How to Set Up an eSIM on Android: A Traveler's Guide

TL;DR

• Check two things first: your Android phone has eSIM hardware, and it is not locked to your home carrier.
• Check what starts the plan's validity. If installing starts it, install on the day you fly.
• Install on Wi-Fi with a charged battery and the QR code open on a second screen.
• On a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code. On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM.
• Select the eSIM for mobile data. Turn on data roaming for it if the plan's setup instructions say so, and keep data roaming off on your home SIM.
• If the connection fails, check the data line, the roaming switch and the APN settings. Do not delete the eSIM to fix it.

Check that your Android phone supports eSIM and is unlocked

Not every Android phone has an eSIM. Support depends on the model, and in some cases on where you bought the phone and from which carrier. Google says all Pixel 4 and later phones work with eSIM, while some older Pixels bought from certain carriers or in certain countries do not. Samsung says that some carriers may not yet support the eSIM capabilities of your Galaxy device, and that depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported.

The second check is the lock. Samsung notes that if you are changing carriers, you may need to have your device SIM unlocked, and it advises contacting the original carrier about its unlocking policy. A travel eSIM is a different carrier's plan, so a locked phone can refuse to install it or refuse to connect.

Here is a quick way to check both:

1. Open Settings and search for "SIM manager" or "SIMs." If you see an option to add an eSIM, the hardware is likely there.
2. Look for your EID, the long ID number tied to your eSIM chip. On a Galaxy, Samsung says you can find it on the phone's box or in Settings > About phone > Status. If your phone shows an EID, it has an eSIM chip.
3. Ask your home carrier whether the phone is unlocked. If you are still paying it off in installments, it may still be locked.
4. Run the model through our phone check before you buy a plan.

For a longer list of what to confirm before purchase, see our guide on what to check before using an eSIM abroad. If you are unsure which phones qualify, our eSIM compatible phones guide explains how to confirm support.

What to prepare before you install

A little preparation heads off avoidable trouble. Have these ready:

• A stable Wi-Fi connection. The phone downloads the eSIM profile over the internet, so a weak hotel or airport connection can interrupt it.
• A charged battery, so the phone does not shut down mid-install.
• The QR code on a second screen. Open it on a laptop, tablet or second phone. The phone cannot scan a code shown on its own screen. If you only have one device, use the manual route described below.
• The manual details. The SM-DP+ address and activation code are the text version of the QR code. You type them in if the camera cannot scan.

With WayfarerSIM, we send a QR code and a private trip page after purchase. The trip page holds the QR code and the activation details. Keep them private. A QR code is usually single-use, so do not count on it to reinstall the eSIM later.

When to install: at home, at the airport or on arrival

The right moment depends on what starts your plan's validity. Check the plan terms before you install early. Some plans start counting days when the eSIM is installed. Others start when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination.

• If installing starts the plan's validity, install on the day you fly.
• If the validity starts at first connection, you can install at home a few days ahead.

A calm pattern for a trip:

1. Buy the plan and check what starts its validity.
2. Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, on the day you fly if installing starts the validity.
3. Leave the eSIM line switched off for data until you land.
4. Switch it on at your destination.

This way, the only thing left to do at the airport is a couple of switches. You do not have to hunt for a kiosk or a working Wi-Fi network after a long flight. For a detailed look at timing, read when you should install your travel eSIM and how to avoid losing paid days.

How to add an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy

Samsung's support page lists the route: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. From there you can scan a carrier QR code, let the phone find a plan from your carrier, or transfer a SIM from another phone where the carrier supports it. For a travel eSIM, you want the QR code.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings, then tap Connections.
3. Tap SIM manager.
4. Tap Add eSIM.
5. Tap Scan QR code.
6. Point the camera at the QR code on your other screen.
7. Confirm the prompt to add the plan, then wait while the phone downloads the profile.
8. If the phone lets you name the line, give it a clear name, such as "Travel," so you can tell it apart from your home line.

Some software versions use other names: Samsung's UK page calls the menu SIM card manager and the button Add mobile plan. To type the details instead of scanning, Samsung's path is Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Enter activation code.

When it finishes, the eSIM appears in SIM manager next to your physical SIM, if you have one. For model-specific tips and fixes, see our eSIM on Samsung Galaxy guide.

How to add an eSIM on a Pixel or other Android phone

Google's steps for a Pixel are Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM, then the instructions on the screen.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings, then tap Network & internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM.
5. Follow the prompts, and scan the QR code on your other screen when asked.
6. If the phone asks about SIM preferences, keep your home line for calls and texts. You can pick the line for mobile data when you land.

Other Android brands use different menu names, but the logic holds. Look in Settings for Network & internet, Connections or Mobile network, then a SIM page with an option to add an eSIM. If you cannot find it, use the search bar in Settings and type "SIM." If nothing mentions adding an eSIM, return to the compatibility check above, because the phone may not support eSIM, or its carrier version may have the feature disabled.

Entering the details manually

If the camera will not scan, or the QR code is on the same phone, you can usually type the details instead. On a Samsung, use Enter activation code as shown above. On other phones, look for an option to enter the code manually during the add flow. Type the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as written. Copy and paste them if you can, since one wrong character will make the install fail.

Activate the eSIM and connect when you arrive

Installing an eSIM and using it are separate steps. After you land:

1. Open your SIM settings: Settings > Connections > SIM manager on a Samsung, or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs on a Pixel.
2. Make sure the travel eSIM is switched on. On a Samsung, tap the switch next to the activated eSIM. On a Pixel, open the travel line and check that Use SIM is on.
3. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data. On a Samsung, tap Primary SIM in SIM manager to change the default connection for data. On a Pixel, choose it under Your primary SIMs > Mobile data.
4. Turn on Data roaming for the eSIM line if the plan's setup instructions say so. On a Samsung, it is under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. On a Pixel, open the travel line under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and turn on Roaming.
5. Wait for a network name to appear in the status bar.

If you later want to share the connection with a laptop or a friend, see our guide to using a hotspot with an eSIM abroad.

Use the eSIM next to your primary SIM without roaming charges

You can keep your home number active for calls, texts and verification codes while the eSIM handles data. The risk is that the phone quietly uses the home line for data and your home carrier bills roaming rates.

Set it up so the travel eSIM carries the data and data roaming stays off on your home SIM. In practice:

Two more habits help. If your phone has a setting that switches mobile data between lines automatically, turn it off while you travel. And check your data usage screen after the first day to confirm that traffic goes through the right line. Our explainer on eSIM data roaming settings walks through what to turn on and off. If someone traveling with you uses an iPhone, our iPhone eSIM setup guide and the iPhone version of these settings cover the same steps.

Turning off data roaming on your primary SIM stops roaming data only. Calls and texts on the home line can still be billed at roaming rates. If that matters, ask your carrier about its international terms before you leave.

Check that the connection works

Test right after you land, while you are still in a place where you can get help. Do it somewhere your plan covers.

1. Turn off Wi-Fi.
2. Confirm the status bar shows a network name and a data indicator such as 4G, LTE or 5G.
3. Open a webpage you have not visited recently, so it does not load from cache.
4. Open your maps app and confirm it can find your location and load the map.
5. Look at the data usage screen. The count for the eSIM line should go up.

If the page loads and the eSIM counter rises, you are done. If not, move to the next section.

Troubleshooting: why an Android eSIM fails to install or connect

Problems fall into two groups: the install fails, or the install works and there is no data. Work through these in order.

The install fails

• Weak Wi-Fi. Move closer to the router or switch networks, then try again.
• The QR code was already used. A QR code is usually single-use. If the install was interrupted halfway or the profile was deleted, contact the seller rather than retrying the old code.
• A locked phone. As Samsung notes, changing carriers may require an unlocked phone. Ask the original carrier about unlocking.
• Typing errors during manual entry. Paste the details instead of retyping.
• No eSIM option at all. Re-check the model with our phone check.

The install works but there is no data

1. Check the data line. The travel eSIM must be the one selected for mobile data.
2. Check data roaming. If the plan's setup instructions say to turn it on, it must be on for the eSIM line.
3. Reconnect to the network. Turn airplane mode on, wait a few seconds and turn it off. Or turn the phone off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. Google's Pixel steps suggest powering off rather than choosing restart.
4. Check for a coverage gap. Test in a different spot or outdoors, especially inside buildings or in rural areas.
5. Check the APN. If the plan's setup instructions include APN settings, add them in the eSIM line's settings. On a Samsung, Access Point Names is under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. On a Pixel, open the travel line under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and tap Access point names.

Do not delete the eSIM to fix a problem. A deleted eSIM often cannot be reinstalled with the same code, so contact the seller before you delete anything. Our guide to an eSIM that is not activating covers more fixes.

Our take: set it up at home, and read the terms first

A smooth setup starts before you open Settings: a phone you have checked, a plan whose terms you have read, and a few quiet minutes on Wi-Fi. That is why WayfarerSIM shows the plan details before you pay. Each plan card shows the data, days, coverage and hotspot terms with the full price, plus the per-GB rate for fixed-data plans.

Our advice is simple:

1. Check the phone and the lock status first. A quick check at home saves trouble at the airport.
2. Pick a plan from the validity and data size you will use, not from the biggest number on the page. Maps and messaging use far less than video calls and streaming.
3. Check what starts the plan's validity. Install on Wi-Fi before you leave, or on the day you fly if installing starts it. Keep the QR code private, and leave the line off until you land.
4. Select the eSIM for data, turn on its data roaming if the setup instructions say so, keep data roaming off on the primary SIM, then run the quick test above.
5. If you need more data mid-trip on a plan that supports top-ups, add a top-up to the same eSIM instead of installing a new one.

If something still fails, check the lock status, the line selected for data and the roaming switch before anything else.

Get a travel eSIM ready before you fly

WayfarerSIM sells prepaid travel eSIM data plans, with fixed-data and unlimited options. You pick your destination and plan at home. Each plan card shows the data, days, coverage and hotspot terms with the full price before you pay, plus the per-GB rate for fixed-data plans. After purchase, we send a QR code and a private trip page. On plans that support top-ups, you can top up from the trip page, and the top-up goes onto the same eSIM without a new QR code.

For a trip across several countries, start with our global plans. For a single region, browse Europe, Asia, Africa or Latin America, or see everything on our home page. Run the phone check before you pay.

FAQ

How do I use an eSIM on Android once it is installed?

Open your SIM settings and make sure the eSIM line is switched on. Select it for mobile data, and turn on data roaming for that line if the plan's setup instructions say so. On a Samsung Galaxy, these controls are in Settings > Connections, under SIM manager and Mobile networks. On a Pixel, they are in Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.

Do I need to turn off my primary SIM when using an eSIM?

No, you can keep both active. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and keep data roaming off on the primary SIM. That keeps data on the travel plan while your home number can still receive calls and texts. Those calls and texts can still be billed at your home carrier's roaming rates.

Why is my eSIM not activating?

Check these in order: whether the phone is unlocked, the Wi-Fi connection during the install, whether the QR code was already used, the line selected for data, and the roaming switch on the eSIM. Some plans also need APN settings entered by hand. If the install itself fails, contact the seller before you delete anything.

Can I turn my physical SIM card into an eSIM?

Sometimes. On Galaxy phones, Samsung lists a Convert to eSIM option in SIM manager, but it depends on your carrier and applies to your home number. It is separate from buying a travel eSIM. Ask your carrier whether it offers the conversion.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave home?

Check what starts the plan's validity first. If the validity starts at the first connection in your destination, installing at home on Wi-Fi is the calm option. If installing starts the validity, install on the day you fly.

Sources

• Get a SIM or eSIM & add it to your Pixel phone, Pixel Phone Help
• Set up a new eSIM, Pixel Phone Help
• How to use dual SIMs on your Google Pixel phone, Pixel Phone Help
• Connect to mobile networks on a Pixel phone, Pixel Phone Help
• Fix mobile connectivity issues, Pixel Phone Help
• SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet, Samsung US
• Connection options for your Galaxy phone or tablet, Samsung US
• How to use an eSIM with your Galaxy phone, Samsung UK
• Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers, Samsung Support

Recommended

• iPhone eSIM Setup: Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers
• eSIM on Samsung Galaxy: Setup, Fixes and Travel Tips
• How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone, Step by Step
• Use an eSIM Abroad: 4 Checks Before You Buy