Activation Through the Cape App

To use Cape, you must activate through the Cape app. The app allows you to:

• Pay for a Cape subscription

• Activate your service by downloading an eSIM

• Manage your billing

Why require an app?

Cape's secure authentication, which you can read more about here, allows us to generate a cryptographic public-private key pair on your device. This means no usernames and passwords, which are notoriously insecure, and it also means that Cape never gets access to the private key that is generated and stored locally on your phone. So even if we wanted to, we wouldn't be able to SIM swap you. 

To activate, please follow the appropriate steps below, depending on if your iPhone is brand new/reset or iPhone is already setup. 

I Have an Existing iPhone

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Step 2: Check if your iPhone is Unlocked

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ About ➝ Carrier Lock.

2. If the Carrier Lock section says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked.

• If you purchased your iPhone directly from Apple, it is most likely unlocked.

• If you owe money to your carrier for your iPhone, it is most likely locked.

If your iPhone is locked, you will need to contact your current carrier to get it unlocked.

Step 3: Download the Cape app

Open the App Store and search for Cape or Cape Mobile, or click here and download the app. 

Then follow the instructions in the Cape app. 

I Have a New iPhone (or a Recently Reset iPhone)

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Step 2: Confirm that your phone is unlocked. 

• If you purchased your iPhone directly from Apple, it is most likely unlocked.
• If you owe money to your carrier for your iPhone, it is most likely locked.

If your iPhone is locked, you will need to contact your current carrier to get it unlocked.

Step 3: Skip eSIM setup or eSIM Quick Transfer during the iPhone Setup Process

If you have a new iPhone or one that's been recently reset, the device will ask you to set up an eSIM, or may ask you to do an "eSIM Quick Transfer." Cape does not support this option, because we need you to download the Cape app first in order to set up secure authentication. 

Therefore, during the iPhone setup process, you must skip eSIM setup and eSIM Quick Transfer. Follow the steps below:

• Follow the prompts on your iPhone screen to begin setup.

• Connect to a WiFi network when prompted. You cannot activate your service without a Wifi connection. 

• When you reach the Set Up Cellular screen, tap “Set Up Later in Settings.”

Step 4: Activate Cape by downloading the Cape app

Once you've skipped eSIM activation and successfully completed the iPhone setup, open the App Store and search for Cape or Cape Mobile, or click here and download the app. 

Then follow the instructions in the Cape app. 

If you have trouble with activation, please reach out to support through the Help Center or the Cape app.