Guide · Reviewed 30 October 2026
Manual eSIM Activation: When to Use an Activation Code Instead of a QR Code
Use manual eSIM activation details safely when a provider gives them. Learn where to enter them on iPhone and Galaxy, and when to stop for support.
Manual activation is a valid alternative to QR scanning, not a troubleshooting shortcut. Use it only when the provider sends required details through an official channel. The fields are plan-specific; never improvise values.
Know when manual entry is appropriate
Use manual entry if the provider specifically gives you an activation code or eSIM details, or if its official setup page tells you to select a manual path. Do not convert a blurry, expired, or failed QR scan into a manual attempt unless the provider has supplied the matching information. If a QR was intended for one device or activation session, the provider must decide whether it can be used again.
Confirm your phone supports eSIM, is unlocked if needed, and has stable Wi-Fi. Keep official provider support available. The provider, not this guide, is the authority for which fields must be completed and whether a confirmation code is required.
Enter only the values you were issued
On iPhone, begin with Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. Apple documents an Enter Details Manually option when a carrier supplies eSIM information . Enter the information exactly as provided and continue through the activation prompts.
On compatible Galaxy phones, Samsung documents Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan > Add using activation code . The name can differ by software version or region. Other Android makers may offer a similar option from the eSIM-add flow; use their official guide rather than a Galaxy-specific sequence.
Verify, protect, and stop when needed
After installation, check that the new line is visible and enabled. Choose its role carefully: mobile data, calls, or both, depending on what the provider sold. Test only after the provider says activation is complete.
Never paste activation credentials into public help forums or send them to an unsolicited support account. If a field is missing, an error appears, or the profile does not activate, capture the wording of the error and contact the provider through its verified channel. Then consult eSIM troubleshooting without deletion, the iPhone installation route, or the Android installation route for the correct device context.