How to Install an eSIM on Android

Updated May 24, 2026 6 min read

Installing a travel eSIM on Android takes about a minute — but the exact menu names differ between Samsung, Pixel, and other brands, which is where people get stuck. This guide covers all of them, from purchase to your first bar of signal abroad. (On an iPhone instead? See our iPhone install guide.)

First: Is Your Android eSIM-Compatible?

Most flagship and mid-range Android phones from 2020 onward support eSIM. The common ones:

Brand eSIM-supported models
Google Pixel Pixel 3 and newer (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 — including a-series)
Samsung Galaxy Galaxy S20 series and newer, Note 20, Z Fold/Z Flip, A54/A55
Motorola Razr (2020+), Edge series, some G-series
Others Most 2020+ flagships from Oppo, Huawei (P40+), Honor, Sony Xperia

Two things to check first

1. Region matters. Some Samsung Galaxy variants sold in certain regions (and some carrier-locked units) ship with eSIM disabled. 2. Your phone must be unlocked — a phone locked to a home carrier won't accept a travel eSIM. To confirm support, dial *#06#; if you see an EID number, your phone has an eSIM.

Step 1 — Buy Your Plan

Choose and pay for your plan (for example, a Taiwan or Korea eSIM). manaMOBILE emails you an install link and a QR code instantly. Tip: install before you travel, while you still have your home internet — activation only starts when you arrive, so there's no waste.

Step 2 — Add the eSIM

There are two ways to add it. The tap link is fastest; the QR code is the universal fallback.

Method A — One-tap install link (Android 13+)

  1. Open the confirmation email on the phone you'll travel with.
  2. Tap "Tap to Install eSIM." Android opens the eSIM setup screen automatically.
  3. Tap Download / Add and wait a few seconds for it to install.

Method B — Scan the QR code (all Android versions)

Use this if the tap link doesn't open the installer, or if your email is on the same phone. You'll need the QR code visible on a second screen (computer, tablet, or a printout).

On Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
  2. Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider.
  3. Point the camera at the QR code and confirm Add.

On Google Pixel:

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
  2. Tap Download a SIM instead? → Next.
  3. Scan the QR code and confirm.

Can't scan? On both, choose "Enter manually" and paste the activation (SM-DP+) details from your email instead.

Step 3 — Activate When You Arrive

  1. In SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel), select the new eSIM line.
  2. Set it as your Mobile data line and turn on Data roaming for that line. (Roaming just lets the eSIM use the local network — your travel plan covers the cost; you won't be charged roaming fees.)
  3. Leave your home SIM for calls/texts if you want to keep your number reachable.

Ready to try it?

Grab a travel eSIM, install it in a minute, and land already connected.

See eSIM Plans by Country

Troubleshooting

"This QR code is no longer valid" or "Unable to add eSIM"

Each eSIM profile can only be installed once. If you removed it or installed it on another phone, it can't be re-scanned — contact support to reissue. Also confirm you're connected to WiFi or mobile data during installation.

The eSIM installed but there's no signal

Make sure the eSIM line is enabled, set as the mobile data line, and that Data roaming is ON for it. The plan only activates once you're physically in the destination country, so it won't show signal until you arrive.

Do I need WiFi to install or activate?

You need an internet connection (WiFi or your existing mobile data) to download the eSIM profile — best done at home before you fly. You do not need WiFi to activate it on arrival. More detail in Do I need WiFi to activate an eSIM?

Can I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

Avoid deleting it — most profiles can't be reinstalled from the same QR code. If you need to remove it, request a new profile from support first.