How to Activate an MTN eSIM – Benefits and Compatible Devices

How to Activate an MTN eSIM – Benefits and Compatible Devices: Embedded SIM (e-SIM) is the next step in the evolution of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards). They are designed to deliver unprecedented freedom and flexibility. Unlike the physical SIM, you do not need to insert an eSIM into your phone as it is already built into your smartphone, device or wearable.

You simply activate the eSIM with your account profile and you are ready to enjoy all the services you normally would with a physical SIM.

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How to Activate an MTN eSIM – Benefits and Compatible Devices.

MTN Nigeria Plc (MTN) has announced the trial of e-SIM services on its network based on approvals received from the Federal Government.

The trial which kicked-off on Wednesday will run for one year and is open on a first come first served basis to a limited number of subscribers who own compatible devices, a statement from MTN said.

Benefits of MTN eSIM

  • e-SIMs allow you have more than one phone number associated to your smart device. They particularly useful for people who want to manage personal and business lines.
  • The possibility of losing or damaging your SIM is reduced because it is built into your device.
  • You no longer have to deal with cutting SIM cards or finding adapters.
  • It is extremely convenient for frequent travelers, making it easier to switch between network operators.

How to activate an MTN e-SIM

The eSIM trial will run for one year and is open on a first come first served basis to a limited number of subscribers who own compatible devices.

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You’ll need to visit any of our MTN stores. Our customer care agents will check your device for eligibility and walk you through the setup process. Need help finding a store? Go to our Stores Page to find the store nearest you.

MTN eSIM Compatible Devices

BrandCompatible Phones
GooglePixel 3, 3 XL
Pixel 4, 4 XL
AppleiPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max
iPhone XR
SamsungSamsung S20 Series

MTN eSIM Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: How do I download my eSIM profile?

A: You can download the eSIM by scanning the QR-Code presented by the customer care agent.


Q: Can an eSIM profile be used more than once?

A: Yes, it can be used but not while it is downloaded and installed in a device. It can be reused once the profile is dissociated from a device.


Q: I bought an eSIM device. How do I get my physical sim pack?

A: A slip with a QR code containing the SIM serial and PUK will be given to you. This will serve as the eSIM pack.


Q: Do I require data to download my eSIM profile?

A: Yes, you will need to be connected to a wireless network to download the eSIM profile.


Q: What happens if I misplace my QR code?

A: The QR code can always be retrieved at any time from any of our MTN stores. You will have to provide proof of identity and the associated mobile number to retrieve your QR-code.


Q: What happens if I misplace my eSIM device?

A: Call 180 or walk into any of the MTN stores and request for the MSISDN to be blocked. You can immediately initiate a SIM swap if you have another mobile device and acceptable proof of identity.


Q: What happens if I cannot download my eSIM profile?

A: To troubleshoot this type of issue. Do the following:

  • Check if the profile has been installed already.
  • Check eSIM is active (the eSIM could be the primary or secondary sim)
  • Check if the eSIM network icon is active
  • Check if the device is connected to a wireless access point:
  • Check if the wireless access point icon is active and connected
  • Check if the wireless access point is strong enough for the download.
  • Check if the wireless access point icon has a full bar. You can also test if you can stream on the mobile device with the wireless network.

Q: What is the cost of activating the eSIM?

A: The eSIM activation is Free.


Q: Is the eSIM swap process different from regular SIM swap process?

A: No, the eSIM swap process is not different except that you will need to download profile when swapping into an eSIM device.


Q: Is the eSIM registration process different from regular SIM registration process?

A: No, eSIM registration process is not different except that the eSIM is pre-activated by downloading a profile and associating it with a new phone number, a given serial and PUK number.


Q: I have a physical SIM, how do I change to an eSIM?

A: You will need to perform a SIM swap into the eSIM.


Q: I have an eSIM phone. How do I buy and register an eSIM line

A: Simply walk into any of the MTN stores and request for eSIM activation. The eSIM activation is free. You will be provided with a QR code to scan and download an eSIM profile and perform the usual SIM registration.


Q: My eSIM was barred for SIM re-registration. How do I re-register my line?

A: Call 180 or walking to any MTN stores and request for the eSIM to be unbarred. Like the physical SIM, you must have satisfied the condition for the eSIM to be unbarred.


Q: Can I port my physical line to an eSIM line?

A: Yes, you can. Our customer care agent will have to perform a SIM swap for you. All necessary documents and identification will have to be provided by you. A QR code will be given to you to download the eSIM profile.


Q: I bought a new phone, can I swap my line back to regular SIM

A: Yes, you can. Our customer care agent will have to perform a SIM swap for you. In this case, a physical SIM to be given to you.


Q: How do I know my eSIM profile has been attached to my eSIM phone?

A: There will be an indication on the phone that shows that the eSIM is active (the eSIM can be primary or secondary SIM). Also, the network for the eSIM will become active.


Q: Steps to attach eSIM profile on iPhone and Google pixel?

A: iPhone:

  • First, you need to get the QR code from our customer care agent
  • Go to Settings>Cellular.
  • Tap add a cellular plan.
  • Scan QR code which you have received from our customer care agent
  • Our customer care agent will associate the SIM serial and PUK number on the QR code with the new phone number.

Google Pixel 3:

  • From the settings go to Network & internet and select Mobile Network
  • Expand Advanced then press Carrier and Add Carrier
  • Scan your QR code which you have received from our customer care agent
  • Our customer care agent will associate the SIM serial and PUK number on the QR code with the new phone number.

Q: Can I perform all regular activities on eSIM (Check balance, buy data, MTN Share, buy Value Added Services etc.)

A: Yes, all activities above and many more can be performed on the eSIM when it is active.


Q: Can I view and perform all regular activities on eSIM MyMTN App (Check balance, buy data, MTN Share, buy VAS etc.)

A: Yes, all activities above and many more can be performed on the eSIM when it is active.


Q: Can post-paid lines be migrated to eSIM?

A: Yes, a postpaid line can be migrated to the eSIM. This will follow the postpaid activation process.


Q: Can post-paid lines perform all regular activities on MyMTN (Check balance, buy data, MTN Share, buy VAS, migrate, etc.)

A: Yes, all activities above and many more can be performed on the postpaid eSIM when it is active.


Q: Can I perform a SIM upgrade of my line to eSIM?

A: Yes, you can perform SIM upgrade of your line to an eSIM.

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