How to Activate an eSIM on Android

Android does not have one universal eSIM setup path. Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and other manufacturers use different menus, and support can vary between regional versions of the same phone. Start by checking the exact model number, current Android version, network and plan.

Before you start

• Confirm eSIM support on the manufacturer's UK page for the exact model.
• Ask the provider whether your account and plan are eligible.
• Install available system updates.
• Connect to reliable Wi-Fi and charge the phone.
• Keep the existing SIM active until the eSIM has been tested.
• Save backup codes for banking, email and other important accounts.

Do not rely on the presence of an “Add SIM” option alone. Some imported devices expose similar menus but do not support the required UK provider or regional configuration.

Activate on a Google Pixel

On current Pixel software, the usual route is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network and Internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Tap Add SIM.
5. Choose Set up an eSIM and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you are moving an eligible SIM from another device, Pixel may offer a transfer option instead. Provider support is required, so the presence of the menu does not guarantee that a particular line can be transferred.

Activate on a Samsung Galaxy

On supported Galaxy devices, the usual route is through Settings > Connections > SIM manager. Choose Add eSIM, then use the provider's supported method. Depending on the device and provider, this may involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, transferring a SIM or converting an existing physical SIM.

Samsung publishes a current list of supported Galaxy models, but availability can still depend on the country, provider and model variant.

Activate on another Android phone

Look for a section labelled SIMs, Mobile network, Network and Internet, Connections or SIM manager. The provider or manufacturer should supply the exact path for the device.

Stop and verify compatibility if the expected option is missing. Do not install unofficial “eSIM activation” apps or pay a third-party website to create a profile. The mobile provider or an authorised travel-eSIM supplier must provision the service.

Using a QR code

1. Display the QR code on another device or a printed page.
2. Open the phone's Add eSIM or Add mobile plan screen.
3. Scan the code and confirm the plan details.
4. Wait for the download and activation to complete.
5. Do not share or reuse the code unless the provider specifically says it can be reused.

If manual entry is offered, use only the SM-DP+ address and activation details supplied by the provider. Menu availability differs between manufacturers.

Set the line preferences

When a physical SIM and eSIM are both active, check which line the phone uses for:

• outgoing calls;
• messages;
• mobile data; and
• automatic data switching.

Label the lines clearly. For a travel eSIM, keep data roaming off on the UK line unless your UK plan explicitly covers the destination and you intend to use it.

Verify the result

1. Check that the provider and telephone number are shown correctly where available.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi and load a web page over mobile data.
3. Make an ordinary call to a non-emergency number.
4. Send and receive a normal text if the plan includes SMS.
5. Check incoming calls and any account-verification messages you depend on.

Do not call 999 or 112 as a test. Emergency numbers must be kept for genuine emergencies.

Common problems

There is no eSIM option

The phone may not support eSIM, the regional variant may differ, or the software may be out of date. Check the model number in Settings and compare it with the manufacturer's current UK documentation.

The QR code has already been used

Many codes are single-use. Ask the provider to issue or enable a replacement rather than deleting other working profiles or repeating the same scan.

The eSIM is installed but mobile data does not work

Check that the eSIM is turned on, selected for mobile data and using the correct roaming setting. Restart the phone and install any available carrier or system update. Contact the provider before changing APN details or deleting the profile.

The phone may be network-locked

UK providers have been prohibited from selling locked handsets since 17 December 2021, but older, used and imported devices may still require checking. Confirm the lock status with the original provider if an eSIM from another network is rejected.

You are converting an existing physical SIM

Leave the physical SIM in the phone until the conversion confirms that the eSIM is active. Once converted, the old card normally stops providing service. Test the new line before disposing of or returning the card.