MollySIM

eSIM setup

Install your MollySIM eSIM

Every eSIM we deliver installs the same way: scan the QR code from your delivery email, or type the SM-DP+ address and the activation code by hand. Most people are finished in about three minutes.

Before you start 1 · Install 2 · Turn it on 3 · Wi-Fi Calling Product notes Troubleshooting

Before you start — three checks

Two minutes here saves an hour of errors later.

  1. Your phone supports eSIM. iPhone XS / XR or newer on iOS 13+, Google Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, and most recent flagships. Confirm it: on iPhone go to Settings → General → About → EID; on Android go to Settings → About phone → Status → EID. If an EID number is listed, the phone can hold an eSIM.
  2. The phone is carrier-unlocked. A locked phone refuses any eSIM that does not come from the carrier that sold it — the error usually reads “Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added”. Ask your carrier to unlock it first.
  3. You have Wi-Fi and the delivery email open on a second screen. Installation needs an internet connection. Keep the QR code visible on a computer or another phone (printing it works too). Every QR code installs once — do not delete the profile after installing.

Step 1 · Install the eSIM

Pick your phone. The values you type are printed in your delivery email.

  1. Open Settings → Cellular (on some versions: Mobile Service) and tap Add eSIM.
  2. Tap Use QR Code and point the camera at the QR code in your delivery email.
  3. No camera, or the code will not scan? Tap Enter Details Manually, paste the SM-DP+ address, then the activation code — both are in the same email.
  4. Label the line MollySIM so you can tell it apart from your home line.
  5. When iOS asks how to use the line, keep your own line as Primary and put MollySIM as the line for the plan you bought — details in step 2.
  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel) or Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (Samsung).
  2. Tap Add SIM / Add mobile plan, then choose Download a SIM instead? (Pixel) or Add using QR code (Samsung).
  3. Scan the QR code from the delivery email with the back camera.
  4. If the camera cannot scan it, choose Enter activation code manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.
  5. Name the line MollySIM and finish — Android downloads the profile in a few seconds.
  1. Your delivery email shows two values: the SM-DP+ address (for T-Mobile US number plans this is T-MOBILE.IDEMIA.IO) and the activation code, which looks like VVFUQ-DLQJM-35J8T-7WC1N.
  2. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually. Android: Settings → SIMs → Add SIM → Enter code manually.
  3. Type both values exactly. The code is not case sensitive, but keep every dash.
  4. If your phone asks for a confirmation code as well, it is in the same email — only some carriers need it.

The QR code, the SM-DP+ address and the activation code are three views of the same profile. If you installed with the QR code, you do not need the manual values.

Step 2 · Turn the line on

Installing the profile is only half of it — the line also has to be enabled and pointed at the right job.

Step 3 · Wi-Fi Calling (T-Mobile US number plans)

This is what makes a US number usable from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan — anywhere with Wi-Fi, with no roaming bill.

  1. Settings → Cellular → MollySIM → Wi-Fi Calling → ON, and enter the emergency address (E911) when asked. A US address is required even if you live abroad.
  2. Stay on Wi-Fi and wait up to 15 minutes: the status goes from Activating… to Wi-Fi Calling.
  3. Calls and texts then travel over Wi-Fi. Incoming verification codes arrive the same way.
  4. Talk & Text plans have no data allowance: keep Mobile Data on your own line and let the MollySIM line handle calls and SMS.

Wi-Fi Calling must be switched on while you are still on a network that can reach the carrier. If you are already abroad and the toggle is stuck on “Activating”, connect to fast Wi-Fi, restart the phone and give it 15 minutes before contacting support.

Product notes

The installation is the same for every eSIM. What differs is what the line is for and when the plan starts.

T-Mobile US number plans — $3 / $5 / $6 / $10 / $15

You get a real US number plus a QR code, the SM-DP+ address T-MOBILE.IDEMIA.IO and an activation code. Install it as a second line, then switch on Wi-Fi Calling and set the E911 address. The plan renews monthly and the number stays the same while the line stays active. Talk & Text tiers carry no data; the data tiers can also be used as a mobile data line.

Three UK global eSIM

A travel plan that covers dozens of countries on one profile. Install it before you fly, keep it as the data line, and turn Data Roaming on when you land. Check the validity line in the delivery email — some plans start when you buy them, others on first connection.

CTExcel UK & China

A UK plan with China roaming, sold as an eSIM or a physical card. Install the eSIM before departure, keep it as a secondary line, and check that Wi-Fi Calling is enabled if you want UK calls and texts while you are in China.

Giffgaff UK eSIM

A UK network eSIM. Install it, enable the line, and set it as the data line if it is your travel data. Top-ups and monthly plans are managed on your Giffgaff account.

Hong Kong numbers — Three HK / CSL HK

A local Hong Kong number. Install the profile, set the line as the one for calls and SMS, and keep it enabled — these plans are used for receiving local and verification messages.

Travel data eSIMs — Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Europe, Maldives and more

Data only, no phone number. Install before you travel, set the eSIM as the data line, turn Data Roaming on, and keep your own line active for calls and SMS. The plan starts on the date written in your delivery email.

Troubleshooting

The eight problems we see most often, and what actually fixes them.

“Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added” or “eSIM not supported”

The phone is either carrier-locked or does not support eSIM. Check the EID (see the three checks above) and ask your carrier to unlock the device. If the EID exists and the phone is unlocked, send us the error text with your order number.

The QR code will not scan

Raise the screen brightness on the device showing the code, clean the camera lens, and scan from about 15 cm away. If it still fails, use manual entry — the SM-DP+ address and activation code install exactly the same profile.

“This eSIM has already been installed”

The profile was installed once already and deleted, or it was installed on another device. A QR code cannot be reused — contact support with your order number and we will help with a replacement.

Installed, but “No Service”

Check the line is enabled (Settings → Cellular → MollySIM → Turn On This Line). Toggle Airplane mode, then restart the phone. If you are abroad, turn Data Roaming on. First registration can take a few minutes.

Signal shows, but mobile data does not work

Set Mobile Data → MollySIM and Data Roaming ON. APN settings are pushed by the network automatically; if the APN field is empty, restart the phone once. Talk & Text plans never carry data — that is expected.

Calls and texts do not arrive on the new number

Make the MollySIM line the default voice line (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line) and the preferred line for SMS. Then switch on Wi-Fi Calling, which is how the number works outside the US.

Wi-Fi Calling stuck on “Activating…”

Connect to a fast Wi-Fi network, confirm the E911 emergency address is saved, restart the phone and leave it on Wi-Fi for up to 15 minutes. Networks that block the carrier's servers (some hotels and offices) will keep failing — try another Wi-Fi.

I deleted the eSIM by accident

Deleting a profile cannot be undone — the QR code will not install again. Contact support with your order number: depending on the product we can issue a replacement eSIM, which may carry a fee.

Still stuck?

Your delivery email contains the exact SM-DP+ address, activation code and QR code for your order — always install from there. If something does not match, or an error keeps coming back, send us the order number and a screenshot of the error and we will take it from there.

Find my eSIM in my orders Contact support

Menu names differ slightly between iOS and Android versions and between phone makers; the wording above matches current iPhone, Pixel and Samsung builds. When in doubt, use the search box inside Settings and type “eSIM”.