An SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) address is the server address your phone connects to in order to download an eSIM profile. It is used for manual eSIM installation when you cannot scan a QR code. To install manually, open your phone's cellular settings, choose to add an eSIM, tap "Enter Details Manually", and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code your provider gave you. With Simbye, both the QR code and the manual SM-DP+ details are included in your order email and in the app, and 24/7 human support can resend them if needed.
You bought a travel eSIM, opened the email with your QR code, and... nothing. The camera won't focus, the lighting is bad, or the code is on the same phone you are trying to set up. Don't panic. There is always a backup: manual installation using your SM-DP+ address.
This guide explains what an SM-DP+ address is in plain language, breaks down the three parts of an eSIM activation code, and walks you through manual installation on iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel step by step.
What an SM-DP+ address does
SM-DP+ stands for Subscription Manager Data Preparation (the "+" marks the version used for consumer eSIMs). Despite the technical name, it is simply a server address: the secure location where your eSIM profile waits until your phone downloads it.
Think of it like a pickup address for a parcel. Your phone needs to know which server holds your profile. The SM-DP+ address tells your device exactly which server to contact.
Here is what happens behind the scenes when you activate an eSIM:
- Your phone contacts the SM-DP+ server using the address you provided.
- The server checks for your specific profile using your activation code.
- The server sends your eSIM profile securely to your phone.
- Your phone installs the profile onto its built-in eSIM chip.
- You are connected and ready to use mobile data.
When everything works, this takes under a minute. The server makes sure only your authorised device receives your profile, so the process stays secure.
The 3 parts of an eSIM activation code
When you scan a QR code, your phone reads up to three pieces of information out of it. For manual installation you enter these yourself. Knowing the difference between them is the key to a smooth manual setup.
| Part | What it is | Example format | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM-DP+ address | The server address that holds your profile. Looks like a domain but is not a website you can open. | rsp.simbye.com | Yes |
| Activation code | A unique identifier (also called the "matching ID") that points to your specific profile on that server. | K2-1A2B3C-4D5E6F | Yes |
| Confirmation code | An optional extra PIN some carriers require. Most travel eSIMs, including Simbye, do not use one. | (usually blank) | Only if specified |
You may also see a single "activation string" written as LPA:1$rsp.simbye.com$K2-1A2B3C-4D5E6F. This is the whole QR code in text form: LPA:1 is the format marker, then the SM-DP+ address, then the activation code, separated by dollar signs. Some phones let you paste this entire string into one field instead of filling each box separately.
How to manually install an eSIM on iPhone
Follow these steps to add your eSIM without scanning a QR code.
Before you start
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Have your SM-DP+ address and activation code ready (copy them to your clipboard).
- Make sure your iPhone is carrier-unlocked and updated to the latest iOS.
Step-by-step
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
- When the camera opens, tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
- Paste your SM-DP+ address into the first field.
- Paste your activation code into the second field.
- Leave the Confirmation Code field blank unless your provider gave you one.
- Tap Next and wait for the profile to download.
- When prompted, tap Add Cellular Plan or Continue.
- Label the line (for example "Travel" or "Simbye") and choose your settings for Default Line, iMessage, and Cellular Data.
After installation
Your eSIM is installed but a travel plan usually activates only at your destination. To be ready:
- Go to Settings → Cellular and tap your new eSIM.
- Turn on Data Roaming.
- Make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
How to manually install an eSIM on Android and Samsung
The wording differs slightly by manufacturer, but the flow is the same: open SIM settings, choose to add an eSIM, then switch to manual entry.
Before you start
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi.
- Have your SM-DP+ address and activation code ready.
- Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked and on the latest software.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings and tap Connections.
- Tap SIM Manager (or SIM Card Manager).
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
- When the camera opens, tap Enter activation code (or the manual-entry option).
- Enter the SM-DP+ address, then the activation code.
- Tap Connect or Add and wait for the profile to download.
- Enable the eSIM when prompted.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings and tap Network & Internet.
- Tap SIMs (or Mobile Network).
- Tap the + icon or Add eSIM.
- When asked "Don't have a SIM card?", tap Next.
- Tap Enter it manually (or Need help?).
- Enter your SM-DP+ address and activation code, then tap Next.
After installation (all Android)
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (or the equivalent on your phone).
- Select your new eSIM and enable Mobile Data.
- Turn on Data Roaming.
- Set the APN only if your provider asks you to.
Where to find your Simbye SM-DP+ details
Your provider supplies the SM-DP+ address and activation code when you buy a plan. With Simbye you can find them in three places:
- Order confirmation email: the QR code and the manual SM-DP+ details are listed together.
- Simbye app: open your "My eSIMs" list and tap the eSIM to see its manual installation details.
- Support: if you cannot find them, our 24/7 human team (15 agents across 12 languages) can resend them via WhatsApp, Telegram, or live chat. No chatbots.
New to eSIMs? Our how it works page covers the basics, and you can browse all 190+ destinations to pick a plan.
Common manual-install errors and how to fix them
Most failed manual installs come down to a handful of causes. Use this table to match your error message to a fix.
| Error you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid SM-DP+ address | Typo, extra space, or missing characters | Copy and paste instead of typing; remove spaces before and after; do not add "https://". |
| This code is no longer valid | The activation code is single-use and was already used | Check Settings to see if the eSIM is already installed. If not, ask your provider for a fresh code. |
| eSIM cannot be added / Unsupported eSIM | Phone is carrier-locked | Ask your original carrier to unlock the device (usually possible once it is paid off). |
| Unable to activate / stuck on "Activating..." | Weak connection, VPN, or Airplane Mode | Use strong Wi-Fi, turn off any VPN, disable Airplane Mode, restart, and retry. |
| Installed but no signal | Data Roaming off, or you are not yet at the destination | Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM; remember travel plans connect only in their coverage area. |
Two habits prevent most of these: always copy and paste the details rather than typing them, and install while you still have reliable Wi-Fi at home before you travel.
Get a Simbye eSIM
Once you understand the SM-DP+ address, no installation can catch you off guard. Whether you scan a QR code in seconds or enter the details by hand, you always have a path to connectivity, and every Simbye order includes both options plus 24/7 human support.
Simbye plans start from $3 and cover 190+ destinations with instant delivery:
- Europe eSIM — from $25
- USA eSIM — from $3
- Turkey eSIM — from $3
- Browse all 190+ destinations →
Prefer to set everything up from your phone? Get the Simbye app for the easiest install:
Frequently asked questions
Can I find the SM-DP+ address on my phone?
No. The SM-DP+ address belongs to your eSIM plan and must come from your provider. It is not stored in your device settings; it only exists in the provider's system until your phone downloads the profile.
Is the SM-DP+ address a website I can visit?
No. It looks like a domain (for example rsp.provider.com), but you cannot open it in a browser. Only your phone's eSIM system can talk to it, so never add "https://" in front of it.
What is the difference between the SM-DP+ address and the activation code?
The SM-DP+ address tells your phone which server to contact. The activation code tells that server which specific profile is yours. You need both, and they are entered into separate fields during manual installation.
Do I need to enter a confirmation code?
Usually not. Most travel eSIM providers, including Simbye, do not use a confirmation code. Leave that field blank unless your provider specifically tells you to enter one.
Can I use the same SM-DP+ address and activation code on two phones?
No. Each activation code is single-use and locks the profile to one device. For a second device you need a separate plan with its own code.
What if I accidentally deleted my eSIM?
Contact your provider. Some can reissue the code; others require a new eSIM. With Simbye, our support team can help you reinstall or resend your details where the plan allows it.
Why does manual installation fail when QR scanning also failed?
The method is rarely the problem. A carrier-locked phone, an already-used code, or a weak connection usually causes both to fail. Work through the error table above to find the real cause.
Where do I get my SM-DP+ details from Simbye?
They are in your order confirmation email and in the Simbye app under "My eSIMs". If you cannot find them, our 24/7 human support can resend them via WhatsApp, Telegram, or live chat.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment