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 Android is brand new/reset or if your phone is already setup. 

I Have an Existing Android Phone

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Step 2: Ensure your phone is unlocked

• If you purchased your device directly from the manufacturer, it is most likely unlocked.

• If you owe money to your carrier, your device is likely locked.

If your phone 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 to download the app.  

Then follow the instructions in the Cape app. 

I Have a New (or Recently Reset) Android Phone

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Step 2: Confirm that your phone is unlocked. 

• If you purchased your device directly from the manufacturer, it is most likely unlocked.

• If you owe money to your carrier, your device is likely locked.

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

Step 3: Skip SIM activation during the mobile network setup screen.

• • If prompted with "Download eSIM," do not select this option. Tap Skip instead.

  • If asked to scan a QR code, tap Need help? and then Skip.

  • If asked to activate an eSIM or physical SIM, select physical SIM and skip activation.

Cape does not support eSIM transfer, because we need you to download the Cape app first in order to set up secure authentication. 

Step 4: After setup, open the Play Store and download the Cape app to begin activation.

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