How to Install an eSIM on Android

Installing an eSIM on an Android phone usually takes only a few minutes. You can normally add an eSIM by scanning the QR code provided by your mobile operator or travel eSIM provider.

Because Android is used by many manufacturers, the exact names and locations of settings may differ between Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Xiaomi, Huawei and other devices.

What You Need Before Installation

Before installing your eSIM, make sure that:

• Your Android phone supports eSIM.
• The device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
• The phone is unlocked for use with other mobile providers.
• You have received an eSIM QR code or manual activation details.
• The device software is up to date.
• The eSIM plan is compatible with your destination and device.

Google explains that eSIM technology allows users to download a mobile carrier profile and activate service without inserting a physical SIM card. More technical information is available in the official Android eSIM overview.

How to Check Whether Your Android Phone Supports eSIM

The simplest method is to check the mobile network settings.

Open Settings and look for one of the following options:

• Add eSIM
• Download SIM
• Set up an eSIM
• Add mobile plan
• Add network
• SIM Manager

You can also open the phone application and dial:

*#06#

If the device information screen displays an EID, the phone is generally equipped with eSIM hardware. However, eSIM availability may still depend on the device’s regional version, mobile operator and software.

You should also check the official specifications for your exact phone model.

Before Scanning the QR Code

Keep the QR code open on another device, such as a laptop, tablet or second phone. Alternatively, print it before starting the installation.

Do not share the QR code publicly. It may contain unique activation information associated with your eSIM plan.

Some QR codes can only be used once. Do not delete an installed eSIM unless you are certain that you no longer need it.

How to Install an eSIM on Google Pixel

Google provides the following official installation path for compatible Pixel phones:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Tap Add SIM.
5. Select Set up an eSIM.
6. Scan the QR code supplied by your eSIM provider.
7. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
8. Wait for the eSIM profile to download.
9. Tap Settings or Done when installation is complete.

These instructions are based on Google’s official Set up a new eSIM guide.

How to Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Menu names can vary depending on the Galaxy model and One UI version.

The usual installation process is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Select SIM Manager.
4. Tap Add eSIM.
5. Select Scan QR code.
6. Scan the code provided with your eSIM plan.
7. Tap Add.
8. Wait for the profile to download and activate.

After installation, the new plan should appear in SIM Manager.

If Add eSIM is not displayed, verify that your exact Samsung model and regional version support the technology.

How to Install an eSIM on Motorola

On compatible Motorola phones, the usual path is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Select Mobile network or SIMs & mobile network.
4. Tap Add eSIM, Add SIM, or the plus symbol.
5. Select the option to download a SIM.
6. Scan the activation QR code.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.

The exact wording may differ depending on the Android version and Motorola software.

How to Install an eSIM on Xiaomi

Compatible Xiaomi devices may use the following path:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select SIM cards & mobile networks.
3. Tap Manage eSIM.
4. Select Add mobile plan.
5. Scan the eSIM QR code.
6. Confirm the installation.
7. Wait for the plan to be added.

Not all Xiaomi phones support eSIM, and availability can differ between international and regional versions of the same model.

Alternative Android Installation Path

On some Android devices, the following menu may be used:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet or Connections.
3. Select Mobile network, SIMs, or SIM Manager.
4. Tap Add SIM, Add eSIM, or the plus symbol.
5. Select Download a SIM instead? or Set up an eSIM.
6. Scan the QR code.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.

If you cannot find the correct menu, use the search bar in the Settings application and search for:

• eSIM
• SIM Manager
• Add SIM
• Mobile plan
• Download SIM

How to Enter eSIM Details Manually

Some Android phones allow you to enter the eSIM activation details manually if the QR code cannot be scanned.

1. Open the eSIM installation menu.
2. Select Add eSIM or Set up an eSIM.
3. Choose Enter code manually, Need help?, or a similarly named option.
4. Enter the SM-DP+ Address.
5. Enter the Activation Code.
6. Enter a confirmation code if one was provided.
7. Confirm the installation.

The manual entry option is not available on every Android phone. Copy the information carefully and do not add spaces unless they are part of the supplied code.

Configure the eSIM After Installation

After installing the profile, open the SIM settings and give the new eSIM a recognizable name, such as:

• Travel
• Europe
• Turkey
• Mobile Data
• Business

This helps distinguish the travel eSIM from your regular SIM card.

Google Pixel users can manage their plans under:

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs

Google explains how to select a SIM for calls, messages and mobile data in its official Dual SIM guide.

Select the eSIM for Mobile Data

If your phone has more than one SIM:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet, Connections, or SIM Manager.
3. Open the SIM settings.
4. Find Mobile data or Preferred SIM for data.
5. Select your travel eSIM.
6. Disable automatic data switching if you do not want the phone to use your primary SIM for mobile data.

Turning off automatic switching can help prevent unexpected roaming fees from your home mobile operator.

Enable Data Roaming

Many travel eSIM plans use partner networks and require data roaming to be enabled.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet, Connections, or Mobile network.
3. Select your travel eSIM.
4. Enable Use SIM if it is disabled.
5. Enable Mobile data.
6. Turn on Data roaming.

Make sure you are changing the settings for the travel eSIM rather than your primary SIM.

When Should You Install Your Travel eSIM?

It is generally convenient to install an eSIM before departure while you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

However, check the activation policy first. Depending on the plan, its validity period may begin:

• Immediately after installation
• On a specified date
• When the eSIM first connects to a supported network
• After you manually activate the plan

If the plan begins as soon as it is installed, installing it too early could reduce the time available during your trip.

What to Do After Arriving at Your Destination

After arriving:

1. Open your phone’s SIM settings.
2. Turn on the travel eSIM.
3. Select it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.
4. Enable data roaming for the travel eSIM.
5. Wait several minutes for network registration.
6. Restart the device if it does not connect.
7. Select a supported network manually if automatic selection fails.

The network name displayed on your phone may differ from the name of the company that sold the eSIM. Travel eSIM providers commonly use local partner networks.

How to Configure the APN

Most Android phones configure the Access Point Name automatically. If the eSIM connects to a network but mobile internet does not work, your provider may require a specific APN.

To configure it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Mobile network or SIMs.
3. Select your travel eSIM.
4. Tap Access Point Names.
5. Select Add APN.
6. Enter the APN supplied by your provider.
7. Leave other fields unchanged unless additional information was provided.
8. Save the APN.
9. Select the newly created APN.
10. Restart the phone.

Do not guess the APN. Use only the value supplied with your eSIM plan.

What to Do If the eSIM Is Not Working

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Confirm that your phone supports eSIM.
2. Make sure the device is not carrier-locked.
3. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
4. Turn Airplane Mode on and off.
5. Restart the phone.
6. Confirm that the eSIM appears in the SIM settings.
7. Turn the eSIM off and back on.
8. Select the eSIM for mobile data.
9. Enable data roaming.
10. Check the APN settings.
11. Change network selection from automatic to manual.
12. Install available Android and carrier updates.
13. Contact the eSIM provider if activation continues to fail.

Google recommends trying the setup again and contacting the mobile provider if the problem persists. See Google’s official eSIM setup instructions.

How to Delete an eSIM on Android

Only delete the eSIM after you have finished using it and are certain that it is no longer required.

The typical process is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet, Connections, or SIM Manager.
3. Select the eSIM.
4. Tap Erase eSIM, Remove, or Delete SIM.
5. Confirm the action.

On Google Pixel, the official path is generally:

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select the eSIM → Erase eSIM

Removing an eSIM from the device may not cancel the associated plan or subscription. It may also be impossible to reinstall the profile using the original QR code.

Can You Transfer an eSIM to Another Android Phone?

Some devices and mobile providers support direct eSIM transfer. On compatible Pixel phones, the option may appear under:

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device

Availability depends on both devices and the mobile provider. Google provides current instructions in its official Transfer a SIM to a new phone guide.

If direct transfer is unavailable, contact the provider to request a new QR code or activation method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Android phones support eSIM?

No. Support depends on the manufacturer, model, regional version and mobile operator.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?

Usually, yes. An internet connection is needed to download the eSIM profile.

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM together?

Many compatible Android phones support Dual SIM, allowing a physical SIM and an eSIM to be active together. The exact capabilities depend on the device.

Can two eSIMs be active simultaneously?

Some newer Android devices support two active eSIM profiles. Android provides support for multiple enabled profiles, but manufacturers must also implement the necessary hardware and software. See the official Android documentation about multiple enabled profiles.

Should data roaming be enabled?

Many travel eSIMs require it because they connect through partner networks. Enable roaming only for the travel eSIM unless you also intend to use roaming through your primary provider.

Can I keep my regular number active?

Yes, if your phone supports Dual SIM. You can keep your primary SIM available for calls and messages while using the travel eSIM for mobile data. Your primary provider may still charge roaming fees.

Can I reuse the QR code?

Not always. Some eSIM activation codes can only be used once. Do not delete the profile unless you no longer need it or the provider has confirmed that it can be reinstalled.

Conclusion

To install an eSIM on Android, open the network or SIM settings, select Add eSIM, and scan the QR code provided with your plan. Once installed, choose the new eSIM for mobile data and enable data roaming if required.

Because Android menu names differ between manufacturers, consult your device manufacturer’s instructions if the options described above do not appear. Google Pixel users can follow Google’s official new eSIM setup guide.