Before you start

Make sure you have:

  • A phone that supports eSIM (see Check if your phone supports eSIM if you're not sure)
  • A Wi-Fi connection
  • Your Apple ID or Google account password handy
  • The activation email from hello@thrivemobile.com with your QR code (check spam if you don't see it; see Resend your eSIM QR code if it's missing)

Install on iPhone (XS or newer)

Scan the QR code (easiest)

  1. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
  2. Tap Use QR Code → Scan QR Code.
  3. Scan the QR code from your activation email.
  4. Tap Continue and wait for the eSIM to download. Tap Done.

Or enter the code manually

Use this if scanning doesn't work.

  1. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually.
  2. SM-DP+ Address: t-mobile.idemia.io
  3. Activation Code: the 20-character code from your activation email (include the dashes).
  4. Leave Confirmation Code blank.
  5. Tap Continue.

Name your plan and set it as primary

  1. Settings → Cellular → select the new line → Cellular Plan Label → Custom Label → type Thrive Mobile.
  2. Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line → Thrive Mobile.
  3. Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → Thrive Mobile. Make sure Allow Cellular Data Switching is on.
  4. Settings → Messages → Send & Receive → Start New Conversations From → your Thrive Mobile number.
  5. Settings → FaceTime → You can be reached by FaceTime & Caller ID → your Thrive Mobile number.

Install on Android

Menu names vary slightly by manufacturer.

Samsung

Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → turn the new SIM on → set Preferred SIM for Calls, Text Messages, and Mobile Data to Thrive Mobile.

Google Pixel

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → + Add SIM → Download a SIM instead? → Use QR code → Scan → set Calls, SMS, Mobile Data to Thrive Mobile.

Motorola

Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Download a SIM instead → Next → Scan QR Code → Activate → set Thrive Mobile as default for calls, SMS, and data.

After installing on Android

  • Turn on VoLTE (needed for calling):
    • Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → VoLTE Calls on
    • Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → VoLTE on
    • Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Enhanced 4G LTE on
  • Restart your phone after install — this helps your phone register on the network.

Confirm everything works

  • You should see signal bars and an LTE / 4G / 5G icon.
  • Open a webpage to confirm mobile data works.
  • Make and receive a test call.
  • Send and receive a test text.

Troubleshooting

Activation failed or eSIM won't download

  1. Make sure you're on strong Wi-Fi.
  2. Restart your phone.
  3. Try scanning the QR code again.
  4. If you've tried more than twice, contact support — we can issue a new eSIM.

No service after install

  1. Restart your phone.
  2. Turn Airplane Mode on, wait 15 seconds, then off.
  3. Make sure Thrive Mobile is set as your default for calls and data.
  4. iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Android: search Settings for Reset network settings.
  5. If you're still stuck, contact support.

Texts not sending or receiving

  1. Restart your phone.
  2. Make sure Thrive Mobile is your default SIM for texts.
  3. On Android, turn RCS Chats off temporarily: Messages → Settings → RCS Chats → off.

iMessage stuck on "Waiting for Activation" (iPhone)

  1. Make sure cellular data is on.
  2. Turn iMessage and FaceTime off, then on again.
  3. Restart your phone.
  4. Apple's activation can take up to 24 hours. If it's still stuck the next day, contact support.

When to contact support

Reach out if your eSIM still isn't working after the steps above. Have ready:

  • Your Thrive Mobile number
  • The make and model of your phone
  • What you've tried so far