How to set up an eSIM on Android step by step

If you're thinking of leaving behind the physical SIM card and switching to an eSIM on your Android phone, You're interested in having a very clear understanding of how the whole process works.It's not complicated, but there are several important details (compatibility, codes, network settings, roaming, etc.) that you should get sorted out to avoid surprises at the airport or during a trip.

Throughout this comprehensive guide you will see, step by step, How to check if your Android phone supports eSIM, how to install it using a QR code or manuallyHow to set it up on Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and other phones, what settings to adjust for data and roaming, how to transfer a SIM to eSIM between phones, and what to do if something goes wrong during installation.

What is an eSIM and what do you need before you get started?

An eSIM is a Digital SIM integrated into the phone itselfwhich allows you to add or change carriers without inserting or removing physical SIM cards. On modern Android devices, everything is managed through the system settings, and you can have several lines installed at the same time (although not always all active).

Before you start tinkering with menus, make sure you meet a short list of basic requirements to ensure a smooth installation and Don't have connection problems or lose days of validity of your eSIM plan.

Pre-installation checklist

To avoid problems, it's best to follow a very simple checklist: eSIM compatibility, connectivity, battery, and dataIf you fail at any of these points, that's when activation errors, codes that don't work, or profiles that don't finish downloading usually appear.

• Android mobile compatible with eSIM: Not all models support it, even if they are relatively new.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: At home, in a hotel, or at the airport, it's better to download the eSIM than to use roaming data.
• Sufficient battery: Ideally above 30% so that the phone doesn't turn off in the middle of the process.
• Email or app from the eSIM provider on hand: There you will find the QR code and, if necessary, the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.

Many travel eSIM providers make it very clear that The validity period begins when you install or when the eSIM connects in the destination country.Read that point carefully, because it determines whether you install it the day before, at the airport, or when you land.

How to know if your Android is compatible with eSIM

Before buying anything, the first thing to do is confirm that your phone actually supports eSIM. There are several fairly simple methods to check this, and it's important because Some models only support it in certain regions. or that come with the eSIM disabled by the operator.

Quick check from phone settings

The most direct way is to go to network settings and see if there's an option to add an eSIM or a digital mobile plan; if that menu doesn't exist, It is very likely that your device does not have eSIM support enabled..

1. Opens Settings on your Android.
2. Sign in Network and Internet, Connections o SIM cards and mobile networks, according to the brand.
3. Sign in YES, SIM card manager or similar.
4. Look for an option like this Add eSIM, Add mobile plan o Download SIM.

If you see that button to add an eSIM, You have practically confirmed that the phone supports this technology.If nothing appears, you can still check it with the famous EID code.

Check the EID by dialing *#06#

Another widespread way to verify compatibility is to consult the EID (Embedded Identification Document), which is the unique identifier of the eSIM chip integrated into the device.

1. Open the app Phone Number (where you make calls).
2. Brand * # # 06 and wait for the device information to appear.
3. Check if a field named OATH.

If an EID appears, your Android has Integrated eSIM hardware and, barring software blocking, you should be able to use itIf neither the EID nor the option to add eSIM appears in the settings, it is most likely that the model is not compatible or has the function disabled.

Consult official websites and lists of compatible models

If you still have doubts after the above, you can always visit the manufacturer's website (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OPPO, etc.) and search for your exact model followed by the word eSIMMany operators also offer lists of eSIM-compatible mobile phones on their help pages.

There are also eSIM providers that maintain Extensive compatibility lists by brand and modelThis is useful if you have a less common Android device or one purchased in a country with restrictions.

Regional exceptions and blocked mobiles

It's worth knowing that, even if your model theoretically supports eSIM, In some regions the function is disabled by regulation or by the operator itselfespecially in devices sold in markets with special regulations.

• Mainland China: Most Android devices sold there have the eSIM disabled by software.
• Hong Kong and Macau: Some models also do without the eSIM, depending on the version.
• Operator phone numbers: Certain terminals sold by operators may have the eSIM locked until certain conditions are met.

To be sure, go to Settings > About phone > Status and check if the EID appears. If it doesn't, even if your model supports it in other countries, The eSIM function may be disabled on your specific unit..

When to install and when to activate your eSIM

Not all eSIM plans work the same; some start counting days as soon as they are installed, and others when they are first connected in the destination country, so The timing of the installation directly impacts the plan's lifespan. —if you travel, it's a good idea to review How to set up Android for travel and avoid surprises with the validity period.

Typical validity scenarios

The instructions you receive by email (or in PDF format) usually indicate one of these two scenarios, typically at the end in small print, and it's advisable to read it carefully:

• Scenario 1 – Validity does not depend on the installation: You can install the eSIM whenever you want, and the days will be counted from the first actual use on the network.
• Scenario 2 – Validity begins upon installation: In this case, it is recommended to download it the day before traveling, on the day of the flight, or directly when you arrive at your destination.

If your plan falls into the second group, a very common strategy is Install the eSIM with your phone in airplane mode, turn off the eSIM line after downloading and leave it ready but without activating it until you really need it.

Install the eSIM without activating it yet

Some users prefer to have everything set up at home, in case there's no Wi-Fi at their destination or they're in a hurry. This is possible on many Android devices. install the eSIM without it starting to consume validity days (if the supplier allows it) following this general scheme:

1. Activate airplane mode and connect to a private Wi-Fi network.
2. Install the eSIM (via QR code or manually) following the steps we will see later.
3. Once it has downloaded successfully, deactivate the eSIM line in the SIM manager.
4. Turn off airplane mode and use your main SIM normally.

This way you will have The eSIM has been downloaded but is not active., ready to turn on in seconds when you land at your destination and want to start using data.

General installation of an eSIM on Android (QR and manual method)

Although each manufacturer gives the menus different names, the process for adding an eSIM on Android is almost always the same: Go to network settings, add a new SIM, and scan the QR code or enter the activation details..

Install the eSIM by scanning a QR code

The most convenient way is to use the QR code sent to you by your operator or eSIM provider, so you don't have to type long codes or the SM-DP+ server address manually.

1. Opens Settings on your Android.
2. Sign in Network and Internet, Connections o SIM cards and mobile networks.
3. Accede to YES o SIM card manager.
4. Press on Add eSIM, Add mobile plan or the icon + along with Mobile Network.
5. When the system asks if you have a physical SIM card, tap on Next or in Download a SIM instead.
6. Choose the option Scan QR code operator.
7. Focus the camera on eSIM QR code that you have received by email or in the app.
8. Confirm the download and installation of the profile when it appears on the screen.
9. Optionally, assign an identifiable name (for example, eSIM for Italy trip).

On many modern Android devices, you can also scan the QR code directly from the... Camera app or a code reader appAnd when the system detects that it's a mobile plan, it offers to add it with one tap.

Install the eSIM by manually entering the data.

If for whatever reason the camera does not recognize the QR code, or your provider has only given you the server address and a code, You can install the eSIM manually by entering the SM-DP+ information and the activation code.

1. Opens Settings and enters Network and Internet o Connections.
2. Go to YES o SIM card manager.
3. Press on Add eSIM or on the icon + to add a mobile plan.
4. Tap on Next When it asks you about the physical SIM, and in the help section, choose Enter code manually o Use activation code.
5. Write the SM-DP+ address exactly as it appears in the email or PDF.
6. Enter the activation code and, if applicable, the confirmation code given to you by the operator.
7. In some cases, you will need to follow a specific format such as LPA:1$DIRECCION_SMDP+$CODIGO_DE_ACTIVACION.
8. Confirm and wait for the mobile device to download the eSIM profile from the server.

It's important to check that you don't miss any extra characters or spaces, because An error in the SM-DP+ address or code may cause the system to reject the installationIf you have the PDF handy, copying and pasting from there (when possible) greatly reduces errors.

Change APN when required by the provider

Some eSIM plans, especially international ones, require that modify the APN (Access Point Name) for the data to work correctly. This information is usually clearly stated in the confirmation email or in the app.

1. Sign in Settings.
2. Go to Mobile networks o SIM cards and mobile networks.
3. Select your data plan associated with the eSIM.
4. Press on Access Point Names o APN.
5. Create a new APN or edit the existing one and Enter the APN name provided by your provider.
6. Save the changes and make sure to select that APN as active.

The remaining APN fields (username, password, MMSC, etc.) are usually optional or auto-filled, but The APN value itself must exactly match the one provided by the operator so that the data works.

Specific configuration: Samsung, Google Pixel and Xiaomi

Each Android customization layer has its own menus and names, although ultimately everything leads to the same place. Taking the most common brands as a reference, You'll see that the steps are almost identical with slight variations in the name of the options.

How to set up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy phones

On recent Samsung Galaxy devices, eSIM management is handled through the SIM manager, where you also see the physical SIM cards. From there you can add new lines, transfer a SIM to eSIM or configure which line is used for data.

1. Opens Settings on your Samsung.
2. Sign in Connections.
3. Tap on SIM card manager o SIM Manager.
4. Press on Add eSIM o Add mobile plan.
5. choose if you want transfer from another device, scan QR code o search for eSIM cards compatible.
6. If you're using QR codes, select Scan the operator's QR code and focus on the code they sent you.
7. Confirm in RSVP when the system detects the plan.

Once installed, inside the SIM Manager lets you decide which line you use for calls, SMS, and mobile data, and even rename the eSIM to easily identify it as "Work", "Europe Travel", etc.

Installing and using an eSIM on Google Pixel phones

On Google Pixel phones, the interface is quite clean, and the system clearly distinguishes between physical and digital SIM cards. The trick is to look for the option that says “Download a SIM instead”, which is the gateway to the eSIM.

1. Sign in Settings.
2. Go to Network and Internet.
3. Tap on YES or in Mobile Network.
4. Balance + Add SIM.
5. Choose Download a SIM instead when I ask.
6. Use the camera to scan the QR code from your provider.
7. If the QR code doesn't work, tap on Do you need help? and later Enter data manually to enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
8. Confirm and wait for the eSIM profile to download and activate.

After that, you'll see the eSIM listed next to the physical SIM and you'll be able to activate or deactivate each line, change the default SIM for data, and configure roaming as it suits you.

eSIM setup on Xiaomi and Redmi phones

On Xiaomi models and some Redmi models that support eSIM, everything is also managed from the SIM card and mobile network settings, where you can activate the eSIM, manage it and scan the QR code operator.

1. Open the app Settings.
2. Sign in SIM cards and mobile networks.
3. Look for the option Use eSIM or a specific eSIM management section.
4. Accept the warning of Activating eSIM when the message appears.
5. Press on Manage eSIM.
6. Tap on Add mobile plan.
7. Scan the unit’s QR code provided by your supplier.

After a few moments, the system will download and It will activate the eSIM card so you can start using it, also appearing in the SIM card section of your Xiaomi.

Other manufacturers: OPPO, Sony, Motorola and more

In brands like OPPO, Sony, Motorola, OnePlus, Honor, Sharp, Nokia and similar brands, the process is very similar: You go into network settings, locate SIM management, and add a digital mobile plan..

1. Go to Settings.
2. Sign in Wi-Fi and network, SIM and network o Mobile Network.
3. Open the menu SIM cards o eSIM.
4. Press on Add eSIM o Add mobile plan.
5. Scan the QR code or enter the data manually, as provided by your operator.

If at any point you get lost with the menu names, you can look on your brand's support website or in the carrier's help section, where they usually explain the procedure model by model.

Use the eSIM as your main or travel line on Android

Once installed, you need to decide how you want to use your eSIM: as a data line for travel, as a replacement for your physical SIM, or combined in dual SIM mode with your existing number. This is where The default SIM and data roaming options come into play.

Configure the eSIM as a data SIM

Many users take advantage of the eSIM to have Cheap data abroad without giving up your Spanish numberIn that case, the normal thing to do is to leave the physical SIM for calls and SMS and use the eSIM only for mobile data.

1. Opens Settings.
2. Sign in Network and Internet o Connections.
3. Go to YES o SIM Manager.
4. Look for the option Preferred SIM for data o Mobile data.
5. Select the eSIM as a data line.
6. Make sure the mobile data switch be active.

At the same time, you can leave your physical SIM configured to calls and messagesso that you continue to receive important SMS messages (banks, two-step verification, etc.) but use eSIM data for everything else.

Data roaming: what to activate and what to deactivate

For most travel eSIMs, enabling data roaming is essential, because The plan works as if you were a roaming user within the associated networkThe key detail is to activate roaming only on the eSIM and not on your main SIM.

1. Enter the menu of the eSIM within Settings > SIMs or SIM Manager.
2. Locate the section Mobile Network o Data roaming.
3. Activate data roaming on the eSIM.
4. On your usual operator's physical SIM card, disable data roaming to avoid any surprises on your bill.

With this configuration, your phone will use the eSIM to connect to the Internet abroadwhile your main number will remain operational for calls and SMS, but without generating data roaming charges.

Typical travel usage scenarios

Depending on whether your eSIM includes a phone number or not, one configuration may be more suitable than another, and on Android you have considerable flexibility to combine lines.

• Mixed mode: Physical SIM for calls/SMS, eSIM for data only with roaming enabled on the eSIM and disabled on the main SIM.
• eSIM only: You deactivate or remove the physical card and use only the eSIM, ideal if it includes a local number or if you no longer need your previous line.
• Several plans: Some models allow you to have multiple eSIMs installed and Change your data plan depending on the country without rescanning codes.

In all cases, it's advisable to check the status bar to confirm which network your phone is using, and if you travel a lot, Give each eSIM a clear name to avoid confusion when activating or deactivating lines..

Transfer your SIM to eSIM and between Android phones

In addition to installing new eSIMs from scratch, some manufacturers and operators allow convert a physical SIM into eSIM or transfer an eSIM from one phone to another following a guided process between the two devices.

Transfer from SIM to eSIM between two Android

In recent Samsung and Google Pixel models, with updated Android, there is an option to Transfer your line from one mobile phone to another using a QR code transfer system between the donor device and the recipient.

In this scenario, the donor mobile is the one who currently has the active SIM or eSIM, and the mobile receiver This is the new phone where you want to have your line in eSIM format. Before you begin, make sure that:

• On the donor, the line you are going to transfer is active and with coverage.
• On the receiver, you have a set up Google account and active Wi-Fi with internet access.

From the receiving mobile device, the typical steps would be:

1. Ir a Settings.
2. Walk into Network and Internet.
3. Tap on YES.
4. Start the network check and choose the option Transfer a SIM from another device.
5. Select Pixel or Android device as origin.
6. Scan with the donor the QR code that appears on the receiver to match them.

Then, the recipient is detected on the donor mobile device and the process is guided to Approve the transfer and switch the line to eSIM format.Once completed, the recipient will display the installed eSIM and the donor will confirm that the SIM has been transferred.

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on Pixel and Samsung

Aside from transfers between devices, some phones allow directly convert a physical SIM into an eSIM within the mobile itself, without having to request a duplicate in store (although it will depend on your operator's support).

On a Google Pixel, the typical workflow would be:

1. Walk into Settings.
2. Select Network and Internet.
3. Click on YES.
4. Choose the physical SIM what you want to convert.
5. Scroll down until you find Convert to eSIM and press.
6. Confirm in Convert to eSIM with Wi-Fi turned on.

The system will create the eSIM profile and, once finished, You will see a message that your eSIM is ready to useOn Samsung, the process is very similar, going to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, selecting the physical SIM, and also using the option Convert to eSIM with the Wi-Fi connection active.

Activating eSIM with mobile operators (e.g., Vodafone)

Beyond travel eSIMs purchased online, mobile operators themselves have long allowed Switch your regular SIM to eSIMThe specific procedure varies, but the general flow is usually similar to that of Vodafone in Spain.

As a contract or prepaid customer, you can request the eSIM in physical stores, by phone, or in some cases via the web, and the Activating an eSIM line is usually free.However, switching from a SIM card to an eSIM may incur a small administrative fee.

1. The operator's agent Activate your line in eSIM format and generate a QR code associated.
2. You receive that QR code and, in many cases, a 6-digit confirmation code to start the profile download.
3. You connect your Android to a Wi‑Fi network.
4. From Settings > Connections or Networks & Internet, you enter SIM card manager o YES and you choose Add mobile rate or the icon +.
5. You select Scan the supplier's QR codeYou point the QR code at the QR code and, if prompted, enter the confirmation code.
6. The mobile Download the eSIM profile and add it to your SIM list.
7. Finally, you enter the new line and indicate Use SIM to activate it on your phone.

In many cases, the operator's eSIM does not have an active PIN by default, although you can always... Set a security PIN from the settings if you want to protect access to your mobile line.

Install and manage eSIM from third-party apps (e.g., Airalo)

If you buy travel eSIM through specialized platforms, it is normal that The installation instructions are integrated into the app itself. and you can choose the method that best suits your needs: direct installation, QR code, or manual.

In a typical app of this type, the general flow is:

1. Log in to your account and go to the section My eSIMs.
2. Select the eSIM you are going to use.
3. Open the instructions section, sometimes under a button like this: Ready to use your eSIM? o Install or share.
4. Choose the installation method: Direct, QR Code or Manual.

On some recent Android devices you can even do a Direct installation from the appwhich automatically opens the system's eSIM wizard and simplifies everything without needing to scan anything.

If you choose the QR method, you generate the code from the app itself, share it with another device or print it, and then follow the standard steps of Settings > Network & Internet > Add mobile network (or Add eSIM)You scan the QR code and activate the line for data and roaming. For manual mode, the app itself shows you how. SM-DP+ address and activation code so you can copy them into your phone's settings.

Common mistakes when installing an eSIM on Android and how to fix them

However simple it may seem, the installation sometimes goes wrong: codes that are not accepted, QR codes that cannot be scanned, or an eSIM that appears on the phone but "No service" or "Not browsing"Before you go crazy, it's worth reviewing a short troubleshooting checklist.

The QR code cannot be scanned

When the camera does not recognize the eSIM QR code, it is almost always due to a problem with brightness, focus, or image qualityand not so much that the code is wrong.

• climb the Brightness of the screen where the QR code is displayed (mobile, tablet or laptop).
• Clean the camera lens from your Android.
• Adjust the distance and angle until the entire code fits in the box.
• Try it in portrait and landscape orientation.
• If it still doesn't work, Use the manual method with the SM-DP+ address and the activation code that come in the email or PDF.

Almost all providers anticipate that the QR code might fail and offer that alternative method, so You don't get stuck even if the camera doesn't cooperate..

The eSIM appears but says “No service” or “Emergency calls only”

If the eSIM is installed but fails to register on the network, the phone will usually display "No operator" or "Emergency only" messages. In this case, you should check the eSIM. both the coverage and network configuration and the activation of the plan itself.

1. Check that you eSIM plan includes the country where you areMany regional eSIMs do not cover all destinations.
2. Go to SIMs or SIM Manager and verify that the eSIM is activated.
3. Make sure the eSIM is allowed to use data or operate on a network.
4. Check that the data roaming is enabled for that line, if it's a travel eSIM.
5. Activate and deactivate the airplane mode to force network registration.
6. Try the manual network search In Settings > Mobile network > Network operators and select the network recommended by your provider.

If none of that works, take some screenshots of the eSIM settings, APN and error messageand send them to the provider's technical service to check if the profile is active on their system.

I have coverage but the data isn't working.

When you see signal bars and the network name, but no data, the problem is usually with the selected data SIM, roaming status, or APN settings.

1. Go to SIMs / SIM Manager and confirms that the eSIM is set up as a data SIM.
2. Check that Mobile data be on.
3. Check that the data roaming is enabled on the eSIM if you are outside your country.
4. Sign in Mobile network > Access Point Names (APNs) and verify that the APN matches the one indicated by your provider.
5. If the APN is missing, create a new one with the values ​​that were sent to you.
6. Save, select that APN and reboot the phone.

The APN is basically the gateway between your mobile phone and the operator's data network; If it's not configured correctly, you'll have a signal but no internet.Therefore, it is a critical point in problem-solving.

Network restarts and advanced settings

In more stubborn cases, where the network seems "stuck", it sometimes helps Reset network and Bluetooth settings so that the system deletes old configurations or strange conflicts.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Sign in About of the phone o Additional adjustments (according to the layer).
3. Look for the option Reset phone o Hola.
4. Choose Reset network and Bluetooth settings.

Keep in mind that this will delete saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, and so on, so you'll have to... Reconnect to your networks and accessoriesbut it can resolve network blockages that are difficult to explain.

Once you understand the entire process, from verifying compatibility with the EID to installing via QR code or manually, including configuring data, roaming, dual SIM, and handling common errors, it becomes much easier. Get your Android ready to use eSIM at home or while traveling without surprises or inflated bills.