Scan Your QR Code and Get Connected!
Welcome to the Switch Mobile tree! Activating your eSIM is a quick and simple way to get connected without needing a physical SIM card.
Once you’ve completed your Switch Mobile enrollment, you’ll receive an email containing your eSIM activation QR code. Think of this code as your digital acorn—the key to getting your phone settled onto its new network branch!
Whether you’re scanning your QR code from another screen or opening it directly on your phone, we’ve got you covered.
Before You Begin
Make sure you have everything you need:
- Compatible phone: Your device must be unlocked and support eSIM technology.
- Activation email: Have the QR code from Switch Mobile ready.
- Wi-Fi connection: Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Battery: Make sure your phone has enough charge to complete activation.
Important: If you’re transferring your existing phone number, keep your previous carrier service active until the number transfer is complete.
Apple iPhone
Option 1: Scan Your QR Code From Another Device
If your QR code is displayed on a computer, tablet, or another phone:
- Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR Code.
- Point your iPhone camera at the QR code displayed on the other device.
- Tap Continue when prompted.
- Select Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
- Follow the remaining instructions to complete activation.
Option 2: Activate Using a QR Code Displayed on Your iPhone
If your Switch Mobile activation email is on the same iPhone you’re activating, you may not need another device.
For supported iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later:
- Open your Switch Mobile activation email.
- Locate the QR code in the email.
- Touch and hold the QR code image.
- Select Add eSIM, if the option appears.
- Tap Continue and follow the activation instructions.
- Wait for your Switch Mobile eSIM to finish installing.
If the Add eSIM option doesn’t appear:
- Open the email on a computer or another phone and scan the code using Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
- Alternatively, if Switch Mobile provided manual activation details, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually and enter the information provided.
Tip: No need to chase your acorn across multiple screens if your iPhone supports activating directly from the QR code image!
Android (Samsung Galaxy)
Option 1: Scan Your QR Code From Another Device
- Connect your Samsung phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR code or Scan QR code from service provider.
- Scan the QR code displayed on another device.
- Follow the prompts to download your Switch Mobile eSIM.
- Confirm activation when prompted.
Option 2: Activate Using a QR Code Saved on Your Samsung Phone
On supported Samsung Galaxy devices, you can import a QR code image directly from your Gallery.
- Open your Switch Mobile activation email.
- Save or screenshot the QR code so it appears in your phone’s Gallery.
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR code.
- Look for the Gallery or image icon on the QR scanning screen.
- Select the saved QR code image.
- Follow the prompts to download and activate your eSIM.
If the Gallery option isn’t available:
- Display your QR code on another device and scan it.
- Or use Enter activation code, if available and Switch Mobile has provided the required activation information.
Tip: Some Samsung devices let you grab that digital acorn straight from your Gallery—no second screen needed!
Google Pixel
Option 1: Scan Your QR Code From Another Device
- Connect your Pixel to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM or Add eSIM.
- Select Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead, depending on your device.
- Choose the option to scan a QR code.
- Scan your Switch Mobile QR code from another device.
- Follow the instructions to download and activate your eSIM.
Option 2: Activate Using a QR Code Saved on Your Pixel
Some Pixel models and Android versions allow you to select a saved QR code image during eSIM setup.
- Open your Switch Mobile activation email.
- Save or screenshot the QR code on your Pixel.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
- Select Add SIM or Add eSIM.
- Continue until the QR code scanner appears.
- Look for an option to select an image or import a QR code.
- If available, choose your saved QR code.
- Follow the instructions to complete activation.
If you don’t see an image selection option:
- Open your activation email on another device and scan the QR code using your Pixel.
- Or enter the manual activation details if Switch Mobile has provided them and your device offers that option.
Tip: Pixel menus can vary by model and software version, so don’t worry if your phone takes a slightly different path through the branches!
Other Android Phones
If you’re using another Android device, such as Motorola or OnePlus, the setup process may look a little different.
Scan Your QR Code
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet, Connections, or Mobile network.
- Look for SIMs, SIM manager, or eSIM.
- Tap Add eSIM or Download SIM.
- Select Scan QR code.
- Scan your Switch Mobile activation QR code.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using a QR Code on the Same Phone
- Save the QR code image from your Switch Mobile email.
- Open your phone’s eSIM activation screen.
- Look for a Gallery, image, or import QR code option.
- If supported, select your saved image and continue activation.
- If unavailable, use another device to display the QR code or enter manual activation details supplied by Switch Mobile.
How to Know Your eSIM Is Activated
Once your digital acorn has found its new branch, make sure everything is working.
- Check your signal: Look for cellular signal bars.
- Make a call: Call a friend or family member.
- Send a text: Confirm you can send and receive messages.
- Test mobile data: Turn off Wi-Fi and open a website.
- Check your SIM settings: Make sure your Switch Mobile eSIM is enabled.
If you have more than one cellular plan installed, select Switch Mobile as your preferred line for calls, texts, and mobile data as needed.
What Happens During Activation?
Behind the scenes, your phone is getting comfortable in its new nest.
- eSIM download: Your phone securely downloads the Switch Mobile eSIM profile.
- Network registration: Your device connects to the cellular network.
- Service activation: Your phone number and service plan are provisioned.
- Connection established: Calling, texting, and mobile data become available.
Good to know: Activation may take a few minutes or longer, particularly if you’re transferring your phone number from another carrier.
What If Your eSIM Won’t Activate?
If your phone is having trouble finding its branch, try these steps:
- Check Wi-Fi: Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection.
- Restart your phone: A quick restart may help complete network registration.
- Check your eSIM settings: Confirm the Switch Mobile line is installed and enabled.
- Allow time: Your number transfer or service provisioning may still be processing.
- Check your QR code: Make sure you’re using the activation information provided for your specific line.
- Contact support: If the QR code fails or says it has already been used, contact Switch Mobile before trying again.
Important: Do not delete an installed eSIM or repeatedly attempt to reuse an activation QR code unless instructed by Switch Mobile Support. Some QR codes are single-use and may require reissuance.
Didn’t Receive Your QR Code?
Can’t find your activation email? No worries! Even the best squirrels occasionally misplace an acorn.
Check your spam or junk folder first. If your QR code is missing, expired, or no longer working, contact Switch Mobile Support for assistance.
Contact Switch Mobile Support
- Phone: 1-833-SWITCH-0
- Email: support@switchmobile.com
- Live Chat: switchmobile.com (chat available 24/7; live agent availability may vary)
Customer Care Hours (MST)
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Final Note
Activating your Switch Mobile eSIM is designed to be simple, whether you’re scanning your QR code from another screen or using a supported option directly on your phone.
One little QR code, one big leap into the Switch Mobile tree. Welcome to the nest!
