How to Install eSIM on Google Pixel

Google Pixel phones run stock Android, which means the eSIM setup flow is the cleanest and most predictable on the Android side. If you’ve ever installed an eSIM on a Galaxy or a Xiaomi, the Pixel path will feel refreshingly direct: fewer menus, no manufacturer skin in the way, and the same wording across recent Pixel generations.

This guide covers Pixel 3 through Pixel 10 on Android 14, 15, and 16. The Settings paths are essentially identical across these versions — Google has kept the eSIM flow stable.

Before you start

Run through this checklist first. Most “eSIM won’t install” problems trace back to one of these five things.

1. Your Pixel supports eSIM. Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onward supports eSIM. The one footnote: some early Verizon Pixel 3 units shipped carrier-locked and refused third-party eSIMs until unlocked. If you’re on a Pixel 3 from a US carrier, check the lock status under Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → [carrier name] or by dialing your carrier.
2. The phone is unlocked. Carrier-locked phones from the US, Japan, or Canada often reject travel eSIMs. If you bought your Pixel outright from the Google Store, you’re fine.
3. You’re on Wi-Fi or have a working cellular connection. Profile download needs internet. Hotel Wi-Fi works.
4. You have at least 5–10 minutes. Most installs finish in under two minutes, but allow buffer in case you need to retry.
5. You’re installing before you travel, not after. You can install an eSIM at home and activate it on landing. See eSIM-compatible devices for the full compatibility list.

Step 1 — Buy your eSIM

Pick a destination on the 186 destinations page, choose a data plan, and pay with card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or crypto (USDT/BTC). If you’d like a walk-through of the purchase flow, see how to buy an eSIM.

Within about 60 seconds you’ll receive an email containing:

• A QR code (image)
• A manual activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code, in case the QR fails)
• A direct install link (tap on the Pixel to open Settings pre-filled)

Step 2 — Open the QR on a second screen

The Pixel camera needs to see the QR code. Open the email on a laptop, tablet, or a second phone. If you only have the Pixel itself, scroll down to Method B (manual entry) or Method C (direct install URL).

Step 3 — Install the eSIM

There are three install methods. Pick whichever fits your situation.

Method A — QR scan (recommended)

1. On your Pixel, open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Tap + Add SIM (on Pixel 8 and newer it may read Add eSIM).
5. Pixel will try to detect a nearby carrier. Tap Download a SIM instead? at the bottom.
6. Tap Next.
7. Point the camera at the QR code from your email.
8. Wait for the profile to download (10–60 seconds).
9. Tap Activate when prompted.

Method B — Manual entry

Use this if the QR won’t scan (screen glare, low resolution, broken camera).

1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + Add SIM → Download a SIM instead? → Next.
2. On the QR scan screen, tap Need help? or Enter it manually (wording varies slightly by Android version).
3. Paste the activation code from your email. The format is LPA:1$rsp.simsimsim.net$XXXXXXXX.
4. Tap Continue and wait for the download.

Method C — Direct install URL

The fastest method if you opened the email on the Pixel itself.

1. Open the email on the Pixel.
2. Tap the “Install eSIM” button or the LPA:1$... link.
3. Android opens Settings with the SM-DP+ address pre-filled.
4. Tap Download and then Activate.

Step 4 — Label the eSIM

After download, Pixel asks for a label. The default is the carrier name; we recommend changing it to the destination — for example “Italy travel” or “Japan May trip”. This makes the SIM picker much easier to scan when toggling lines.

Step 5 — Choose calls, texts, and data

Pixel will ask you to assign default lines.

Setting	Recommended (travel)
Calls	Your home SIM (keeps your number reachable)
Texts	Your home SIM (banking codes, 2FA)
Mobile data	Your travel eSIM

Simsimsim eSIMs are data-only — they have no phone number, so they cannot send or receive calls or SMS. This is the same as every travel eSIM brand. Use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal for calls.

Step 6 — Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM

Even though the eSIM is provisioned for the destination, Android often labels it “roaming” because the underlying network is foreign to the eSIM profile. To avoid silent failures:

1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → [your travel eSIM label].
2. Toggle Roaming to On.

This applies to the travel eSIM only. Your home SIM’s roaming stays however you had it.

Step 7 — Activation timing

Simsimsim plans typically activate on first connection in the destination country, not at install time. That means:

• You can install at home with zero risk of starting the validity timer.
• The plan begins counting when your Pixel first registers on a local network at the destination.
• On landing, switch off Airplane Mode and wait 1–3 minutes for the network handshake.

Confirm activation rules on the plan’s purchase page — a small number of plans activate on download.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
QR won’t scan	Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR. Wipe the camera lens. Switch to Method B (manual entry).
“Couldn’t add eSIM”	You’re likely offline mid-download. Switch Wi-Fi network and retry. If on cellular, switch to Wi-Fi.
Profile downloads but doesn’t activate	Reboot the Pixel. Then go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → [travel eSIM] → Use SIM → On.
No signal in destination	Wait 3–5 minutes. Then Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → [travel eSIM] → Mobile network → Automatically select network → Off, then pick a carrier manually from the list.
Pixel won’t let you add the eSIM at all	The phone may be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier for an unlock code.
Slow data after activation	The network may have placed you on a fallback band. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.

FAQ

Can I install the eSIM before I leave home? Yes, and this is what we recommend. Most plans only start counting once you connect at the destination.

Will my home SIM still work? Yes. Pixel supports one physical SIM plus one active eSIM simultaneously (or two active eSIMs on Pixel 7 and newer with no physical SIM inserted). Your home SIM keeps your number and SMS; the eSIM handles data.

Can I delete the eSIM after my trip? Yes — Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → [travel eSIM] → Erase SIM. Once erased, an eSIM cannot be reinstalled from the same QR. Keep the email until you’re sure you’re done.

Will the eSIM use battery when I’m not using it? A disabled eSIM uses no battery. An enabled but idle eSIM has negligible impact.

Does it work on Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet? Yes for Pixel Fold (full eSIM support). The Pixel Tablet is Wi-Fi only and does not support eSIM.

What if I bought the wrong country? Reach out to support. Simsimsim offers a 180-day refund policy on unused plans.

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Got your QR? Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + Add SIM and you’re 90 seconds away. Browse all 186 destinations or check the eSIM-compatible devices list.

For other phones: iPhone install guide · Samsung Galaxy install guide · Generic Android install guide