How to Install Your eSIM on Android (QR Code & Manual)

Before You Start

Make sure you have the following ready:

• An eSIM-compatible Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, or similar — check compatibility)
• Android 10 or newer (go to Settings > About Phone to check your version)
• A WiFi connection — the eSIM profile needs to download over the internet
• A carrier-unlocked phone — a locked phone will block eSIM installation. Check here if you're unsure.
• Your QR code or activation details from your Only eSIM purchase email. Can't find it?

Important note: Android's settings menus vary between manufacturers. Below, we cover the two most common paths: one for Samsung Galaxy devices and one for Google Pixel and other stock Android phones. If your phone looks different, the option names will be similar — look for keywords like "SIM," "eSIM," or "Add SIM."

Method 1: Install via QR Code (Recommended)

Display the QR code on another screen (laptop, tablet, or another phone) so your Android phone's camera can scan it.

Google Pixel and Stock Android

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Tap Add SIM (or tap the + icon)
5. When asked how you'd like to set up, select Download a SIM instead
6. Tap Next — your camera will activate
7. Point your camera at the QR code from your purchase email
8. Wait for the eSIM profile to download (usually 10-30 seconds)
9. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup
10. When asked, give the plan a descriptive name like "Japan Travel" or "Europe Data"

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager
4. Tap Add eSIM
5. Tap Scan QR code from service provider
6. Point your camera at the QR code
7. Wait for the profile to download
8. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish

Method 2: Install via Manual Entry

If you can't scan the QR code (for example, it's on the same phone you're trying to install on), you can enter the activation details manually.

Google Pixel and Stock Android

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Tap Add SIM
5. Select Download a SIM instead
6. At the QR code scanner screen, tap Need help? or Enter it manually
7. Enter the Activation Code from your purchase email (this is a long string that starts with LPA:1$)
8. Tap Continue and wait for the download to complete

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager
4. Tap Add eSIM
5. Tap Enter activation code
6. Type or paste the Activation Code from your email
7. Tap Connect and wait for the download

Both the activation code and QR code are sent to your email immediately after purchase. If you need help finding them, see our guide to finding your QR code.

Important: Don't Activate Yet (For Most Plans)

After the eSIM is installed, your phone may ask if you'd like to enable it right away. If you haven't arrived at your travel destination yet, choose not to enable it.

Activation timing varies by plan:

• Instant activation plans start their validity when the eSIM profile is installed. The clock is already running, but keeping the line off still avoids unnecessary data use before your trip.
• Activation upon arrival plans start their validity when the eSIM first connects to a cell tower in the destination country. Keeping the line off until you arrive ensures the clock doesn't start early.

Check your plan details to see which type you have. When in doubt, keep the line turned off until you arrive. Follow our activation guide when you're ready.

Rename Your eSIM Plan

Keeping your eSIM plans organized is especially helpful if you travel often. Here's how to rename it:

Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap your eSIM > tap the plan name at the top to edit it.

Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > tap your eSIM > tap the name to change it.

Give it a name you'll recognize, like "Thailand 10GB" or "Summer Europe Trip."

What Happens Next

Your eSIM is installed and sitting quietly in the background. When you land at your destination:

1. Follow our activation guide to turn on the eSIM line
2. Enable data roaming in your phone's settings
3. Set the eSIM as your default data line
4. You're online — enjoy your trip