How to install an eSIM on Android: Samsung, Pixel and OnePlus
The exact menu paths for One UI, stock Android on Pixel and OxygenOS, with the manual activation-code route and the roaming settings that trip people up.
Quick facts
To install a Universal eSIMs profile on Android, open the SIM settings for your phone: Samsung One UI is Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM; Pixel is Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Download a SIM instead; OnePlus is Settings, Mobile network, eSIM, Add eSIM.
Guide reviewed on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
Step by step
Check the phone has eSIM
Dial *#06#. An EID line means eSIM hardware. Many Indian variants of Xiaomi, Vivo, Nothing and budget Samsung phones have none; use the checker.
Connect to Wi-Fi and open the QR on another screen
Or save the QR image; most Android 13 and later phones can import it from the gallery during setup.
Open the eSIM menu for your brand
Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider. Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM (or the plus icon), Download a SIM instead. OnePlus: Settings, Mobile network, eSIM, Add eSIM. Motorola and Sony follow the Pixel path. Oppo and Vivo use Settings, Mobile network, then eSIM or SIM card information.
Scan or enter the code manually
If scanning fails, choose Enter activation code manually (Samsung: Enter code instead) and paste the full LPA string from the email, starting with LPA:1$.
Confirm the download and name the line
The download takes 30 to 90 seconds. Rename the line Travel in SIM manager or SIM settings.
Set data to the travel line, roaming on for it only
Samsung: SIM manager, Mobile data: travel line; then Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming on (One UI applies roaming per SIM in SIM manager on newer versions). Pixel: SIMs, travel line, Mobile data on, Roaming on. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.
Switch the line on when you land
The plan activates on first connection abroad. If no network appears within a minute, toggle Airplane mode or select a network manually.
Menu paths by brand
Samsung specifics
One UI lets you set a preferred SIM for calls, messages and mobile data separately in SIM manager. Set mobile data to the travel line and leave calls and messages on your home SIM. On One UI 6 and later, data roaming is toggled per SIM inside SIM manager; on older versions it is a single switch in Mobile networks that applies to the data SIM.
Pixel specifics
Pixel 7 and later support two active eSIMs. Android 15 and later can transfer an eSIM from an old Pixel during setup, but travel eSIMs are single-install profiles and may not transfer; contact us before switching phones. Roaming is per SIM under Settings, Network and internet, SIMs.
OnePlus specifics
Indian OnePlus 11, 12, 13 and Open units support eSIM. The Nord CE 3 and CE 4 sold in India do not. OxygenOS asks for a default data SIM after install; choose the travel line.
APN
Most plans configure the APN automatically. If the email lists an APN and data does not start, go to Mobile networks, Access Point Names for the travel line, add a new APN with that name and leave username and password blank.
Frequently asked questions
My Android phone has no Add eSIM option. Why?
The variant has no eSIM hardware or the firmware hides it. Dial *#06#; if there is no EID, the phone cannot use an eSIM. Order a physical travel SIM.
Can I install from the gallery instead of scanning?
On most Android 13 and later phones, yes: during Add eSIM choose the gallery or image option. Otherwise use the manual activation code.
Does the eSIM work with two physical SIMs already in the phone?
Most phones allow only two active lines. Disable one physical SIM in SIM manager while abroad, or remove it.
Where is data roaming on Samsung?
One UI 6 and later: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, tap the travel eSIM, Data roaming. Older: Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming.
Will WhatsApp move to the eSIM number?
No. WhatsApp stays on whichever number it was verified with, usually your Indian SIM. Travel eSIMs are data-only and have no usable number for WhatsApp.
How do I delete the eSIM afterwards?
SIM manager or SIMs, tap the line, Remove or Erase. Wait until the plan expires because a deleted travel eSIM cannot be reinstalled.
Related help
• Install on iPhone
· • Troubleshooting
· • Dual-SIM setup for Indian travellers
· • Galaxy S24 eSIM guide
· • Pixel 8 eSIM guide
· • Help centre
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