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How to install an eSIM on Android

Step-by-step for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, plus the settings to change when you land.

Updated Nov 5, 2026

Before you start

  • Check your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06#. If you see a long number labelled EID, it does. Some versions of the same model don't, depending on the country they were sold in.
  • Make sure it's unlocked. Phones bought outright usually are. If you got yours through a carrier, ask them.
  • Use Wi-Fi. The eSIM downloads over the internet, so install it at home.
  • Have the QR code ready on a second screen, such as a laptop.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings › Connections › SIM manager.
  2. Tap Add eSIM.
  3. Choose Scan QR code from service provider and scan the code.
  4. Confirm, then name the new line Travel so you can tell it apart from your home SIM.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs.
  2. Tap Add SIM (or +), then Download a SIM instead? and Next.
  3. Scan the QR code.
  4. When the download finishes, name the new line Travel.

Other Android phones

The menus are similar. Look under Settings › Network or Connections for an option called SIM, SIM manager or eSIM, then choose to add an eSIM with a QR code.

Switch on when you land

Samsung: In SIM manager, set Mobile data to the Travel line. Then open Settings › Connections › Mobile networks, pick the Travel line and turn on Data roaming.

Pixel: Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs, tap the Travel line and turn on Use SIM, Mobile data and Roaming.

On both, leave roaming off on your home SIM so your home carrier can't charge you.

Don't delete the eSIM during your trip. Many providers can't reissue one, so you'd have to buy a new plan.

Troubleshooting

No internet after landing. Check that roaming is on for the Travel line and that it's your mobile data line. Then turn Airplane mode on and off, or restart the phone.

The phone asks for an APN. Some providers need one. On Samsung it's under Mobile networks › Access Point Names; on Pixel, tap the Travel line and open Access point names. Add the details from the provider's install email.

The QR code says it's invalid or already used. Most codes work only once. If an install failed halfway, contact the provider for a new code instead of scanning again.

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