How to Set Up eSIM on Google Pixel 9 & 10 (Step-by-Step)

Quick answer

On Google Pixel 9 and 10, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM, then scan your QR code. The process takes under 5 minutes. Pixel 9 and later support dual eSIM (two active eSIMs without a physical SIM tray). Older Pixels (3–8a) support one eSIM plus one physical SIM. Some carrier-locked Pixels may have eSIM restricted — check your model first.

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Which Google Pixel phones support eSIM?

Important exceptions:

• Pixel 2 only supports eSIM with Google Fi — it cannot be used with third-party eSIM providers
• Carrier-locked Pixels (purchased through Verizon, AT&T, etc.) may have eSIM disabled until the phone is unlocked
• Pixels sold in Japan may have different eSIM behavior due to carrier restrictions

Check your specific device in our eSIM compatible phones guide.

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How to install an eSIM on Pixel 9 and Pixel 10

These steps work for Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9a, Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL.

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Connect to Wi-Fi before starting.

Step 2: Open SIM settings

Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.

You will see your existing SIM (if any) listed here.

Step 3: Add a new SIM

Tap Add SIM (or the + icon).

Your Pixel will show options:

• Scan a QR code — use this for eSIM providers like e-sim.onl
• Use a different network — for manual carrier selection

Step 4: Scan the QR code

Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM provider. The QR code is delivered by email after purchase.

If the QR code is on the same phone, you cannot scan it with the camera. Instead:

• Open the QR code on another device and scan from there
• Or tap Need help? > Enter code manually and paste the activation string

Step 5: Download the eSIM profile

After scanning, the Pixel connects to the carrier server and downloads the profile. This takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Tap Confirm when prompted with the carrier details.

Step 6: Name the eSIM

The Pixel lets you rename each SIM. Use a descriptive name like “Travel Japan” or “Europe Data” to keep things clear.

Step 7: Set as data SIM

Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and tap your newly installed eSIM. Toggle Use for mobile data on.

If you want to keep your home SIM for calls and texts:

• Home SIM: Calls + SMS
• Travel eSIM: Mobile data

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How to install an eSIM on Pixel 6, 7, and 8

The steps are nearly identical to Pixel 9/10:

1. Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM
2. Scan QR code
3. Wait for download
4. Set as data SIM

Minor differences by generation:

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How to install an eSIM on Pixel 3, 4, and 5

Older Pixels use a slightly different menu:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network
2. Tap the + (Add) button or Advanced > Carrier
3. Select Download a SIM instead? (or Use eSIM instead)
4. Scan the QR code
5. Confirm and wait for download

On Pixel 3 and 4, the eSIM feature may be buried one level deeper. If you don’t see it:

• Update your phone to the latest Android version
• Check that your Pixel is not carrier-locked with eSIM disabled

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How to use dual eSIM on Pixel 9 and 10

Pixel 9 and 10 support two active eSIMs simultaneously. This means you can run two eSIM profiles without any physical SIM.

Setting up dual eSIM

1. Install your first eSIM (home carrier or personal line)
2. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM
3. Install your second eSIM (travel data plan)
4. Assign each SIM’s role:
   • Calls: Home eSIM
   • SMS: Home eSIM
   • Data: Travel eSIM

Pixel 9: Three SIM options

The Pixel 9 has a physical SIM tray AND dual eSIM. You can choose:

Note: Even with dual eSIM support, only two SIMs can be active at once (Dual SIM Dual Standby).

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How to enter an activation code manually on Pixel

If you cannot scan the QR code:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM
2. When the QR scanner opens, tap Need help? (or look for a manual entry option)
3. Tap Enter code manually (or Type in activation code)
4. Paste the activation code — it looks like: LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ACTIVATION-CODE-HERE
5. Tap Add or Connect

The profile downloads as normal after entering the code.

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How to switch between eSIM profiles on Pixel

If you have multiple eSIM profiles stored (for different countries, for example):

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
2. You will see all installed SIMs listed
3. Tap the profile you want to activate
4. Toggle it on
5. Set it as the data SIM

You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them per trip. Only the active profile(s) use battery and radio resources.

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How to delete an eSIM from Pixel

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
2. Tap the eSIM you want to remove
3. Tap Delete SIM (or Erase SIM)
4. Confirm

The profile is permanently removed. You will need a new QR code to reinstall it. If you plan to reuse the plan, toggle it off instead of deleting.

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Troubleshooting Pixel eSIM issues

”Add SIM” option doesn’t appear

Causes:

• Carrier-locked Pixel with eSIM disabled
• Outdated Android version
• Pixel 2 (only works with Google Fi)

Solutions:

• Contact your carrier to unlock eSIM functionality
• Update Android: Settings > System > System update
• Check your model: Settings > About phone — confirm it’s not a carrier-restricted variant

eSIM download fails or times out

Causes:

• Weak Wi-Fi connection
• QR code already used (most are single-use)
• Carrier server issue

Solutions:

• Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network
• Contact your eSIM provider for a replacement QR code
• Wait 10–15 minutes and retry

eSIM installed but no data connection

Causes:

• eSIM not set as the data SIM
• eSIM not toggled on
• Plan hasn’t activated yet (some activate on arrival in the destination country)
• APN configuration needed (rare)

Solutions:

1. Go to SIMs settings and confirm the eSIM is on
2. Set it as the mobile data SIM
3. Toggle airplane mode on then off
4. Restart the phone
5. If the plan activates on first use, wait until you arrive at your destination

eSIM works but speeds are slow

Causes:

• Data allowance exceeded (throttled)
• Connected to a congested cell tower
• Data still routing through your home SIM

Solutions:

• Check data usage in Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > [your eSIM] > Data usage
• Confirm the eSIM is the active data SIM
• Toggle airplane mode on/off to connect to a different tower
• Move to a different location

Pixel shows “No SIM” after restart

This occasionally happens after a system update. Solutions:

1. Go to SIM settings and toggle the eSIM off then on
2. Restart the phone
3. If the issue persists, remove and reinstall the eSIM profile (you’ll need a new QR code)

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Pixel eSIM FAQ

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new Pixel?

Google does not currently support direct eSIM transfer between Pixel devices (unlike iPhone’s eSIM Quick Transfer). When upgrading to a new Pixel, you’ll need a new QR code from your eSIM provider.

Does using eSIM affect Pixel’s battery life?

Minimally. Running dual SIM (physical + eSIM or dual eSIM) uses roughly 5–10% more battery than a single SIM. This is barely noticeable on Pixel 9 and 10 with their larger batteries.

Can I use eSIM with Google Fi?

Yes. Google Fi works natively with eSIM on all Pixels from Pixel 3 onward. You can use Google Fi as your home eSIM and add a travel eSIM as the second SIM.

Does Pixel support eSIM in all countries?

The hardware supports eSIM globally, but some carrier-locked models restrict it. Unlocked Pixels purchased from the Google Store work with eSIM worldwide.

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Related

• eSIM Setup on iPhone — Step-by-Step
• eSIM Setup on Samsung — Step-by-Step
• How to Use Dual SIM with eSIM
• How to Activate Your eSIM — General Guide
• eSIM Compatible Devices
• How eSIM Works
• Browse eSIM Plans by Destination