In short: installing an eSIM on Android takes a couple of minutes: check compatibility by dialing *#06#, scan the QR code from Settings > SIM before traveling, and activate data roaming for that line upon landing. Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, and Oppo share the same process; only the menu name changes.
If you're traveling with an Android phone and want data upon landing without fiddling with physical cards, an Android eSIM is the most convenient solution. With PuraSim, you get coverage in over 200 destinations, activation with a QR in 1 minute, no abusive roaming, and 24/7 support in all languages via email and WhatsApp. In this guide, I'll explain, step by step, which Android phones support eSIM, how to check your compatibility, and how to install and activate an eSIM depending on your manufacturer—and what to do when things don't go as expected.
Which Android phones support eSIM
Not all Android phones have eSIM, but most mid-range and high-end models launched in recent years do. The eSIM is a chip soldered inside the phone that is programmed by software, so it depends on the specific model and, sometimes, the region of sale. These are the major compatible groups as of today.
- Samsung Galaxy: the S20 series and later (S21, S22, S23, S24), the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, and several recent Galaxy Note 20 and A models.
- Google Pixel: from Pixel 3 onwards (with the exception of some regional variants of the Pixel 3/3a sold in Asia and Australia).
- Xiaomi: recent models like Xiaomi 12, 13, 14, and the 13T/14T series; eSIM support on Xiaomi came later, so it's advisable to verify your exact model.
- Oppo, Motorola, Huawei, and Sony: recent high-end ranges (Oppo Find X, Motorola Razr and Edge, Huawei P40/Mate, recent Sony Xperia) usually include it.
The rule of thumb: if your Android is from 2020 onwards and is mid-to-high end, it's very likely to support eSIM. Still, it's best to check reliably, which is exactly what we'll cover next. If you're still not clear on what exactly this virtual chip is, take a look at our guide on what an eSIM is before continuing.
How to check compatibility (EID and *#06#)
Before purchasing your plan, confirm that your phone accepts eSIM. There's a universal trick that works on almost all Androids and takes less than ten seconds to give you the answer.
Open the Phone app and dial *#06#. A screen will appear with various identifiers: IMEI, IMEI2, and, importantly, the EID (a 32-digit number). If you see an EID, your phone has an integrated physical eSIM. If it doesn't appear, your device doesn't support it.
The EID (eUICC Identifier) is the serial number of your phone's eSIM chip. Its presence means the hardware is ready; some carriers and providers request it to activate the profile.
You can also check through the menus: in Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet), look for the SIM or SIM Manager option; if you see a button like Add eSIM or Add data plan, you're ready. With PuraSim, you can also cross-reference your specific model before paying to avoid surprises.
How to install an eSIM on Android step by step
The general process is almost identical on all Androids, with minor variations in menu names. It's best to install the eSIM before traveling, with a good WiFi connection at home, and leave data activation for when you land. Follow these steps for a smooth installation.
- After purchase, you'll receive a QR code via email (with PuraSim, it arrives instantly).
- Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > SIM or SIM Manager.
- Tap Add eSIM / Add data plan and choose Scan QR code.
- Point your camera at the QR code. Your phone will automatically detect the profile.
- If it asks for a manual activation code (SM-DP+), copy it from the email and paste it.
- Confirm the profile download and label it clearly, for example "Italy Trip."
When finished, you'll see your new eSIM listed alongside your primary line. It won't consume data yet: you'll activate that at your destination. If you prefer a general overview of the process, without going into detail by Android brand, we have the complete guide on how to install an eSIM.
Differences by manufacturer: Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, and Oppo
The most confusing part is exactly where the add eSIM button is, because each brand customizes Android in its own way. Here are the exact paths for the most common manufacturers so you don't waste time searching.
| Manufacturer | Menu Path |
|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM |
| Google Pixel | Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Download a SIM |
| Xiaomi (HyperOS/MIUI) | Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Add eSIM |
| Oppo / OnePlus (ColorOS) | Settings > Mobile connections / SIM & network > Add eSIM |
| Motorola | Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM |
On Samsung, the flow is very guided and sometimes offers to convert the line to eSIM directly from the initial assistant. On Pixel, Google integrates the "Download a SIM" option very cleanly, without extra steps. On Xiaomi, support came later and depends on the HyperOS/MIUI version and the phone's region: models officially sold in China from some series do not include eSIM even if the international version of the same model does, so if you don't see the option after updating the system, your specific unit may simply not have it.
Activate data upon arrival at your destination
Having the eSIM installed is not enough: you need to tell your phone to use it for data when you arrive in the country. This is the step most people forget and why they mistakenly believe their plan isn't working. Activation at the destination is quick.
- Upon landing, go to Settings > Connections / Network & Internet > SIM Manager.
- Select your PuraSim eSIM and turn on the line switch.
- Under Mobile data, choose the travel eSIM as your default data line.
- Activate data roaming for that eSIM (this is necessary for the profile to connect to the local network; you won't be charged roaming by your carrier because you're using PuraSim's local plan). If you want to understand the difference between this technical roaming and your usual plan's roaming, we explain it in what data roaming is.
- Wait one or two minutes for the phone to register the network. If not, restart it.
From then on, you'll browse with your local plan, you can share your connection via hotspot, and you'll keep your main line only for calls or WhatsApp via WiFi. Still don't have a plan? Choose your eSIM for the country you're traveling to.
Common problems and how to resolve them
Most issues are resolved in a couple of taps. Here are the most frequent failures when using an eSIM on Android and their direct solutions.
- The QR doesn't scan: clean it, increase screen brightness, or enter the manual activation code (SM-DP+) included in the email.
- No signal at destination: check that you have activated the eSIM, selected the correct data line, and turned on data roaming for that profile.
- "Cannot download profile": you need stable WiFi during installation; try again or install it before leaving home.
- Slow data: in Settings > SIM, check that the preferred network type is 5G/4G and restart your phone; if the problem is that you run out of data prematurely, take a look at our tips for saving data while traveling.
- You accidentally deleted the eSIM: many profiles cannot be reinstalled from the same QR; contact support before deleting anything.
If, after all this, it still doesn't work, write to us: PuraSim offers 24/7 support in all languages via email and WhatsApp to guide you at any time, wherever you are.
Myths and what almost no one tells you about eSIM on Android
There are several misconceptions circulating about eSIM that cause more confusion than the installation itself. These are the ones we see most often, along with details that are rarely explained.
- Myth: "an eSIM is an app or an emulator." It's not. It's an eUICC chip soldered inside the phone that is programmed by software; without that physical chip, no eSIM is possible, no matter how many QR codes you have. An Android emulator (like Android Studio's) doesn't have that hardware, so a real eSIM cannot be installed or tested there. Apps that appear in the Play Store under the name "eSIM emulator" are usually virtual number managers via VoIP, not data eSIMs: if you're looking for real connectivity at your destination, you need an authentic eSIM profile like PuraSim's, not an app of that type. If you want the technical details, we explain it in eSIM vs roaming.
- Myth: "the more eSIMs I have installed, the better the coverage." False. Most Androids actively use only one data line at a time, even if you have five profiles saved. Accumulating eSIMs without deleting them only serves to make your SIM menu more cluttered; what matters is which one you choose as the default data line in each destination.
- What almost no one tells you: the eSIM is tied to your phone's EID, not to you. If you sell your phone, take it to the service center, or simply change devices, the profile doesn't "travel" with you by copying the same QR code: in the vast majority of cases, an eSIM QR code can only be redeemed once. Delete the profile from Settings before getting rid of the phone; if you leave it on, that plan may become unusable for the next owner, and if you needed it on another device, you won't be able to reinstall it with the same code either.
- On Samsung, be careful with "convert to eSIM." The assistant allows you to transfer your main physical line to eSIM directly from the phone, but undoing that change sometimes requires going to a carrier store. Reserve this for your travel line, never for your main number, unless you know exactly what you're doing.
- When NOT to buy a travel eSIM. If you live in Spain and are spending a weekend in another European Union country, your Spanish plan already covers you under EU roaming regulations: don't spend on an additional eSIM for France, Portugal, or Italy. Where it definitely pays off is outside the EU or on long trips, which is exactly where the cost from your usual carrier skyrockets.
- Airport detail that surprises many people: in some destinations where public airport Wi-Fi requires receiving a verification SMS to a local number (common in several Asian countries), you won't be able to log in until you activate your eSIM. That's why it's advisable to install the profile at home with Wi-Fi, and as soon as you land and activate data, you'll have your own connection without relying on that airport Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Android is eSIM compatible?
Dial *#06# in the Phone app. If a 32-digit EID appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look for the "Add eSIM" option in Settings > SIM.
Do I need to activate roaming to use the eSIM?
Yes, you must activate data roaming only for the travel eSIM profile. You will not be charged roaming by your carrier because you are browsing with the PuraSim local plan, not your home plan.
Can I install the eSIM before traveling?
Yes, and it is recommended. Install it at home with WiFi and leave data activation for when you land. This way, everything is ready in less than a minute.
Can I share internet via hotspot with the eSIM?
Yes. PuraSim eSIMs allow you to share your connection via hotspot with other devices, just as you would with a physical SIM.
Do I lose my WhatsApp number when using the eSIM?
No. Your main line and number remain intact; the eSIM only manages data. WhatsApp and your apps work normally over the eSIM connection.
Does the eSIM work the same way on Samsung, Pixel, and Xiaomi?
The concept is identical; only the menu path changes. On Samsung, it's in SIM Manager, on Pixel it's under "Download a SIM," and on Xiaomi it's within SIM cards & mobile networks.
Can I test or use an eSIM on an Android emulator?
No. The eSIM relies on a physical eUICC chip soldered into the phone; an Android emulator (or a virtual machine) does not have this hardware, so it cannot receive or run a real eSIM profile. If you see apps called "eSIM emulator" in the Play Store, they are generally virtual number managers via VoIP, not a real data eSIM.
Conclusion
Installing an Android eSIM is straightforward: check compatibility with *#06#, scan the QR from Settings > SIM, label it, and activate data with roaming upon arriving at your destination. Samsung, Pixel, and Xiaomi only change the menu name, but the flow is the same; the only thing you might truly forget is to activate the correct data line upon landing, so check it as soon as you exit the plane. With PuraSim, you get over 200 destinations, 1-minute QR activation, hotspot, and 24/7 support in all languages via email and WhatsApp, all without abusive roaming. Choose your eSIM by destination, for example the eSIM for Europe or the eSIM for the United States, and travel connected from the first minute. For technical system questions, also consult Android's eSIM support.
