eSIM Activation Guide — How to Activate Your Travel eSIM
Activating a travel eSIM takes about 2 minutes. You'll need your phone, a WiFi connection, and the QR code or activation code from your email. Here's the step-by-step for every major phone.
Method 1: QR Code (Recommended)
After purchase on manamobile.net, you receive an email with a QR code within 2 minutes.
- Open the email on a laptop, tablet, or another phone. You need the QR code visible while you scan it.
- On your phone, open the Camera app (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM (Android).
- Point the camera at the QR code. On iPhone, a yellow notification appears — tap it. On Android, it scans automatically.
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" (iPhone) or "Add" (Android).
- Wait 30 seconds for the eSIM profile to download.
- Label the eSIM (e.g., "Japan Travel") so you can identify it later.
- Do NOT turn on the eSIM line yet — wait until you land at your destination.
Method 2: Manual Activation Code
If the QR code doesn't work, your email also includes a manual activation code.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → "Use QR Code" → "Enter Details Manually" at the bottom.
Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → "Enter activation code" or "Manual."
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email. The rest of the process is identical.
When to Activate (Important)
- Install at home on WiFi, before your trip. This costs nothing — the eSIM plan clock starts when your phone first connects to a tower in the destination country.
- Turn OFF the eSIM line after installing. Keep it off until your plane lands. This prevents accidental early activation.
- Turn ON the eSIM line when you land. And set it as your data line in Settings.
- Turn OFF data roaming on your primary SIM. Prevents accidental roaming charges on your home number.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| QR code won't scan | Use the manual activation code instead. Or increase screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code. |
| "Unable to activate eSIM" | Check you're on WiFi. Restart phone. Try again. If still fails, contact support. |
| eSIM shows "No Service" after landing | Wait 2-3 minutes. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off. Check that the eSIM line is turned ON in Settings. |
| No data even though eSIM is connected | Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and ensure the travel eSIM is selected, not your primary SIM. |
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