Smart eSIM Guide: Buy, Install and Register

Gusto mo ng Smart number pero ayaw mo nang mag-ipit ng SIM tray? A Smart eSIM does that. It's the same Smart Prepaid, TNT or Postpaid line, just saved digitally inside your phone instead of on a plastic card.

This guide walks you through buying a Smart eSIM, installing it, registering it and fixing the usual problems. Everything here comes from Smart's own eSIM page and Smart Help articles, checked on 29 October 2026. Promos and freebies change often, so treat the prices here as examples and confirm on Smart's page before you pay.

eSIMs.ph is an independent guide run by Dominet BV. We're not a mobile network, telco or eSIM seller, and we don't sell, activate or register SIMs. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them. Telcos we mention don't pay us anything. That never changes what we write. Read our affiliate disclosure. Smart decides on your eSIM order, registration and any replacement.

What a Smart eSIM is

An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone. Instead of inserting a card, you download a SIM profile, usually by scanning a QR code. Smart describes its prepaid eSIM as a digital version of a physical SIM embedded in your device, and it lists these uses on its eSIM page:

• activate a line without a store visit if you buy online
• install more than one eSIM on a phone that supports it
• use local calls, texts and data the same way as a physical Smart SIM
• run two numbers at the same time, for example on an iPhone with one physical slot

Smart offers eSIMs under three brands and plan types:

• Smart Prepaid eSIM, sold on its own or bundled with load
• TNT Digital eSIM, which Smart Help lists next to Smart Prepaid in the Smart Online Store
• Smart Postpaid eSIM, which Smart says comes free with any Smart Postpaid plan, for its Signature and Infinity plans

If you already have a Smart or TNT number and want to keep it, that's a conversion, not a new purchase. We cover the steps for every network in our guide on converting a physical SIM to eSIM. The short version for Smart is further down.

Check your phone first

Before you spend anything, make sure your phone can take an eSIM and isn't locked to another network.

Smart Help gives a quick test that works on both iPhone and Android: dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID (Embedded Identity Document), the phone supports eSIM. If there's no EID, it doesn't.

Smart's eSIM page also has a list of Smart-approved eSIM phones "as of March 2025". It includes iPhone 11 to iPhone 16 models, Samsung Galaxy S20 to S25 models, several Galaxy Z Fold and Flip models, Note20 models, some iPads and Galaxy Tabs, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro and 14 Pro models. That list is older than the newest phones, so Smart tells you to check the maker's website if your phone isn't on it. Our eSIM compatible phones guide puts the Smart, Globe and DITO lists side by side.

Two more checks:

• Network lock. Smart's FAQ says a Smart-locked phone can only take a Smart Prepaid eSIM. If your phone came from another network, it has to be unlocked first.
• iOS version. For the SIM manager method on iPhone, Smart says you need iOS 12.4 or later.

How much a Smart eSIM costs

As listed by Smart on its eSIM page on 29 October 2026:

• Smart Prepaid eSIM, eSIM only: P99
• Smart Prepaid eSIM with a P300 load card: P399
• Smart Prepaid eSIM with a P500 load card: P599

The page also shows a starter freebie valid for 3 days upon activation. Smart's other pages describe different starter freebies for some eSIM offers, so we don't list the exact inclusions here. Check what the offer you're buying includes on the order page itself.

Smart Postpaid eSIM has no separate fee. Smart says it comes free with any Smart Postpaid plan.

Converting an existing prepaid SIM to eSIM has its own fee, covered below.

Where to buy a Smart eSIM

Smart lists these channels for the Smart Prepaid eSIM:

• Smart Stores and Smart-operated e-Hubs
• the Smart Online Store, where the QR code is sent to your email
• Smart's flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee
• manned Smart booths at the airports in Metro Manila, Clark, Mactan Cebu, Kalibo and Davao
• select Smart device retailers

Some of these sell a carded eSIM, which is a card with the QR code printed on it. Online, you get the QR code by email.

Buying in the Smart Online Store

Smart Help lists these steps:

1. Go to the Smart Online Store.
2. Choose SIMs, then select a Smart Prepaid or TNT Digital eSIM.
3. Enter your email address and type in the one-time PIN sent to that email.
4. Pay with Maya, a credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet.
5. Wait for the QR code to show on screen. Smart says this takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Check your email for the copy of the QR code.

If you closed the page before saving the QR, Smart says you can get it back through the Track My Order page using your email address and the reference number from your order.

For postpaid, Smart Help says you choose a SIM-only plan in the Online Store, select "No" when asked if you're buying a device, and pick eSIM as your SIM type at checkout.

How to install a Smart eSIM

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data first. The phone needs internet to download the profile. Smart also suggests a well-lit room and a flat, undamaged card if you have a carded eSIM.

Fastest way: open the camera app and point it at the QR code. If the QR is in your email, open the email on a second device and scan it from there. On Samsung phones, Smart says you can also save the QR as an image and upload it in the SIM manager.

iPhone, through Settings: Smart's steps go through Settings, Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM. The camera opens, you scan the QR, and you tap Continue when asked.

Samsung, through Settings: go to Settings, Connections, SIM card manager, then Add mobile plan, and choose Add using QR code.

For other phones, Smart says to follow the maker's instructions. Apple's own eSIM support page covers more ways to add an eSIM on iPhone, such as transferring from another iPhone.

Register your Smart eSIM

An eSIM is still a SIM under the law. The SIM Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11934) says SIMs are sold in a deactivated state and only activate after the end user registers. Smart says the same in its FAQ: register at Smart's SIM registration site, and once registered, calls, texts and data work.

Have a valid ID ready. The Act lists IDs such as a passport, PhilSys ID, driver's license and others. Foreign visitors have a different set of requirements, which we cover in the tourist eSIM guide.

Converting your Smart or TNT SIM to eSIM

If you want to keep your number, Smart offers two routes, as listed on 29 October 2026:

• In a Smart Store. Bring a valid government ID, your active Smart number, an email address and your eSIM-capable phone. Smart Help lists the fee as free for Postpaid and Infinity, P99 for Smart Prepaid and P89 for TNT.
• In the MySmart app. For Smart Prepaid and TNT, go to My Account, My Services, My Services and Usage, then Upgrade SIM. You verify by SMS and email OTP, pay the same P99 or P89 by Visa or Mastercard, and receive the QR by email.

Note: one older FAQ answer on Smart's eSIM page says a new number is assigned when you get a prepaid eSIM. The newer Smart Help articles describe a conversion that keeps your number. If keeping your number matters, confirm with the store before you pay.

Moving, reinstalling and replacing

Smart's FAQ is clear on these points:

• Keep the QR code. Save a photo or copy somewhere safe. You can rescan it if you deleted the eSIM by accident.
• Moving to a new phone. For Smart Prepaid, rescan the QR on the new phone, but delete the eSIM profile from the old phone first.
• Before repairs. Smart suggests deleting the eSIM before sending a phone for service, but only after confirming you still have the QR.
• Lost QR. Go to a Smart Store. Smart says you'll get a physical SIM with your current number.
• Defective eSIM. Smart says a store can replace it with another eSIM and you keep the number, if you bring proof of ownership.
• Lost or stolen phone. Report it to a Smart Store right away.
• Going back to a physical SIM. Once your number moves to a physical SIM, Smart says the old eSIM QR stops working.

Smart also warns not to delete your eSIM profile when you're having a problem. Call the hotline or visit a store first.

How many eSIMs and numbers

Smart says most phones can store about 8 to 10 eSIMs, but only two numbers can be active at a time. The usual setups are one physical SIM plus one eSIM, two eSIMs, or two physical SIMs on dual-slot phones. Some phones turn off the physical SIM when two eSIMs are active.

Common problems and fixes

The QR code won't scan. Check that you're on Wi-Fi or data, the card isn't folded or blocked, and the lighting is good. For online orders, Smart asks you to message its official support with your order details if the QR seems defective.

No email with the QR. Look in Spam, Junk and Trash. Then use Track My Order with your reference number.

No eSIM option on my iPhone. Smart points to Apple's support page, because some iPhone models sold in certain markets don't have eSIM.

Installed but no service. Register the SIM first. Unregistered SIMs don't get service.

Wrong line used for data. On a phone with two lines, set the Smart line as the line for cellular data.

Smart eSIM and roaming

If you travel, Smart's FAQ says Smart Prepaid roaming is turned on by texting ROAM ON to 333, with at least P100 load, at least one hour before you leave. Smart also says you can install an international eSIM while keeping your Smart line, as long as your phone supports two lines. For trips abroad, see our sister site's guide on roaming vs a travel eSIM.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Smart eSIM?

Smart listed the Smart Prepaid eSIM at P99 (eSIM only) on 29 October 2026, with bundles of P399 and P599 that include load cards. Postpaid eSIM comes free with the plan. Check Smart's eSIM page for the current offer.

Where can I buy a Smart eSIM?

From the Smart Online Store, Smart Stores and e-Hubs, Smart's Lazada and Shopee flagship stores, manned airport booths in Metro Manila, Clark, Mactan Cebu, Kalibo and Davao, and select device retailers.

Pwede bang i-convert ang Smart SIM ko to eSIM nang hindi nagbabago ang number?

Oo. Smart Help says you can upgrade in a Smart Store or through MySmart. Smart listed the fee as P99 for Smart Prepaid and P89 for TNT, and free for Postpaid and Infinity. Confirm the details before paying.

Do I need to register a Smart eSIM?

Yes. The SIM Registration Act applies to eSIMs too. Smart says you register at its SIM registration site, and services start after that.

Can I move my Smart eSIM to a new phone?

For Smart Prepaid, Smart says you can rescan the same QR code on the new phone after deleting the eSIM profile from the old one. Keep the QR somewhere safe.

What if I lose the QR code?

Smart says to visit a Smart Store, where you'll get a physical SIM with your current number. You can convert it back to eSIM later.