Install. Connect. Verify.

Before you begin

Use a compatible, unlocked device with current software and an internet connection. Keep the activation QR visible on another screen when scanning it from the phone. New eSIM setup costs $5; monthly maintenance is $1 per line, with data at $0.10 per MB and voice at current burnSignal voice rates deducted separately from prepaid credit.

1. Install the eSIM

1. Sign in, select burnSignals, and open View activation profile on your enabled line.
2. On iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Menu names may differ by region or iOS version.
3. Scan the private QR and follow the prompts. Label the line burnSignal so you can select it easily.
4. On Android, use your device’s SIM manager or Add eSIM settings; the exact path varies by manufacturer.

Do not share the QR or manual activation code. Do not delete the installed eSIM as a troubleshooting step: reinstalling may require a replacement profile.

2. Finish carrier setup

1. On iPhone, open Settings → General → About and install any carrier-settings update offered.
2. Restart the phone.
3. Confirm the burnSignal line is switched on. Choose it explicitly for calls in the Phone app and for mobile data when testing.

If data does not connect, check roaming and APN settings for your device and region with support. Do not change working APN settings to fix a voice-only problem.

3. Test each service separately

1. Switch Wi-Fi off and open a webpage using the burnSignal data line.
2. Place an outgoing call to a US number using the burnSignal line.
3. From another phone, call your burnSignal number and confirm it rings and carries audio both ways.

Mobile data, outgoing voice and incoming voice can succeed or fail independently. Working data is not proof that voice registration is complete.

If outgoing calls immediately fail

Check the selected calling line, update carrier settings and restart. On our US test line, selecting T-Mobile manually restored outgoing calls when Automatic failed. If available, try Settings → Cellular → your burnSignal line → Network Selection → turn Automatic off → select T-Mobile. Network availability and voice support vary; this workaround has not been verified for every location. A manual network selection can also limit connectivity when traveling, so reassess it if coverage changes.

If incoming calls report temporarily unavailable

Keep the working network selected, toggle Airplane Mode on for five seconds and off, and test again after a few minutes. Do not assume that waiting resolves every activation issue: no general carrier activation delay has been confirmed. Persistent incoming failures need a registration or routing investigation.

Send support your device model, iOS/Android version, carrier-settings name and version, approximate attempt time with time zone, and whether data, outgoing and incoming calls work. On iPhone, carrier details appear in Settings → General → About.

Physical SIMs and account management

Physical SIM setup is $10 and maintenance is $5 per month. burnSignal assigns the card and records shipment; install the supplied card and follow the same connectivity checks. View prepaid credit in burnSignals and usage analytics in Usage. Monthly maintenance starts one month after the line is first observed enabled, including if you later pause the line.