What is SM-DP+ Address and How to install eSIM manually on your eSIM compatible phone?

Adil Z•2/7/2024•9 min read

Are you a frequent traveler or someone who needs multiple phone numbers? eSIM technology might be the solution you've been looking for. Modern smartphones increasingly offer dual SIM capabilities with an eSIM option, which often proves more convenient than traditional physical SIM cards, especially when traveling.

When you purchase an eSIM, you'll receive a QR code, an SM-DP+ Address, and an activation code. This guide will demystify the SM-DP+ Address concept and walk you through manually installing an eSIM on different devices.

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What is an SM-DP+ Address?

An SM-DP+ Address (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) is essentially a digital location that enables your phone to connect with your mobile network provider's eSIM management system.

In Simple Terms:

Think of the SM-DP+ Address as:

- A specialized digital address your phone uses to find your eSIM information

- Similar to an email address or URL for your eSIM

- The connection point between your device and the mobile network's eSIM system

When your device uses this address, it can activate and properly configure the eSIM embedded in your phone. The SM-DP+ Address ensures secure, authenticated communication, protecting your eSIM profile from unauthorized access—much like how encryption protects your personal data online.

How Does an SM-DP+ Address Work?

The SM-DP+ Address facilitates the setup of your digital SIM card through a straightforward process:

1. Connection Initialization: When activating your eSIM, your device connects to a specific server using the SM-DP+ Address as the destination.

2. Profile Download: Once connected, the SM-DP+ server securely transmits all necessary profile information to your device, including network authentication credentials and service configuration.

3. Automatic Configuration: Your device then processes this information, configuring the eSIM to work with your chosen mobile network.

4. Security Verification: Throughout this process, multiple security checks ensure only authorized profiles are installed on your device.

The SM-DP+ Address is particularly crucial for manual activation scenarios where scanning a QR code isn't possible or practical.

When Should You Activate an eSIM Manually?

There are several situations where manual activation becomes necessary:

- No QR Code Available: You've lost the QR code or received your eSIM details through a channel that didn't include the QR code image.

- QR Code Issues: You've attempted to scan the QR code multiple times, but it's not working correctly.

- Device Limitations: Your primary device has the eSIM capability, but you can't scan a QR code displayed on the same device.

- Preference: Some users simply prefer the manual method for greater control over the activation process.

Prerequisites for Manual eSIM Activation

Before attempting manual activation, ensure you have:

- eSIM Compatible Device: Verify your device supports eSIM technology (iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung S20 or newer, and various other modern smartphones).

- Carrier-Unlocked Phone: Your device should not be locked to a specific carrier unless you're activating an eSIM from that same carrier.

- Activation Credentials : You'll need both the SM-DP+ Address and activation code provided by your eSIM supplier.

- Active Internet Connection: Your device must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or another cellular connection to complete the activation.

How to Obtain Your eSIM Activation Credentials

After purchasing an eSIM, you should receive:

- An email containing your activation details, including the QR code, SM-DP+ Address, and activation code

- These credentials are typically sent immediately after purchase confirmation

Can't find your activation email? Contact customer support at admin@esimfox.com for assistance.

Important Note: The SM-DP+ Address is **not** a website URL that you can visit in a browser. It's a specialized address used only within your device's eSIM activation interface. Even if it appears as a clickable link in your email, it's normal that you cannot access it through a web browser.

Step-by-Step Manual eSIM Installation Guide

For Apple iOS Devices (iPhone XS and newer, iPad Pro and newer):

1. Access eSIM Settings:

- Open Settings

- Tap **Cellular** or Mobile Data

- Select Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM

2. Enter Details Manually:

- Tap Use QR Code

- Look for and select Enter Details Manually

- Carefully input your SM-DP+ Address exactly as provided

- Enter your activation code

- Note: Do not include 'https://' or 'http://' as it's not a website URL

3. Complete Setup:

- Follow the on-screen prompts to name your plan and configure settings

- Choose whether to use this as your primary line or secondary line

For Samsung Android Devices:

1. **Navigate to SIM Settings**:

- Open Settings

- Tap Connections

- Select SIM Card Manager

- Choose Add Mobile Plan

2. Manual Input:

- Tap Scan Carrier QR Code

- Select Enter Activation Code when prompted

- Copy and paste your activation code precisely

3. Finalize Installation:

- Tap Connect

- Select Add and use it now

- Follow any additional carrier-specific prompts

For Google Android Devices (Pixel and others):

1. Open Network Settings:

- Go to Settings

- Tap Network & Internet

- Look for the + icon next to Mobile Network

2. Manual Activation Path:

- Select Download a SIM instead

- Tap Next

- Look for and select Need help?

3. Input Activation Details:

- Choose Enter Data Manually

- Input your activation code

- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during manual eSIM activation:

- Double-check credentials: Verify that you've entered the SM-DP+ Address and activation code exactly as provided, with proper capitalization and without additional characters.

- Internet connectivity: Ensure your device has a stable internet connection through Wi-Fi or another cellular connection.

- Restart your device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues between your device and the eSIM servers.

- Contact support: If problems persist, reach out to your eSIM provider's customer support with your specific error message.

Conclusion

The SM-DP+ Address is a critical component for secure, manual eSIM activation. While it may seem technical at first glance, understanding its purpose and how to use it gives you greater flexibility in managing your mobile connectivity.

With eSIM technology becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly for travelers using services like eSIM Europe, eSIM Turkey, or eSIM USA, knowing how to manually activate your eSIM provides an important backup option when QR code scanning isn't possible.

Whether you're using an iOS device, Samsung Android, or Google Android smartphone, the ability to manually install an eSIM using the SM-DP+ Address and activation code ensures you can stay connected wherever your journeys take you.

Remember that while the SM-DP+ Address appears complex, it simply serves as the digital bridge connecting your device to your mobile service provider's eSIM infrastructure. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to leverage this modern technology for seamless connectivity across borders.