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How to Install an eSIM on Android

Android eSIM setup varies by manufacturer. Here is how to do it on Samsung, Google Pixel, and other major devices.

How to Install an eSIM on Android
Published May 20, 20264 min read

Does your Android phone support eSIM?

Not all Android phones do. Budget models under $200, many older devices, and some carrier-locked phones do not support eSIM at all. Here's how to check without guessing:

  • Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. If you see "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM", you're supported.
  • Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Look for "Add a SIM" with an option to download rather than insert.
  • Other Android: Search for "SIM Manager" or "Mobile Network" in your settings app. If eSIM is available, there will be an "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM" option somewhere in that section.

Reliably supported devices: Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Samsung Galaxy A54/A55/A35, OnePlus 9 and later, recent Motorola Edge models. If your phone isn't on this list, check your specific model's specs page.

Samsung Galaxy installation

  1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
  2. Tap Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM.
  3. Select Scan QR Code.
  4. Scan the QR code from your provider. Confirm the plan details when prompted.
  5. Label the eSIM (e.g., "Japan Trip") and set it as your preferred data line.
  6. Enable Data Roaming for the new eSIM under its settings.

Google Pixel installation

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
  2. Tap the + icon or Add a SIM.
  3. Select Download a SIM when asked how you want to add it.
  4. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider.
  5. Follow prompts to activate. Set the new eSIM as your preferred data line.

Other Android devices

The general path: look for SIM Manager or Mobile Network in Settings, then find "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM". The naming varies by manufacturer and Android version, but the flow is similar: find the add/download option, scan QR code, confirm, activate.

Common issues and fixes

"Not supported by carrier" error: this usually means your home carrier locked the eSIM slot, not that your phone lacks hardware support. Contact your carrier about unlocking the device.

QR code fails to scan: take a screenshot of the QR code and use "Enter manually" or "Enter details" if available. The provider should also supply an SM-DP+ server address and activation code you can type in.

Activation stuck or spinning: wait five minutes, then restart the phone. This resolves most stuck activations. If it still fails after restarting, contact the provider for a replacement QR code.

Plan installed but no data: make sure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM, and that the eSIM is selected as the active data line rather than your physical SIM.

One practical tip

If you're in low-light conditions (night flight, dim airport terminal), scanning a QR code from your phone screen can be unreliable due to glare and auto-brightness adjustments. Print the QR code before traveling, or screenshot it to a different device. Manual entry of the activation code is always a clean fallback.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Android phone supports eSIM?

On Samsung check Settings, Connections, SIM Manager, and on Pixel check Settings, Network and Internet, SIMs, for an Add eSIM or Download SIM option. Pixel 3 and later, Galaxy S20 and later, recent A-series, OnePlus 9 and later, and recent Motorola Edge models support it, while many budget phones do not.

How do I install an eSIM on Samsung or Google Pixel?

On Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM Manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR Code. On Pixel: Settings, Network and Internet, SIMs, Add a SIM, then Download a SIM and scan the QR code. Set the eSIM as your data line and enable Data Roaming.

My eSIM installed but has no data. How do I fix it?

Make sure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM and that the eSIM, not your physical SIM, is selected as the active data line. If activation is stuck, wait a few minutes and restart the phone.

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