LPA

Provisioning

Local Profile Assistant is the device-side application that manages eSIM profile operations on consumer devices. LPA consists of three components: LPAd (Local Profile Assistant in the device), LPAe (in the eUICC), and the user interface. It handles profile discovery, download, enabling/disabling, and deletion through interaction with SM-DP+.

又称为: Local Profile Assistant

LPA (Local Profile Assistant)

The Local Profile Assistant is the device-side software component that manages eSIM profile operations on consumer devices. Defined in GSMA SGP.22, LPALPAProvisioningDevice-side app for managing eSIM profile operations.Click to view → bridges the gap between the user, the eUICC chip, and the remote SM-DP+ server, handling everything from profile discovery to installation and lifecycle management.

Architecture

LPA consists of three functional components:

  • LPD (Local Profile Download) — manages the download protocol between SM-DP+ and eUICCeUICCProvisioningReprogrammable SIMSIMApplicationSmart card for mobile network authentication.Click to view → chip supporting remote profile switching.Click to view →, including secure channel establishment, profile package transfer, and installation confirmation
  • LDS (Local Discovery Service) — queries the SM-DS (Subscription Manager - Discovery Server) or processes activation codes to locate available profiles on SM-DP+ servers
  • LUI (Local User Interface) — presents profile management options to the user: scan QR codes, view installed profiles, enable/disable/delete profiles

On smartphones, LPA is typically integrated into the operating system. Apple embeds LPA in iOS Settings, while Android provides the EuiccManager API for carrier apps and system UI.

Profile Download Flow

When a user scans an eSIMeSIMApplicationProgrammable embedded SIM chip.Click to view → QR code or enters an activation code:

  1. LUI receives the SM-DP+ address and activation code
  2. LDS resolves the SM-DP+ endpoint
  3. LPD initiates a TLS connection to SM-DP+
  4. Mutual authentication occurs between SM-DP+ and eUICC (using ECC certificates)
  5. RSP secure channel is established via ECKA key agreement
  6. Profile package is downloaded, decrypted, and installed by the eUICC
  7. LUI prompts the user to enable the new profile

Implementation Variants

Platform LPA Location API
iOS System (Settings app) No third-party access
Android System + carrier apps EuiccManager API
Windows System settings eSIM API
IoT/M2M Not applicable SM-SR manages remotely

The LPA must handle edge cases gracefully: interrupted downloads (resumable sessions), insufficient eUICC memory, profile policy rules (e.g., disabling a profile before enabling another), and confirmation code requirements set by the operator via SM-DP+.

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