If you can't scan the QR code, you can type the same details in by hand and get the identical result. This is useful when the QR code is on the phone you're setting up, or when the camera won't read it.
What you need
Two pieces of information, both included with your eSIM details: the SM-DP+ address, which is the server your phone downloads the plan from, and your activation code.
On iPhone
- Open Settings, tap Cellular, then tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code, then tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter the SM-DP+ address and the activation code exactly as they appear, including any dashes.
- Tap Next. Your iPhone downloads the plan and confirms when it's ready.
- Label the line Flex Mobile and choose it for calls and data.
On a Samsung Galaxy
- Find the Settings app on your phone. It's the gray icon that looks like a cog or gear. Tap it.
- Scroll down and tap Connections. It's near the top of the list.
- Tap SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- At the bottom of the screen, tap Enter activation code manually.
- Type the activation code exactly as it appears, including any dashes. If a separate box asks for an SM-DP+ address, type that in too.
- Tap Connect, then tap Add when your phone asks you to confirm. Your phone downloads the plan and tells you when it's ready.
On a Google Pixel
- Find the Settings app on your phone. It's the gray cog icon. Tap it.
- Tap Network & internet. It's usually the first item in the list.
- Tap SIMs.
- Tap the plus icon next to Add more, then tap Download a SIM instead.
- Tap Next, then at the bottom of the camera screen tap Need help?, then tap Enter it manually.
- Type the activation code exactly as it appears. Tap Continue.
- Your phone downloads the plan and confirms when it's ready. Flex Mobile then appears in your list of SIMs.
On another Android phone
The names change between manufacturers, but the route is always the same. Open Settings, find the section about mobile networks or connections, look for SIM or SIM manager, then for an option to add or download a SIM. When the camera opens to scan a code, there's always a link near the bottom to enter the details by hand instead.
If you can't find it, contact Flex Mobile support and tell them the make and model of your phone. They can talk you through the exact screens.
If the code is rejected
Check for typos first, particularly the difference between the digit 0 and the letter O. If the code still won't take, it may already have been used on another device. Contact Flex Mobile support for a new one.