Setup Guide

How to Install an eSIM for Cape Verde: 2026 Setup Guide

July 20269 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst

1 network tested
5 providers compared
Updated June 2026

Daniel Mercer

Lead eSIM Analyst

43 countries tested280 plans reviewed14 airports tested8 years in telecom

Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)

How we test

Published July 2026 · Updated June 2026

Compatibility

Check your device for Cape Verde eSIM

iPhone

Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.

Android

Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+.

Is your phone unlocked?

[object Object]

Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status

Providers

Cape Verde provider options and pricing

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Cape Verde with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.

Overall

Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5

Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Nomad full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Cape Verde
Provider	Per GB	Rating	Best For
Nomad#1 Pick	from $3.00/GB	4.1/5	Best Budget
Airalo	from $4.50/GB	4.5/5	Best Overall
Saily	from $3.99/GB	4.4/5	Best Privacy
HelloRoam	from around $3.50 per gigabyte	4.4/5	Coverage + Value
Holafly	from $2.99/day	4.3/5	Best Unlimited

Which provider to choose

Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account

Installation

Install your Cape Verde eSIM in 5 minutes

iOS installation (iPhone)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Use QR Code"
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Label the plan (e.g., "Cape Verde Travel")
Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular

iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

Android installation (Google Pixel)

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM
Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Name the profile (e.g., "Cape Verde Data")
Set as mobile data SIM
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Verify the plan in SIM manager

Manual installation (if QR fails)

If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Enter Details Manually"
Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
Enter the activation code
Complete the setup as with the QR method

Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.

Configuration

Network configuration for Cape Verde

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for CV Movel's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names

A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.

Manual APN entry

If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:

APN configuration fields
Field	Value
APN Name	From provider email
APN	Provider-specific value
Authentication	None (most providers)
APN Protocol	IPv4/IPv6

Provider-specific APN values override CV Movel's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.

Verification

Cape Verde eSIM connection verification

Signal and network verification

Check your status bar: the carrier name should show CV Movelor a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.

"CV Movel" or roaming icon: Connected and working
"Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
"No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected

Speed test

Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds: 4G LTE (LTE typically 20-80 Mbps, 5G 100-500 Mbps where available). Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.

Verifying data roaming is active

Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.

Dual-SIM verification

Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.

Airport Guide

Arriving at Cape Verde's main airport with your eSIM

Before boarding

Install your Cape Verde eSIM at home the night before departure. Open Settings on your phone, add the eSIM profile via QR code over your home WiFi, and leave it toggled off. The plan clock does not start until CV Movel's network registers the profile after you land. Airport WiFi at Cape Verde's main airport is unreliable for eSIM installation — boarding-gate networks often block the download entirely.

During the flight

Airplane mode stays on until you land. Use the flight time to verify your eSIM configuration: the Cape Verde profile should be your active data line, and data roaming for that line should be ready to toggle on after touchdown.

After landing

Disable airplane mode after landing. Toggle the Cape Verde eSIM on and enable data roaming for that line. CV Movel's 4G network picks up your profile in 60-90 seconds. Verify by loading any webpage. SIM counter availability at Cape Verde's main airport varies by terminal and time of day. Your eSIM eliminates that variable entirely.

Leaving the airport

Navigate the airport with live data. Check transit schedules, verify your hotel booking confirmation, and message your host — all before you exit the terminal. CV Movel's 4G signal covers the airport grounds. Cape Verde's emergency number is 130/131/132 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Cape Verde

iPhone (iOS 17+)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Cape Verde Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Cape Verde eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Cape Verde line only: Settings > Cellular > [Cape Verde Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Cape Verde's main airport, toggle the eSIM on. CV Movel registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Cape Verde eSIM plans on CV Movel's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Cape Verde data is active at 4G LTE speeds.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "CV Movel" or "UNITEL T+" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Cape Verde line shows "CV Movel" under Network. The "4G" indicator confirms your connection type.

Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If CV Movel does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).

Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Cape Verde Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Cape Verde eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Cape Verde eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Cape Verde's main airport, enable the eSIM. CV Movel's 4G network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Cape Verde eSIM plans on CV Movel's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Cape Verde eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "CV Movel" or "UNITEL T+" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "CV Movel" as the connected network. The connection type shows as "4G".

Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select CV Movel. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

Google Pixel (Android 14+)

Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
Confirm the download and label the SIM "Cape Verde Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Cape Verde Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Cape Verde Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Cape Verde's main airport, enable the profile. CV Movel connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Cape Verde plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on CV Movel's 4G network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "CV Movel" or "UNITEL T+" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "CV Movel" as the active network.

Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Cape Verde Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select CV Movel. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Cape Verde

CV Movel

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "CV Movel" from the list. The phone locks onto CV Movel's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: Fastest 4G speeds in Cape Verde's urban areas

Common issue: CV Movel may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Cape Verde eSIM activations. Contact your eSIM provider for the correct APN string.

Resolution: Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Samsung). This clears saved WiFi passwords but resolves most CV Movel registration failures. Re-enable the Cape Verde eSIM after the reset completes.

UNITEL T+

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "UNITEL T+" from the list. The phone locks onto UNITEL T+'s 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: Reliable 4G coverage across Cape Verde's main cities

Common issue: If UNITEL T+ connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Cape Verde eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.

Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some UNITEL T+ profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.

Dual SIM

Cape Verde dual SIM guide: eSIM for data, home SIM for texts

Data line setup

Under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, choose the Cape Verde travel eSIM. Disable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to prevent your phone from routing data through the home SIM when CV Movel's signal dips temporarily. A brief signal dip is normal when moving between cell towers — your home carrier's roaming rates are not a reasonable fallback.

Calls and SMS

Maintain your home SIM for voice and SMS. Your number does not change. Authentication codes still arrive by text. The Cape Verde eSIM is data-only: all apps, browsing, maps, and data-based messaging use CV Movel's 4G connection. This split keeps costs controlled — home carrier voice rates are typically lower than international data roaming.

Emergency dialing

Emergency calls work on any active SIM, even without a data plan. In Cape Verde, dial 130/131/132 from either SIM line. If your eSIM has data active, you can also share your GPS location with emergency services via messaging apps or the phone's built-in emergency SOS feature.

Battery impact

Dual SIM operation increases battery consumption by roughly 10-15%. Both the home SIM and Cape Verde eSIM maintain active connections to separate towers. To conserve battery, switch the home SIM to airplane mode when you do not need incoming calls. Data on CV Movel continues normally through the eSIM. Pack an adapter for Cape Verde's Type C/F sockets.

Hotspot

Hotspot configuration for Cape Verde travelers

Your Cape Verde eSIM data can be shared via personal hotspot. iPhone: Settings > Personal Hotspot. Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering. The connected device sees CV Movel's 4G signal at 4G speeds through hotspot, slightly below direct device connection. Data consumption through hotspot runs 1.5-2x higher than direct phone use because laptop browsers load full desktop sites. Budget accordingly — a 1GB plan at $15.80 supports 2-3 days of moderate laptop use.

Provider restrictions

Provider-level restrictions: Airalo includes hotspot on nearly all fixed-data plans. Saily allows tethering by default. Holafly restricts it on unlimited Cape Verde plans. Nomad permits tethering on most tiers. If the hotspot toggle does not appear in Settings after installing your Cape Verde eSIM, the plan does not support it — upgrade or switch providers.

Data impact

Tethered devices consume data faster than direct phone use. A laptop loading desktop websites uses 2-3x the data of mobile sites. Video streaming at 720p burns 1.5 GB per hour; at 1080p, closer to 3 GB. Cloud sync (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) runs in the background and can drain 500 MB-1 GB in a few hours without visible activity. Pause cloud sync before connecting a laptop to your Cape Verde hotspot.

WiFi Backup

Cape Verde WiFi availability for eSIM setup

Cape Verde offers moderate WiFi in urban areas; spotty in rural regions. Install your eSIM before leaving home. The download is tiny (under 1 MB) but requires an uninterrupted HTTPS connection to the carrier's provisioning server. Public WiFi with captive portals — including Cape Verde's main airport's network — can block this connection. Home WiFi eliminates the risk.

Activating without WiFi

No WiFi for QR scan? Use manual activation. Check your provider's email for the SM-DP+ address (a URL starting with "smdp+") and the matching activation code. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. On Samsung: SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. You can use your home carrier's mobile data for this — it transfers less than 1 MB.

Multi-Country

Multi-stop itinerary: Cape Verde eSIM alongside other profiles

For an African multi-destination trip, install one eSIM per country before departure. Cape Verde's eSIM connects to CV Movel's 4G network directly, avoiding the speed penalty that multi-country roaming eSIMs carry. At the Cape Verde border, disable your previous eSIM and enable the Cape Verde profile. The process: Settings > Cellular, toggle off the old line, toggle on the new one. Done in 30 seconds.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

Border crossing procedure: disable the previous eSIM, enable Cape Verde. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap each line to toggle. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > toggle lines. Confirm Cape Verde is the active data line. Enable data roaming. CV Movel's 4G signal registers in 60-90 seconds. The entire switch takes 30 seconds.

Fixes

Troubleshooting Cape Verde eSIM setup

"eSIM Not Supported" error

Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.

Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.

"Unable to Activate eSIM" error

Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.

Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.

Connected but no data

Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.

Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.

Provider-specific installation issues

Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup

Full troubleshooting guide · Transfer eSIM to new phone

Quick Answers

Common setup questions for Cape Verde

FAQ

Frequently asked: Cape Verde eSIM setup

How do I install an eSIM for Cape Verde on iPhone?

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Cape Verde Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.

How do I install an eSIM for Cape Verde on Android?

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM. Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan. Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Cape Verde Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Google Pixel and other Android versions.

What APN settings do I need for Cape Verde?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for CV Movel's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.

Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Cape Verde?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Cape Verde. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?

iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.

What if the QR code does not work for Cape Verde?

Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.

How do I know my eSIM is connected to CV Movel?

Check the status bar for "CV Movel" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: 4G LTE speeds. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

How to enable data roaming on eSIM for Cape Verde?