La eSIM has become the most convenient way to connect When we travel or switch carriers, this is becoming increasingly common, and Android is the ecosystem where it's spreading the most. There's no longer any need to swap physical SIM cards or search for a store when you land in another country: with a simple QR code or a few adjustments, you can have a data plan ready to use.
In this guide you will see How to activate an eSIM on Android step by stepHow to check if your phone is compatible, what to do if the QR code fails, how to change the APN, how to transfer your physical SIM to an eSIM, and also how to move an eSIM from one Android phone to another. Everything is explained with examples on Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and other manufacturers' phones so you won't get lost.
What is an eSIM and what advantages does it have on Android?
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is, in short, a SIM card integrated into the mobile phone itselfIt doesn't have a physical tray or plastic in between. It works just like a traditional SIM, but the operator profile is downloaded via software, usually using a QR code or by entering an activation code.
The big advantage is that You can have multiple carrier profiles on the same device and switch between them without changing your physical SIM card. This is perfect if you travel a lot, if you use a personal line and a work line, or if you like to try out different plans without relying on SIM card shipments.
Another key feature is security: being an integrated SIM, cannot be extracted or lost just like a traditional SIM card. Furthermore, by using eSIM data plans while traveling, you can avoid relying on public Wi-Fi networks, which are often the Achilles' heel of security when moving around airports, cafes, or accommodations.
Compared to a classic SIM, the eSIM allows you switch operators almost instantlyYou receive an email with a PDF or a link, scan the QR code, and in a few minutes your new plan is activated. There's no need to wait for a courier or go to a physical store.
How to know if your Android phone is compatible with eSIM
Before you start scanning codes, the first thing to do is Check if your Android phone supports eSIMNot all models do this, especially some entry-level or older phones.
A quick way is to check the device specifications on the manufacturer's website or your carrier's page, where they usually have Updated lists of eSIM compatible mobile phonesIf your model appears there, you're in luck.
Additionally, you can perform a direct check from your phone using the EID code. The EID (Embedded Identification Document) is a long identifier associated with the eSIM chip. If your phone displays it, it means that It has eSIM hardware and can use this type of card.
To view it, open the phone app and dial * # # 06Information such as the following will be displayed: IMEI and, in many cases, the EID. If the EID field appears with a 32-digit string, the device is eSIM-ready and you can begin setup.
Another way to check is to go into the settings and look for any option like this. “Add eSIM”, “Add mobile plan” or “Use eSIM” within the mobile networks section. If you see a menu like this, you'll have no problem installing an eSIM profile.
Checklist before installing your eSIM
Before you start installing anything, it's a good idea to follow a short guide. Checklist to avoid activation errorsIt will save you a lot of trouble, especially if you're going to use the eSIM abroad.
To start, make sure that you use a smartphone compatible with eSIMAs we saw above, it seems obvious, but more than one person encounters the problem just when they are about to scan the QR code.
During installation it is essential be connected to a stable WiFi networkDownloading the eSIM profile and activating it with the operator's server requires a connection, and if your mobile phone runs out of data or the WiFi is unreliable at that moment, the process may fail.
If you bought the eSIM online, check the PDF that arrives by emailbecause there are usually two possible validity scenarios indicated there:
In cases, the eSIM can install without the validity period startingIn that case, you can download it at your leisure a few days before your trip and have it ready to activate when you land. In other cases, the validity period begins as soon as you install the plan, so you'll be interested in... wait until the day before leaving or even until you are already at your destination.
The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the model and operator, so if something doesn't exactly match what you see on the screen, don't worry: the menu structure is always similar and the names of the options change very little between Android versions.
Install an eSIM on Android using a QR code
The most common way to activate an eSIM on Android is Scan the QR code sent to you by the operator. in a confirmation email or a PDF document. If you're lucky enough to have another device (laptop, tablet, another mobile phone), it's easier to open the QR code there and scan it with the camera of the phone where you're going to install the eSIM.
As a general recommendation, many companies advise Install the eSIM the day before traveling and activate it (i.e., select it as your data line) only when you arrive in your destination country. This ensures that you don't start using up your data allowance prematurely and that it doesn't interfere with your main carrier's network.
On most Android phones, the general process for adding the eSIM by scanning the QR code is very similar:
- Opens Settings on your smartphone.
- Enter the section Network and Internet, Connections or similar.
- Look for the section Mobile Network, YES o SIM Manager.
- Tap on the icon + or in the option Add eSIM / Add mobile plan.
- Choose Scan QR code when it asks you if you have a SIM or want to download an eSIM.
- Use the camera to scan the QR code that comes in the PDF of the email.
- Confirm the download and installation of the plan when the system prompts you.
In some models, simply open the Camera app itself or a QR readerPoint your phone at the code and tap the "Cellular Plan Detected" notification or similar that appears on the screen. This will directly launch the assistant to add the mobile plan.
Install the eSIM without activating it yet
If your operator indicates that The eSIM's validity begins as soon as it is installedYou might be interested in doing a "partial" installation: download the profile, leave it ready, and deactivate the eSIM until you reach your destination, so that it doesn't consume days.
For this, a fairly safe option is Activate airplane mode and connect to a private WiFi network (Avoid using open Wi-Fi networks in cafes if possible). This way, while you're installing the eSIM, there's no mobile network traffic that could trigger the plan activation prematurely.
With airplane mode activated, follow the usual steps to download the eSIM via QR code or, if you prefer, with manual installation. Once your phone confirms that the eSIM is installed correctly, you can return to the SIM settings and turn off the eSIM line from the corresponding switch.
Next, turn off airplane mode and use your main line as usual. When you arrive in the country where you'll be using the eSIM, you'll just need to Turn the eSIM back on. in the settings and it will automatically connect to the local network configured by the operator.
This trick is especially useful for those who want to bring everything ready from home, but They don't want to lose a single day of data in their travel plan.
Install an eSIM manually (without a QR code)
There are times when the QR code cannot be scanned Because it's blurry, printed too small, or the phone's camera simply can't focus properly. In these cases, most carriers also include a manual setup option with an SM-DP+ address and an activation code.
In the PDF you receive by email you will find all the data necessary for manual installationThey are usually clearly identified as "SM-DP+ address" and "Activation Code" or similar. With that, you can complete the process without needing to scan the QR code.
The general procedure on Android for manually inserting the eSIM is usually as follows:
- Sign in Settings.
- Press on Network and Internet or the equivalent section on mobile networks.
- Tap on the icon + along with Mobile Network or in Add eSIM.
- When the “Don’t have a SIM card?” screen appears, tap on Enter code manually or in the help option that leads to manual data entry.
- Enter the SM-DP+ address as shown in the PDF.
- Write the activation code that the operator has provided you.
- In some cases, following the format is required. LPA:1$DIRECCION_SMDP+$CODIGO_DE_ACTIVACIONall together and respecting the symbols.
- Confirm and wait for the device to download and install the plan.
This method is a little more tedious than scanning a QR code, but It gets you out of trouble if the code doesn't work. or if the email viewer does not display the image correctly.
Configure APN on an Android eSIM
Many eSIM data plans, especially those used for travel, require manually change the APN (Access Point Name) for your mobile to connect to the internet. If you don't configure it, you'll see signal but you won't have data.
The specific APN details (name, APN, username, password, authentication type, etc.) are usually included in the eSIM PDF or in the operator's instructions. Typically, this is sufficient. modify one or two key fieldsleaving the others as they are.
The typical steps to change the APN on Android are these:
- Opens Settings Of the device.
- Go to Mobile networks or a similar menu.
- Select the eSIM or data plan that you just installed.
- Tap on Access Point Names o APN.
- If the operator asks you to, press on New APN or at symbol + to create a profile.
- Enter the Name and the APN that they have provided you; the rest of the fields are usually optional.
- Save the changes and select that APN as active.
In some specific cases, such as certain travel plans, you will be asked to put something like this in both fields. “eSimFLAG” or a similar value. Once done, activate mobile data on the eSIM and the connection should start working.
Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy phones
Samsung Galaxy devices compatible with eSIM offer a fairly straightforward menu. If your carrier has sent you a QR code to use their eSIM on your Samsung, the procedure is very simple and Everything is done from the Connections section settings.
In general, the steps to add an eSIM to a Samsung are:
- Opens Configuration on your Samsung.
- Tap on Connections.
- Sign in SIM card manager.
- Choose the option Add eSIM o Add mobile plan.
- Choose Scan the operator's QR code.
- Scan the QR code included in the email or the eSIM PDF.
- Confirm when the option appears RSVP to complete the installation.
On newer models, tapping on “Add SIM” will bring up several options: transfer from another device, scan QR code, or search for eSIM cardsThe most common way to use a travel eSIM is with a QR code, but if your carrier offers automatic search or transfer from another Samsung phone, you can also follow the wizard.
If for whatever reason you can't use the QR code, in the same "Scan operator QR code" menu there is usually an option to “Enter code in its place”where you can manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code and complete the process with the Confirm button.
Activate eSIM on Google Pixel phones
On Google Pixel phones, the system is very well integrated with the eSIM, and All SIM management is done from Networks and InternetIt's one of the phones where the eSIM experience is the cleanest.
To install an eSIM using QR code on a Pixel, the steps are usually:
- Opens Settings on your Pixel.
- Sign in Network and Internet.
- Tap on YES or in Mobile Network, depending on the Android version.
- Press on Add SIM or on the icon +.
- When “Download new eSIM” or “Download a SIM instead” appears, tap it.
- The system will do a network information verification.
- The camera will then open so you can scan the QR code.
- Wait for the download to finish and, when you see it in the list, activate the eSIM on the “Use SIM” switch.
If you need to install it manually, from that same screen, after clicking on download eSIM, a link like this usually appears "Do you need help?" which will take you to the option “Enter data manually”There you can add the SM-DP+ address and the activation code provided by the operator.
Once you have it set up, you will see it in the SIM list all cards (physical and electronic) associated with the PixelSimply tap on the desired eSIM and activate the "Use SIM" option or select it as your main data line to start using it.
Activate eSIM on Xiaomi and Redmi phones
It's also possible on some recent Xiaomi and Redmi models use eSIM as an alternative to the physical SIMThe menu changes slightly because MIUI or HyperOS add their own layer, but the concept is the same.
To activate an eSIM on a compatible Xiaomi device, the typical process would be:
- Enter the app Settings of the telephone.
- Look for the section SIM cards and mobile networks.
- Click on the option Use eSIM.
- A message will appear like this: “Activating eSIM”Confirm with Accept.
- On the new screen of Manage eSIM, tap on Add mobile plan.
- Scan the operator's QR code when prompted.
- Wait a few moments until the phone finishes activating the virtual card.
After activation, you can choose whether you want to use the eSIM for mobile data, calls, SMS or all at once, and configure the behavior of the two lines if you also have a physical SIM installed.
Other Android phones compatible with eSIM
Beyond Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi, there are other manufacturers that They offer eSIM compatibility in some of their modelsOPPO, Sony, Honor, Nokia, Rakuten and others are gradually expanding the list.
The menu path changes slightly depending on the customization layer, but the pattern is the same in all of them: you have to go to Settings, entering mobile networks or connections and look for the section where SIMs are managed to find the option to add an eSIM or a mobile plan.
If you have doubts about a specific model, it's best to consult. the brand's official support page Or you can use the help from your carrier, which usually includes very detailed guides specific to each phone. This way you don't have to go through each menu to find the right option.
Convert a physical SIM to eSIM on Android
On some recent Android phones, especially in Latest generation Samsung Galaxy and modern Google PixelThe option already exists to convert a physical SIM into eSIM without asking anything of the operator (if they support it). It's a very convenient way to switch your main line to an eSIM without changing your number or requesting a duplicate.
On a compatible Google Pixel, the typical process to convert a SIM to an eSIM would be:
- Opens Settings.
- Sign in Network and Internet.
- Press on YES.
- Select the physical SIM what you want to convert.
- Scroll to the bottom of the menu and tap on Convert to eSIM.
- Make sure the mobile phone has WiFi enabled with internet access.
- Confirm again with the button Convert to eSIM to start the process.
- Wait a few seconds until the system indicates that “Your eSIM is ready”, and it plays in Hecho.
On Samsung devices that support this option, the path is similar but from the connections section:
- Sign in Settings.
- Go to Connections.
- Opens SIM Manager.
- Select the physical SIM that you want to transform.
- Choose the option Convert to eSIM.
- Confirm again in Convert to eSIM and wait for it to finish.
After the conversion, the line will remain as an eSIM on your device and you will be able to free up the physical tray for another card if you need it.
Transfer a SIM or eSIM between two Android phones
Another possibility offered by many devices is transferring the SIM from one mobile phone to another directly, without having to request a new QR code. It usually works between recent Android phones, especially between certain Samsung and Google Pixel models.
In this context, we talk about Mobile Donor (where the original SIM or eSIM is located) and Mobile Receiver (where the eSIM with that line will be installed). It's important that both are updated to a recent version of Android and, in many cases, that they are physically close.
Before starting, it's a good idea to make sure that in the Donor The mobile line to be transferred is active and has coverage, and that the Receiver has a Google account set up, WiFi turned on and an Internet connection.
In a typical transfer process between two Android devices, the steps are usually something like this:
- At the Mobile Receiver, go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs.
- Wait for the system to do the network check.
- Choose the option Transfer a SIM from another device.
- Choose Pixel or Android device (as it appears).
- A message will be displayed on the screen QR code to pair with the Donor Mobile.
- At the Mobile DonorScan that QR code when the assistant tells you to.
- Once both are paired, the Donor will detect the Receiver.
- On the Receiver, select the mobile line you want to transfer and tap on Transfer.
- Confirm the transfer again when prompted.
- Upon completion, a notification will appear in the Donor's account. “SIM transferred” and the eSIM will be installed and ready to use in the Receiver.
This system has the advantage that You don't need to enter SM-DP+ codes or wait for a new QR codeprovided that both devices and the operator are compatible with the transfer function.
Possible errors when activating an eSIM on Android
Although the installation process is usually quick, sometimes we encounter activation errors that prevent connection to the networkIt is not uncommon that, after installing the eSIM, the mobile phone has no data or does not allow calls.
If about ten minutes have passed since you arrived at your destination and You still have no internet connection With the eSIM, it's a good idea to rule out problems with a few basic steps: restart your phone, check for pending software updates and install them if necessary.
One of the most common mistakes is that the device does not automatically detect the APNIn that case, you will have to configure it as we have explained: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names, create a new APN and enter the data indicated by the operator (for example, Name and APN equal to “eSimFLAG” in some specific cases).
It is also important to have Data roaming is enabled On the eSIM line if you're outside your country or if the plan relies on partner networks. To enable this, go to Settings > Mobile network > Relevant SIM card and select the Data roaming option, keeping in mind that extra charges may apply in your region, although many travel plans already include it.
If you're still offline, check in Access Point Names Ensure the selected APN is that of your current operator and that there are no unusual parameters. You can also change this in the section. Preferred network type (for example, from 5G to 4G or even 3G) to see if it connects to the network better with another technology.
As a last resort, it sometimes helps reset network settingsIn Settings, go to About phone or Additional settings (depending on the model), tap Reset phone, and choose "Reset network and Bluetooth settings." This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords and connection settings, but it often resolves unusual network issues.
If, despite everything, the error persists, the best thing to do is to take a screenshot of the message or note down the error code displayed by the device and contact customer service from the eSIM provider so they can review it from their side and, if necessary, generate a new profile.
Why use an eSIM when traveling with your Android device
For those who travel a lot, an eSIM on Android is practically a Swiss Army knife of connectivityIt allows you to arrive in a new country with the data already prepared, without having to look for shops or queue at the airport.
Many eSIM providers offer local, regional or even global plansDesigned specifically for travel: you choose how many days or how many gigabytes you need, scan the QR code, and you're good to go. Instead of paying traditional roaming charges, you usually save a significant amount of money and have more control over your usage.
Another interesting point is that you can Keep your primary SIM for calls and texts (for example, your usual number) while using the eSIM for data only. This way, your contacts can still reach you on your regular number without you incurring data roaming charges.
Furthermore, the fact that it is possible Change your plan or operator in a matter of minutes This makes eSIM a very flexible option: if a plan falls short or the coverage isn't what you expected, you can install another eSIM and try it out, without any physical changes or waiting.
In short, the eSIM on Android combines comfort, safety and flexibility To manage your mobile connections, both in your daily life and while traveling. With the steps you've seen—compatibility check, installation via QR code or manually, APN settings, transfer between devices, and troubleshooting—you have everything you need to take advantage of this technology and finally forget about changing SIM cards every time you want a new plan or to switch to a new country.
