Activate eSIM Without QR Code: How to Enter SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code

The most common way to install an eSIM is to scan a QR code. But situations where scanning a QR code isn't possible come up more often than you'd think — you might have only received the activation info by email, the QR code image might fail to load, or you're on a single-screen device that can't scan a QR code displayed on its own screen.

This is exactly when you'd use manual installation — entering the SM-DP+ address and activation code directly. This guide covers when manual installation is needed, what an SM-DP+ address actually is, step-by-step installation for both iPhone and Android, and common errors along with how to fix them.

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When manual installation is needed

1. You have no other device to scan the QR code

Scanning a QR code requires two separate devices — one showing the QR code, and one doing the scanning. But if the device you're installing the eSIM on is the same one that received the QR code (for example, you received it by email on your smartphone), you can't scan your own screen.

In that case, you have one of two options:

• Display the QR code on another device (PC, tablet, etc.) and scan it
• Manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code (the method covered in this guide)

2. The QR code image is corrupted or won't load

Sometimes a QR code image embedded in an email or webpage renders broken, or fails to load due to a network issue. It's also common for QR codes to be hidden because of an email client's image-blocking settings.

3. You only received the activation info as text

Some eSIM providers give you the SM-DP+ address and activation code as text alongside the QR code. Or, if you received activation info via text message or chat through customer support, it's typically in text form too.

4. There's an issue with the QR scanning feature

Rarely, a device's camera or QR recognition feature has a temporary glitch, causing scans to repeatedly fail. In that case, manual entry is a reliable fallback.

5. You have no printer to print the QR code

If you received a QR code by email while traveling, don't have a printer, and have no other device on hand, manual entry is the only option.

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What is an SM-DP+ address?

The role of SM-DP+

SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager – Data Preparation Plus) is a server that securely prepares an eSIM profile and delivers it to a device. It's a core component defined in the GSMA standard, responsible for profile downloads in every eSIM installation.

The SM-DP+ address is this server's internet address (domain). Your device connects to this address to download the eSIM profile.

The structure of an activation code

The information needed to activate an eSIM generally follows this format:

1$<SM-DP+ address>$<matching ID>

What each part means:

• 1: the activation code format version
• SM-DP+ address: the domain of the profile download server (e.g., rsp.provider.com)
• Matching ID: a unique code identifying a specific profile (e.g., A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8)

A real example:

1$rsp.provider.com$A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8I9J0K1L2M3N4O5P6

A QR code encodes this entire string. For manual installation, you split this information into two parts to enter separately:

• SM-DP+ address field: rsp.provider.com
• Activation code field: A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8I9J0K1L2M3N4O5P6

Where do you find the activation info?

When you buy an eSIM, your provider gives you the activation info in one or more of the following forms:

• Email: SM-DP+ address and activation code shown as text alongside the QR code image
• Provider's app: both the QR code and manual installation info are viewable inside the app
• Provider's website: viewable in your account page or order history
• Text message or chat: received as text via customer support

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Installing eSIM manually on iPhone

Before you start

Before beginning manual installation, check the following:

1. Internet connection: you need either Wi-Fi or an existing cellular data connection — an internet connection is required to download the eSIM profile.
2. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or later supports eSIM (the latest version is recommended).
3. Device compatibility: your device must be an iPhone XS, XR, or later.
4. Have the SM-DP+ address and activation code ready: keep them in a form you can copy and paste.
5. Check for carrier lock: a device with a SIM lock in place cannot install an eSIM from a different carrier.

Step-by-step (iOS 17 and later)

Step 1: Open the Settings app

Tap the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2: Go to Cellular

Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).

Step 3: Start adding an eSIM

Tap Add eSIM. Depending on your iOS version, this may appear as Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Plan.

Step 4: Choose manual entry instead of QR code

Tap the "Can't scan a QR code?" or "Enter Details Manually" link at the bottom of the screen.

On some iOS versions, this option may appear as "Enter Details Manually."

Step 5: Enter the SM-DP+ address

Enter the SM-DP+ address into the SM-DP+ Address (or Server Address) field.

Example: rsp.provider.com

Notes:

• Don't add https:// or http:// — enter the domain only.
• Enter uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as given — SM-DP+ addresses can be case-sensitive.
• Make sure there's no leading or trailing whitespace.

Step 6: Enter the activation code

Enter the activation code into the Activation Code (or Matching ID) field.

Example: A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8I9J0K1L2M3N4O5P6

An activation code is usually a long string of letters and numbers. Always copy and paste it to avoid typos.

Step 7: Enter a confirmation code (if applicable)

Some providers require an additional Confirmation Code. If that field appears, enter the confirmation code your provider gave you. If there's no confirmation code, leave this field blank or it simply won't appear.

Step 8: Tap Next and download the profile

After entering everything, tap Next (or Continue). Your device connects to the SM-DP+ server and downloads the profile. This usually takes anywhere from a few seconds to about a minute.

Step 9: Activate the eSIM

Once the download finishes, you'll see a confirmation message asking "Activate this Cellular Plan?" Tap Continue to finish activation.

Step 10: Set a line label (optional)

If you use multiple lines, you can give the newly added eSIM a recognizable name (e.g., "Japan Trip," "Europe Data").

Step-by-step (iOS 16 and earlier)

On iOS 16 and earlier, the menu path is slightly different:

1. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
2. Once the camera activates, tap "Enter Details Manually" at the bottom of the screen
3. The rest of the process is the same as iOS 17

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Installing eSIM manually on Android

Android's interface varies by manufacturer and OS version. Here's the process for the major devices.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6.0 and later)

Before you start:

• Android 13 or later, Galaxy S21 or newer
• Confirm you have Wi-Fi or data connectivity
• Have the SM-DP+ address and activation code ready

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap Connections > SIM manager.

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM.

Step 4: On the "Scan QR code provided by carrier" screen, tap Add using different method or "Enter activation code" at the bottom.

Step 5: Select "Enter activation code."

Step 6: Enter the full activation string into the activation code field.

On Samsung Galaxy devices, the SM-DP+ address and activation code are often combined into a single field:

1$rsp.provider.com$A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8

Paste the entire string, starting with 1$, into that single field.

Step 7: Tap Connect, and wait for the profile download to finish.

Step 8: Confirm eSIM activation, and set a line name.

Google Pixel (Android 14 and later)

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Tap Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.

Step 2: Tap "Download a SIM instead?" or "Add eSIM" at the bottom.

Step 3: Tap the "Can't add network?" or "Enter it manually" option.

Step 4: Enter the activation code. Like Samsung, Pixel also uses a single field for the full string starting with 1$.

Step 5: Tap Confirm and proceed with the profile download.

Step 6: Complete activation.

Other Android devices

On most eSIM-compatible Android devices, the manual installation path follows this general pattern:

• Settings > Network (or Connections) > SIM (or SIM card manager) > Add eSIM > Manual entry
• Settings > Mobile network > eSIM > Enter activation code

If you're having trouble finding the exact path, search for "eSIM" or "SIM" in your Settings app's search bar to quickly find the relevant menu.

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Things to watch for when copying the activation code

The most common cause of manual installation failure is an activation code entry error. Be sure to follow these guidelines:

1. Always copy and paste

An activation code is usually a long string of 30+ alphanumeric characters. Typing it manually has a very high chance of typos, so always copy and paste it.

2. Check for leading/trailing whitespace

When copying a code from an email or webpage, it's common to accidentally copy leading or trailing whitespace along with it. After pasting, check that there's no whitespace before or after the code.

3. Watch for line-break characters

If a code is displayed across multiple lines in an email, copying it can accidentally include line-break characters (\n). The code needs to be one continuous string on a single line. Remove any line breaks if present.

4. Avoid confusing similar characters

In some fonts, the following characters can be easily confused:

• 0 (zero) vs. O (letter O)
• 1 (one) vs. l (lowercase L) vs. I (uppercase I)
• $ (dollar sign) vs. S (letter S)

Using copy and paste avoids this kind of confusion entirely.

5. Confirm the full code was copied

An activation code can sometimes get cut off when displayed in an email or webpage. Especially on mobile screens, a long code might not fit entirely on one line, so make sure the entire code was copied without anything missing.

6. Check the expected input format

The input format can differ by device:

Separate fields (iPhone):

• SM-DP+ address field: rsp.provider.com
• Activation code field: A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8
• Enter each part separately, excluding the 1$ prefix and $ separator

Combined field (some Android devices):

• Enter the whole string into one field: 1$rsp.provider.com$A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8
• Include the 1$ prefix and $ separator

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Common errors and how to fix them

Error 1: "Unable to connect to server" or "Connection failed"

Causes:

• Unstable or dropped internet connection
• SM-DP+ address entered incorrectly
• A firewall or VPN blocking access to the SM-DP+ server

How to fix it:

1. Check your Wi-Fi connection status. Switch to a more stable Wi-Fi network if possible.
2. Double-check the SM-DP+ address. Look for typos and make sure https:// wasn't included.
3. If you're using a VPN, temporarily disable it.
4. Try changing your DNS settings (Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1).
5. Wait a moment and try again — this could be a temporary server-side issue.

Error 2: "Invalid activation code" or "Matching failed"

Causes:

• A typo in the activation code
• Leading/trailing whitespace or line-break characters included in the code
• The code has already been used (if it's a one-time code)
• The code has expired

How to fix it:

1. Copy the activation code again from the original email or webpage.
2. Remove any whitespace and line-break characters.
3. Make sure the SM-DP+ address and activation code are correctly separated.
4. Confirm you haven't used this code before.
5. If the issue persists, contact your provider to request a new activation code.

Error 3: "eSIM isn't supported on this device"

Causes:

• The device doesn't support eSIM
• A carrier lock (SIM Lock) is in place
• The OS version doesn't support eSIM

How to fix it:

1. Confirm whether your device supports eSIM.
2. Check whether an EID field appears under Settings > General > About (on iPhone) — if EID is shown, the device supports eSIM.
3. Check whether your device is carrier-unlocked, and if it's locked, request an unlock from your existing carrier.
4. Update your OS to the latest version.

Error 4: "An error occurred while downloading the profile"

Causes:

• The network connection became unstable during download
• A temporary issue with the SM-DP+ server
• Insufficient storage on the eUICC chip

How to fix it:

1. Try again on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
2. Reboot your device and try again.
3. Delete any unused eSIM profiles to free up space.
4. Wait 30 minutes to an hour and try again.
5. Ask your provider to check the profile's status.

Error 5: "This profile is already installed"

Causes:

• You've already installed this same profile before
• A previous installation attempt was only partially completed

How to fix it:

1. Check your list of eSIMs in Settings to see if the profile is already installed.
2. If it's already installed, simply activate that profile.
3. If the installation is incomplete, delete that profile and reinstall it.
4. Ask your provider to reset the profile.

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What to check after manual installation

Confirm the following to make sure your eSIM installed correctly:

1. Check network connection

After installation, check whether the carrier name or a network indicator appears in the status bar. Network registration can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

2. Test the data connection

Open a web browser and try visiting any website. Or send a message in a messaging app to confirm the data connection is working.

3. Check the APN settings

Some eSIMs don't configure APN (Access Point Name) settings automatically. If your data connection isn't working, you may need to manually enter the APN settings your provider gives you.

iPhone APN settings:

• Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM line > Cellular Data Network

Android APN settings:

• Settings > Network > SIM > select the eSIM > APN (Access Point Name)

4. Data roaming settings

For an eSIM used for international travel, data roaming must be turned on:

iPhone:

• Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM line > turn Data Roaming on

Android:

• Settings > Network > SIM > select the eSIM > turn Data Roaming on

5. Set a line label

If you use multiple lines, giving your new eSIM a clear name makes it easier to manage:

• "Primary" / "Travel Data"
• "AT&T" / "Japan Trip"
• "Personal" / "Work"

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Tips for installing before your trip

Install ahead of time, before you depart

Most travel eSIMs start their validity period at either the first time data is used or the moment they connect to a local network. So it's fine to install the eSIM ahead of time and simply activate it once you arrive at your destination.

Benefits of installing ahead of time:

• You can start using data the moment you land at the airport.
• If anything goes wrong during installation, you can resolve it while still at home.
• You can download it over a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Back up your activation info

Save the SM-DP+ address and activation code you used for manual installation somewhere separate. If you accidentally delete the eSIM or need to reset your device, you may need this to reinstall it (whether reinstallation is possible varies by provider).

Managing multiple eSIMs

If you're visiting multiple countries, it helps to organize the activation info for each country's eSIM:

Country	SM-DP+ Address	Activation Code	Install Status
Japan	rsp.xxx.com	ABC123...	Installed
Thailand	rsp.yyy.com	DEF456...	Not installed

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Is there any difference in the result between manual installation and QR code installation?

No. The same profile gets installed either way. QR code and manual entry are just different ways of delivering the information needed to connect to the SM-DP+ server — the final result is completely identical.

Q: Can I use a manual installation activation code more than once?

Generally, an activation code can only be used once. Once installation is complete, the same code can't be used to install it again. If you need to reinstall, you'll need to request a new code from your provider.

Q: Do I need to memorize the SM-DP+ address?

No. The SM-DP+ address is provided when you buy the eSIM, and you just copy and paste it in. There's no need to memorize it at all.

Q: Can I do manual installation on a plane?

It may be possible if the plane has Wi-Fi, but some in-flight Wi-Fi networks block the ports required for eSIM provisioning. Whenever possible, we recommend installing before you depart.

Q: Can I turn off my device during manual installation?

Don't turn off your device or disconnect from the network while the profile is downloading. If the download is interrupted, the profile can become corrupted, and you may need to request a new profile from your provider.

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Wrap-up

There's no need to panic if you can't use a QR code. Manually entering the SM-DP+ address and activation code delivers the exact same result as scanning a QR code — and using copy and paste can even make it more accurate.

The key is entering the information correctly and having a stable internet connection. With those two things in place, manual installation takes just one or two minutes.

Compare eSIM plans suited to your trip on esimoa, and use this guide to install your eSIM with ease, no matter the situation.