Bought a travel eSIM but can't scan the QR code?
This is a surprisingly common problem. Sometimes the QR code is saved on the same iPhone you're trying to activate, the camera won't scan it properly, or you simply don't have another screen available.
Fortunately, you don't need a QR code to install an eSIM. If your provider supplies an SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code, you can manually install the eSIM directly on your iPhone 17.
During our testing with several travel eSIM providers, manual activation proved especially useful when the QR code was inaccessible or had already been scanned unsuccessfully.
Quick Answer
To manually activate an eSIM on iPhone 17:
Open Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Add eSIM.
Select Use QR Code.
Tap Enter Details Manually.
Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your carrier.
Tap Next and wait for the eSIM to download.
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What Is an SM-DP+ Address?
The SM-DP+ Address is a secure server address used to deliver your eSIM profile to your device.
Instead of scanning a QR code, your iPhone connects directly to this server and downloads the eSIM information.
Most providers will send you:
• An SM-DP+ Address.
• An Activation Code.
• Occasionally a Confirmation Code.
In most cases, only the first two are required.
When Should You Use Manual Activation?
Manual activation is useful when:
• The QR code is on the same phone.
• The QR code is blurry or damaged.
• The camera won't scan the code.
• You don't have a second device available.
• The provider specifically recommends manual setup.
During testing, the most common reason for using manual activation was simply not having another screen available to display the QR code.
How to Manually Activate an eSIM on iPhone 17
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi
Before starting, connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
eSIM installation requires an internet connection to download the profile from your provider's server.
Avoid weak public Wi-Fi if possible.
Step 2: Open the eSIM Setup Menu
Open Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Add eSIM.
Select Use QR Code.
The camera screen will open.
Ignore the camera and tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Enter the SM-DP+ Address
Tap the field labeled SM-DP+ Address.
Copy and paste the address exactly as your provider supplied it.
Double-check that:
• There are no extra spaces.
• There are no missing characters.
• You do not add "https://" unless instructed.
A single incorrect character can cause the installation to fail.
Step 4: Enter the Activation Code
Tap the field labeled Activation Code.
Paste the code exactly as provided.
If you see a Confirmation Code field, leave it blank unless your provider specifically gave you one.
Tap Next.
Your iPhone will now connect to the server and begin downloading the eSIM profile.
Step 5: Finish the Setup
After the profile downloads:
Assign the eSIM a label such as:
• Japan Data
• Europe Travel
• Vacation SIMSelect whether the line will be used for:
• Mobile Data
• Calls
• Messages
If this is a travel eSIM, you'll usually want to use it for mobile data only.
What If I Get an "Invalid Code" Error?
If manual activation fails:
• Check for extra spaces.
• Verify every letter and number.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable.
• Confirm the activation code has not already been used.
• Contact your provider if the error continues.
In our testing, extra spaces from copy-and-paste and previously used activation codes were the most common causes of installation failures.
Can I Use the Same Activation Code Again?
Usually, no.
Most travel eSIM providers use single-use activation codes.
Once the eSIM profile has been successfully installed, the activation code may no longer work on another device.
If you delete the eSIM and need to reinstall it, you may need to request a new activation code from your provider.
Does Manual Activation Work the Same as a QR Code?
Yes.
Both methods install exactly the same eSIM profile.
The only difference is how the installation information is entered.
Manual activation simply skips the camera and allows you to type or paste the details yourself.
Our Experience With Manual eSIM Installation
We tested manual installation using several travel eSIM providers on the iPhone 17 series.
The process worked reliably and was particularly helpful when:
• The QR code was stored on the same phone.
• Airport Wi-Fi interrupted the initial setup.
• A second device wasn't available.
For most travelers, manual activation is an easy backup method that can save a lot of frustration.
Final Verdict
Manual eSIM activation using an SM-DP+ Address on iPhone 17 is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
Simply open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, choose Enter Details Manually, and enter the information provided by your carrier.
If the QR code doesn't work or you don't have another screen available, manual installation is often the fastest way to get your travel eSIM up and running.