eSIM
eSIM Registration in the Philippines by Carrier
How Globe, Smart, TNT, DITO and GOMO register new local eSIMs, plus conversion, QR-code and lost-device guidance.
Yes, a local Philippine eSIM must be registered. RA 11934 expressly includes eSIMs and other electronic SIM equivalents. A newly issued local eSIM follows the carrier’s identity process before normal service. Converting an already registered physical number is different: Globe explicitly says its same-number conversion does not require a second registration, while other carriers should be followed case by case.
Local eSIM versus travel eSIM
| Product | What it is | Registration point |
|---|---|---|
| New local Philippine eSIM | A mobile subscription/number issued by Globe, Smart/TNT, DITO or GOMO in the Philippines. | RA 11934 applies; complete the carrier’s registration. |
| Physical-to-eSIM conversion | The same existing carrier number moves from a plastic SIM to an embedded profile. | Use the carrier’s conversion process. Do not assume every network treats re-registration identically. |
| MNP port-in to eSIM | An existing number moves to a receiving carrier and may be issued as an eSIM. | Complete the receiving carrier’s assisted identity/porting steps. |
| Foreign travel-data eSIM | A roaming/data profile sold by a foreign or global provider, often without a Philippine mobile number. | Its provider’s rules apply. Its installation does not register a separate local Philippine SIM. |
Registration route by carrier
| Carrier | New eSIM registration | Conversion and cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Globe | Register a newly issued Globe eSIM through Globe’s official registration flow. | Globe’s current eSIM FAQ says an already registered physical SIM converted to eSIM with the same number does not need registration again. Its current FAQ says TM eSIM is not yet offered. |
| Smart / TNT | Smart says a new Smart Prepaid eSIM must be registered at smart.com.ph/simreg before services activate. Smart also sells TNT digital eSIMs through supported channels. | Smart currently documents self-service physical-SIM-to-eSIM conversion for Smart Prepaid and TNT through MySmart, using mobile and email verification. A Smart Store remains the assisted fallback. |
| DITO | Install the profile, then register it through the DITO App and restart the phone as DITO instructs. | DITO tells users to keep a copy of the eSIM QR code for supported reinstallation. Use DITO’s help ticket process for replacement questions. |
| GOMO | A local GOMO eSIM is registered in the official GOMO PH app. | Keep local GOMO eSIM instructions separate from travel/roaming eSIM products with a similar name. |
Carrier guides: Globe · Smart · DITO · GOMO.
What to prepare
- An eSIM-capable device compatible with the issuing carrier; it must be unlocked when you intend to use an eSIM from another carrier.
- The carrier-issued eSIM QR code or in-app installation action.
- A separate internet connection for downloading the profile if the carrier requires one.
- The eSIM mobile number and access to its OTP after the profile is active enough to receive messages.
- Your registration details, accepted ID and selfie/identity check.
- A secure place to keep the carrier confirmation and permitted QR/recovery information.
Compatibility lists change often. Check the phone model and software support on the carrier’s current eSIM page before buying; do not rely on an old list in a blog.
General steps for a new local eSIM
Buy from an official carrier channel
Use the carrier website, app or store. Verify the account/email that delivers the QR code.
Check the carrier’s order of operations
Some carriers install the profile before registration; others may collect identity during purchase or activation. Follow that carrier’s current sequence.
Install the eSIM profile
Use the phone’s Add eSIM/Add Cellular Plan control and scan or upload the carrier-issued code.
Open the official registration route
Verify the number/OTP, enter accurate details, upload an accepted ID and complete the selfie check shown.
Save both confirmations
Retain proof of SIM registration and the eSIM purchase/installation record without posting the QR code.
Test service
Restart when the carrier instructs and check calls, texts and data separately.
Converting a registered physical SIM to eSIM
For current carrier-by-carrier routes and the full migration checklist, see physical SIM to eSIM conversion.
- Back up account-recovery access first. The old physical SIM may stop working once conversion completes.
- Use the carrier’s own conversion channel. Do not buy a QR code from a marketplace seller.
- Expect identity verification. Conversion can expose a number to SIM-swap fraud, so carriers may require ID or account checks.
- Do not delete the new profile prematurely. Reinstallation rules vary.
- Globe-specific: Globe explicitly says the already registered same number does not need a second SIM registration after its conversion.
- Other carriers: follow their current store/app instruction; do not generalize Globe’s rule.
QR-code and account safety
- Never share a QR code in chat, email forwarding, a marketplace listing or a screenshot tutorial.
- Confirm the device before scanning; a profile can be tied to the wrong handset.
- Follow the carrier’s rule on whether the QR can be reused. Do not assume unlimited scans.
- Protect the email/account that contains the QR with a strong password and multifactor authentication.
- Remove the eSIM from an old device only as part of the carrier-supported transfer sequence.
- Report a lost handset immediately so the carrier can bar the line and secure the number.
Common eSIM registration problems
| Problem | Safe next step |
|---|---|
| Add eSIM option missing | Check the exact device model, region, carrier lock and software support against the carrier page. |
| QR code invalid or already used | Stop retrying and ask the issuing carrier whether it requires a new QR or assisted reinstallation. |
| No OTP after installation | Confirm the profile is enabled and selected for the relevant line; use the carrier’s official OTP/support route. |
| Registration complete, no service | Restart as instructed, check line selection/APN/coverage and ask the carrier to separate profile activation from identity registration. |
| Physical SIM still active | Do not assume conversion failed; check the carrier’s result before deleting either profile or card. |
| Phone lost | Report the line immediately, secure linked accounts and follow the carrier’s eSIM replacement/transfer process. |
Continue with registration errors or lost and damaged SIM procedures.
Foreign users and minors
An eSIM does not change who must register. A minor’s local eSIM is registered under the parent or guardian. A foreign tourist’s local eSIM uses the passport, Philippine address proof and departure ticket route and has temporary 30-day registration validity. See minors and foreign nationals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I register before or after scanning the QR?
Follow the carrier’s current sequence. DITO, for example, instructs users to install and then register through its app.
Can Smart Prepaid or TNT convert a physical SIM online?
Smart currently documents a MySmart upgrade route using mobile-number and email verification. A Smart Store remains the assisted fallback.
Does a Globe physical-to-eSIM conversion need registration again?
Globe says an already registered same-number conversion through its process does not need a second registration.
Can I share the eSIM QR code?
No. Treat it as a credential that can install or expose the mobile profile.
Can I reuse the QR code?
Policies differ. Use the issuing carrier’s current rule and request assistance if the code is rejected.
Can a travel eSIM replace a local registered SIM?
A foreign travel-data eSIM is a different product and may not provide a Philippine number, calls or SMS.
What if I lose the phone?
Report the eSIM line immediately, secure linked accounts and follow the carrier’s replacement/transfer process.
Does porting a number to eSIM use the same process?
No universal process applies. Follow the receiving carrier’s MNP and identity-verification instructions.