To enter an eSIM manually, you need two details from your carrier or eSIM provider: the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM and choose to enter an activation code instead of scanning. Connect to Wi-Fi first, type the details exactly as you got them, and follow the steps on screen. This guide shows you where to find those details and how to enter them on iPhone, Samsung and Pixel.
What you need to enter an eSIM manually
Manual activation is the same eSIM install as with a QR code. You just type in what the QR code holds. Have these ready:
- SM-DP+ address. The address of the server that stores your eSIM, for example SMDP.GSMA.COM in the GSMA's sample code. Learn more: what is an SM-DP+ address?
- Activation code. The code that identifies your eSIM on that server. It often looks like a string of letters and numbers split by dashes.
- Confirmation code (sometimes). Only some carriers use one. If your phone asks for it, enter the number your carrier gave you (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). If you didn't get one, leave the field empty.
- An internet connection. Your phone downloads the eSIM, so connect to Wi-Fi or a hotspot.
- A phone that supports eSIM and is unlocked if the eSIM comes from another carrier. On iPhone, that's an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later. Not sure? Here's how to check eSIM compatibility.
Some providers send the details as one line instead of two. The GSMA standard writes it like this (GSMA SGP.22, section 4.1):
LPA:1$SMDP.GSMA.COM$04386-AGYFT-A74Y8-3F815
The part between the two $ signs is the SM-DP+ address. The part after the second $ is the activation code. iPhone asks for the two parts in separate fields. Many Android phones take the whole line, starting with LPA:1$.
How to enter eSIM details manually on iPhone
The menu is called Cellular or Mobile Data, depending on your region. The steps are the same.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings app and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Tap Add Cellular Plan. Depending on your iOS version, it may say Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular.
- Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.
- Type the SM-DP+ address in its field and the activation code in its own field. Don't add "LPA:1$" or the address to the activation code field.
- If you're asked for a confirmation code, enter the one your carrier gave you.
- Follow the steps on screen and stay on Wi-Fi while the eSIM downloads.
These are Apple's current steps (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). If you already have a line, your iPhone then asks you to label your plans and choose a default line. Pick the line you want for data in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data (Apple: Use Dual SIM with an eSIM). To check that it worked, make sure the new line is turned on in Settings > Cellular.
Want screenshots? See our eSIM installation guide for iPhone.
How to enter an eSIM manually on Android
Menu names change a little between brands, models and Android versions. Connect to Wi-Fi first.
Samsung Galaxy
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from Service Provider.
- Tap Enter activation code instead of scanning.
- Enter the details your carrier or eSIM provider gave you. Your plan downloads and activates on the eSIM (Samsung: Galaxy eSIM).
- Restart your phone. Samsung says a restart applies the eSIM profile (Samsung US).
On older One UI versions, the path is SIM card manager > Add mobile plan > Add using activation code (Samsung UK).
Google Pixel
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM (Pixel Phone Help).
- When the scan screen opens, look for the link to enter the code yourself instead of scanning.
- Type or paste the full activation code, starting with LPA:1$, and follow the steps on screen.
Other Android phones
Open Settings and look under Network, Connections or Mobile network for an option to add or download an eSIM. On the QR code screen, pick the option to enter the code manually. Afterwards, check that the new line is on and set for mobile data if you want to use it for data. Step by step: our eSIM installation guide for Android.
How to add an eSIM without a QR code
Manual entry is the usual fix when you can't scan the code: the camera won't read it, or the QR code is on the same phone you're setting up. But it's not the only way to add an eSIM without a QR code:
- eSIM Carrier Activation. Your carrier assigns the eSIM to your phone, and you just follow a prompt. In the US, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon support it. In Canada, Bell, Rogers, Telus and Freedom do (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM).
- eSIM Quick Transfer. On iPhone, you can move your number from your old iPhone or convert a physical SIM without calling your carrier, if your carrier supports it. More: how to transfer an eSIM.
- Your carrier's app or a link. Some carriers install the eSIM from their app. On iOS 17.4 or later, you can tap an eSIM link from your carrier, or tap and hold a QR code in an email and tap Add eSIM (Apple).
If you have neither a QR code nor manual details, ask your carrier for them. You can't create them yourself. Carrier by carrier: how to get a QR code from your carrier. Prefer to scan after all? See how to scan an eSIM QR code.
Manual eSIM activation for a travel eSIM
Travel eSIMs usually come as a QR code by email, so manual entry is handy when you only have one phone with you. At SimOptions, you get the QR code by email right after you buy. The SM-DP+ address and activation code are in the PDF attached to that email. No email? Check your spam folder (SimOptions FAQ).
- Install it before you leave, at home or at the airport, on Wi-Fi.
- Copy and paste the details from the email or PDF on your phone instead of typing them. It avoids typos.
- Keep your home line for calls and texts, and use the travel eSIM for mobile data.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line to avoid roaming charges.
Heading to Europe? This SimOptions plan is data-only and comes with a QR code plus the details for manual setup. Install it at home, and it activates automatically when you arrive in a country it covers.
Crossing a border in North America? These data-only plans install the same way, with the QR code or the manual details.
Mexico, Canada and USA plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
Entered the details but the eSIM won't activate?
Check these first:
- Typos and spaces. Compare every character with your email. Watch out for O and 0, I and 1, and a space at the end.
- Right field, right part. On iPhone, the SM-DP+ address and activation code go in separate fields. On Android, enter the full line if your phone asks for one code.
- Connection. Stay on Wi-Fi until the download finishes.
- Restart your phone and install any software update.
- Don't delete and retry. An activation code usually works once. Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to get a new one (Apple: Erase an eSIM).
Still stuck, or an error like "This code is no longer valid"? See why your eSIM is not activating and how to fix it. Bought your eSIM from SimOptions? Contact our support team before you delete anything.
FAQs
How do I enter an eSIM manually on iPhone?
Connect to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually. Type the SM-DP+ address and the activation code in their fields, add the confirmation code if asked, and follow the steps on screen.
How do I enter an eSIM manually on Samsung?
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, tap Scan QR code from Service Provider, then Enter activation code. Enter the details from your provider and restart your phone.
What does "Enter Details Manually" mean?
It's the iPhone option to add an eSIM by typing the SM-DP+ address and activation code instead of scanning a QR code. You'll find it at the bottom of the Add Cellular Plan screen.
Can I activate an eSIM without a QR code?
Yes. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually, or use your carrier's eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, app or link if they offer it.
Where do I find my eSIM activation code?
Your carrier or eSIM provider sends it, usually by email, in their app or in your online account, often next to the QR code. At SimOptions, it's in the PDF attached to your order email.
Is the SM-DP+ address the same as the activation code?
No. The SM-DP+ address is the server. The activation code identifies your eSIM on that server. You need both.
Do I need a confirmation code?
Only if your carrier uses one. Your phone asks for it when it's needed, and your carrier gives it to you. Otherwise, leave the field empty.
Can I use the same activation code twice?
Don't count on it. Treat it as single-use, and don't delete the eSIM once it's installed. If you do, you'll usually need new details from your carrier or eSIM provider.
