How to Install & Activate an eSIM on Android (2026)

Setting up a travel eSIM on Android is quick, but the exact menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version. This guide gives you the general path that works on most phones, plus specific notes for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel — the two most common families — and how to fix a connection that won't come up.

A note on Android menus: Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus and others each label settings a little differently. Where your phone's wording differs, look for anything that mentions SIM, eSIM, or Mobile network / Add plan — it's the same feature.

Before you start

• Check your phone supports eSIM. Most Pixels (Pixel 3 and later, excluding a couple of early variants), recent Samsung Galaxy S/Z/Note models, and many newer mid-range phones do. The reliable test: open your SIM settings (below) and see if an "Add eSIM" / "Download a SIM instead?" option appears.
• Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked. A phone locked to a home carrier may reject a new eSIM.
• Connect to Wi-Fi. You need internet to download the eSIM profile — do this at home before your trip.

Keep your eSIM Today confirmation handy for the QR code or manual activation details.

Method A — Install with a QR code (most phones)

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung).
2. Tap Add eSIM / Add mobile plan / Download a SIM instead?
3. When prompted, choose to scan a QR code.
4. Point the camera at the QR code from your eSIM Today confirmation.
5. Tap Download / Activate and wait about a minute for the profile to install.

Method B — Install manually (activation code)

If you can't scan a code:

1. Reach the Add eSIM screen as above.
2. Tap Enter it manually / Need help? and choose manual entry.
3. Enter the activation code (the SM-DP+ address and code) exactly as shown in your confirmation.
4. Tap Continue / Download to install the plan.

Set the travel eSIM as your data SIM

After the eSIM installs, tell Android to use it for data:

1. Go back to SIMs / SIM manager.
2. Select your new travel eSIM and make sure it's turned on.
3. Set Mobile data to the travel eSIM.
4. Leave Calls and SMS on your home SIM so you keep your number for texts and calls.

Enable roaming on the travel eSIM

A travel eSIM uses partner networks abroad, so roaming must be on for that line:

1. Open the travel eSIM line in your SIM settings.
2. Turn Data roaming on for that eSIM only.

This is expected for travel eSIMs — your data allowance is already paid for, so there's no extra charge.

Samsung vs Pixel — quick differences

• Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Samsung often shows an "Scan QR code from service provider" button directly.
• Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead? Pixel walks you through a guided setup wizard.
• Other makers (Motorola, OnePlus, etc.): look under Settings → Network/Connections → SIM / Mobile network for an Add eSIM option.

Troubleshooting

• No data after you land. Confirm Data roaming is on for the travel eSIM, that it's set as the Mobile data SIM, and that Airplane mode is off. Toggle Airplane mode on/off to force a network search.
• "Couldn't add eSIM" / download fails. You need Wi-Fi to download the profile — check your connection and retry.
• Stuck with no signal. Restart the phone. If it persists, set network selection to Automatic (often under Mobile network → Network operators).

That's it — you're connected. Heading somewhere specific? Browse plans for Japan or the USA, or see every destination on the eSIM Today home page. On an iPhone instead? See our iPhone setup guide.

FAQ

Which Android phones support eSIM? Most Google Pixel (3 and later), recent Samsung Galaxy S/Z/Note models, and many newer mid-range phones. The surest check is to look for an "Add eSIM" option in your SIM settings.

Do Samsung and Pixel steps differ? The idea is identical, but the menus differ: Samsung uses Connections → SIM manager, while Pixel uses Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead?

Will an eSIM work on a budget Android phone? Some do and some don't — eSIM support depends on the model, not the price. Check your SIM settings for an "Add eSIM" option to be sure.

How do I switch back to my home SIM when I get home? Open your SIM settings and set Mobile data back to your home SIM, then turn off data roaming on the travel eSIM (or remove it).

Can I install the eSIM before I travel? Yes. Download it over Wi-Fi at home, then set it as your data SIM and enable roaming once you arrive.