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Mauritania eSIM Installation: Complete Setup Steps (2026)

7 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst
  • 3 networks 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

Compatible devices for Mauritania 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+.

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Providers

Provider options for Mauritania

Holafly (Recommended)

Holafly is the recommended provider for Mauritania with a 4.3/5 rating. Best Unlimited pick. Plans available: . Installation via QR code delivered by email.

8.6/ 10Overall

Install: 4.3/5 · QR Flow: 4.2/5

Docs: 4.4/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Holafly full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Mauritania
ProviderPer GBRatingBest For
Holafly#1 Pickfrom $2.99/day4.3/5Best Unlimited
Airalofrom $4.50/GB4.5/5Best Overall
Sailyfrom $3.99/GB4.4/5Best Privacy
HelloRoamfrom around $3.50 per gigabyte4.4/5Coverage + Value
Nomadfrom $3.00/GB4.1/5Best Budget

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

Step-by-step: install your Mauritania eSIM

iOS installation (iPhone)

  1. Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Use QR Code"
  3. Scan the QR code from your Holafly confirmation email
  4. Label the plan (e.g., "Mauritania Travel")
  5. Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
  6. Do NOT enable data roaming yet
  7. 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)

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan
  3. Scan the QR code from your Holafly confirmation email
  4. Name the profile (e.g., "Mauritania Data")
  5. Set as mobile data SIM
  6. Do NOT enable data roaming yet
  7. Verify the plan in SIM manager

Manual installation (if QR fails)

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

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
  2. Select "Enter Details Manually"
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
  4. Enter the activation code
  5. 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 settings for Mauritel

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Mauritel'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.

Verification

After setup: testing your Mauritania eSIM

Signal and network verification

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

  • "Mauritel" 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 Mauritania's main airport with your eSIM

Before boarding

The night before your flight, open Settings, add a new eSIM, and scan the QR code from your order email. Your home WiFi provides the clean connection the download needs. After it installs, switch the Mauritania profile to off. Leave it dormant until wheels touch the runway. Mauritel picks up the signal within 60-90 seconds of your phone leaving airplane mode.

During the flight

Keep airplane mode on during the flight. Confirm your Mauritania eSIM is set as the designated data line under Settings before you descend. Your home SIM stays active for calls and SMS verification codes.

After landing

Once the seatbelt sign is off, disable airplane mode and enable the Mauritania eSIM. Mauritel registers the profile in 60-90 seconds. You have maps, messaging, and ride-share access before the cabin door opens. SIM counter availability at Mauritania's main airport varies by terminal and time of day. Your eSIM eliminates that variable entirely.

Leaving the airport

Your eSIM is working. Open your ride-share app and request a pickup while you wait at baggage claim. By the time your bag arrives, the car is already en route. No WiFi hunting, no SIM counter, no wasted minutes.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Mauritania

iPhone (iOS 17+)

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

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Mauritel" or "Mattel" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Mauritania line shows "Mauritel" 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 Mauritel 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+)

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

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Mauritel" or "Mattel" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Mauritel" 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 Mauritel. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

Google Pixel (Android 14+)

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

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

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

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Mauritania

Mauritel

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 "Mauritel" from the list. The phone locks onto Mauritel's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

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

Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Mauritel require data roaming to be enabled on the travel SIM line specifically. Leaving it off is the most common reason travelers report zero signal after landing in Mauritania. Check under Settings > Cellular > [Travel eSIM] > Data Roaming.

Resolution: Toggle airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network scan without a full restart. Mauritel should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Mauritel directly.

Mattel

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 "Mattel" from the list. The phone locks onto Mattel's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

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

Common issue: Mattel may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Mauritania 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 Mattel registration failures. Re-enable the Mauritania eSIM after the reset completes.

Chinguitel

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 "Chinguitel" from the list. The phone locks onto Chinguitel's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

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

Common issue: If Chinguitel 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 Mauritania 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 Chinguitel 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

Running two SIMs in Mauritania: data line vs call line

Data line setup

Open Settings > Cellular and tap "Cellular Data." Select the Mauritania eSIM. All data now routes through Mauritel's local network at local rates. Do not enable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" — that setting lets the phone fall back to your home SIM for data, which triggers international roaming fees without warning.

Calls and SMS

The home SIM stays on for calls and verification texts. When someone dials your regular number, it rings normally. Standard SMS charges from your home carrier may apply for receiving texts abroad — check your plan. All internet-based communication routes through Mauritel's data network on the Mauritania eSIM.

Emergency dialing

Emergency services in Mauritania are reached at local emergency services. Both your home SIM and the travel eSIM can place this call. Data from the eSIM adds GPS location sharing, real-time translation for language barriers, and the ability to look up your embassy's local address and phone number.

Battery impact

Running two SIMs draws 10-15% more battery per day than a single SIM. Both radios maintain separate network connections. If your battery runs low during the day, disable the home SIM temporarily under Settings > Cellular — the Mauritania eSIM is the priority line for data. Re-enable the home SIM when you reach WiFi at your hotel.

Hotspot

Share your Mauritania eSIM data with other devices

Personal hotspot works with most Mauritania eSIM plans from major providers. Enable it under your phone's settings. The hotspot shares your Mauritel 4G connection with nearby devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. WiFi tethering has the widest range (roughly 10 meters) but uses more battery. USB tethering charges your phone while sharing data — ideal for laptop sessions. Expect 4G speeds through hotspot, slightly below direct device connection on the connected device.

Provider restrictions

Hotspot availability is a plan feature, not a country restriction. Most fixed-data Mauritania plans support tethering. Unlimited plans are the exception — carriers throttle or block hotspot on unlimited tiers to manage network load on Mauritel's infrastructure. If you need hotspot, buy a fixed-data plan with an explicit hotspot label.

Data impact

Tethering multiplies data use. A single Zoom call uses 300-500 MB/hour. Slack with screen sharing adds 200-400 MB/hour. Background cloud sync on a connected laptop can consume 500 MB-1 GB without any visible activity. Before hotspotting in Mauritania, disable auto-sync and set video calls to audio-only when possible — that drops consumption by 70%.

WiFi Backup

Setting up eSIM in Mauritania: WiFi backup plan

WiFi in Mauritania: moderate WiFi in urban areas; spotty in rural regions. eSIM installation requires a brief WiFi connection for the QR code scan (under 1 MB of data). Hotel WiFi works, but home WiFi before departure is the safest option. Captive portals at Mauritania's main airport and public hotspots sometimes block the carrier server the eSIM download needs.

Activating without WiFi

Manual activation fallback: every eSIM order includes an SM-DP+ server address and an activation code in the confirmation email. Instead of scanning the QR code, enter these values manually. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Code. This works over any data connection, including your home carrier's mobile data. The transfer is under 1 MB.

Multi-Country

Managing eSIM profiles: Mauritania + other destinations

Planning an African multi-destination trip that includes Mauritania? Install a dedicated eSIM for each country before you leave. Single-country plans connect to the primary local carrier (Mauritel in Mauritania) and deliver better speeds than regional eSIMs that route through roaming agreements. Your phone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles — switching between them at each border takes 30 seconds. Label each profile with the country name for quick identification.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

Switching eSIMs at the border: go to Settings, find your SIM/eSIM list, turn off the previous country's profile, and enable Mauritania. Set the Mauritania eSIM as your data line and enable data roaming for that line specifically. Mauritel picks up within 60-90 seconds. Keep all other profiles saved — they occupy no data until re-enabled.

Fixes

Mauritania eSIM installation problems

"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 Mauritania

FAQ

Top setup questions for Mauritania

How do I install an eSIM for Mauritania on iPhone?

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

How do I install an eSIM for Mauritania 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 "Mauritania 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 Mauritania?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Mauritel'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 Mauritania?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Mauritania. 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 Mauritania?

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 Mauritel?

Check the status bar for "Mauritel" 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 switch to eSIM data line for Mauritania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Mauritania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Mauritel as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing.

How to set up eSIM on Samsung for Mauritania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Mauritania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Mauritel as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing.

How to set up eSIM on iPad for Mauritania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Mauritania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Mauritel as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing.

How to test eSIM before traveling to Mauritania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Mauritania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Mauritel as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing.

How to fix eSIM connection in Mauritania?

See the step-by-step instructions above for Mauritania. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Mauritel as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing.

Related guides

Compare Mauritania eSIM plans

Provider pricing and network analysis

Travel guide for Mauritania

Pre-departure, activation, data tips

General activation guide

Step-by-step eSIM activation

Dual-SIM setup

Use both SIMs simultaneously

Remove old eSIM profiles

Free up eSIM slots on your phone

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eSIM plans across the region

Nearby destinations

Buy and install your Mauritania eSIM. 5 minutes, no counter.

Holafly: from $2.00/GB on Mauritel. Install at home, activate on arrival.

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