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How to Set Up eSIM on Android - Samsung Galaxy & Google Pixel Guide

Step-by-step eSIM setup instructions for every major Android manufacturer

Setting up an eSIM on Android varies depending on your device manufacturer. Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another Android phone, this guide walks you through the exact steps for each UI. Android devices use different settings interfaces like Samsung OneUI, Stock Android, ColorOS, and MIUI, which can make the process confusing for first-time users. We cover supported models, manufacturer-specific setup steps, dual SIM management tips, and common troubleshooting solutions. With AutoWiFi eSIM, setup takes just a few minutes.

Supported Android Models for eSIM

The number of Android devices supporting eSIM grows every year. Here are the major supported models.

Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20 and later (S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series), all Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models, Galaxy Note 20 and later, and select A-series models starting with the A54 5G. Note that carrier-locked models may have eSIM functionality disabled.

Google Pixel: All Pixel models from Pixel 3a onward (Pixel 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, 8, 8a, 8 Pro, 9, 9 Pro). Pixel devices were among the first to support eSIM and offer the smoothest setup experience.

Other manufacturers: OPPO Find X3 Pro and later, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later, Sony Xperia 1 IV and later, HUAWEI P40 Pro and later (without Google services), and motorola razr 2022 and later. Availability varies by model and region, so check before purchasing.

eSIM Setup on Samsung Galaxy (OneUI)

Follow these steps to set up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI.

1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Connections, then tap SIM Card Manager (or SIM Manager). 3. Tap Add eSIM. 4. Select Scan QR Code, then scan the QR code provided by AutoWiFi eSIM. 5. The eSIM profile will begin downloading. You need an active Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. 6. Once the download is complete, the eSIM will be activated. Select the eSIM as your mobile data SIM.

On OneUI 5 and later, the path is slightly different: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Samsung's SIM Manager also lets you assign a custom label to your eSIM (for example, Travel eSIM) so you can easily identify it.

eSIM Setup on Google Pixel (Stock Android)

Follow these steps to set up an eSIM on Google Pixel devices running Stock Android.

1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Network & Internet. 3. Tap SIMs, then select Add SIM (or the + button). 4. On the Download a SIM screen, tap Next. 5. The QR code scanner will appear. Scan the QR code from AutoWiFi eSIM. 6. After the eSIM profile finishes downloading, tap Settings to activate it. 7. Select the eSIM as your mobile data SIM.

Pixel devices run Stock Android, making the setup process the most straightforward. On Android 13 and later, Pixel also supports eSIM transfer, allowing you to move an eSIM from an old device to a new one.

eSIM Setup on Other Manufacturers (OPPO, Xiaomi, Sony)

Other Android manufacturers follow a similar overall flow for eSIM setup.

OPPO (ColorOS): Settings > SIM Card & Mobile Data > Add SIM > Scan QR Code. ColorOS 13 and later offers a more intuitive path to the eSIM settings.

Xiaomi (MIUI / HyperOS): Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks > Add SIM Card > Add eSIM. eSIM support became widely available starting with MIUI 14.

Sony Xperia: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Scan QR Code. Xperia uses a near-stock Android interface, so the process is similar to Pixel.

Regardless of manufacturer, the core process is the same: scan the QR code and download the eSIM profile. You need a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection during setup.

Tips for Managing Dual SIM on Android

When using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, effective dual SIM management is key. Here are the essentials.

Switching the data SIM: Go to Settings > SIM Card Manager (or SIMs) to select which SIM handles mobile data. When traveling abroad, set the eSIM for data and keep the physical SIM for calls and SMS.

Enabling data roaming: To use your eSIM abroad, you must turn on both Mobile Data and Data Roaming. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks, select your eSIM, and enable Data Roaming.

Battery optimization: Disable any SIM you are not actively using to reduce battery drain. After returning home, turn off or delete the travel eSIM.

Notification management: With dual SIM, you can configure which SIM receives notifications. While traveling, use the eSIM for data notifications and the physical SIM for call alerts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are the most common eSIM setup issues on Android and how to fix them.

QR code won't scan: Increase your screen brightness and display the QR code at full size. If scanning a screenshot does not work, display the QR code on a separate device and scan it from there.

eSIM download fails: Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable. If you are using a VPN, turn it off temporarily and retry the download.

Add eSIM option is missing: Verify that your device supports eSIM. Carrier-locked models may have the eSIM feature disabled. Update your device software to the latest version.

No data connection after setup: Check that the APN settings are configured correctly. AutoWiFi eSIM sets the APN automatically, but if manual configuration is needed, contact support. Also confirm that both Mobile Data and Data Roaming are turned on.

A simple restart often resolves connectivity issues after setup, so try rebooting your device if you cannot connect.

FAQ

Do I need Wi-Fi to set up an eSIM on Android?

Yes, downloading the eSIM profile requires an internet connection. Use Wi-Fi or an existing mobile data connection. We recommend downloading before your trip while on a stable Wi-Fi network.

How many eSIMs can I install on my Android phone?

This varies by device, but most Android phones can store 5 or more eSIM profiles. However, only one eSIM is typically active at a time (plus one physical SIM on dual-SIM devices).

Can I use eSIM on a carrier-locked Android phone?

Carrier-locked devices may have restricted eSIM functionality. Phones with an active SIM lock may not support eSIM at all. Contact your carrier to confirm whether your device is unlocked and eSIM-capable.

Can I delete and reinstall an eSIM?

Once you delete an eSIM profile, you may not be able to reinstall it using the same QR code. Contact AutoWiFi eSIM support before deleting, and we will issue a new QR code if needed.

Sources & References

Pricing, speed, and coverage claims in this guide are based on the following publicly available sources. Please verify with the original source before making decisions.

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