eSIM on Google Pixel — The best eSIM experience on Android

In short: All Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 (2018) onwards are eSIM compatible. To activate your eSIM on a Google Pixel, simply go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM → Add eSIM and scan the QR code: less than five minutes and you'll land with internet, no roaming, and no need to find a store.

If you have a Google Pixel and are about to travel, an eSIM is probably the most convenient way to carry data abroad. No more swapping tiny chips at the airport, no more shocking roaming bills when you return. In this guide, we'll explain, step-by-step and in plain English, how to check if your Pixel is compatible, how to activate the eSIM, how to configure it for travel, and what to do if you get stuck.

What is an eSIM and why it's a perfect fit for the Pixel

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip that is already soldered inside your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an operator "profile" via software, and you're good to go. Google was one of the first manufacturers to strongly embrace this technology: the Pixel 2 offered it in a limited way for Google Fi, and since the Pixel 3, eSIM works with operators worldwide, including travel eSIMs.

Since Pixels use "pure" Android (without the overlays of Samsung, Xiaomi, or Motorola), the menu is identical across all models, and system updates come directly from Google. This makes the eSIM experience on a Pixel one of the cleanest and most predictable in the Android ecosystem. If you want to understand the general concept better before continuing, you can find a more extensive explanation in our guide on what an eSIM or virtual SIM is.

Which Google Pixel models are eSIM compatible?

The rule is simple: all Google Pixel models from the Pixel 3 (2018) onwards support eSIM. This includes the more affordable "a" series and the latest Pro and Fold models. Only the original Pixel and the Pixel 2 are excluded from general eSIM use with third-party operators.

There are a couple of nuances worth noting. In some specific markets (for example, certain units sold in Australia or through a contract operator), the Pixel 3 was released without an active eSIM. And if you bought your Pixel financed or with a contract, it might be locked to a specific carrier, preventing the installation of third-party eSIMs until it's unlocked. In most countries, this unlock is free once the contract ends: you just need to request it from your carrier. When in doubt, any Pixel purchased after 2019 without carrier ties will work without issue.

How to check if your Pixel supports eSIM in 30 seconds

You don't need to look up the technical specifications. Your phone will tell you:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Tap SIM (or "SIMs").
4. If you see the option Add eSIM or a "+" button to add a plan, your Pixel is compatible.

Another definitive clue: go to Settings → About phone and look for the EID. If an EID number appears, your device has an integrated eSIM chip. Before purchasing your plan, also check these three points:

1. Is it unlocked? A Pixel tied to a carrier may reject external eSIMs. Check your network settings or ask your carrier.

2. How many lines do you want simultaneously? Pixels support your regular physical SIM + the travel eSIM working in parallel, so you can still receive calls on your usual number while browsing with local data.

3. Is the software updated? Have your Pixel running the latest Android version before installing the eSIM: this avoids known issues in profile downloading.

How to activate eSIM on a Google Pixel step-by-step

This is the core of the guide. The process is identical on any Pixel with recent Android. Do it over Wi-Fi before you leave home, at your leisure:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (the profile downloads over the internet).
2. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM.
3. Tap Add eSIM (or the "+" button next to SIMs).
4. Choose Scan QR code and point the camera at the QR code sent by PuraSim. If you can't scan it, tap "Enter manually" and enter the activation address (SM-DP+) and code.
5. Confirm the download and wait a few seconds for the profile to install.
6. Give the plan a recognizable name, for example "PuraSim Travel", so you don't confuse it with your regular SIM.
7. When the system asks which line to use for data, select the PuraSim eSIM.

The complete process takes between 3 and 8 minutes. An important detail: installing the eSIM is not the same as starting to use data. In many plans, the counter starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in the destination country, so you can leave it installed and downloaded days before your trip. If you want the process with specific screenshots, we have a dedicated guide on how to activate eSIM on Google Pixel, and a general version on how to install an eSIM.

Optimal Pixel configuration for travel

With the eSIM already installed, a few adjustments make the difference between a connected trip without surprises and a surprise bill. Here's what we recommend:

• Data line: In Settings → Network & Internet → SIM, set the PuraSim eSIM as your mobile data line. This way, all traffic goes through it and you don't touch your Spanish SIM's roaming.
• eSIM roaming activated: Within the PuraSim profile settings, activate "Data roaming". It sounds contradictory, but the travel eSIM needs roaming activated in its own profile to connect to local networks. If you have questions about what this means, we explain it in what data roaming is.
• Your Spanish SIM roaming deactivated: Leave your usual SIM for calls and SMS, but with data roaming turned off. You will still receive calls on your usual number without spending extra.
• Updates only over Wi-Fi: System and app updates on a Pixel can consume several GB without warning. Configure them to download only over Wi-Fi during your trip.
• Photo backup: Google Photos uploads to the cloud in high quality by default. Set it to "Wi-Fi only" or you'll empty your plan in two days of photos.

With this, your Pixel will maximize every gigabyte. If you're tight on data, it's worth reading these tricks to save data with eSIM.

Travel eSIM vs. your carrier's roaming

The big question: if your Spanish carrier already lets you use your phone abroad, why an eSIM? The short answer is money and coverage. Within the European Union, roaming is regulated, and you usually browse as if you were at home. But as soon as you leave the EU (United States, UK after Brexit, Asia, Latin America...), traditional carrier roaming can exceed several euros per day or be charged per megabyte, and that's where a travel eSIM pays for itself.

If you want to delve deeper into the comparison with real numbers and cases, we develop it in eSIM versus roaming. The underlying idea: with an eSIM, you decide how much you spend before you leave.

What almost no one tells you about eSIM on Pixel

Beyond the basic steps, there are details you only discover by traveling (or screwing up). We'll tell you about them in advance:

• Install it at home, not at the destination airport. Profile download requires internet. If you wait until you land, you'll find yourself without reliable Wi-Fi just when you need it. Download it with your home Wi-Fi and activate it upon arrival.
• The QR is scanned only once. Once the profile is installed on your Pixel, that QR code is "consumed". Don't delete it from your email, but don't expect to reuse it on another phone.
• A factory reset removes the eSIM. If you factory reset your Pixel, the eSIM profile disappears. Always save the original QR code just in case.
• Beware of the APN. Most eSIMs configure the APN automatically, but if you have "connected" data and still can't browse, checking the APN is usually the solution. Support will tell you in a moment.
• The data widget is your best friend. Pixels show consumption per SIM in Settings → Network & Internet → SIM → data usage. Check it every couple of days to avoid surprises.
• Dual eSIM on recent models. From Pixel 7 onwards, you can have two eSIM profiles saved (for example, one for Europe and one for your next destination) and activate the one you need without deleting the previous one.

Common problems and how to solve them

The vast majority of activations go smoothly. But if something goes wrong, it's almost always one of these three cases:

eSIM does not connect upon arrival at destination:

• Check that data roaming is activated in the PuraSim profile (it is often deactivated by default).
• Select the network manually: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM → network selection → deactivate "automatic" and choose a local operator.
• Restart the Pixel with the eSIM already activated as the data line.

QR code not working:

• Make sure you haven't scanned it before (it only works once).
• Confirm that the Pixel is connected to Wi-Fi when scanning.
• Contact PuraSim support to review the order or resend the code.

Slow or no data:

• Verify that the active data line is the PuraSim eSIM and not your local SIM.
• Check the APN if the problem persists.
• In basements, subways, or concrete buildings, coverage drops; try moving to an open area.

PuraSim's support team is available in Spanish, so if you get stuck, you're not alone.

Choose your plan according to your destination

Once you know your Pixel is ready, all that's left is the plan. The key is to choose coverage for the country or region you're visiting. For a getaway across the continent, a European eSIM covers dozens of countries with a single profile, ideal if you make several stops. And for a trip across the Atlantic, a US eSIM helps you avoid roaming, which is where it hurts most outside the EU. Install the profile on your Pixel before you leave and land with internet, no roaming, and no stress.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Google Pixels have eSIM?

From Pixel 3 (2018) onwards, yes. The original Pixel and Pixel 2 have very limited support, mainly designed for Google Fi, and are not recommended for travel eSIMs. Any newer Pixel (including "a" models, Pro, and Fold) is fully compatible.

How do I know if my Pixel is unlocked to use an eSIM from another carrier?

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM and try to add an eSIM. If the system doesn't allow it or asks for an unlock, your Pixel is tied to a carrier. Contact them to unlock it: in many countries, it's free once the contract or financing is over.

How many eSIMs can I store on my Google Pixel?

It depends on the model. Modern Pixels can store several eSIM profiles at once, although usually only one or two can be active simultaneously. You can save plans for different countries and activate the one you need for each trip.

Does the eSIM get deleted if I factory reset my Pixel?

Yes. When you factory reset your phone, all installed eSIM profiles are removed. Keep your original PuraSim QR code in a safe place in case you need to reinstall it, or contact support if you've lost it.

Can I transfer my eSIM to another Pixel or another phone?

Not directly. eSIM profiles are linked to the device for security. If you change phones, you'll need a new QR code for the new device; contact PuraSim and they will tell you how to proceed based on your plan's terms.

Does using a travel eSIM affect my Pixel's warranty?

No. eSIM is a standard feature of the Pixel itself. Installing a profile from a different carrier than the original is equivalent to inserting a physical SIM from any company and does not affect the warranty at all.

Can I still use WhatsApp with my usual number while using the eSIM?

Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your number, not to the data you use. With the PuraSim eSIM as your data line and your Spanish SIM inserted for calls and SMS, WhatsApp will continue to work with your usual number and browse via the eSIM.

Written by Marc González Sáez Founder of PuraSim and a specialist in eSIM and connectivity for travelers. He has been helping people travel connected worldwide for years without overpaying for roaming, and personally tests eSIMs in each destination before recommending them.