How to activate an eSIM on Android: Samsung, Pixel and more
Step-by-step: how to install and turn on a travel eSIM on Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, and what to do when it does not connect.
Activating a travel eSIM on Android takes a few minutes: install it at home on Wi-Fi, then turn it on and allow data roaming when you arrive. The menus differ a little between brands. Here are the steps for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other Android phones.
Before you start
Check that your phone supports eSIM on our supported devices page, and that it is not locked to your carrier.
Connect to Wi-Fi. Installing needs internet.
Have the QR code ready on another screen, or open the install link from your ViraSIM email or the My eSIMs page on the phone itself.
Samsung Galaxy
Open Settings , then Connections , then SIM manager .
Tap Add eSIM , then Scan QR code , and scan the code.
Confirm, and wait for the eSIM to be added. Give it a name such as the country you are visiting.
Our Samsung Galaxy eSIM guide has screenshots for each step.
Google Pixel
Open Settings , then Network & internet , then SIMs .
Tap Add SIM (on some versions, Download a SIM instead? ).
Scan the QR code and confirm.
Other Android phones
On Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo and others, look in Settings under Mobile network , SIM cards or Connections for Add eSIM or Download SIM . If you cannot find it, search the settings for "eSIM".
Turn it on when you arrive
Open the SIM settings and switch the travel eSIM on.
Choose it for Mobile data .
Turn on Roaming for the travel eSIM. Travel eSIMs connect as roaming, so this is needed.
Keep your home SIM on for calls and texts if you like, with its data roaming off.
If it does not connect
Check that data roaming is on for the travel eSIM, not just mobile data.
Turn airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off.
In the eSIM's settings, choose a network manually from the list.
Check that the APN matches the one in your ViraSIM email, if one is given.
Restart the phone.
Still offline? Contact ViraSIM support from your account, and we will help you get connected.
Do not delete the eSIM
Deleting an eSIM from your phone usually removes it for good, and many cannot be installed again. Turn it off instead when you are not using it.
Bottom line
Install at home on Wi-Fi, turn the eSIM and its data roaming on when you land, and keep it installed until your trip ends. Find a plan for your next trip.