How to install an eSIM on Google Pixel
Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Set up an eSIM. Here is every step, plus the Pixel settings that decide whether it works abroad.
‹ Network & internet
SIMs
Add SIM
Settings, Network & internet, SIMs
First: does your Pixel have eSIM?
Every Pixel from the Pixel 4 on does. Older ones depend on where you bought them. Pick your model:
eSIM checker
Pick your phone
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
One more check: make sure the phone is unlocked, or it may refuse other providers' eSIMs.
Not listed, or want to be certain? Dial *#06#, or open Settings, About. If you see an EID, the phone has an eSIM chip.
Before you start
Install it: three ways
Pick whichever fits. They all end with the same eSIM under SIMs.
Pick your method
The usual way. Open your QR code on a second screen, like a laptop, and scan it with your Pixel.
- 1Open SIMsSettings, then Network & internet, then SIMs.
- 2Tap Add SIMThen Set up an eSIM. On older Pixels, tap + and choose Download a SIM instead?
- 3Scan your codePoint the camera at the QR code in your SimVala dashboard, then follow the prompts to download it.
- 4Name itRename the new SIM Travel so it is easy to tell apart.
- 5Set it for dataUnder Your primary SIMs, set Data to Travel. Keep Calls and Texts on Home.
‹ SIMs
Scan QR code
Point the camera at the code
Need help? Enter it manually
The Pixel settings that matter
All of these live in Settings, Network & internet, SIMs.
Your primary SIMs
Google lets you pick a SIM for each job:
- Calls: Home
- Texts: Home
- Data: Travel
Automatic data switching
When on, your Pixel borrows data from the other SIM if the chosen one is weak. Abroad, the other SIM is your home line, so turn it off while you travel.
‹ SIMs
SIMs
Keep automatic switching off abroad
When you land
- Tap Travel and make sure Use this SIM is on.
- On the same screen, turn on Roaming.
- Tap Home and keep Roaming off.
- Check Data under Your primary SIMs still says Travel.
Most travel eSIMs connect as a roaming line, and that roaming is what you paid for. The charges come from roaming on the home SIM.
‹ SIMs
Travel
Roaming on for the travel eSIM only
Keep it off on your Home SIM
Two eSIMs at once, from the Pixel 7
Google says Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and later phones can use 2 eSIM profiles at once. So if your home line is also an eSIM, you can keep it active for calls and texts while the travel eSIM handles data, with no plastic SIM at all.
On a Pixel 6 or older, one eSIM runs next to a physical SIM. You can still save several eSIMs and switch between them.
Pixel 10 and later in the US: eSIM only
In the US, Google's Pixel 10 and later have no SIM tray, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Pixels sold in other countries keep one. Either way, travel eSIMs work the same.
If something goes wrong
The Pixel problems people hit most, and the fix for each.
No option to add an eSIM
Some Pixel 3 and 3a models from certain carriers or countries lack eSIM, and a carrier lock can hide it. Check your model in the checker above, and update your software.
The camera will not read the QR code
Show the code bigger on another screen, raise the brightness, and hold steady. Or tap Need help? and enter the code manually.
It says the code was already used
Most codes install once. Look under SIMs: if a new eSIM is listed, it already worked. If not, contact support with your order details.
The download fails
Join stable Wi-Fi, restart the Pixel, and try again.
No service after landing
Tap Travel under SIMs: Use this SIM on, Roaming on. Toggle airplane mode. Still nothing? Turn off automatic network selection and pick a local network.
Data keeps using my Home SIM
Under Your primary SIMs, set Data to Travel, and turn off Automatic data switching.
More problems? Open the full eSIM troubleshooter.
After your trip
Tap Travel and turn off Use this SIM, then set Data back to Home. The eSIM stays saved. When the plan is used up or expired, you can erase it from the same screen.
Sources
- Google: Set up a new eSIM on Pixel
- Google: How to use dual SIMs on Pixel
- Google: Pixel eSIM support by model
- Google: Use your Pixel with any carrier (SIM lock)
Menu names checked against Google support on 2026-09-27. They can differ slightly by Android version.
Keep reading
Pixel eSIM questions
How do I add an eSIM on a Google Pixel?+
Open Settings, tap Network & internet, then SIMs, then Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM. Scan the QR code from your provider, then set the eSIM for data under Your primary SIMs.
Which Pixel phones support eSIM?+
Pixel 4 and every Pixel since, everywhere. Pixel 3 and 3a support it except some carrier and country versions, and Pixel 2 only with Google Fi. Use the checker on this page for your model.
Can a Pixel use two eSIMs at the same time?+
Yes, from the Pixel 7 on. Google says Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and later phones can use 2 eSIM profiles at once.
Is the Pixel 10 eSIM only?+
In the US, yes. Google says Pixel 10 and later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, can only use an eSIM there. Models sold in other countries keep a SIM tray.
What is automatic data switching on Pixel?+
It lets your Pixel use data from your other SIM when the chosen one has a weak connection. Abroad, the other SIM is usually your home line, so turn it off to avoid roaming charges.
Where is roaming on a Pixel?+
Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, tap the SIM, then Roaming. Turn it on for the travel eSIM and off for your home SIM.
How do I turn an eSIM off on Pixel?+
Open the SIM in Network & internet and turn off Use this SIM. The eSIM stays saved for later.
Can I enter an eSIM code manually on Pixel?+
Yes. On the scanning screen, tap Need help? and choose to enter the code manually, then paste the activation code.
Why is there no eSIM option on my Pixel?+
Some Pixel 3 and 3a models from certain carriers and countries have no eSIM, and a carrier lock can block other providers. Check your model in the checker.
Get your eSIM, then scan
Pick your destination, pay in crypto, and your QR code is waiting in your dashboard. No card, no email, no ID.