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.
- Turn on roaming for the travel eSIM when you arrive. It connects through local partner networks and needs roaming enabled.
- Never remove the eSIM because it shows no signal. Work through the settings first, then contact support.
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.
This guide gives the exact paths for the two most popular Android families, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, plus the settings that decide whether your home number keeps working and whether you get a roaming bill. Do all of it at home the evening before you fly.
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 |
For a fuller model list, see which phones support eSIM in 2026. If you use an iPhone instead, the steps are in how to install an eSIM on iPhone.
When should you install a travel eSIM on Android?
Install shortly before departure on a stable connection, ideally your home Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile is downloaded from the provider's server during setup, and airport or hotel Wi-Fi with login pages can interrupt it. For mainland China, finish the whole setup before you arrive.
Installing is usually not the moment your days start counting. For most travel plans, validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination, but this is set per plan. If your plan is regional and also covers the country you are departing from, keep the eSIM switched off until you land. More in when does eSIM validity start.
No plan yet? Get your travel eSIM here: Fizen covers 150+ destinations with plans from $4, and Android phones install by QR code with a step-by-step guide.
How to install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung's own support pages describe the same core path across recent Galaxy models. Menu wording can shift slightly between One UI versions, but the structure below holds for Galaxy S, Z and A series phones with eSIM.
Samsung: install with a QR code
- Show the QR code on a laptop, tablet or printout.
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Scan the code, then tap Download or Add when prompted.
- Wait while the eSIM downloads, then tap Done.
- Back in SIM manager, give the new eSIM a clear name such as Travel.
Samsung: install with an activation code
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
- Choose the option to enter an activation code instead of scanning.
- Paste the activation code exactly as provided and tap Next.
- Tap Download, wait, then tap Done.
On many Galaxy phones you can store several eSIMs but only have a limited number active at once, typically one eSIM alongside a physical SIM on older models. If you already use an eSIM for your home number, check in SIM manager which lines can be on together before you travel.
How to install an eSIM on a Google Pixel
Google's Pixel help page lists the path as Network & internet, then SIMs, then Add SIM. Depending on your Android version the next screen says Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead.
Pixel: install with a QR code
- Show the QR code on another screen.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead, and tap Next.
- Scan the QR code and tap Download or Activate.
- Wait for the download to finish and tap Done.
- Rename the SIM to Travel so it is easy to spot later.
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 |
Turning off automatic data switching stops the phone from quietly falling back to your home SIM for data when the eSIM signal dips. That fallback is how many travelers end up with a roaming charge they never chose. For the dual SIM logic in full, see using an eSIM and a physical SIM together.
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.
Why do Android eSIM installs fail, and how do you avoid it?
- Carrier or regional lock. The install appears to work but the eSIM never connects. Check the lock before buying.
- Scanning a code that is already used. Most eSIM QR codes install once. If a download stalls, ask the provider before trying again.
- Installing on a work phone. Device management policies often block adding eSIMs.
- Removing the eSIM to start over. A removed travel eSIM generally cannot be downloaded again. Contact support instead.
- Leaving data roaming on for the home SIM. Switch it off before you board.
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 from $4, 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Samsung or Pixel, online the moment you land
Fizen eSIM covers 150+ destinations from $4 with a QR code and install guide for Android, a trip-long warranty and a real person on support. Pay in USDT on Solana or BNB Chain or by the methods at checkout. Data only. Not offered to US Persons.
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
- Samsung Canada: Galaxy eSIM setup and transfer
- Google Pixel Help: Set up a new eSIM
- Google Pixel Help: How to use dual SIMs on your Pixel
- Fizen Docs: Manual installation by phone brand
- Fizen Docs: Supported devices
Information as of September 2026. Android menu names vary by brand, software version and carrier.
