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Enter your activation details by hand
If the QR code won't scan, the same details exist as text: an SM-DP+ address and an activation code. Type them into your phone's eSIM settings and the plan adds exactly as it would from a scan.
Before you start
The SM-DP+ address and activation code are in your confirmation email, on your order page under "Enter the details by hand," and on the plan in the app. Where the manual-entry screen is, by phone. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Enter activation code. Other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Need help? > Enter it manually.
Steps
- Copy the SM-DP+ address and the activation code, or have them open on another screen.
- Open the manual-entry screen, at the path above for your phone.
- Type the SM-DP+ address exactly as shown, including the dots.
- Type the activation code exactly as shown. Leave any confirmation-code field empty unless your email gives one.
- Confirm, and keep the phone connected while the eSIM downloads. It takes about a minute.
- If asked which line to use for data, keep your home SIM for now; switch when you land.
Good to know
- Both values are case-sensitive and have no spaces. Copying and pasting from the email avoids typos.
- It's fine to add your plan days before you fly, as long as you have a stable connection to do it. Leave data roaming off until you land. Nothing on your plan starts until you connect abroad, so there's no downside to adding early and switching on later.
- The landing steps, by phone, are in Turn on data roaming for your plan on iPhone, Turn on data roaming for your plan on Samsung, and Turn on data roaming for your plan on Android.
- Your plan is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. Calls and texts keep using your home number.
Still not working?
If the phone rejects the details, see "Cellular plan cannot be added" and other add errors. Still not working? Message us on WhatsApp at +1-888-357-7347 and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use an eSIM while backpacking is surprisingly simple. First, ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Then, download the provider's app (like KnowRoaming's). You can choose your plan and add the eSIM digitally through the app, often by scanning a QR code. Once added, just enable data roaming for your eSIM, and you're ready to go, no physical cards or airport kiosks needed.
No swapping SIM cards, no kiosk queues at the airport, set it up once and it's ready every time after.
With KnowRoaming, setup takes less than five minutes. Using the automatic setup in the KnowRoaming app, you can download and add your eSIM in just a few taps. This makes it one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get connected before your trip.
Simply add the eSIM profile on your unlocked, eSIM-compatible device before you travel. Once you arrive in a supported country, turn on your eSIM, and you'll be connected!
Have questions about coverage, installing, or a plan you've already bought? Whatever it is, message us and a few quick questions will get you to the right person. Email works too, if you'd rather.
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