What is an eSIM and how does it work on SMARTY?
| Device | SMARTY eSIM Support | Min. iOS / Android Version |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 15 / 14 | ✓ Supported | iOS 16 or later |
| iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12 / 13 | ✓ Supported | iOS 12.1 or later |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 / S23 / S22 | ✓ Supported | Android 11 or later |
| Google Pixel 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 | ✓ Supported | Android 10 or later |
| iPhone 8 / X and older | ✗ Not supported | Physical SIM only |
An eSIM does away with the plastic card entirely, living instead inside the phone itself. Instead of a physical SIM, your SMARTY eSIM is downloaded as a profile over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Once active, it works exactly like a physical SIM — you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data on the SMARTY network.
Compatible devices start at iPhone XS, Pixel 3 and Galaxy S20, covering most recent Android flagships, with dual SIM support for physical SIM plus eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
Everything between buying the eSIM and getting online, in the order it happens
How to set up your SMARTY eSIM
Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your SMARTY eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the SMARTY app or account portal after ordering an eSIM.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code provided by SMARTY. Follow the on-screen prompts to label the line and set it as your primary or secondary SIM.
On Android / Samsung: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan. Scan the SMARTY eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
From purchase to connection, step by step
Activating your SMARTY eSIM
After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the SMARTY eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the SMARTY network name in your status bar.
If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your SMARTY account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each SMARTY eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact SMARTY for a replacement if needed.
eSIM setup checklist
The whole route from buying an eSIM to using it
Troubleshooting SMARTY eSIM problems
If activation fails, confirm Wi-Fi is on, restart the device, and retry via Settings → Mobile Data.
No signal after eSIM activation: Toggle aeroplane mode on and off. If the problem persists, go to Settings → Mobile Data, select your SMARTY eSIM line and check that it is set as the active data SIM.
eSIM profile missing after phone reset: Factory resets erase eSIM profiles on some devices. Contact SMARTY to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.
Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: SMARTY eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the SMARTY app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.
Troubleshooting checklist
Most people on Smarty reconnect early in this list
eSIM vs physical SIM on SMARTY
Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the SMARTY network with the same speeds and coverage. The main advantages of eSIM are: no need to handle a tiny physical card, instant activation, and the ability to switch between networks without changing SIMs. The main advantage of a physical SIM is compatibility with older devices that do not support eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
Purchase through to a working connection