How to Install an eSIM on Android (2026)

Before You Start

You need three things to install an eSIM on Android:

• An eSIM-compatible Android phone — Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, OnePlus 12 (and select earlier), recent Xiaomi/Oppo flagships. Most phones from 2020 onward support eSIM.
• A Wi-Fi connection — install at home, not at the airport. Most eSIMs activate when you connect to a network at your destination, so installing in advance is free.
• A QR code from your eSIM provider — emailed by Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Travelsim Asia, Nomad, or Ubigi immediately after purchase.

If you’re not sure your phone supports eSIM, check our does my phone support eSIM? guide.

Some carrier-locked Android phones block eSIM activation even when the hardware supports it — check with your carrier before traveling.

Samsung Galaxy: Step-by-Step

Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, plus Z Fold/Flip series and recent A-series support eSIM.

Step 1: Open SIM Manager

Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager. This is Samsung’s central SIM and eSIM management screen.

Step 2: Tap Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM. On older Samsung firmware (One UI 4 and earlier), you may see Add Mobile Plan instead — same destination.

Step 3: Scan QR Code

Tap Scan QR code from service provider. The camera viewfinder opens. Position the QR code within the frame.

If the QR is on the same phone (e.g. emailed to it), tap Enter activation code manually and paste the code from your provider’s email.

Step 4: Confirm Download

After detection, tap Add. The eSIM profile downloads in 10–30 seconds.

Step 5: Label and Enable

Label the eSIM with a recognizable name. Then toggle the new eSIM on in SIM Manager.

Step 6: Set as Default Data Line

In SIM Manager, scroll to Preferred SIMs and set your travel eSIM as the default for Mobile Data. Keep your home SIM as default for calls and texts.

Samsung’s eSIM install process is the most straightforward of any Android manufacturer — typically under 3 minutes from start to finish.

Google Pixel: Step-by-Step

Google Pixel 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, 8a, 9, and 9a all support eSIM. Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports it too.

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.

Step 2: Tap Download a SIM Instead

Tap Download a SIM instead? at the bottom. On Pixel 8 and 9, this may be labeled Add eSIM instead.

Step 3: Tap Next, then Scan QR

Tap Next, then scan the QR code from your provider. Manual entry is also available via Need help? if scanning fails.

Step 4: Confirm Download

Tap Activate. The profile downloads in 10–30 seconds. Pixel will prompt you to label the line.

Step 5: Set as Default Data Line

After activation, go back to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs, tap your travel eSIM, and set Use SIM to On. Then tap Mobile data preference and select your travel eSIM.

Pixel’s eSIM flow is the cleanest among Android phones — Google’s own UI is minimal and fast.

OnePlus: Step-by-Step

OnePlus 12, OnePlus Open, OnePlus Nord, and select earlier OnePlus models support eSIM.

Step 1: Open Mobile Network Settings

Open Settings → Mobile Network → SIMs.

Step 2: Tap Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM. The interface mirrors Pixel’s flow closely.

Step 3: Scan QR Code

Scan the QR from your provider. The eSIM profile downloads in 10–30 seconds.

Step 4: Enable and Set as Data Line

Toggle the new eSIM on. Then go to SIMs → Default for mobile data and select your travel eSIM.

Other Android Phones (Xiaomi, Oppo, Nothing)

eSIM support varies by model and region for Xiaomi, Oppo, and Nothing.

Xiaomi

Recent flagships (Xiaomi 13, 14, 15 series, plus Mi 11/12 in EU markets) support eSIM. Settings path: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Add eSIM. Some Xiaomi models sold in China and India have eSIM support disabled — check your specific market.

Oppo

Oppo Find X3, X5, X6, X8, plus Reno 8 Pro+ and newer support eSIM. Settings path: Settings → Mobile Network → eSIM management → Add eSIM.

Nothing

Nothing Phone 1, 2, 2a, and 3 all support eSIM. Settings path: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.

For any Android phone not listed above, search your settings for “eSIM” — if no results appear, your device likely doesn’t support eSIM.

Setting Your eSIM as the Primary Data Line

After installation, double-check your data line setting — this is where most travelers accidentally rack up roaming charges.

The exact menu varies:

• Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Preferred SIMs → Mobile data
• Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Mobile data preference
• OnePlus: Settings → Mobile Network → SIMs → Default for mobile data
• Xiaomi/Oppo/Nothing: similar paths in network settings

Confirm your travel eSIM is selected, not your home SIM. Disable Data roaming on your home SIM to prevent accidental roaming charges if it falls back.

Always confirm Mobile Data is set to the travel eSIM before you leave home Wi-Fi.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

”QR code not recognized” error

Cause: poor lighting, low-resolution display, or already-used QR code. Fix:

1. Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR
2. Move the QR closer or further from the camera (8–12 inches usually works)
3. If the QR was already activated, request a new one from your provider

eSIM installed but no signal at destination

The most common issue. Try these in order:

1. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off
2. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Network operators and select a network manually
3. Restart your phone — fixes the issue 80% of the time
4. Wait 5 minutes — first-time activation can take longer

eSIM works but data is slow

Check that you’re connected to 5G or 4G LTE, not 3G. In Settings → Mobile Network → [travel eSIM] → Preferred network type, ensure 5G or LTE is selected. Most travel eSIMs deliver 30–80 Mbps in major cities — speeds below 5 Mbps suggest a network issue, not an eSIM issue.

Carrier-locked phone rejects the eSIM

Some carrier-locked Android phones block any non-carrier eSIM. Contact your home carrier to unlock the phone (most US/EU carriers unlock paid-off phones for free). Until unlocked, the eSIM cannot activate.

Accidentally deleted the eSIM

Deleting an eSIM permanently removes the profile — the original QR code can’t be reused. Contact your provider for a replacement (most issue free replacements within 30 days). To avoid this, disable the line instead of deleting it when you’re done.

If installation fails, restart the phone first — it fixes most eSIM issues immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install an eSIM on Android?

Installing an eSIM on Android takes under 5 minutes end-to-end across Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and other major manufacturers. The QR code scan takes under 2 seconds, the profile download takes 10–30 seconds, and labeling and data line setup takes 1–2 minutes. Activation at your destination usually happens within 1–2 minutes of connecting to a local network.

Which Android phones support eSIM?

Most flagship Android phones from 2020 onward support eSIM, including Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, OnePlus 12 and select earlier, plus recent Xiaomi (13, 14, 15 series), Oppo (Find X series), and Nothing models. Carrier-locked phones may block eSIM even when hardware supports it.

Can I have multiple eSIMs installed on Android?

Yes. Most Android phones can store 5–10 eSIM profiles simultaneously, but only one eSIM can be active for data at a time (plus your physical SIM via Dual SIM). Switch between installed eSIMs in your phone’s SIM Manager without reinstalling.

Why isn’t my Android phone finding the eSIM option?

Three possible causes: (1) your phone doesn’t support eSIM hardware, (2) your phone is carrier-locked and the carrier has disabled eSIM, or (3) you need to update to a newer Android version. Search your settings app for “eSIM” — if no results appear, your phone likely doesn’t support it.

Do Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus install eSIMs differently?

The core flow is identical across all Android manufacturers — open SIM settings, scan QR, label, enable, set as data line. The exact menu names and locations differ slightly: Samsung uses “SIM Manager,” Pixel uses “Network & Internet → SIMs,” OnePlus uses “Mobile Network → SIMs.” All take under 5 minutes.

Can I install an eSIM without scanning a QR code?

Yes. Every major Android phone supports manual entry of the activation code (also called SM-DP+ Address). In the Add eSIM flow, look for “Enter activation code manually” or “Need help?” — paste the code from your provider’s email instead of scanning.

What happens if I delete the eSIM by accident?

Deleting an eSIM permanently removes the profile and the original QR code can’t be reused. Contact your provider (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Travelsim Asia, Nomad, or Ubigi) for a replacement — most issue free replacements within 30 days. To avoid this, disable the line instead of deleting when you’re done with a trip.