SM-DP+ stands for Subscription Manager Data Preparation (enhanced). It is the server that holds your eSIM profile until your phone comes to collect it. The "SM-DP+ address" is simply that server's hostname — something like rsp.example-provider.com.
You mostly never see it, because a QR code encodes the address and the activation code together. You only need it when scanning is not an option: no second screen to scan from, a damaged code, or a phone whose camera cannot focus.
What actually happens during activation
When you scan an eSIM QR code, your phone reads a short string that begins with LPA:1$. After that prefix come two pieces: the SM-DP+ address, and an activation code (sometimes called a matching ID).
Your phone contacts the SM-DP+ server over the internet, presents the activation code, and the server releases the profile that was prepared for it. The profile is then written to your eSIM chip. Nothing about this needs the mobile network — it happens over Wi-Fi or existing data.
Where to find the SM-DP+ address in your activation email
Providers present it in one of three ways, and all three contain the same information:
- A labelled pair: "SM-DP+ Address" and "Activation Code" as separate fields. Copy each into the matching field on your phone.
- A single LPA string: LPA:1$rsp.provider.com$K2-XXXX-XXXX. The part between the first and second $ is the address; the part after the second $ is the activation code.
- QR code only: the string above is encoded in the image. If you can view the email on a computer, scanning is faster and less error-prone than typing.
Manual entry on iPhone
- Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code, then tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the camera screen.
- Paste the SM-DP+ address into the first field and the activation code into the second. Leave the confirmation code blank unless your provider gave you one.
- Tap Next and wait — activation typically takes 30–90 seconds over Wi-Fi.
- Label the plan ("Travel" is a useful name), set your default line, and choose which line carries data.
Manual entry on Android
- Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM (Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM).
- Choose Download SIM instead, then Need help? or Enter it manually depending on the skin.
- Enter the full LPA string — many Android builds accept the whole LPA:1$address$code line in one field.
- Confirm the download prompt and wait for the profile to install.
- Enable the SIM and turn on roaming for that line if it is a travel plan.
When the SM-DP+ address is rejected
If you see "Unable to Add Cellular Plan" or "Cannot complete activation", retry once on a different network before contacting support. If it fails twice, ask your provider to reissue the profile — that generates a fresh activation code against the same plan.
- Typos: the most common cause by far. The address contains dots and hyphens that are easy to mistype; copy and paste where possible.
- The code was already used: most eSIM profiles are single-install. If you already installed it — even on a phone you have since reset — the server will refuse a second download.
- Captive-portal Wi-Fi: hotel and airport networks intercept traffic and can block the download. Switch to a personal hotspot or a home network.
- VPN or strict DNS: turn both off during installation.
- Carrier-locked device: the download can be refused outright on some locked handsets.
- Wrong field order: pasting the activation code into the address field produces an "unable to connect" style error rather than an obvious validation message.
Security notes
Only enter an SM-DP+ address that came from your provider directly. A malicious address could attempt to install a profile you did not buy, and while modern devices show a confirmation prompt, it is worth being deliberate about it.
The activation code is effectively a one-time password for your plan. Do not post screenshots of it in public forums when asking for help — blur the code, keep the error message.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SM-DP+ address?
It is the hostname of the server that stores your eSIM profile until your phone downloads it. Your phone contacts this address with an activation code to retrieve the profile.
Where do I find my SM-DP+ address?
In your eSIM activation email. It is either labelled directly or embedded in an LPA string of the form LPA:1$address$activation-code, and it is also encoded in the QR code.
Can I install an eSIM without scanning a QR code?
Yes. Choose manual entry during eSIM setup and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email.
Why is my SM-DP+ address being rejected?
Usually a typo, an activation code that has already been used, a captive-portal Wi-Fi network blocking the download, an active VPN, or a carrier-locked phone.
Do I need mobile data to use an SM-DP+ address?
No. The download works over any internet connection, including Wi-Fi, which is why installing before you travel is recommended.
Wanderly sends both the QR code and the plain SM-DP+ details in every order email, so manual entry is always available.
Read the full activation guide