Complete Guide to Setting Up an eSIM on Android Devices

Before You Start: Essential Checklist

Before installing your eSIM, verify these requirements. This prevents problems during setup:

Why Android eSIM Setup Differs from iPhone

Android phones vary more than iPhones. Each manufacturer creates their own Settings app. Samsung's Settings look different from Google Pixel's Settings. OnePlus uses different terms than Motorola.

But don't let this worry you. Every Android phone follows the same basic path:

• Open Settings
• Find Network or Connection settings
• Locate SIM management
• Add eSIM
• Scan QR code
• Complete activation

The steps are identical. Only the menu names change. We'll show you the variations for major brands.

Understanding Your Android Phone Brand

Before starting, identify which instructions to follow. Here are the main differences:

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Settings path: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager

Look for: "SIM card manager" or "SIM manager"

Samsung uses "Connections" instead of "Network"

Google Pixel Phones

Settings path: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs

Look for: "Network & Internet" then "SIMs"

Google uses the cleanest, most straightforward naming

OnePlus Phones

Settings path: Settings > Mobile Network > SIM card manager

Look for: "Mobile Network" then "SIM card & mobile data"

OnePlus uses "Mobile Network" as main category

Motorola Phones

Settings path: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network

Look for: Similar to Google Pixel, follows stock Android

Motorola stays close to standard Android

Other Android Brands

Most other Android phones follow similar patterns. Look for:

• "Connections," "Network," or "Mobile Network"
• "SIM card manager," "SIMs," or "Mobile plans"
• "Add eSIM," "Download SIM," or "Add mobile plan"

Step-by-Step eSIM Setup (General Method)

This method works for most Android phones. Follow these steps:

1Open Settings App

Can't find Settings? Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open Quick Settings, then tap the gear icon in the corner.

2Navigate to Network Settings

This menu contains all network-related settings including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SIM cards.

3Find SIM Management

This section shows your current SIM cards and lets you add new ones.

4Select Add eSIM

If you don't see an eSIM option, your phone might not support eSIM or it's not available in your region. Check our compatibility guide.

5Scan Your QR Code

Hold your phone steady, about 6-8 inches from the QR code. The camera focuses and scans automatically. You'll see a loading indicator or feel a vibration when scanning succeeds.

Alternative Methods If Camera Doesn't Open:

Some Android phones offer these options:

• Manual entry: Tap "Enter details manually" or similar option
• Use another phone: Display QR code on another device
• Take a screenshot: Save QR code and view while setting up (tricky but possible)

6Wait for Download

This takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on your connection speed. Your phone contacts the eSIM provider and downloads your profile. A progress bar usually shows the download status.

Stay connected to Wi-Fi during this step. If Wi-Fi disconnects, the download might fail.

7Enable Your eSIM

Some Android phones enable the eSIM automatically. Others require you to turn it on manually. Look for a toggle switch or "Enable" button next to your new eSIM.

8Label Your eSIM (Optional)

Some Android phones ask for a label during setup. Others let you rename it later in SIM settings. Choose something descriptive you'll remember.

9Configure Data Settings

Your phone asks which SIM to use for data, calls, and texts. You can set different SIMs for different purposes. Most travelers want:

• Mobile data: Travel eSIM
• Calls: Home SIM (if kept active)
• SMS: Home SIM (if kept active)

Brand-Specific Instructions

Here are detailed instructions for popular Android brands:

Samsung Galaxy Detailed Steps

1. Open Settings app
2. Tap "Connections"
3. Tap "SIM card manager" or "SIM manager"
4. Tap "Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM"
5. Tap "Scan carrier QR code"
6. Point camera at QR code
7. Wait for download (you'll see "Downloading mobile plan")
8. Tap "Add" or "Done" when complete
9. Enable the eSIM by toggling it ON
10. Set as preferred SIM for data if traveling

Google Pixel Detailed Steps

1. Open Settings app
2. Tap "Network & Internet"
3. Tap "SIMs" or "Mobile network"
4. Tap "Add" (+) or "Add more"
5. Tap "Download a SIM instead?" or "Use 2 SIMs"
6. Tap "Next"
7. Point camera at QR code
8. Tap "Download" after scan completes
9. Wait for activation
10. Tap "Done" and configure data preferences

Google Pixel phones have the simplest eSIM setup process. Google follows stock Android closely, making it very straightforward.

OnePlus Detailed Steps

1. Open Settings app
2. Tap "Mobile Network" or "Wi-Fi & Internet"
3. Tap "SIM & network settings" or "SIM card manager"
4. Tap "+ Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM"
5. Tap "Scan QR code from your carrier"
6. Point camera at QR code
7. Tap "Add" after scan
8. Wait for profile download
9. Enable eSIM in SIM settings
10. Choose which SIM provides data

Motorola/Stock Android Phones

1. Open Settings app
2. Tap "Network & Internet"
3. Tap "Mobile network"
4. Tap "Advanced"
5. Tap "Carrier" or "Add more"
6. Tap "Don't have a SIM card?" or "Download a SIM"
7. Scan QR code when camera opens
8. Tap "Download" after successful scan
9. Wait for installation
10. Configure data and call preferences

Motorola phones run near-stock Android, so they're similar to Google Pixel in most respects.

What Happens After Setup

After successfully adding your eSIM, here's what to do:

If You're Still at Home (Before Travel)

Keep your eSIM disabled until you arrive at your destination:

1. Go back to SIM settings (Connections > SIM manager or similar)
2. Find your eSIM in the list
3. Make sure the toggle is OFF or disabled

This prevents accidentally using data before your trip starts.

When You Arrive at Your Destination

Activate your eSIM:

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to SIM settings
3. Find your travel eSIM
4. Toggle it ON or enable it
5. Wait 10-30 seconds for connection

You should see signal bars appear for your eSIM.

Important: Enable Data Roaming for eSIM

This step confuses many Android users. Your eSIM needs data roaming ON to work abroad. This is safe - you're using prepaid eSIM data, not your home carrier's roaming.

1. Go to SIM settings
2. Tap on your eSIM
3. Find "Mobile data" or "Data roaming"
4. Enable "Data roaming" for the eSIM

Keep data roaming OFF for your home SIM to avoid charges on that line.

Managing Your Android eSIM

After setup, you can control how your eSIM works:

Switching Which SIM Provides Data

To change your data source:

1. Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet)
2. SIM card manager (or SIMs)
3. Tap "Mobile data" or "Preferred network"
4. Select which SIM provides internet

Choosing Default SIM for Calls

To set which SIM makes calls:

1. Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet)
2. SIM card manager (or SIMs)
3. Tap "Voice call" or "Calls"
4. Choose your preferred SIM for outgoing calls

You can also select which SIM to use before each call in your Phone app.

Monitoring Data Usage

To check how much data you've used:

1. Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet)
2. Data usage or Mobile data usage
3. Select your eSIM to see its specific usage

Some eSIM providers offer apps that show remaining data more clearly.

Turning eSIM On or Off

To temporarily disable your eSIM:

1. Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet)
2. SIM card manager (or SIMs)
3. Find your eSIM in the list
4. Toggle it OFF

This keeps the eSIM installed but inactive. Useful when returning home from travel.

Removing Your eSIM

To completely delete an eSIM:

1. Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet)
2. SIM card manager (or SIMs)
3. Tap your eSIM
4. Tap "Remove" or "Delete"
5. Confirm removal

Troubleshooting Android eSIM Issues

Setup doesn't always go perfectly. Here are solutions to common problems:

Can't Find eSIM or Add SIM Option

Problem: The eSIM option doesn't appear in your settings.

Solutions:

• Use Settings search: Type "SIM" or "eSIM" in the search bar
• Update your phone to the latest Android version
• Check if your phone is unlocked (carrier-locked phones can't use eSIM)
• Verify your specific phone model supports eSIM (some regional variants don't)
• Restart your phone and check again

QR Code Won't Scan

Problem: Camera can't read the QR code or nothing happens.

Solutions:

• Ensure good lighting on the QR code
• Hold phone 6-8 inches from the code
• Clean your camera lens
• Display QR code larger on screen
• Try manual entry option instead
• Make sure QR code isn't damaged or blurry
• Check camera permissions are enabled for Settings app

Download Fails or Gets Stuck

Problem: eSIM profile won't download or freezes during installation.

Solutions:

• Verify you're connected to stable Wi-Fi
• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router
• Restart your phone and try again
• Try a different Wi-Fi network
• Check if eSIM QR code is still valid (some expire)
• Contact your eSIM provider - code might be invalid

eSIM Installed But No Signal

Problem: Setup completed but you have no connection.

Solutions:

• Make sure eSIM is toggled ON in SIM settings
• Enable data roaming for your eSIM line
• Set eSIM as preferred data source
• Restart your phone
• Toggle Airplane mode on and off
• Check if you're in an area with coverage
• Wait a few minutes - initial connection can take time
• Manually select network in mobile network settings

"SIM Not Supported" or Similar Error

Problem: You see an error message about SIM not being supported.

Solutions:

• Verify your phone is unlocked by your carrier
• Contact your carrier to unlock if needed
• Check if your phone's eSIM is region-locked
• Update to latest Android version
• Contact your eSIM provider to verify code works with your device

Settings Menu Doesn't Match Instructions

Problem: Your Settings app looks completely different.

Solutions:

• Use Settings search bar to find "SIM" directly
• Look for similar terms (Network, Connection, Mobile)
• Check your Android version and manufacturer documentation
• Search online for "[Your phone model] eSIM setup"

For more detailed troubleshooting, check our complete eSIM troubleshooting guide.

Tips for Android eSIM Users

Here are helpful tips specifically for Android users:

Install Before You Travel

Set up your eSIM at home before your trip. Don't wait until you're at the airport. You have better Wi-Fi at home and time to troubleshoot if needed.

Save Your QR Code Multiple Places

Screenshot your QR code. Email it to yourself. Save to Google Drive or other cloud storage. Some providers let you use the same QR code multiple times.

Know Your Phone's Settings Path

Before traveling, write down exactly where your SIM settings are. When you need to turn on your eSIM at the airport, you'll know exactly where to go.

Check Compatibility Before Buying

Not all Android phones support eSIM even if they're new. Always verify before purchasing an eSIM plan. Our compatibility guide lists supported models.

Understand Dual SIM Behavior

Android handles dual SIM differently than iPhone. Some Android phones let you use both SIMs for data simultaneously (with one as primary). Others require you to choose one or the other.

Update Before Important Trips

Update your Android version before major trips. Updates often improve eSIM stability and fix bugs. Don't update the day before traveling - update a week early.

Label Clearly

Use descriptive eSIM names. "Work," "Travel Europe," "Japan 2025" are better than "SIM 2" or "eSIM 1." Clear labels help when managing multiple plans.

Using *#06# to Check eSIM Support

Here's a quick trick to verify eSIM capability on Android:

1. Open your Phone app (dialer)
2. Dial *#06#
3. Look for an EID (eSIM Identifier) number
4. If you see a 32-digit EID, your phone has eSIM
5. If only IMEI numbers appear, your phone might not have eSIM

The EID proves your phone has eSIM hardware. It's like a serial number for your eSIM chip. This code works on most Android phones but not all.

Some phones show the EID in Settings instead. Check Settings > About Phone > IMEI information to find it there.

Comparing Android vs iPhone eSIM Setup

Wondering how Android compares to iPhone for eSIM?

Android Advantages

• More flexibility in SIM management
• Often easier to switch between SIMs
• More control over individual SIM settings
• Can name SIMs more descriptively

Android Challenges

• Settings location varies by manufacturer
• Menu names differ across brands
• Requires more adaptation to instructions
• Not all Android phones support eSIM (more variation)

Setup Time

Both platforms take similar time - about 5-10 minutes. Android might take slightly longer if you're unfamiliar with your specific phone's settings structure.

Curious about iPhone setup? Read our guide on installing eSIM on iPhone.

When to Contact Support

Sometimes you need help from your eSIM provider or phone manufacturer:

Contact Your eSIM Provider If:

• QR code won't scan after multiple attempts
• Profile downloads but shows as invalid
• You can't connect to networks after proper setup
• You accidentally deleted eSIM and need to reinstall

Contact Your Phone Manufacturer If:

• You can't find eSIM options anywhere in Settings
• Your phone model should support eSIM but doesn't show options
• Software updates break existing eSIM
• eSIM worked before but stopped after phone reset

Contact Your Carrier If:

• You suspect your phone is carrier-locked
• You need to unlock your phone for eSIM use
• eSIM options disappeared after carrier update