How to install an eSIM on Android (Pixel, Samsung, and the rest)
May 1, 2026 · Skybyte Team
Installing an eSIM on Android takes about a minute, but the menus look slightly different on every brand. Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi all bury the eSIM option in a different place. This guide shows the exact tap sequence for each major brand and what to do when something doesn't work.
Does your Android even support eSIM?
Android eSIM support is patchier than iPhone's. The rule of thumb:
- Pixel 4 and later: yes, every model.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later (international/unlocked variants): yes. US carrier-locked S20–S22 models often have eSIM disabled in firmware — check your specific model.
- Galaxy S23, S24, S25: yes, all variants.
- Galaxy Fold and Flip 3+: yes.
- OnePlus 11, 12, 13: yes, but European variants only on some models.
- Xiaomi 12T Pro and later: yes on most flagships, no on most mid-range.
- Huawei P40 and later: yes, but no Google Mobile Services means you'll need to install the Skybyte profile manually rather than via QR scan.
If you're not sure, run the eSIM compatibility checker — it covers 67 of the most popular models with a single tap.
Step 1 (all brands): Get on Wi-Fi
Same as iPhone: install over Wi-Fi, not cellular. The QR scanner is unreliable on a moving cellular connection and Android sometimes fails the activation handshake over LTE.
Step 2: Find the eSIM menu (this is where brands diverge)
Pixel (Android 13+)
Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead?
If you already have a physical SIM, the link reads "Download a SIM instead?". If you don't have any SIMs installed yet, the screen says "Add SIM" with a dedicated eSIM option below.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5+)
Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code from service provider
On older One UI versions (4 and earlier), the path is Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile plan.
OnePlus (OxygenOS 13+)
Settings → Mobile network → Add eSIM
Xiaomi (HyperOS / MIUI 14+)
Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Add eSIM → Use QR code
Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS, no GMS)
Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM. Huawei phones outside China sometimes can't scan the QR — use the Enter activation code manually option and paste the SM-DP+ address and code from your Skybyte email.
Step 3: Scan the QR or paste manually
Hold the QR code from your laptop or another phone in front of your Android camera. Most brands show a green checkmark when the code is recognised, then move to the activation screen.
If scanning fails (it sometimes does on cheaper screens or low-resolution displays), tap "Enter manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your Skybyte install email. Both fields are clearly labelled in the email.
Step 4: Confirm and label
Android asks you to name the line. Pick something obvious like "Thailand" or "Travel data". This is what shows in the status bar and quick settings.
Some brands (Samsung, Pixel) ask whether the new eSIM should be the default for mobile data. Say yes for the travel eSIM. Calls and messages should stay on your home line unless your travel plan includes voice.
Step 5: Enable Data Roaming on the travel line
This is the step that catches most people, on every Android brand.
Settings → Network → SIMs (or "Mobile networks") → tap the travel eSIM specifically → enable Roaming.
Android still treats foreign eSIMs as roaming SIMs even when they're local plans in your destination. Without Roaming on, your phone will see the network but refuse to fetch data.
:::callout{type=warning} On Samsung devices, there's a separate "Mobile data" toggle per SIM in SIM manager. Make sure it's on for your travel eSIM, otherwise the line shows full bars but won't pass any traffic. :::
Pick the right plan
Most travellers underbuy data. For a one-week trip with maps, ride apps, and casual social media, 3–5 GB is comfortable. Heavy YouTube or Reels use can blow through that in a couple of days.
Troubleshooting Android eSIM problems
"This code has already been used." The activation code is single-use. If you removed the eSIM and tried to reinstall, you'll need a new one — email support.
Line installed but shows "Emergency calls only". Almost always Data Roaming off on the travel line, or APN settings stuck on your home carrier. Toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds. If still no luck, manually set the APN — Skybyte's APN is internet on most underlying networks.
Samsung shows "Mobile network not available". Samsung's SIM manager sometimes doesn't auto-select the new eSIM as the data line. Go back to SIM manager → tap "Mobile data" → pick the travel eSIM.
Pixel keeps reverting to home SIM. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap the travel eSIM → confirm "SIM use" is On, "Data roaming" is On, and "Preferred network type" is set to 4G/5G (not 2G/3G only).
After your trip
Android lets you keep multiple eSIMs installed and toggle them on or off. You don't have to delete the line — just disable it from SIM manager. If you re-visit the same country and the plan is still valid, re-enable it.
Country-specific guides
If you have an iPhone, see our iPhone eSIM install guide. For a wider perspective on whether eSIM is even worth it vs roaming, see eSIM vs roaming cost comparison.