How do I install an eSIM on my Samsung phone?

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, then scan the QR code from another screen or choose to enter the activation code. Tap Download, wait, then tap Done and rename the eSIM so you can recognise it.

How do I add an eSIM on a Google Pixel?

Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM, then choose Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead. Scan the QR code or tap Need help to enter the code manually, then finish the download.

Can I scan an eSIM QR code on the same Android phone?

Not with the camera, because the phone cannot scan its own screen. Show the code on a laptop, tablet or printout, or use the manual option and paste the activation code instead.

Should I install my Android eSIM before I travel?

Yes. Install it at home on stable Wi-Fi shortly before departure, then switch the eSIM on and enable roaming when you arrive. For most plans validity starts on first connection at the destination, but check your plan.

Why is my Samsung eSIM not working after install?

The usual causes are data roaming being off for the eSIM, the eSIM not being set as the mobile data SIM, or the phone being carrier-locked. Check those, toggle Airplane Mode, and contact support with your order details before removing anything.

Can a Samsung Galaxy use two eSIMs at once?

It depends on the model and software. Many Galaxy phones can store several eSIMs but limit how many are active together, and older models run one eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Check SIM manager on your phone.

Will I keep my number with a travel eSIM on Android?

Yes. The travel eSIM is added next to your existing SIM. Keep the home SIM for calls and texts, set the eSIM for mobile data, and turn off data roaming on the home SIM to avoid charges.

Can I move a travel eSIM from one Android phone to another?

Usually not. Most travel eSIMs are tied to the device they are installed on. Install on the phone you will travel with, and ask your provider if you need to change devices.

eSIM

How to Install an eSIM on Android: Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel Steps (2026)

Samsung calls it SIM manager, Pixel calls it SIMs. Here is exactly where to tap to install a travel eSIM on Android, and how to set data so your home number keeps working.

Quick answer: On a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM and scan the QR code. On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM and choose to set up or download an eSIM, then scan the code or enter it manually. Do it at home on Wi-Fi, set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM, and turn on roaming for it when you land.

Key takeaways

Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
Android travel eSIMs usually install by QR code, so display the code on a second screen, or use the enter-code option with the activation code.
Check the phone first: dial *#06# for an EID, and make sure it is not locked to a carrier. Carrier editions and some regional models block eSIM.
Set the travel eSIM as the mobile data SIM, keep your home SIM for calls and SMS, and turn off data roaming on the home SIM.

Android eSIM guides tend to fall apart on one detail: every brand names the menu differently. You land in Istanbul, open Settings, and your Galaxy says SIM manager while the guide you saved talks about Mobile network. Meanwhile the QR code is in an email on the same phone you are trying to scan it with.

Does my Android phone support eSIM?

Most recent Samsung Galaxy S, Z Fold and Z Flip models and Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 2 onwards support eSIM, along with a growing list of mid-range Galaxy A models. But the same model name does not guarantee the same hardware everywhere: some regional versions and carrier-bundled editions ship with eSIM disabled or locked. Check the phone in your hand, not a list.

Check	How to do it on Android	Good result
eSIM hardware	Dial *#06# in the Phone app	An EID number appears
EID in settings	Settings > About phone > Status information	EID listed
Samsung menu	Settings > Connections > SIM manager	Add eSIM option shown
Pixel menu	Settings > Network & internet > SIMs	Add SIM or Download a SIM option
Carrier lock	Ask your carrier or try a SIM from another network	Phone is unlocked
Managed phone	Settings > Security or a work profile notice	No company policy blocking SIM changes

Pixel: enter the code manually

Follow the same path to the scanning screen.
Tap Need help? and then Enter it manually or Enter activation code.
Paste the activation code, confirm and download.
Finish setup and rename the SIM.

Google notes that Pixel 7 and later phones can use two eSIM profiles at once if the carrier allows it, which is useful if your home line is already an eSIM.

Which SIM settings should you change for travel on Android?

This part decides whether your home number keeps receiving calls and bank codes, and whether your home carrier bills you for roaming data. Samsung puts these preferences in SIM manager; Pixel puts them under Network & internet > SIMs.

Setting	Samsung Galaxy	Google Pixel	Travel choice
Mobile data SIM	SIM manager > Mobile data	SIMs > Data preference	Travel eSIM
Calls and texts	SIM manager > Calls / Text messages	SIMs > Calls and SMS preference	Home SIM
Auto data switching	SIM manager > Auto data switching	Automatic data switching, if shown	Off
Data roaming, home SIM	Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming	SIMs > home SIM > Roaming	Off
Data roaming, travel eSIM	Same menu with the eSIM selected	SIMs > Travel > Roaming	On at destination

What should you switch on when you land?

Turn off Airplane Mode.
Make sure the Travel eSIM is switched on in SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel).
Set it as the mobile data SIM if you have not already.
Turn on Data roaming for the Travel eSIM.
Wait a minute for a network name and signal bars. If nothing appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds or restart.
Still nothing? Try choosing a network manually in the eSIM's mobile network settings, and check whether your plan lists an APN to enter.

If it still will not connect, our eSIM not working abroad checklist walks through every setting in order.

Which travel eSIM should you choose for Samsung or Pixel?

On Android, pick a provider that gives you both a QR code and a plain activation code, clear plan details on hotspot and validity, and support that answers when you are stuck in a taxi queue. Fizen eSIM covers 150+ destinations, gives Android users a QR code plus a written install guide, and lets you pay in USDT on Solana or BNB Chain or with the other methods at checkout. Plans are data-only, so your home SIM keeps your number. Each eSIM has a trip-long warranty with a free 1-for-1 replacement if it fails, and support is a real person. Changed plans? Unused eSIMs that have not been installed can be returned; eligibility depends on the plan.

Land connected. Skip the roaming bill. Get your Android travel eSIM and install it tonight.

Terms and conditions

Information only. This guide is general information, not financial, legal, tax or technical advice, and not official guidance from Samsung, Google or any carrier.
For readers in the United States. This article provides information only. It is not an offer, solicitation or sale of any product or service, and it is not financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Fizen is not offered to US Persons.
Plans vary. Prices, data, validity start, hotspot support and coverage differ by plan. The details shown at checkout and in the plan's package details take precedence.
Device requirements. Your phone must be eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked. Menu names differ by model, Android or One UI version, carrier and region.
Rules change. Carrier, roaming and entry rules are set by official sources and can change. Check them before you travel.
No affiliation. Fizen is not affiliated with Samsung, Google or any carrier mentioned in this article.
Availability. Fizen is not offered to US Persons.
Full terms. See the Master Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.

Sources

Information as of September 2026. Android menu names vary by brand, software version and carrier.

How to Install an eSIM on Android: Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel Steps (2026)