Before manually installing your eSIMfo eSIM, you need to copy your activation details from the eSIMfo app or web dashboard. These details include specific codes that iOS needs to download your eSIM profile.
Understanding Your Activation Details
📍 SM-DP+ Address
The server address where your eSIM profile is stored. Usually starts with "smdp.io" or similar domain.
Example: smdp.io
🔑 Activation Code
A long alphanumeric string that uniquely identifies your eSIM. This is the most important code—required for installation.
Example: 1$smdp.io$LONG-ALPHANUMERIC-STRING
✓ Confirmation Code (Optional)
An additional security code, if provided by your eSIMfo plan. Not all plans require this—leave blank if not provided.
Method A: Get Details via eSIMfo Mobile App
Open the eSIMfo app and log in
Tap My eSIMs in the bottom navigation
Select your eSIM plan
Tap View Details
Choose one of these paths:
Path A: Tap View Installation Instructions → Manual
Path B: Tap How to use your eSIM → How to install the eSIM → Manual
You'll see your activation details displayed
Copy each field carefully (tap and hold to copy text)
⚠️ Copy Carefully: These codes are long and complex. Double-check that you've copied the entire code including all characters. Missing even one character will prevent installation.
Copy each field by selecting and using Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
💡 Pro Tip: You can email these details to yourself or save them in Notes app for easy reference during installation. Just make sure the codes remain complete and unchanged.
2 Manual Installation Process on iPhone/iPad
Now that you have your activation details ready, follow these 7 steps to manually install your eSIMfo eSIM on your iOS device. Take your time entering the codes carefully.
1
Open Settings
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad (grey icon with gears on your home screen).
2
Select Cellular/Mobile Data
Tap Cellular (on iPhone) or Mobile Data (on iPad/international devices) in the Settings menu.
3
Tap Add eSIM
Select Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan, or Add Mobile Data Plan (depending on your iOS version).
4
Select "Use QR Code" Then "Enter Details Manually"
This might seem confusing, but here's how to access manual entry:
First, tap Use QR Code
The QR scanner will open
At the bottom of the screen, tap Enter Details Manually
💡 Why This Way? Apple hides the manual entry option inside the QR scanner screen. There's no direct "Manual Installation" button on the main menu.
5
Enter Your Activation Details
Most Important
You'll see a form with several fields. Carefully enter each detail from your eSIMfo activation codes:
📍 Field 1: SM-DP+ Address
Paste or type the server address (e.g., smdp.io)
✓ Usually short (10-30 characters)
✓ Copy exactly as shown—case sensitive
🔑 Field 2: Activation Code
Paste or type the long activation string
✓ Very long (50-200+ characters)
✓ May start with "1$" followed by domain and codes
✓ Must be exact—missing one character breaks it
✓ Field 3: Confirmation Code (If Provided)
Enter only if your eSIMfo plan includes this code
✓ Leave blank if not provided
✓ Optional security code (not all plans have it)
⚠️ Critical: Triple-Check Your Entries
✗ Don't add extra spaces before or after codes
✗ Don't modify or truncate the codes
✗ Watch for autocorrect changing characters
✓ Paste directly from eSIMfo app/web when possible
6
Tap Next, Then Continue Twice
After entering all details correctly:
Tap Next at the top right
iOS will validate your codes (takes 5-10 seconds)
Review the eSIM details that appear
Tap Continue to confirm
Tap Continue again when prompted
⚠️ Error Message? If you see "Unable to Complete" or "Invalid Activation Code," double-check that you entered all codes exactly as provided. Even one wrong character will cause an error.
7
Wait for Activation, Then Tap Done
Your iPhone/iPad will now download and activate your eSIM:
⏱️ Installation time: 1-3 minutes with stable internet
📥 Progress: "Activating..." message shows
✅ Success: "Cellular Plan Added" notification
🎯 Complete: Tap Done to finish
✅ Installation Complete!
Your eSIMfo eSIM is now installed. Next, configure dual SIM settings and enable mobile data in the following sections.
3 Configure Dual SIM Settings
After manual installation, iOS will guide you through dual SIM configuration. These settings determine which line to use for calls, texts, and mobile data. Follow the same configuration as the QR code installation method.
Quick Dual SIM Configuration Summary
1️⃣ Label Your eSIM
Choose a name like "eSIMfo", "Travel", or your destination
2️⃣ Default Line for Calls & SMS
Select your Primary SIM (most eSIMfo plans are data-only)
3️⃣ iMessage & FaceTime
Select your Primary line for Apple services
4️⃣ Cellular/Mobile Data ⚠️
Select your eSIMfo eSIM for internet data
5️⃣ Allow Cellular Data Switching ⛔
Turn this OFF to prevent roaming charges on primary SIM
📚 Need Detailed Instructions? See our complete dual SIM configuration guide with step-by-step explanations for each setting.
4 Enable Mobile Data & Configure Roaming
After dual SIM setup, enable your eSIM line and configure data roaming to start using your eSIMfo data plan. These steps are identical to other installation methods.
Quick Mobile Data Setup Checklist
Access eSIM settings: Settings → Cellular → Your eSIMfo eSIM
Enable line: Turn ON "Turn On This Line" toggle
Enable roaming: Turn ON "Data Roaming" (if required by your plan)
Verify data selection: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → Select your eSIMfo eSIM
Test connection: Check for signal bars and browse web
📚 Need Detailed Steps? See our complete mobile data configuration guide with detailed screenshots and explanations for each step.
⚠️ Always Check Your Plan's Roaming Requirements
Most international eSIMfo plans require data roaming to be enabled. Don't worry—your prepaid data includes roaming, so there are no surprise charges. Always verify your specific plan requirements in the eSIMfo app under "How to connect."
🔄 Alternative eSIM Installation Methods for iOS
Manual installation is great when QR codes aren't available, but eSIMfo offers faster methods if your situation allows them.
QR Code Installation
Best for: Fastest method when you have a second device or can take screenshots (iOS 17+).
✓ Faster than manual — 2-3 minutes total
✓ No typing required — just scan
✓ Less error-prone — automatic code entry
✗ Requires QR code access — second device or screenshot
If issue persists, contact eSIMfo support for verification
Cannot Find "Enter Details Manually" Option
Solution steps:
Ensure you're running iOS 12.1 or later (check Settings → General → About)
You must first tap "Use QR Code" to access the scanner
Look at the bottom of the QR scanner screen for "Enter Details Manually"
On some iOS versions, it may be labeled "Enter Code Manually"
If still missing, update iOS to the latest version
Installation Takes Too Long or Gets Stuck
If installation exceeds 10 minutes:
Check you have stable Wi-Fi connection
Cancel installation if possible
Restart your iPhone/iPad completely
Check Settings → Cellular for partial installation
If found, delete incomplete eSIM and retry
Ensure activation codes haven't expired (contact eSIMfo if needed)
Activation Codes Keep Getting Pasted Incorrectly
Tips for accurate code entry:
Turn OFF autocorrect: Settings → General → Keyboard → Auto-Correction (OFF)
Copy from source twice: Select and copy code two times to ensure accuracy
Paste into Notes first: Verify code looks correct before pasting into iOS
Type manually if needed: Slow and careful typing can be more reliable
Use copy button: If eSIMfo app has copy button, use that instead of manual selection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code?
The SM-DP+ Address is the server location where your eSIM profile is stored (usually a short domain like "smdp.io"). The Activation Code is a long alphanumeric string that uniquely identifies your specific eSIM and grants access to download it. Think of the SM-DP+ Address as the "building address" and the Activation Code as your "apartment key." Both are required for manual installation, and they must be entered in separate fields during the setup process.
Is manual installation slower than QR code installation?
Slightly, but not significantly. Manual installation typically takes 4-5 minutes compared to 2-3 minutes for QR code installation. The extra time comes from carefully entering the activation codes. However, once codes are entered correctly, the actual eSIM download and activation speed is identical to QR code method. If you're careful with code entry, manual installation is just as reliable as QR code scanning.
Can I copy and paste the activation codes or must I type them?
Yes, you can and should copy-paste! Copying and pasting is actually recommended because it eliminates typing errors. Access your activation codes from the eSIMfo app or web dashboard, long-press to select the entire code, tap Copy, then paste into the iOS manual entry fields. Just be careful to copy the complete code with no extra spaces before or after. Double-check the pasted text looks identical to the original before proceeding.
Do I need a Confirmation Code for every eSIMfo plan?
No, not all plans require it. The Confirmation Code is an optional security field that some eSIM providers use for additional authentication. Many eSIMfo plans only require the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code. If your eSIMfo installation instructions don't show a Confirmation Code, simply leave that field blank during manual entry. Only enter a Confirmation Code if one is explicitly provided in your eSIMfo app or web dashboard.
Why can't I find the manual entry option on my iPhone?
Manual entry is accessed through the QR scanner interface, not as a separate menu option. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then look for "Enter Details Manually" at the bottom of the QR scanner screen. If you don't see this option, ensure your iPhone is running iOS 12.1 or later. Older iOS versions don't support manual eSIM entry. Update your iOS in Settings → General → Software Update if needed.
Can I use the same activation codes multiple times?
It depends on your eSIMfo plan. Most eSIM activation codes can be used multiple times during their validity period, allowing you to reinstall if you delete the eSIM or switch devices. However, you can typically only have one active installation at a time per eSIM plan. If you need to install on a different device, you may need to remove it from the current device first. Check your specific plan details in the eSIMfo dashboard or contact support if you need new activation codes.
Need Help with Manual Installation?
Our iOS specialists are available 24/7 to assist you with activation codes
