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Part of the complete guide to eSIMs

How to install an eSIM on Android

Open your SIM settings, tap Add eSIM, and scan the QR code. The menu names change from brand to brand, so here is exactly where to find it on yours.

Updated September 27, 2026 · SimVala editorial

Before you start

Four quick checks save you from the most common problems:

An eSIM phoneMost flagships since 2020. Many budget and China-market versions lack it.Check your model
An unlocked phoneA carrier-locked phone can refuse other providers' eSIMs. Ask your carrier if unsure.
Wi-FiThe plan downloads once, so install at home before you fly.
Your QR codeIt appears in your SimVala dashboard once your order is ready.

Find the eSIM menu on your phone

Every Android brand hides it in a slightly different place:

Google Pixel

Full guide

Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Set up an eSIM

Older versions: tap + and choose Download a SIM instead?

Samsung Galaxy

Full guide

Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, Scan QR code

Samsung also calls it Scan QR code from service provider.

Motorola

Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, then add a SIM

Close to Pixel, since Motorola runs near-stock Android.

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO

Settings, SIM cards & mobile networks, Manage eSIM, Add eSIM

Names can differ between HyperOS and MIUI versions.

Any other brand

Settings, then Mobile network or SIM settings

Or search Settings for eSIM, below.

The shortcut that works everywhere: open Settings, tap the search bar, and type esim. The right menu comes up on any brand.

Install it: three ways

Pick whichever fits. They all end with the same eSIM on your phone.

Pick your method

The usual way. Open your QR code on a second screen, like a laptop, and scan it with your phone.

  1. 1Open your SIM settingsOn Pixel: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs. On Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM manager.
  2. 2Start adding an eSIMTap Add SIM then Set up an eSIM on Pixel, or Add eSIM on Samsung.
  3. 3Scan your codePoint the camera at the QR code in your SimVala dashboard. The plan downloads and installs.
  4. 4Name the eSIMCall it Travel, so you can tell it apart from your Home SIM.
  5. 5Choose it for mobile dataSet mobile data to Travel. Keep calls and texts on Home.

Get the settings right

These settings decide whether you get online abroad, and whether your home carrier sends a bill.

Right after installing

  • Name the eSIM Travel and your usual SIM Home.
  • Set calls and texts to Home.
  • Set mobile data to Travel.
  • Turn off automatic data switching (Auto data switch on Samsung).

When you land

  • Make sure the Travel eSIM is switched on.
  • Turn on roaming for Travel only.
  • Pixel: SIMs, tap Travel, Roaming. Samsung: Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming.
  • Keep roaming off on your Home SIM.

Why roaming has to be on

Most travel eSIMs connect to local networks as a roaming line, and that roaming is what you paid for. The charges people fear come from roaming on the home SIM, which is why that one stays off.

If something goes wrong

The six problems people hit most, and the fix for each.

There is no eSIM option anywhere

Search Settings for eSIM first. If nothing comes up, your model or its regional version may lack eSIM, or a carrier lock hides it. Check your model in our compatibility checker.

The camera will not read the QR code

Show the code bigger on another screen, turn up the brightness, and hold steady. Or use the manual option and paste the activation code.

The code says it was already used

Most codes install once. Look in your SIM settings: if a new eSIM is listed, it already worked. If not, contact support with your order details.

The download fails or times out

Join stable Wi-Fi and try again. Restarting the phone first often helps.

No service after landing

Check the Travel eSIM is on and roaming is on for it. Toggle airplane mode. Still nothing? Choose a local network manually under network operators.

Data still runs on my Home SIM

Set mobile data to Travel, and turn off automatic data switching so the phone never falls back to Home.

More problems? Open the full eSIM troubleshooter.

Never erase the eSIM while troubleshooting. Most codes cannot be installed a second time.

After your trip

Switch the Travel eSIM off and set mobile data back to Home. There is no need to erase it right away. When the plan is used up or expired, you can remove it from your SIM settings.

Brand guides

Full guideHow to activate an eSIMInstall at home, switch on when you land.Full guideSamsung GalaxyEvery step in One UI.Full guideGoogle PixelEvery step on Pixel.Full guideiPhoneIf you are on iOS instead.Full guideDoes my phone support eSIM?Check your exact model.

Sources

Menu names checked on 2026-09-27. They can differ slightly by Android version, brand, and country.

Android eSIM questions

How do I install an eSIM on Android?+

Open Settings, go to your SIM settings (Network & internet, SIMs on Pixel, or Connections, SIM manager on Samsung), tap Add eSIM or Set up an eSIM, and scan the QR code. Then set the eSIM for mobile data.

Where is the eSIM setting on Android?+

It depends on the brand. The fastest way on any phone is to open Settings and search for eSIM.

Can I enter an eSIM code manually on Android?+

Yes. On the scanning screen, choose the manual option (Need help? on Pixel, Enter activation code on Samsung) and paste the activation code.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM on Android?+

You need an internet connection once, to download the plan. Wi-Fi is easiest, so install before you travel.

Does installing an eSIM remove my SIM card?+

No. The eSIM runs next to your physical SIM, and you choose which one handles calls, texts, and data.

Should I turn on data roaming for the eSIM?+

Yes, for the travel eSIM only. Travel eSIMs usually connect as a roaming line and that roaming is included. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.

Why can I not find the eSIM option?+

Your phone or its regional version may not support eSIM, or a carrier lock may hide it. Check your model in our compatibility checker.

Can I install the same eSIM twice?+

Usually not. Most eSIM codes install once, so avoid erasing the eSIM until you are finished with it.

How many eSIMs can an Android phone hold?+

Many phones store several eSIMs, but usually only one or two lines are active at once, depending on the model.

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