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Use a QR code or URI link to download an eSIM profile

Starting in Windows 11 24H2, functionality was added to recognize and properly handle URIs starting with the scheme name: lpa:. Supporting lpa: URIs enables Windows to scan eSIM QR codes from the Windows camera app or any non-Microsoft app that can scan QR codes. Mobile operators can also embed lpa: URIs into a webpage or email.

What is a lpa: URI?

A lpa: URI is a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) with the scheme name prefix lpa:. The lpa: prefix is defined for use with QR codes in GSMA eSIM spec SGP.22 section 4.1, but can be provided directly to a user embedded in a webpage button or email. Windows reads the URI as follows: lpa:[activation code]

Windows handles URIs with the lpa: prefix from any application.

What does the user see?

After the user selects a lpa: URI from the camera app, browser, e-mail, or another app, Windows launches the eSIM activation flow in the settings app under Network & Internet > Cellular > eSIM Profiles. This activation flow is the same as entering an activation code directly into the Settings app.

How should lpa: URIs be used?

Microsoft recommends that mobile operators incorporate lpa: URIs to trigger eSIM profile downloads as part of their web buy flow. After a customer completes a data plan purchase online, mobile operators can provide a link directly to the user to start a profile download either on a web page or through an e-mail.