How to set up an eSIM on an Android phone

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

An eSIM is a SIM card built into the phone. Instead of putting in a piece of plastic, you download the plan. That makes it quick to change provider, to add a second number, or to buy a data plan for a trip before you leave. Most Android phones of the last few years support it, alongside or instead of a physical SIM.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones and Google's own apps on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them.

Step by step

1. Check phone and provider

   Ask your provider whether it offers eSIM for your tariff, and check that the phone supports it: if Settings, Network & internet, SIMs offers Add SIM with an eSIM option, it does. The provider may ask for the phone's IMEI or EID number, shown under Settings, About phone.

   Done

2. Get the eSIM from the provider

   You receive a QR code, by post, email or in the customer portal, or you activate the eSIM inside the provider's app. Travel eSIMs are bought in the seller's app or website and delivered as a QR code.

   Done

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

   The plan is downloaded over the internet, so join a Wi-Fi network first.

   Done

4. Add the eSIM

   Open Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, tap Add SIM and then Set up an eSIM. Point the camera at the QR code. If you cannot scan, choose to enter the activation code by hand.

   Done

5. Wait for activation

   The phone downloads the plan and registers on the network, which takes from a few seconds to several minutes. Some providers send a confirmation by text or need you to confirm in their portal.

   Done

6. Set up during the first start

   On a new phone, the setup assistant offers Download SIM. Tap Set up and follow the steps. If nothing is found, finish the setup and add the eSIM afterwards as described.

   Done

7. Choose which SIM does what

   With two lines, open Settings, Network & internet, SIMs and choose which one is used for mobile data, calls and texts. Give each a clear label, such as Private and Travel.

   Done

Good to know

Many QR codes can be used only once. Do not delete an eSIM from the phone unless you are sure you can get a new code from the provider.

Before you reset or sell the phone, move the eSIM to the new phone or ask the provider how. The reset asks whether eSIMs should be erased as well.

On a trip, switch data roaming on for the travel eSIM and off for your home line, to avoid roaming charges on the wrong line.

If the line does not work after activation: Android phone says no service or SIM not detected: 8 fixes and Android mobile data not working.

More on two lines: how to use two SIMs on an Android phone. Background: what is an eSIM. On an iPhone: how to set up an eSIM on an iPhone.

In short: Wi-Fi on, Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Set up an eSIM, scan the provider's QR code, wait for activation. Then choose the SIM for data and calls.