How to install an eSIM on Android depends on the manufacturer, but the safe order is consistent: check the phone, download the profile over Wi‑Fi, then choose the travel plan as the source of mobile data. Do it before departure so a missing menu or QR error is not your first arrival experience.
Connect to Wi‑Fi, open SIM settings, choose Add eSIM or Add SIM, and scan the provider QR code or follow its app. Google Pixel commonly uses Settings → Network & internet → SIMs; Samsung Galaxy commonly uses Settings → Connections → SIM manager. After installation, select the travel eSIM for mobile data and follow the provider's roaming instruction.
Check the Android phone before buying
Android settings differ between manufacturers, versions and carriers. The same family name can contain models with different eSIM support, so use these checks rather than relying on a generic video.
- Find the eSIM menu: search Settings for eSIM, EID, Add SIM or SIM manager. An EID is a useful sign, but confirm the exact model and regional variant too.
- Check carrier unlock: a locked phone may accept only the original carrier's plans. Ask the carrier to confirm the status before buying an international plan.
- Prepare Wi‑Fi and power: the phone must contact the provider to download the profile. Use trusted Wi‑Fi and keep the phone charged.
- Keep a second screen ready: an Android phone cannot scan its own display. Open the QR code on a laptop or another phone and keep it private.
- Read the plan policy: validity can start on installation, first connection or another provider-defined event. The answer changes when you should install.
Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and other paths
| Phone family | Typical menu route | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM | Continue to the QR scanner or provider app. |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM | Choose Scan QR code or enter activation details. |
| Other Android | Settings search → eSIM, Add SIM or SIM manager | Follow the closest route; support depends on the exact model. |
Some releases use Mobile Network instead of Network & internet, and some carrier builds hide the option until a physical SIM is removed. Do not remove a working SIM just to search; first check the phone's documentation and carrier status.
How to install an eSIM on Android step by step
Connect to reliable Wi‑Fi
Join a trusted network, charge the phone and close any captive portal or VPN that might interrupt the download.
Open Add eSIM
Use the Pixel, Samsung or Settings-search route above. If the option is missing, verify support before examining the QR code.
Scan the provider code
Choose the QR option and hold the camera over the complete code on a second screen. Confirm the plan name before accepting it.
Wait for the profile
Keep Wi‑Fi connected until Android says the eSIM was added. A downloaded profile can still wait for a destination network before providing service.
Label the travel line
Use Travel, Europe data or the destination name. Clear labels prevent you from selecting the home SIM by mistake.
Set mobile data
Choose the travel eSIM under Mobile data or Preferred SIMs, then review automatic data switching and roaming.
QR code and manual installation
A QR code delivers the profile's connection information in a format the phone can read. Increase brightness on the second screen, keep the full square in frame and clean the camera lens. If Android says the code is invalid, confirm the email and plan before attempting it again.
Without a QR code, use the provider's official app or choose a manual entry option such as Enter code. The provider may supply an SM-DP+ address and activation code. Enter them exactly, including punctuation and capitalization. Android cannot generate missing values, and a code copied from another plan will not activate yours.
Make Android use the right data SIM
After the profile is installed, Android may leave the original SIM as the default data line. Check the selector explicitly:
- Google Pixel: go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs, turn on the travel eSIM and select it under Mobile data.
- Samsung Galaxy: go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager and set the travel eSIM under Preferred SIMs for mobile data.
- Home SIM: keep it for calls or SMS only if needed. Turn its roaming or mobile data off when your home carrier could charge for international use.
- Automatic switching: disable it until you can identify which line supplied a test page. This keeps a weak travel signal from silently falling back to home data.
For the travel eSIM, turn Data roaming on only when the provider requires it. At the destination, wait for registration, then toggle Airplane Mode once. If the provider lists an APN or network selection, use its current value rather than copying settings from a generic guide.
Installation versus activation
Installation downloads the profile; activation may mean authorization by the provider or the first supported network connection. Read the plan's definition before installing. Our separate how to activate eSIM on Android guide focuses on turning the installed profile into working travel data.
Common Android installation errors
Add eSIM is missing: check the exact model, region, Android updates and carrier unlock. Not every phone in a product family supports eSIM.
The QR code will not scan: use a second screen, increase brightness, clean the lens and keep the full code visible. Ask the provider about a replacement before deleting a partly installed profile.
The profile downloaded but there is no service: turn on the travel line, select it for data, check coverage and apply the roaming instruction. Toggle Airplane Mode or restart once.
Data uses the wrong line: revisit Mobile data or Preferred SIMs and turn off automatic switching. For a longer diagnostic path, use our eSIM not working guide.
Calls stopped: many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not replace your number. Keep the home line enabled for voice if needed, while checking roaming costs.
Android eSIM installation FAQ
Can I install an eSIM on Android before travel?
Usually, yes. Install over trusted Wi‑Fi before leaving, but check whether your provider starts validity on installation or after the eSIM connects in the destination.
How do I install an eSIM on Google Pixel?
Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM, then scan the provider QR code or use its app. Select the new plan for mobile data after it downloads.
How do I install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy?
On a supported Galaxy model, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Scan the QR code or enter the supplied activation details, then choose the travel plan for mobile data.
How do I install an eSIM on Android without a QR code?
Use the provider app if available, or choose the manual entry option in Add eSIM. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as the provider supplied them.
Should I turn on data roaming for an Android eSIM?
Turn roaming on for the travel eSIM only when the provider requires it. Keep roaming off on the home SIM when possible to reduce unexpected charges.
Why is Add eSIM missing on my Android phone?
The exact model or regional version may not support eSIM, the carrier may have restricted it, or the phone may need an update. Confirm the model and carrier unlock status.
Next reads: For the Apple route, see how to install an eSIM on iPhone. For the device-neutral checklist, use how to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.