How to install an eSIM manually
Use manual eSIM activation details when the QR code will not scan or you only have one device with you.
You need to add an eSIM, but scanning the QR code is inconvenient, impossible, or failing repeatedly.
Open the same Add eSIM flow, choose manual entry, then copy the activation address and code exactly as shown in your Skyalo order.
- Connect to Wi-Fi before opening the eSIM setup flow.
- Open Settings and choose Add eSIM, Add mobile plan, or Download a SIM.
- Select the manual entry option instead of scanning the QR code.
- Copy the SM-DP+ address exactly, without extra spaces or missing characters.
- You only have one phone and cannot display the QR code on another screen.
- The camera cannot focus on the QR code or keeps showing a scan error.
- You received activation details as text and want to avoid QR scanning altogether.
- Typing the activation details from memory instead of copying them carefully.
- Entering manual details after the same eSIM was already installed on another device.
- Turning off Wi-Fi before the profile finishes downloading.
Step-by-step fix
5 min read
- 1
Connect to Wi-Fi before opening the eSIM setup flow.
- 2
Open Settings and choose Add eSIM, Add mobile plan, or Download a SIM.
- 3
Select the manual entry option instead of scanning the QR code.
- 4
Copy the SM-DP+ address exactly, without extra spaces or missing characters.
- 5
Copy the activation code if your device asks for it.
- 6
Name the plan Skyalo or the destination, then keep it disabled until you are ready to use travel data.
- Your device supports manual eSIM activation.
- The activation details are copied from the original order screen or email.
- Wi-Fi stays connected until the profile finishes downloading.
- The code has not already been installed on another phone.
- Manual entry is not a backup code. It uses the same one-time eSIM profile as the QR code.
- If the phone rejects the address, check for invisible spaces copied before or after the value.
- Manual details are copied exactly but the phone says the profile cannot be added.
- The setup flow says the eSIM is already used even though it is not visible in settings.