Setting up an eSIM on Android takes under 10 minutes when you have the QR code ready. The exact menu path differs by manufacturer — Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy are the two most common cases and are covered in detail below.
A stable Wi-Fi connection and an unlocked device are the two requirements you must confirm before you start.
Before You Begin
1. Verify eSIM compatibility
Check that your device supports eSIM:
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later generally support eSIM. Pixel 7 and later support two active eSIMs simultaneously (dual eSIM). US-market Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).
- Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20 and later flagship models support eSIM. Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series also support eSIM. Availability varies by region and carrier variant — some carrier-locked or China-market models do not support eSIM.
- Other Android brands: Many recent OnePlus, OPPO, Motorola, and Xiaomi models support eSIM. The quickest check is to open Settings and look for an “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM” option under your mobile network settings. If the option is absent, the device likely does not support eSIM.
2. Confirm your device is unlocked
A carrier-locked device will either hide the eSIM menu or fail during activation. If you purchased your phone through a carrier, check with them to confirm unlock status or submit an unlock request before proceeding.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
eSIM profile downloads require a stable internet connection. Wi-Fi is recommended for reliability. Set up the eSIM at home or on a reliable network. Once the profile is downloaded, you do not need Wi-Fi to use the eSIM for mobile data.
4. Have your QR code ready
Obtain the QR code from your carrier or travel eSIM provider:
- Mobile carriers: After completing eSIM activation online, the carrier sends the QR code to your registered email or displays it in their app or member portal.
- Travel eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and others): The QR code is delivered via email and inside the provider’s app immediately after purchase.
Display the QR code on a second device (laptop, tablet, or a second phone) or print it. If the QR code is only available on the phone you are setting up, take a screenshot before starting — you will need it.
Setup on Google Pixel
Google Pixel phones run Android as developed by Google directly, with minimal manufacturer UI customization compared to Samsung One UI or other Android skins, so these steps also apply to many non-Samsung Android phones.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & internet
- Tap SIMs
- Tap Add SIM or the + icon
- On the “Download a SIM instead?” screen, tap Next
- Point the camera at your QR code to scan it
- When your carrier name appears, tap Download
- After the download completes, tap Activate
If your QR code is only on this phone: At step 6, tap Use photo instead and select the screenshot you saved earlier.
If “Add SIM” does not appear: The device may not support eSIM, or it is carrier-locked. See the eSIM activation troubleshooting guide for next steps.
Setup on Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
Samsung’s One UI uses different menu names from stock Android. These steps apply to Galaxy S20 through S25 series and Z Fold/Flip series running One UI 4.1 or later.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM card manager
- Tap Add mobile plan or Add eSIM
- Select Scan carrier’s QR code
- Point the camera at your QR code to scan it
- Tap Add or Download when prompted
- After installation, you may be prompted to restart the device — follow the on-screen instruction
After restart: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager to set which SIM handles mobile data, calls, and SMS.
Setup on Other Android Phones
For OnePlus, OPPO, Motorola, Xiaomi, and other Android brands, the underlying process is the same. Look for one of these menu paths:
- Settings > Network > SIM settings > Add eSIM
- Settings > Mobile network > Add mobile plan
- Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Add eSIM
Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version, but you are looking for an option to add or download a new SIM or mobile plan. Once you find that screen, the QR scan process is identical to the steps above.
Dual SIM Setup After Installation
Once your eSIM is installed, configure how your two SIMs (eSIM + physical SIM, or eSIM + eSIM) divide tasks.
On Google Pixel:
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and assign each SIM to:
- Mobile data — which SIM carries data traffic
- Calls — which SIM is used for outgoing calls (or ask each time)
- SMS — which SIM sends text messages
On Samsung Galaxy:
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager for the same options.
Common dual SIM setup for travelers: Set the travel eSIM as the mobile data SIM and keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS. This lets you use local data rates without losing access to your regular phone number. For a full walkthrough of using dual SIM with a travel eSIM, see the first travel eSIM guide.
Troubleshooting
QR code scan fails or shows an error
- Check that the QR code display is clean, undamaged, and free from screen glare
- Verify your Wi-Fi connection is stable
- Confirm the QR code has not already been used — eSIM QR codes are single-use
- Switch to manual entry: your carrier should provide an SM-DP+ server address and an activation code alongside the QR code
The eSIM installs but data does not work
- Confirm mobile data is assigned to the new eSIM in your SIM settings
- For travel eSIMs, enable data roaming — travel eSIMs use roaming agreements to provide connectivity
- If your carrier requires a specific APN, enter it manually under mobile network settings
”Add SIM” option is missing entirely
- Verify eSIM support on your device manufacturer’s support page
- Check whether the device is carrier-locked and request an unlock if necessary
- Ensure you are running Android 11 or later (required for eSIM on most devices)
For additional error codes and carrier-specific issues, see the eSIM activation troubleshooting guide.
Related Articles
For an overview of what eSIM is and how it compares to a physical SIM, see What Is an eSIM?. If you plan to use two SIMs together, What Is Dual SIM? explains DSDS, DSDV, and DSDA configurations.
If you are setting up a travel eSIM for an international trip, the First Travel eSIM Guide covers the full flow from purchase to first connection abroad.
For a broader comparison of eSIM and physical SIM across cost, convenience, and security, see the blog article eSIM vs SIM Card for International Travel.
The iPhone QR code setup process is covered in a separate guide — How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone via QR Code.