🤖 How to Install eSIM on Android

Follow this guide to install your PikaSim eSIM on your Android phone. Instructions vary slightly by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), so we've included steps for the most popular brands.

⚠️ Before You Start

Check compatibility: Make sure your Android phone supports eSIM (see list below)
Update your phone: Install the latest Android version for best compatibility
Have your QR code ready: You'll need the QR code from your confirmation email
Be connected to WiFi: You'll need internet to download the eSIM profile

📱 Google Pixel Phones

For Google Pixel 3 and newer models

Open Settings

Tap the Settings app (⚙️) on your home screen or app drawer.

Navigate to Network & Internet

Tap Network & Internet in the Settings menu.

Tap Mobile Network

Select Mobile Network or SIMs.

Add a SIM

Tap the + icon or Add more button.
Select Download a SIM instead? or Add eSIM

Scan the QR code

Choose Scan QR code and point your camera at the QR code from your confirmation email.
Alternatively, select Enter it manually if you have the activation code.

Download and activate

Tap Download to install the eSIM.
Once downloaded, tap Activate to enable your eSIM.

Enable Data Roaming

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Your eSIM]
Turn on Roaming (this is required for eSIMs to work!)

📱 Samsung Galaxy Phones

For Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy Z series, and select A series

Open Settings

Tap the Settings app (⚙️).

Navigate to Connections

Tap Connections at the top of Settings.

Open SIM Manager

Tap SIM Manager or SIM card manager.

Add eSIM

Tap Add mobile plan or Add eSIM.
Select Scan carrier QR code

Scan QR code

Point your camera at the QR code from your confirmation email.
Make sure the entire QR code is visible and in focus.

Confirm and download

Tap Add when prompted.
Wait for the eSIM profile to download and activate.

Enable Data Roaming

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks
Select your eSIM and turn on Data roaming

📱 Other Android Phones (General)

For Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and other Android devices

Open Settings

Launch your phone's Settings app.

Find the SIM/Network settings

Look for one of these menu items:
• Network & Internet
• Connections
• SIM cards & mobile networks
• Mobile Network

Find "Add eSIM" option

Look for:
• Add eSIM
• Add carrier
• Add mobile plan
• Download SIM

Scan QR code

Select the option to scan a QR code and scan the code from your confirmation email.

Complete installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to download and activate your eSIM.

Enable Data Roaming

Find your eSIM in mobile network settings and enable Data Roaming.
This step is critical - your eSIM won't work without it!

⚠️ Critical: Enable Data Roaming

You MUST enable "Data Roaming" or "Roaming" for your eSIM to work.
This is required for all international eSIM plans, including PikaSim. Without data roaming enabled, your eSIM will not connect to the internet even if it's installed correctly.

📱 eSIM Compatible Android Devices

eSIM is supported on these popular Android phones:

Google Pixel
Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, Fold

Samsung Galaxy
S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series
Z Fold/Flip 2, 3, 4, 5
Note 20 series
Select A series (A54, etc.)

Motorola
Razr 2019, 2020, 5G, 40
Edge+, Edge 30, 40, 50
G52, G53, G54, G73, G84

OnePlus
11, 12
Open, Nord series

Oppo
Find X3, X5, X6, X7 Pro
Reno 5A, 6 Pro 5G, 9A

Xiaomi
12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13T Pro, 14
Note 13 Pro, 13 Pro+

Huawei
P40, P40 Pro
Mate 40 Pro

Sony
Xperia 1 IV, 1 V
Xperia 5 IV, 5 V
Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10 V

📝 Note: eSIM availability can vary by region and carrier. Some phones may support eSIM in certain countries but not others. If you don't see the eSIM option in your settings, your device or region may not support it.

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: My eSIM installed but I have no internet connection

A: The most common cause is Data Roaming not being enabled.

Go to your phone's mobile network settings
Select your eSIM
Turn ON "Data Roaming" or "Roaming"
Restart your phone after enabling

Q: I don't see "Add eSIM" option in my settings

A: This could mean:

Your phone model doesn't support eSIM
Your phone's software needs updating - check for Android updates
eSIM is disabled by your carrier (contact them to unlock it)
Your region's version of the phone doesn't support eSIM

Q: The QR code scanner isn't working

A: Try these solutions:

Make sure you have good lighting
Check that camera permissions are enabled for Settings
Try displaying the QR code larger on another screen
Clean your camera lens
Try manual entry instead (select "Enter activation code manually")

Q: Error: "Unable to download cellular plan"

A: This error usually means:

No internet connection - connect to WiFi and try again
The QR code has already been used - check if the eSIM is already installed
Server temporarily unavailable - wait 10 minutes and try again

Q: Can I use multiple eSIMs on Android?

A: Yes, most Android phones that support eSIM can store multiple eSIM profiles. However, you can typically only have one eSIM active at a time (alongside one physical SIM for dual SIM). You can switch between eSIMs in your SIM settings.

Q: I deleted my eSIM by mistake, can I reinstall it?

A: Yes! Simply scan the QR code again from your original confirmation email. The QR code doesn't expire and can be used to reinstall your eSIM.

📖 Official Manufacturer Resources

For more detailed information, visit these official support pages:

Google Pixel:
How to use eSIM on Pixel phones (Google Support) →

Samsung:
How to activate eSIM on Galaxy phones (Samsung Support) →

General Android:
Use eSIM on Android devices (Android Help) →

Need More Help?

If you're still having trouble installing your eSIM, we're here to help!
Visit our FAQ page or contact support.

💡 Need to Top Up Your eSIM?

When you run low on data, you can easily top up your eSIM without creating an account:
Visit https://pikasim.com/top-up and enter your ICCID number (found in your confirmation email).