How to Activate eSIM on Android Device: 2026 Setup Guide
TL;DR
Activating an eSIM on an Android device takes about two minutes. You need Wi-Fi, your QR code or manual activation details, and an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. If the QR code won’t scan, paste your SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. After installation, set the new eSIM as your data line and turn on data roaming if you’re traveling abroad.
What “Activate eSIM on Android” Actually Means
The phrase gets thrown around loosely, so here’s what’s actually happening. An eSIM is a programmable SIM profile stored on a secure chip (called an eUICC) inside your phone. Instead of popping in a plastic card, you download the profile over the internet. Wikipedia has a solid technical overview if you want the deeper explanation.
“Activation” on Android is really a two-part process:
- Installation — your phone downloads the eSIM profile from a server.
- Activation — you toggle that profile on, assign it as your data (or calls/texts) line, and connect to a network.
Most guides blur these together, which is fine for practical purposes. But knowing the distinction helps when troubleshooting, because your eSIM can be installed without being active.
There are three ways to activate an eSIM on an Android device:
- QR code scan — the default method for most providers
- Manual SM-DP+ entry — paste server address and activation code when QR scanning fails
- Carrier or app flow — some carriers activate directly through their own app
All three require a Wi-Fi connection during the download step. Android Central confirms that Wi-Fi is the recommended connection method, since you may not have cellular data available (especially if you’re setting up a travel eSIM before a trip).
Pre-Flight Checklist: 6 Things to Verify Before You Tap “Add eSIM”
Before touching any settings menu, run through this list. It takes 60 seconds and prevents the most common failures.
1. Confirm your phone supports eSIM.
Not every Android phone has eSIM capability. Dial *#06# or check Settings > About phone to look for an EID (eSIM Identifier). If you see one, your device has an eUICC chip. TechRadar’s compatibility guide walks through this in more detail.
2. Make sure the phone is unlocked.
Carrier-locked phones sometimes block the eSIM menu entirely, even if the hardware supports it. If you bought your phone through a carrier on a payment plan, check with them first.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi.
The eSIM profile downloads from a remote server. Stable Wi-Fi makes this reliable.
4. Have your QR code and SM-DP+ details ready.
Your eSIM provider will send a QR code (usually by email) and often a manual activation code as backup. Keep both accessible on a second screen or printed out.
5. Battery above 30%.
The download and activation process is quick, but a phone dying mid-install can cause issues.
6. Check when your plan’s validity starts.
Some providers start the clock when you install. Others start when you first connect to a network. This matters if you’re activating days before a trip. Check your provider’s specific policy to avoid burning data days early.
If you’re still choosing a plan, browse eSIM plans by destination to find prepaid data for wherever you’re headed.
How to Activate eSIM on a Google Pixel
These steps apply to Pixel phones running Android 13 and newer. The menu paths come directly from Google’s Pixel eSIM setup documentation.
Method 1: QR Code
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & internet
- Tap SIMs
- Tap Add SIM (or the + icon)
- Select Set up an eSIM
- Choose Scan QR code
- Point your camera at the QR code and hold steady
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and download
- Once installed, toggle the new eSIM on
Method 2: Manual SM-DP+ Entry
If the QR won’t scan (cracked screen protector, low-resolution QR, or you only have the code string), here’s the fallback:
- Follow steps 1 through 5 above
- Instead of scanning, look for “Help adding a network?” or “Enter it manually” at the bottom of the QR screen
- Tap it and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code
The manual entry fields accept the two parts of your activation code separately: the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code. Some providers give you a single string in the format LPA:1$<SM-DP+ address>$<activation code>. Celitech’s help docs explain the format if you need to split it.
Practitioners on Reddit report that manual entry is often faster and more reliable than QR scanning, especially when the QR image is displayed on a low-resolution screen. One user on r/NoContract pointed out that the manual entry link on Pixel can be easy to miss because it sits below the camera viewfinder.
After Installation
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the new eSIM, and set it as your Data line. If you’re using this for travel, also toggle Data roaming on under that same eSIM’s settings. Google’s dual-SIM documentation covers the full set of controls for choosing which SIM handles calls, texts, and data.
Heading to Japan? You can grab a Japan eSIM plan and activate it on your Pixel before you board.
How to Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)
Samsung’s menu structure differs from stock Android. These paths are based on Samsung’s official SIM manager guide and apply to One UI 6 and 6.1 on Galaxy S23, S24, Z Flip/Fold series, and newer models.
Method 1: QR Code
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM manager
- Tap Add eSIM (on some models, this reads Add mobile plan)
- Select Scan QR code
- Point the camera at your QR code
- Complete the prompts to download and install
- Set Mobile data to the new eSIM when prompted (or do it after in SIM manager)
Method 2: Manual Activation Code
Here’s where Samsung trips people up. The manual entry option doesn’t always appear in an obvious place.
- Follow steps 1 through 4 above
- On the QR scanning screen, look for a small text link that says “Enter activation code” or “Enter code instead”
- Tap it, then paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider
On some carrier-branded Samsung firmware, this link is hidden or absent entirely. Practitioners on Reddit’s r/S24Ultra have reported that certain US carrier variants suppress the manual entry option. If you can’t find it, one workaround is to generate your own QR code from the activation string using a free QR generator, then scan that.
A Note on US Samsung Dual-SIM Behavior
US Samsung models have historically had limited dual-SIM support depending on carrier firmware. While you can always switch which SIM handles mobile data through Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Mobile data, some users find that setting per-SIM defaults for calls and SMS is restricted on certain carrier builds. Data switching works, though, which is all you need for a data-only travel eSIM.
After Installation
In SIM manager, set Mobile data to the new eSIM. If you’re about to travel (say, a trip to Canada or anywhere cross-border), go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks, select the travel eSIM, and enable Data roaming.
Alternative Path: Carrier or App-Led Activation
Some carriers skip the QR/manual flow entirely. Google Fi, for example, activates its eSIM profile directly during the Fi app setup or during initial phone onboarding. T-Mobile and other major carriers sometimes push the eSIM profile through their own apps.
If your carrier supports this, you’ll typically see an option like “Transfer from another device” or “Activate with carrier” during setup. Follow the on-screen flow, and the carrier handles the server communication behind the scenes.
This method is common for primary carrier lines. For travel eSIMs purchased from third-party providers, you’ll almost always use the QR code or manual entry methods described above.
After Install: Choose Your Data Line and Test
Installing the eSIM profile is only half the job. You still need to tell your phone which SIM to use for what.
Pixel
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. You’ll see both your original SIM (physical or existing eSIM) and the new one. Tap each to assign roles:
- Mobile data — set to the travel eSIM
- Calls — keep on your home SIM to stay reachable
- Texts — keep on your home SIM for 2FA codes
Samsung
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. You’ll see similar options:
- Mobile data — switch to the new eSIM
- Calls and Messages — leave on your primary SIM
Why Travelers Usually Only Switch Data
If you bought a data-only eSIM for travel, your home number stays active on the physical SIM for calls and texts. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage ride on the data connection, so they’ll work through whichever SIM provides data. This setup lets you avoid roaming charges on your home plan while keeping your number accessible.
Planning a longer trip? Multi-country plans covering Austria and the rest of Europe can simplify things if you’re hopping between countries.
Enable Data Roaming (Critical for Travel eSIMs)
This is the single most common reason people install a travel eSIM and get no data. Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks in your destination country. Your phone treats this as “roaming,” even though your eSIM plan already covers it. Without data roaming toggled on for that specific eSIM, your phone blocks the connection.
Turn it on:
- Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > [travel eSIM] > Data roaming
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > [travel eSIM] > Data roaming
Nova’s support team explains the reasoning well: the device doesn’t know whether roaming is paid or included in your plan, so it defaults to blocking it. You have to override that.
Troubleshooting: Fix It in Two Minutes
These solutions are ordered by how commonly each problem occurs, drawn from support forums and real user reports.
QR Code Won’t Scan
Skip straight to manual SM-DP+ entry. On Pixel, the link says “Enter it manually” below the camera viewfinder. On Samsung, look for “Enter activation code” or “Enter code instead” on the QR screen. If you only have the QR image, ask your provider for the SM-DP+ address and activation code in text form.
“Enter Activation Code” Link Is Missing (Samsung)
Some carrier-branded Samsung firmware hides this option. Workaround: copy the SM-DP+ string (the LPA:1$... format), paste it into a free online QR code generator, and scan the resulting QR with your phone.
“Could Not Connect to SM-DP+”
This usually means the connection to the eSIM server failed. Users on Reddit report these fixes:
- Make sure Wi-Fi is stable (try a different network if possible)
- Turn off any VPN or ad blocker
- Wait a few minutes and retry (the error is sometimes transient)
- Restart your phone, then try again
eSIM Installed but No Internet
Run through this checklist in order:
- Confirm the travel eSIM is set as your data line (SIM manager or Network & internet > SIMs)
- Turn on data roaming for that eSIM (see section above)
- Check the APN settings. Go to Settings > Network/Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names. If it’s blank, your provider should supply APN details. How-To Geek’s APN guide explains how to add one manually.
- Reboot. A surprising number of “no data” problems resolve with a restart after making these changes.
No “Add eSIM” Option or No EID
Your phone may not support eSIM, or carrier firmware has disabled it. Dial *#06# to check for an EID. If there’s no EID listed, the phone either lacks the eUICC chip or needs a firmware update to expose it. Contact your carrier to ask whether eSIM is enabled on your specific model and plan.
If you’re still stuck after trying everything, Esimify’s help center offers 24/7 email support for activation issues.
Using Esimify?
If you purchased your eSIM from Esimify, here’s what to know:
- No app needed. Your QR code arrives by email. Open it on another device (or print it) and scan from your Android phone’s settings.
- Manual fallback included. Your email also contains the SM-DP+ address and activation code, so you’re covered if QR scanning fails.
- Data-only plans. Keep your home SIM active for calls, texts, and 2FA. Set the Esimify eSIM as your data line only.
- 24/7 email support. If activation stalls, reach out any time.
Browse Esimify plans for 200+ countries to find data for your next destination.
Glossary: Key Terms Explained
eSIM (Embedded SIM)
A programmable SIM profile stored on a chip inside your phone. Instead of swapping plastic cards, you download the profile over the internet. One phone can hold multiple eSIM profiles.
SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager, Data Preparation Plus)
The remote server that prepares and securely delivers your eSIM profile to your device. When you scan a QR code, your phone is connecting to an SM-DP+ server behind the scenes. The “SM-DP+ address” is essentially the server’s URL. Defined under the GSMA’s consumer RSP architecture standard.
EID (eSIM Identifier)
A 32-digit unique identifier for your phone’s eUICC chip. Think of it like a serial number for the eSIM hardware. Find yours by dialing *#06# or checking Settings > About phone.
LPA (Local Profile Assistant)
The built-in software on your phone that communicates with the SM-DP+ server to download and manage eSIM profiles. You never interact with it directly, but it’s the reason the QR scan flow works.
APN (Access Point Name)
A setting that tells your phone how to reach a specific carrier’s data network. Usually configured automatically, but sometimes needs manual entry when a new eSIM connects but delivers no internet.
eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card)
The physical secure chip inside your phone that stores one or more eSIM profiles. This is the hardware that makes eSIM possible.
For more on how eSIMs work and travel data tips, check out the Esimify blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM on Android?
Yes, Wi-Fi is recommended for downloading the eSIM profile. The profile is fetched from a remote server, and without a stable internet connection, the download can fail. If you already have cellular data through another SIM, that technically works too, but Wi-Fi is more reliable.
Can I activate an eSIM on Android without scanning a QR code?
Absolutely. Every Android phone that supports eSIM also supports manual entry. Instead of scanning, you paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code into the setup screen. This is the go-to method when QR codes won’t scan or when you only received the activation details as text.
How do I know if my Android phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID (eSIM Identifier) appears alongside your IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware. You can also check Settings > About phone for an EID field. Keep in mind that some carrier-locked phones have the hardware but disable the feature in software.
Why does my travel eSIM show “no internet” after installation?
Three things to check, in order: make sure the travel eSIM is set as your active data line, turn on data roaming for that eSIM, and verify the APN settings are correct. Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks, which your phone classifies as roaming. Without data roaming enabled, the connection gets blocked.
Can I keep my regular phone number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. Data-only travel eSIMs work alongside your existing SIM. Set your home SIM for calls and texts, and the travel eSIM for data. Apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will use whichever SIM provides data, so you stay reachable on your usual number.
What does the SM-DP+ address look like?
It’s a server URL, something like rsp.example.com. Your provider pairs it with an activation code. Together, they tell your phone where to fetch the eSIM profile. Some providers combine both into a single string starting with LPA:1$.
Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time on Android?
It depends on your device. Some newer Pixel and Samsung models support multiple active eSIM profiles, but many models limit you to one active eSIM plus one physical SIM. Check your specific device’s documentation, as capabilities vary by model and firmware version.
What should I do if my Android phone has no “Add eSIM” option?
First, verify your phone has eSIM hardware by dialing *#06# and looking for an EID. If no EID appears, the phone doesn’t support eSIM. If an EID is there but the menu option is missing, your carrier’s firmware may be blocking it. Contact your carrier to ask about eSIM support on your specific model and plan.
Ready to get connected? See customer reviews from travelers who’ve activated their eSIMs, or pick a plan for your next trip and have your QR code in your inbox within minutes.