SM-DP+ Address: What is it and How to Set it Up

SM-DP+ address is a crucial, unique identifier for managing and activating eSIMs. 

eSIMs are an incredibly popular technology in the modern era. In fact, according to research from Counterpoint, almost 70% of all cellular devices will be eSIM compatible by 2030. 

That’s why it’s so important to understand an eSIM’s most fundamental components, such as an SM DP address. 

After all, it’s extremely likely that you and your fellow travelers will be using an eSIM in the near future. 

In today’s article, we’ll explore this crucial component in more depth, covering its definition, importance, setup, and more. 

What is SM-DP+ Address? 

An SM-DP+ address (or a Subscription Manager Data Preparation address) is a unique code that your eSIM cannot function without. 

It’s an address that creates a connection between an eSIM-compatible device and a cellular network that the consumer chooses to use. 

With an SM-DP address, you can rest easy knowing that you can download and manage your eSIM profiles securely. 

If you aren’t familiar with eSIMs, they are simply unremovable, digital versions of a physical SIM card. 

As you can imagine, eSIM technology makes staying connected during your worldwide travels much simpler. 

After all, with an eSIM, you have the freedom to switch between networks, ensuring you nearly always have internet access. 

How Important is an SM-DP+ Address? 

The SM-DP+address is a crucial facet of an eSIM’s activation process and overall security. 

Let’s start by discussing the significant role the SM-DP+ address has to play in an eSIM’s activation. 

Upon activating your eSIM, your device will send a request to the SM-DP+ server. 

This server cross-references the SM-DP+ address with the eSIM’s activation code, resulting in the validation of your device’s identity. 

Without this validation, you wouldn’t be able to create your eSIM profile, rendering your eSIM completely unusable. 

Note: Your eSIM profile is the software that you need to access the carrier’s mobile network. 

So, as you can see, the SM-DP+ address is integral to an eSIM’s functionality. Now, let’s shift focus to the importance of an SMDP address in relation to security. 

Since the SM-DP+ address is a unique identifier, you know that only authorized entities can access your device’s data. 

The SM-DP+ address’s uniqueness is what keeps your sensitive information safeguarded against any unauthorized access or even tampering. 

How Does an SM-DP+ Address Work?

What you know of the SM-DP+ server clearly shows that it plays a large role in securely storing and maintaining eSIM profiles, safeguarding them from potential threats. 

So, when you undergo the eSIM activation process, your device connects with the SM-DP+ server thanks to the unique code that is the SM-DP+ address. 

In other words, your SM-DP+ address acts as the bridge that closes the gap between the SM-DP+ service and your device, enabling the server to recognize and authenticate it. 

After authentication, your device will acquire the eSIM profile data from the server. 

The end result – your device is able to configure itself automatically and you connect to the mobile network, now able to use your eSIM. 

How to Find the SM-DP+ Address on Your Phone 

Now that we’ve answered the ‘What does SM-DP+ address mean’ queries and other basics, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. 

As you know, the SM-DP+ address is crucial to creating an eSIM profile, and because of that, it’s also a critical part of the eUICC. 

The eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is a technology that allows your eSIM to switch between mobile network providers (MNOs) without having to reissue it. 

The SM-DP+ address can provide you with useful information concerning the eUICC. 

So, to access/check these features frictionlessly, you need to know where to find the SM-DP+ address on your phone. 

Currently, there are two ways you can go about this: 

• Contact your cellular provider: You can nearly always find the SM DP address in the PDF that you receive alongside your eSIM. But, if, for whatever reason, you don’t have it or can’t find it, you should contact your cellular provider. 

• Scan your eSIM QR Code: When you scan the QR code to activate your eSIM, your device will store information relating to the SM-DP+ address. So, once your eSIM profile has been created, you’ll have access to the SM-DP+ address. 

How to Set Up the SM-DP+ Address on a Mobile 

To set up the SM-DP+ address on mobile devices – most of the time – you can rely on the eUICC. 

Typically, the SM-DP+ address is already set up by default thanks to the eUICC, which is why some people simply need to scan the eSIM’s QR code to activate it. 

But there are instances where you might need to manually set up your SM-DP+ address. 

For example, let’s say you wanted to switch between different network operators or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). 

By manually setting up your SM-DP+ address, you wouldn’t have to deal with the restrictions imposed by your device’s pre-configured settings. 

Ultimately, if you find yourself in a similar situation, you need to know how to set up your SM-DP+ address. 

Here’s how. 

How to Set Up the SM-DP+ Address on iPhone 

In case you are scanning a QR code to use on your iOS device, there’s no need to worry. Here’s how you can do it manually:

• Search for the SM-DP+ address and activation code in the instructions you received with your eSIM. If you can’t find them, it’s best to contact your cellular operator.
• Go to your iPhone’s  ‘Settings’ menu.

• Press on ‘Mobile Data’ and then press on ‘Add Cellular Plan.’

• Once this is done, an option with ‘Enter Details Manually’ will appear. 

• Enter the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. 

This is what you have to do next:

1. Restart the eSIM installation.
2. Choose the data plan to use.
3. Pick the generated line as your default line.

Also, the installation process might change from one iPhone to another, but it should be the same for most iOS devices.

How to Set Up the SM-DP+ Address on Android 

When it comes to setting up the SM-DP address on Android devices, the process is just about the same. 

There’s no need to worry because, as seen before, the activation process is actually quite easy to complete. 

The process doesn’t take many steps, and here’s what you need to do to find the address on your device:

1. Try finding both the SM-DP+ address and the activation code on your device. If this information isn’t available, contact your cellular operator. They should be able to provide this information.
2. Go to the Android ‘Settings’ menu on your device. 

3. Press on ‘Network & Internet’ or ‘Connections’ section according to the device you have.

4. Press on ‘SIM Card Manager’ to continue.
5. Now, press the ‘+’ or ‘Add eSIM’ button.

6. Select the ‘Enter Activation Code’ button.

7. A message that reads, ‘Having problems? Enter code instead’ will show up.
8. Choose the ‘Enter Manually’ button.
9. Enter the activation code and then press ‘Next’ to add the SM-DP+ Address.

Some of the above-mentioned steps might vary slightly; it just depends on your Android model. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, finding and setting up the SM-DP+ address isn’t painful, even if you have to do it manually. 

In fact, we recommend taking the manual approach to setting up SM-DP+ addresses. This way, you have more flexibility and freedom to switch between networks as you travel. 

So, when your travel companions ask you, ‘What is an SM DP address?’ or you catch them googling things like ‘What’s SM-DP+ address?’, you can use what you’ve learned today to help them out. 

Together, we’ll help each other stay connected during our travels. 
For more advice on the best eSIM technology, feel free to check out our reviews or contact us.

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!