How it works
Installing an eSIM on Android, step by step and with each brand's quirks
The menu is called something different on every manufacturer, and that's where everyone gets stuck. Where it lives on each, and what to do if the option isn't there.
Bea Nogales 5 min Photo by Life on the road on Unsplash On Android the process is identical on every phone and the menu is called something different on each one, which is exactly what makes it look difficult.
The process, which never changes
- Connect to your wifi at home. The profile downloads over the internet.
- Go into your connection settings and find the SIM or SIM cards section.
- Choose add eSIM, download SIM or add mobile plan, depending on what yours calls it.
- Scan the QR code or enter the details by hand.
- Give the line a name you'll recognise, like Travel.
- And leave it switched off until you need it, if your plan allows that.
Where it lives on each brand
| Brand | Usual path |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings, Connections, SIM manager |
| Google Pixel | Settings, Network & internet, SIMs |
| Xiaomi | Settings, SIM cards & mobile networks |
| Motorola | Settings, Network & internet, SIMs |
| Oppo and OnePlus | Settings, Connection & sharing, SIM card |
If yours isn't listed, here's the shortcut that works on all of them: use the search box in Settings and type eSIM.
If the option isn't there
- The phone doesn't support eSIM, even if a spec sheet online says it does: there are country-specific versions.
- It's locked by an operator.
- Or the software is badly out of date and doesn't have the feature yet.
How to check the first two is in which Android phones have eSIM.
After installing it
When you land: switch the line on, set it as your data line and check that its roaming is on. Those three steps resolve most reports of something not working.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install an eSIM on Android?
On wifi, in your SIM settings, choose add eSIM and scan the code. The process is the same on every brand even though the menu is called something different.
Where is the option on my phone?
It varies by brand. The shortcut that works everywhere is to search for the word eSIM in the Settings search box.
Why doesn't the option show up?
Because your phone doesn't support it in that country's version, because it's locked by an operator, or because the software is badly out of date.
What do I do when I land?
Switch the line on, set it as your data line and check that its roaming is on.
