one eSIM. Two eSIM profiles at once require a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, or later, and a carrier that allows it. The pairing is either 2 eSIMs or one eSIM and one physical SIM, depending on the device and the carrier. A Pixel 3a bought in Japan cannot have two SIMs. US only: a Pixel 10 or later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, can only use an eSIM. Some steps work only on Android 11 and up.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Samsung Gulf, eSIM profile limitsamsung.com
A Galaxy can download up to 20 eSIM profiles. A large profile can lower that maximum because of eSIM-chip memory. How many can be downloaded is distinct from how many can be opened. Samsung's illustration: memory capacity 100 holds up to 10 profiles of size 10, or up to 2 of size 50. The page's own last update is 2 June 2025. It does not name the two English alerts.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Android Developers, embedded SIM downloadsdeveloper.android.com
Separate download failures: the activation code can be invalid, the embedded SIM can have no more space for a new profile, a download or a switch to another profile can fail because the device is carrier locked, and a download can fail because a connection could not be created. These are not the iPhone alert wording.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
au support, eSIM cannot be addedau.com
For an au line, the iPhone sentence that the eSIM cannot be added and the code is no longer valid can mean an unstable connection, a line switch that was not completed, or a 5G SA line downloaded onto an iPhone that does not support 5G SA. Reconnect to Wi-Fi, wait a few minutes after the line switch, or, for the 5G SA case, apply to reissue the eSIM with identity confirmation. Updated 16 October 2026. This is an au line, not a Wakamo plan.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
au support, iPhone download errorsau.com
Updated 9 September 2026. The cause depends on the wording. The code-is-no-longer-valid sentence is grouped with connection, a line switch that was not done, or the contracted line type. A different alert, that the eSIM cannot be activated, is the one au says may be a SIM lock. The index is about an au line.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
SoftBank business, QR eSIMsoftbank.jp
SoftBank's business eSIM page says the screen that the eSIM or cellular plan cannot be added, and that the code is no longer valid, means the QR code was already read on another device, and that a reissue is required. A different screen is the same QR read again on the same device, or a VPN or corporate Wi-Fi blocking internet. A wrong confirmation code can be retried within 10 mistakes. Ten or more invalidate it. A QR code already used to download a profile cannot be used again, and it stays valid until the profile is downloaded. This is a SoftBank business line, not a Wakamo plan.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo helpwakamo.io
Wakamo product information. Keep an internet connection while the eSIM downloads. If you still need help, email [email protected] with the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened. Keep installation codes private. Help does not define the two English alerts and does not say they send a new installation code.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo Japan eSIM guidewakamo.io
Wakamo product information. The Japan eSIM guide is the write-up for how to install. This page links it and does not repeat those steps.
Accessed 2026-10-21.