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How to Install eSIM on Android: Complete Setup Guide

Technical Guide • 12 min read

TL;DR

  • Fastest method: Tap the one-click install link on your purchase page or in the PikaSim app
  • Data Roaming MUST be ON or your eSIM will show "No Service"
  • Works on Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, OnePlus 11+, Xiaomi 12T Pro+, and more
  • Phone must be carrier-unlocked
  • No account or email required. Your eSIM details are on your purchase page

Before You Start

Pre-Install Checklist

  1. eSIM-compatible Android phone (see full list below)
  2. Carrier-unlocked phone (not locked to a single carrier)
  3. WiFi or mobile data connection (needed to download the eSIM profile)
  4. Your purchase page open on another device, or the PikaSim app installed
  5. Android 9.0 or later (check Settings > About Phone > Android version)

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Quick Compatibility Test

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung)
  3. Tap SIMs or SIM Card Manager
  4. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM"

If you see this option, your phone supports eSIM. If not, check the compatibility list below.

Complete Android eSIM Compatibility List (2026)

Manufacturer Compatible Models Notes
Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra, S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/S21 FE, S22/S22+/S22 Ultra, S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S23 FE, S24/S24+/S24 Ultra, S25/S25+/S25 Ultra, Z Flip/Z Flip 5G, Z Flip3/4/5/6/7, Z Fold2/3/4/5/6/7 Must be unlocked or international version. US carrier-locked models may not support eSIM.
Google Pixel Pixel 3/3 XL/3a/3a XL, Pixel 4/4 XL/4a/4a 5G, Pixel 5/5a, Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a, Pixel 7/7 Pro/7a, Pixel 8/8 Pro/8a, Pixel 9/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold/9a, Pixel 10, Pixel Fold All models support eSIM. Pixel 3 requires Android 9+.
OnePlus OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 13, OnePlus Open OnePlus 11 and later. Earlier models do NOT support eSIM.
Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13/13 Pro/13 Lite/13T/13T Pro, 14/14 Pro/14T/14T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Recent flagships (2022+). Some Redmi models now support eSIM (see MIUI note below).
Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr 40/40 Ultra, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 50 Pro, Edge+ Foldable and flagship models.
Oppo Find X3 Pro, Find X5/X5 Pro, Find X7/X7 Ultra, Reno 6/7 Pro 5G, Reno 9/10/11 Pro+ Primarily international models. US variants may lack eSIM.
Honor Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Magic 6 Pro, Magic V2/V3 Flagship models only.
Sony Xperia Xperia 1 IV/V/VI, Xperia 5 IV/V, Xperia 10 IV/V/VI 2022+ models.
Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), Phone (2a) All Nothing Phone models support eSIM.
Huawei P40/P40 Pro (not P40 Lite), Mate 40 Pro Limited eSIM support. Not recommended due to Google Services restrictions.
Common phones WITHOUT eSIM:
  • Samsung Galaxy A-series (A53, A54, A55, etc.)
  • OnePlus Nord, Nord CE, 10 Pro
  • Most Xiaomi Redmi models (except Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G)
  • Nokia smartphones
  • Realme phones

Step 2: Check if Your Phone is Carrier Unlocked

Your phone MUST be carrier-unlocked to use third-party eSIMs.

Method 1: Check in Settings

Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Open Settings > Connections
  2. Tap More connection settings
  3. Look for Network unlock or SIM card lock
  4. If it shows "Network unlock: ON" or "No SIM lock", your phone is unlocked

Google Pixel:

  1. Pixels bought from Google Store are always unlocked
  2. Pixels bought from a carrier (Verizon, AT&T) need to be unlocked. Contact your carrier.

Method 2: Check IMEI

  1. Open Settings > About Phone
  2. Tap IMEI or Status and copy your IMEI
  3. Visit IMEI.info to check lock status

How to Unlock Your Phone

Carrier Requirements How to Request
Verizon (USA) 60 days of service, device paid off Call 1-800-922-0204 or visit store
AT&T (USA) Device paid off, good standing att.com/deviceunlock
T-Mobile (USA) 40 days active, device paid off Call 611 or visit store
Vodafone (UK/EU) 30 days after contract end My Vodafone app or customer service
EE (UK) Device paid off My EE app or call 150
O2 (UK) Immediate if PAYG, contract end for monthly Text "INFO" to 85075

Step 3: Get Your eSIM Activation Details

After purchasing an eSIM from PikaSim, your activation details are displayed immediately on your purchase page. You can also find them in the PikaSim app under "My eSIMs".

Activation formats available:

  • One-click install link - Tap to install directly on your phone (fastest method)
  • QR Code - Scan with your phone's camera from another screen
  • SM-DP+ Address + Activation Code - For manual entry when scanning is not possible

Method 1: One-Click Install (Recommended)

The fastest way to install your eSIM. Supported on Pixel 4+, Samsung S21+, Z Fold3+, Z Flip3+, and most modern Android devices.

  1. Open your purchase page on your Android phone (or go to "My eSIMs" in the PikaSim app)
  2. Tap the one-click install link
  3. Your phone will show a prompt to add the eSIM. Tap Download or Add
  4. Wait 10 to 30 seconds while the profile downloads
  5. Name your eSIM (e.g., "Travel eSIM" or the country name)
  6. Enable the eSIM when prompted
Tip: If the link does not trigger the eSIM prompt, try opening it in Chrome or Samsung Internet. Some third-party browsers do not support eSIM activation links.

Method 2: Install via QR Code

Display the QR code from your purchase page on another screen (computer, tablet, or another phone), then scan it with your Android phone.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Connect to WiFi
  2. Open Settings
  3. Tap Connections
  4. Tap SIM card manager (or SIM manager)
  5. Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan
  6. Tap Scan QR code
  7. Point your camera at the QR code on your purchase page
  8. Wait 30 to 60 seconds while the profile downloads
  9. Tap Add when prompted
  10. Name your eSIM and enable it

Google Pixel

  1. Connect to WiFi
  2. Open Settings
  3. Tap Network & Internet
  4. Tap SIMs
  5. Tap + Add more (or Download a SIM instead?)
  6. Tap Next
  7. Point camera at the QR code
  8. Tap Download and wait for installation
  9. Tap Done and enable the eSIM

OnePlus

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Mobile Network (or SIM & Network)
  3. Tap Add an eSIM
  4. Tap Scan QR code from service provider
  5. Scan the QR code and tap Download
  6. Name your eSIM and enable it

Motorola

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
  2. Tap Mobile network
  3. Tap Advanced > Carrier
  4. Tap Add carrier > Use QR code
  5. Scan and follow prompts

Xiaomi / Oppo / Other Android

  1. Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks (or similar)
  2. Look for Add eSIM, Download SIM, or Manage eSIM
  3. Select Scan QR code
  4. Follow on-screen instructions
QR code on the same phone? Screenshot the QR code and display it on another device, or use Method 3 (manual entry) below.

Method 3: Manual Entry (Without QR Code)

Use this when the QR code is on the same phone, your camera is not working, or your provider gave you text codes instead.

  1. Open Settings > Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Pixel)
  2. Tap SIM card manager or SIMs
  3. Tap Add eSIM
  4. Tap Enter code manually or Enter activation code
  5. Enter the SM-DP+ Address from your purchase page (looks like a domain name)
  6. Enter the Activation Code from your purchase page (long alphanumeric string)
  7. Tap Download or Add
  8. Wait for the profile to install
Common manual entry mistakes:
  • Extra spaces before or after the codes (trim carefully when pasting)
  • Confusing the SM-DP+ Address with the Activation Code (two separate fields)
  • No WiFi connection during download

CRITICAL: Enable Data Roaming

Your eSIM will NOT work without Data Roaming enabled

Travel eSIMs connect through local partner networks, which your phone treats as roaming. Without Data Roaming turned on, your phone will block the eSIM connection and show "No Service."

This will NOT cause roaming charges. Your eSIM is a prepaid plan with data already included. Only your home SIM could charge roaming fees, and you should disable data roaming on your home SIM (see dual-SIM section below).

Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > select your eSIM > Data roaming ON

Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > Roaming ON

OnePlus/Xiaomi: Settings > Mobile Network > select your eSIM > Data roaming ON

Configure eSIM Settings

Set eSIM as Your Data Line

Samsung:

  1. Settings > Connections > SIM card manager
  2. Tap Mobile data
  3. Select your travel eSIM

Google Pixel:

  1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
  2. Tap your eSIM name
  3. Toggle Mobile data ON

Dual-SIM Setup (Keep Home SIM for Calls)

Recommended dual-SIM configuration:

  • Calls & SMS: Your home SIM (keep your regular number for incoming calls)
  • Mobile data: Your travel eSIM (cheap local data, no roaming fees)
  • Home SIM data roaming: OFF (prevent your carrier from charging you for data abroad)
  • Travel eSIM data roaming: ON (required for eSIM to connect)

Set this in Settings > Connections > SIM card manager (Samsung) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (Pixel).

APN Settings

Most eSIMs auto-configure the APN (Access Point Name). If your eSIM connects but web pages do not load:

  1. Check your purchase page for APN details
  2. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names (Samsung) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [eSIM] > Access Point Names (Pixel)
  3. Tap + to add a new APN
  4. Enter the Name (anything you like, e.g., "PikaSim") and APN value from your purchase page
  5. Leave other fields blank unless specified
  6. Tap the menu (three dots) and Save
  7. Select the new APN, then toggle Airplane Mode on and off
Not sure about your APN? Use the live chat at pikasim.com/help and the AI assistant can look it up for your specific eSIM package.

MIUI / HyperOS: "APN Settings Not Available" Fix

Xiaomi and Redmi phones (MIUI / HyperOS) can block APN editing entirely, showing the message "Access Point Name settings are not available for this user." Standard workarounds (reset network settings, developer options, third-party APN apps) may not fix this.

The fix: Update your phone's operating system.
  1. Go to Settings > About Phone > System Update
  2. Install any available update
  3. After the update completes and your phone restarts, go back to APN settings
  4. The APN editor should now be accessible. Enter the APN from your purchase page.
The OS update refreshes carrier configuration files and unlocks the APN editor. This has been confirmed to work on Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and similar devices.

Troubleshooting

"No Service" or no data after install

  1. Enable Data Roaming (see critical section above)
  2. Set eSIM as data line in SIM card manager
  3. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off
  4. Restart your phone (power off completely, wait 30 seconds, power on)
  5. Try manual network selection: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators > Search networks > pick a carrier manually
  6. Check APN settings (see APN section above)

For a full walkthrough, see our eSIM Not Connecting troubleshooting guide.

"Cannot Add eSIM" or "eSIM Not Supported"

  • Phone is carrier-locked: Contact your carrier to unlock
  • Phone does not support eSIM: Check the compatibility table above
  • Android too old: Update to Android 9+ in Settings > System > System update
  • Region restriction: Some phones sold in certain countries have eSIM disabled by the manufacturer

QR code will not scan

  • Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR code
  • Clean your camera lens
  • Display the QR on a different device or print it
  • Use manual entry instead (Method 3 above)

"Download Failed" or "Activation Failed"

Error Cause Fix
Download failed No internet connection Connect to stable WiFi or cellular data
QR code already used eSIM already activated on another device Check your purchase page for reissue options
Invalid activation code Typo in manual entry or expired code Copy-paste from your purchase page to avoid errors
Not enough storage eSIM profile slots full Delete old eSIM profiles in Settings > SIMs

Update your phone software

If you are having persistent issues, update to the latest Android version. Software updates include carrier configuration updates that can fix eSIM activation, APN access, and connectivity problems.

  1. Go to Settings > System > System update (or Settings > About Phone > System Update on Xiaomi)
  2. Install any available updates
  3. After updating, try installing or re-enabling your eSIM

Managing Multiple eSIMs

Phone eSIMs Stored Active Simultaneously
Samsung Galaxy S20-S25 5-8 profiles 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM
Google Pixel 3-10 5-7 profiles 1-2 eSIMs + 1 physical SIM (model-dependent)
OnePlus 11-13 5 profiles 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM
Motorola Razr 5 profiles 1 eSIM OR 1 physical SIM (not both)

To switch between stored eSIMs: go to SIM card manager (or SIMs), toggle off the current eSIM, toggle on the one you want. Wait 10 to 30 seconds for it to connect. Label your eSIMs clearly (e.g., "Thailand Travel", "Europe Data") for easy identification.

Privacy Tips for Android eSIMs

Privacy-maximizing setup:

  1. Buy a data-only eSIM from PikaSim (no ID or account required)
  2. Pay with crypto for maximum anonymity
  3. Use a VPN on top of your eSIM (Mullvad, ProtonVPN)
  4. Set encrypted DNS (NextDNS, Quad9) in Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS
  5. Use Signal or Session for calls instead of cellular voice

Result: No ID, no phone number, no account, minimal digital footprint.

FAQ

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes. Most eSIM-capable Android phones support dual-SIM dual standby (DSDS). You can have 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM active simultaneously. Both receive calls/SMS, and you choose which handles data.

Will a factory reset delete my eSIM?

Yes. A factory reset removes all eSIM profiles. Save your QR code or activation details from your purchase page before resetting.

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new Android phone?

Not directly. eSIMs are bound to your phone's EID. To move to a new phone: delete the eSIM from the old phone, then reinstall on the new phone using your original QR code or activation details from your purchase page.

Do eSIMs work on GrapheneOS?

Yes. PikaSim eSIMs work on GrapheneOS on all supported Pixel phones. Recent builds enable eSIM by default and no Sandboxed Google Play is required. The APN usually needs to be entered manually. See our dedicated PikaSim on GrapheneOS guide for full details.

Do I need an account or email?

No. PikaSim does not require any account, email, or personal information. Your eSIM details appear immediately on your purchase page after payment.

How do I check my remaining data?

Go to pikasim.com/top-up and enter your eSIM ICCID to check your balance, remaining data, and validity. Your ICCID is on your purchase page.

Can I use the same QR code on multiple devices?

No. Each QR code is tied to one device. Once scanned and activated, it is bound to that phone. If you need to move your eSIM, delete it from the current device first and check your purchase page for reissue options.

Will using eSIM drain my battery faster?

Minimal impact. Running both a physical SIM and eSIM simultaneously may reduce battery life by 5 to 10% because your phone maintains two network connections. If you use only the eSIM, battery life is the same as a physical SIM.

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