Step 1: Check if your Android phone supports eSIM
Not all Android phones support eSIM. Most flagship Android phones released from 2020 onwards do, but mid-range and budget models vary. Quick check: go to Settings → About Phone → look for "EID" or "eSIM ID". If you see an EID number, your phone has an eSIM chip.
- Google Pixel 3 and later: eSIM supported on all models.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later: eSIM supported on flagship S series, Note series, and Z Fold/Flip series.
- Samsung A series (A53, A54, A55): eSIM supported from A54 onwards in most regions.
- OnePlus 9 and later: eSIM supported on flagship models.
- Motorola Edge and G series: varies by model — check your specific device specs.
- Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo: eSIM support is limited and region-dependent; many models sold in China do not have eSIM enabled.
Google Pixel: step-by-step eSIM installation
- Open Settings on your Pixel.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- Tap the + (plus) button or "Add a SIM".
- Tap Download a SIM instead.
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider email. Open the email on another device (laptop or tablet) to scan it with your Pixel camera.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The eSIM downloads in 10–30 seconds.
- Tap Activate when prompted.
- Label the eSIM with your destination (e.g., "Japan").
- Set the new eSIM as your preferred data SIM: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap the travel eSIM → set as "Preferred SIM" for mobile data.
Samsung Galaxy: step-by-step eSIM installation
- Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM card manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Scan QR code from service provider.
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider email.
- Tap Confirm when the eSIM details appear.
- Wait for the download to complete (10–30 seconds).
- Tap Switch to new SIM card when prompted, or manage manually in SIM card manager.
- To set as data SIM: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → tap "Mobile data" → select the travel eSIM.
Other Android phones (OnePlus, Motorola, Sony)
Most other Android phones follow a similar path to Pixel, but the menu labels differ:
- OnePlus: Settings → Wi-Fi & Network → SIM & Network → Add eSIM.
- Motorola: Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Carrier → Add carrier.
- Sony Xperia: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
- Xiaomi (MIUI): Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Add eSIM (if supported).
Manual entry if you cannot scan the QR code
If you only have one device and cannot scan the QR code from itself, use the manual activation code. Your eSIM provider email includes both the QR code and the manual SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- In the QR scanning screen, look for "Enter manually", "Enter activation code", or "Type instead".
- Enter the SM-DP+ address (looks like a URL: e.g., rsp-eu.simpoint.io).
- Enter the Activation Code (a long alphanumeric string).
- Tap Connect or Activate.
Configuring dual SIM on Android
After installation, configure which SIM handles what to avoid unexpected charges from your home carrier:
- Set the travel eSIM as your Mobile Data SIM (the one that handles all internet traffic).
- Keep your home physical SIM active for Calls and SMS only — your home number stays reachable.
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM. On Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap travel eSIM → enable Roaming. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → tap travel eSIM → Data roaming on.
- Disable Data Roaming on your home SIM — this prevents your home carrier from billing you for international data.
Common errors and fixes
| Error | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Could not add eSIM" | Phone is carrier-locked | Contact your home carrier to unlock the device |
| "QR code already used" | Code was scanned on another device or the eSIM was deleted | Contact your provider for a new QR code |
| "No service" after install | Data Roaming is off, or wrong SIM set for data | Enable roaming on the eSIM; set it as data SIM in SIM manager |
| "Invalid activation code" | Typo in manual entry or code expired | Copy-paste from email; contact provider if expired |
| "eSIM not supported" | Device lacks eSIM chip or is region-locked | Verify EID number exists in Settings → About phone |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Android phone supports eSIM?
Go to Settings → About Phone and look for an "EID" number. If an EID is present, your phone has an eSIM chip. You also need an unlocked phone — carrier-locked devices cannot use third-party eSIMs even if they have the hardware.
How long does Android eSIM installation take?
The download itself takes 10–30 seconds after scanning the QR code. Allow 3–5 minutes total including navigating settings, configuring dual SIM, and verifying the connection.
Can I install an eSIM on a Samsung phone with a physical SIM already in it?
Yes. Most Samsung phones support dual SIM (one physical + one eSIM). Your physical SIM stays in place; the eSIM is added as a second line. You then choose which SIM handles data, calls, and SMS in SIM card manager.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM on Android?
Yes, an internet connection is required to download the eSIM profile. Wi-Fi is recommended. Install before your flight using your home Wi-Fi. Airport Wi-Fi works as a fallback.
Can I transfer an eSIM from one Android phone to another?
No. eSIM profiles are locked to the device they were installed on. If you switch phones, contact your eSIM provider — they will issue a new eSIM profile for your new device, subject to their transfer policy.