Setup
EID, ICCID, and SM-DP+: what do they mean for eSIM?
Understand EID, ICCID, IMEI, and SM-DP+, where to find these eSIM details, and which identifiers you can safely share with trusted support during setup.
In this guide
EID identifies the built-in eSIM chip, ICCID identifies a specific SIM profile, and the SM-DP+ address points your phone to the server that securely delivers that profile. IMEI is different again: it identifies the mobile device or radio interface. Support uses these details to connect an installation or order to the correct device and profile.
Remember it this way: EID = eSIM hardware, ICCID = SIM profile, SM-DP+ = download server, and IMEI = device. Never publish activation codes or QR codes; also treat identifiers as customer and device information.
EID, ICCID, SM-DP+, and IMEI compared
| Term | Identifies | When will you see it? |
|---|---|---|
| EID | The eUICC or built-in eSIM hardware | Device checks, linking, and support |
| ICCID | One physical or digital SIM profile | Profile status, subscription, and support |
| SM-DP+ | The secure platform that prepares and delivers a profile | Manual eSIM installation |
| IMEI | The mobile device or a radio interface | Compatibility, carrier lock, and registration |
| Activation code | The order or download request | QR scan or manual installation |
The GSMA consumer architecture explains how an activation code, EID, ICCID, and SM-DP+ work together in Remote SIM Provisioning. See the GSMA SGP.21 Consumer Architecture.
What is an EID for eSIM?
EID stands for eUICC Identifier: the unique identifier of the secure chip that stores eSIM profiles. The EID belongs to the device's eSIM hardware, not to one data package you purchased.
A provider may need the EID to verify which eUICC may receive a profile. Google calls an EID necessary for eSIM use on Pixel and shows it under Settings > About phone > SIM status. See how to find an EID on Pixel.
Where do you find the EID on iPhone and Android?
On iPhone, it is usually under Settings > General > About. Apple lists EID, IMEI, and ICCID there with the device information. See finding identifiers on iPhone. On Android, the path varies by brand; look under About phone, Status, or SIM status.
What is an ICCID?
ICCID stands for Integrated Circuit Card Identifier. It identifies the SIM or eSIM profile associated with a mobile service. If you store multiple eSIMs, each profile can have its own ICCID while the phone shows one EID for its built-in eUICC.
Support may use an ICCID to check which profile is active, downloaded, canceled, or linked to an order. It is not the same as your phone number: a data-only profile can have an ICCID without offering a usable number for regular calls.
Where do you find the ICCID?
On iPhone, it is often under Settings > General > About, beside the relevant SIM line. On Android, it may appear under SIM status or carrier information, but some devices do not display it. In that case, check the customer portal or ask support to locate the purchase by order number.
What is an SM-DP+ address?
SM-DP+ stands for Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus. This system prepares the protected eSIM profile and delivers it to your device. For manual installation, you usually enter an SM-DP+ address and an activation code; a confirmation code is sometimes also required.
The QR code generally contains this download information in a machine-readable form. You are not scanning an entire mobile plan from an image: the phone uses the details to contact the correct platform online and download the profile.
What does manual activation look like?
The exact labels vary, but the sequence is usually:
- Choose Add eSIM or Add cellular plan.
- Select manual entry instead of QR scanning.
- Enter the SM-DP+ address exactly.
- Add the activation code without extra spaces.
- Enter a confirmation code only if the provider supplied one.
- Download the profile over a stable internet connection.
For errors, start with eSIM QR code not working and do not erase a partly installed profile without guidance.
Do not confuse EID, ICCID, and IMEI
An IMEI identifies a mobile device interface. Dual-SIM phones may therefore show IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. That second number does not mean you have a second eSIM profile; it helps identify the second mobile line or radio interface.
Give support the exact field requested. Substituting an IMEI for an EID or a phone number for an ICCID can cause a failed match. Check the label above the number before copying it.
Which number does support need?
IMEI is often relevant for device compatibility. EID may be needed to deliver a profile to the built-in eSIM. ICCID is useful for an existing or missing profile. During a manual download, the phone asks for SM-DP+ and an activation code. Your order number remains the safest first reference for a purchase.
Which eSIM details are safe to share?
Share EID, ICCID, and IMEI only with your provider, device maker, or trusted support through a secure channel. They are generally not passwords that independently open your account, but they are unique customer and device identifiers.
Never publish an eSIM QR code, activation code, or confirmation code in a forum, public chat, or screenshot. Such a code can start a one-time profile download. Crop screenshots so secret codes are not visible when documenting an error.
Sources and editorial review
The roles of EID, ICCID, and SM-DP+ were checked in the GSMA architecture. Device locations were checked with Apple and Google. Menu paths, number visibility, and support requirements vary by device, software version, and provider. Last editorial review: July 26, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is EID the same as IMEI?
No. EID identifies the built-in eSIM hardware or eUICC, while IMEI identifies a mobile device interface. A dual-SIM phone can show two IMEI numbers and still have one EID. Give support only the number shown beside the label it explicitly requests.
Is ICCID my phone number?
No. ICCID identifies the SIM or eSIM profile; your phone number is separate service information that may be linked to a line. A data-only travel eSIM still has an ICCID but often does not provide a number for standard cellular calls or SMS.
Where is the SM-DP+ address?
If manual installation is supported, the SM-DP+ address is usually in the order email, QR code details, or customer portal. Copy it exactly. If it is missing, ask the provider for official manual activation details and never use an address from a forum or another order.
Can I share my EID publicly?
It is better not to. An EID is not a password, but it uniquely identifies the eSIM hardware. Share it only through a secure support channel when a provider or device maker needs it. Also hide ICCID, IMEI, order numbers, and activation details in public screenshots.
Why does my provider ask for both EID and IMEI?
The identifiers support different checks. EID points to the built-in eSIM hardware; IMEI identifies the mobile device interface and may help verify compatibility or network access. A provider can need both to deliver the correct profile to an eligible device.
