Installing an eSIM on Android takes under 5 minutes — but unlike iPhone, the exact Settings path varies by brand. Samsung calls it SIM Manager. Pixel calls it Network & Internet → SIMs. Other Android brands have their own variations. This guide covers all three.
Step 1: Check Your Android Supports eSIM
The fastest way to check: open your dialer and type *#06#. If you see a 32-digit number labeled EID, your phone has an embedded SIM chip and supports eSIM. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM.
Brand / Model
eSIM Support
Watch for
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
Supported
US/China variants may be disabled
Samsung Z Flip / Z Fold series
Supported
Korean models: domestic carriers only
Google Pixel 3 and newer
Supported
AU/Taiwan/Japan Pixel 3: excluded
Pixel 10 (US)
eSIM only
No physical SIM tray
OnePlus 11 / 12 / 13
Supported
Verify regional variant
Motorola (select 2022+ models)
Mixed
Check specific model spec
Huawei (post-2022)
Not supported
Use physical SIM
⚠️ US carrier-purchased Samsung and Pixel phones often have eSIM disabled by the carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). The hardware supports it, but the firmware blocks it. Contact your carrier to unlock eSIM functionality — most will do this for free on eligible accounts.
💡 Before you start: Buy your eSIM plan first (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, etc.) and have the QR code ready on a separate screen. You need stable Wi-Fi throughout — install at home, not at the airport.
Need a travel eSIM first?
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Samsung Galaxy — Step by Step
Samsung uses Connections → SIM Manager as the entry point for eSIM. This path is consistent across Galaxy S, Z Flip, and Z Fold models on One UI.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy eSIM Install
Covers Galaxy S20 through S26, Z Flip series, Z Fold series, and Note 20. Path may vary slightly on older One UI versions but follows the same structure.
1
Open Settings → Connections
Settings → Connections — this is the network hub for all Samsung devices.
2
Tap SIM Manager (or SIM card manager)
Connections → SIM Manager. You’ll see your current physical SIM listed here. Tap Add eSIM or the + icon at the top right.
3
Choose “Scan QR code from service provider”
Samsung shows several options — select Scan QR code from service provider. Your camera opens. Point it at the QR code from your eSIM provider (on a second device or printed). The code scans automatically.
4
Confirm and download
Samsung shows the plan details. Tap Add or Confirm. The eSIM profile downloads — takes 30–60 seconds on good Wi-Fi. Tap Done when complete.
5
Label your eSIM
Give the new line a recognizable name — “Travel Data”, “Airalo Europe”, etc. This makes it easy to identify in SIM Manager later.
6
Configure data and roaming
Back in SIM Manager, tap your new eSIM line. Enable Data Roaming. Then go to SIM Manager → Preferred SIM → Mobile data and select your eSIM as the data source.
💡 Samsung “Allow mobile data switching”: In SIM Manager, enable this option. It allows your phone to automatically switch data to your physical SIM if the eSIM signal drops — useful as a fallback in areas with weak travel eSIM coverage.
Google Pixel — Step by Step
Pixel uses Network & Internet → SIMs. The path is cleaner than Samsung, and the + icon next to SIMs is the entry point for adding a new line.
Pixel
Google Pixel eSIM Install
Covers Pixel 3 through Pixel 10. Pixel 10 (US) is eSIM-only. Pixel 7+ supports eSIM transfer from another device natively.
1
Open Settings → Network & Internet
Settings → Network & Internet. On some Pixel models running older Android, this may say Connections or Mobile Network.
2
Tap SIMs → tap the + icon
Network & Internet → SIMs. You’ll see your existing SIM listed. Tap the + icon next to “SIMs” or tap Add more.
3
Select “Download a SIM instead?”
Pixel shows a prompt asking how to add a SIM. Tap Download a SIM instead? then tap Next.
4
Scan the QR code
Your camera opens. Hold it over the QR code from your provider. Pixel scans and recognizes it automatically. Tap Download to confirm.
5
Wait for install, then tap Done
The profile downloads in 30–60 seconds. Tap Done. Your new eSIM appears in the SIMs list, toggled on by default.
6
Enable Data Roaming
Tap your new eSIM line in Network & Internet → SIMs. Turn on Data Roaming. Then set this line as the Preferred SIM for mobile data.
Other Android Phones (OnePlus, Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi)
For Android phones outside Samsung and Pixel, the path varies but always follows the same logic: find the SIM management screen, look for an option to add or download a new SIM or eSIM, then scan the QR code.
Other
Generic Android Path
Works for OnePlus, Motorola, Oppo, Realme, Xiaomi (where supported), and most other Android 10+ phones with eSIM hardware. Menu names vary but the flow is the same.
1
Go to Settings → Network / Connections / Mobile
The entry point is usually called Network & Internet, Connections, or Mobile Networks depending on your Android skin.
2
Find SIM management
Look for SIM Manager, SIM Cards, Mobile Network, or Dual SIM. Tap it.
3
Look for “Add eSIM” or a + icon
The wording varies: Add eSIM, Add Mobile Plan, Add Carrier, or Download SIM. Tap it. If prompted “Don’t have a SIM card?” — tap Next.
4
Scan the QR code
Select Scan QR code and point your camera at the code from your provider. If QR scanning fails, look for Enter code manually and use the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider’s email.
5
Confirm download and enable Data Roaming
After the profile installs, find your new eSIM in the SIM list. Enable the line, set it as your mobile data source, and turn on Data Roaming.
Manual Entry (All Android Brands)
If the QR code won’t scan — camera issues, code on same device, or poor lighting — you can enter the details manually. Your provider will give you an SM-DP+ address (looks like a URL) and an Activation Code (alphanumeric string).
Navigate to the same eSIM add screen as above, then look for Enter code manually, Enter activation code, or Add manually. Paste both codes exactly from your provider’s email. The profile downloads the same way as a QR scan.
After Installation: Configure for Travel
Installation is only half the job. These four settings determine whether your eSIM actually works when you land.
Data Roaming — must be ON
Critical — without this, no data
Samsung: SIM Manager → eSIM line → Data Roaming ON
Pixel: SIMs → eSIM line → Data Roaming ON
Mobile Data Source
Switch to your eSIM
Samsung: SIM Manager → Preferred SIM → Mobile data → eSIM
Pixel: SIMs → select eSIM → Use SIM for data
Calls & SMS
Keep on your home SIM
Set your home physical SIM as the default for calls and messages. Your home number stays reachable while the eSIM handles data only.
Home SIM Roaming
Turn OFF to block charges
Disable Data Roaming on your home SIM line. This prevents it from pulling data and charging international roaming rates while abroad.
Troubleshooting: Fix Every Common Error
No service after landing
1. Confirm Data Roaming is ON for your eSIM line (see above). 2. Check your eSIM is set as the mobile data source. 3. Restart your phone — forces a fresh network registration. 4. Try manual network selection: find Network operators in your SIM settings, switch from Automatic to Manual, and select an available local carrier.
QR code won’t scan
Increase brightness on the screen showing the QR code. Move to better lighting. If the QR code is saved in your email on the same phone, display it on a laptop or have someone else hold their screen. Fall back to Manual Entry using the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.
“eSIM not supported” or Add eSIM option missing
Three possible causes: (1) Your device doesn’t support eSIM — verify by dialing *#06# and checking for an EID number. (2) Your phone is carrier-locked and the carrier has disabled eSIM — contact your carrier to unlock. (3) US-purchased Samsung/Pixel with carrier firmware — contact the carrier for eSIM unlock.
Installation times out or fails
Weak Wi-Fi is the primary cause. Move closer to your router or switch networks. Disable any active VPN before installing — VPNs interfere with eSIM profile downloads. Then retry from the beginning. Each new attempt uses a fresh connection to the provider’s server.
eSIM installed but apps show no internet
Check three things: (1) Mobile Data is enabled and set to your eSIM line. (2) Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM line. (3) On Samsung, check “Mobile data” under Preferred SIM is set to your eSIM — not your home SIM. Restart after changing any of these settings.
Wrong network name showing
Normal. Travel eSIMs often display the underlying partner carrier name rather than your provider’s brand name. As long as data works, this is not a problem. If it shows “Emergency calls only” instead of a carrier name, Data Roaming is likely still off.
Android eSIM — FAQ
Q How do I install an eSIM on Android? ▾
On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. On Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → + icon → Download a SIM. Scan the QR code from your provider, download the profile, then enable Data Roaming and set the eSIM as your mobile data source.
Q Which Android phones support eSIM? ▾
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, OnePlus 11/12/13, and most flagship Android phones from 2020 onwards. Dial *#06# — if you see an EID number in the results, your phone supports eSIM. US carrier-purchased Samsung and Pixel phones may have eSIM disabled by the carrier even if the hardware supports it.
Q Why is my Android eSIM not connecting? ▾
Most common cause: Data Roaming is off. On Samsung: SIM Manager → eSIM line → Data Roaming. On Pixel: SIMs → eSIM line → Data Roaming. Also confirm Mobile Data is set to your eSIM line, not your home SIM. Restart after enabling.
Q Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM on Android? ▾
Yes. Stable Wi-Fi is required to download the eSIM profile from your provider’s servers. Install at home before travel. Attempting installation over weak airport Wi-Fi often causes timeouts and failed downloads.
Q Can I use two SIMs at the same time on Android? ▾
Yes — most modern Android phones support Dual SIM. Keep your home SIM for calls and use the eSIM for data. On Samsung, the “Preferred SIM” settings in SIM Manager let you configure exactly which line handles calls, SMS, and data independently.
Q Can I transfer my eSIM to a new Android phone? ▾
Samsung Galaxy and Pixel 7+ both have built-in eSIM transfer tools. For carrier eSIMs, this usually works smoothly. For travel eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly, profiles are generally one-device installs — contact your provider if you need to move a plan to a new phone. They can typically issue a new QR code for the same plan.
