How to install an eSIM on Android

Before you start

1. Check that your phone supports eSIM. Recent Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer) and Google Pixel (3 and newer) phones do.
2. Make sure your phone is not carrier-locked. A locked phone only works with the operator it was bought from, and the eSIM will not connect.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi. Installation fails without an internet connection.

Install with one tap (recommended)

The quickest way is the install link: one tap opens the eSIM download on your phone, with no QR code to scan. It needs Android 10 or later. Open the link on the phone you will use the eSIM on.

1. Get your install link: log in to your eSIMtime account, open My eSIMs and tap Install next to your eSIM. Or ask the eSIMtime assistant on WhatsApp or Telegram to send you the install link.
2. Tap Install on Android (or tap the link the assistant sent).
3. Confirm the download when your phone asks.
4. When the eSIM is added, choose it as the SIM for mobile data.

Install with the QR code

If one-tap installation is not available on your phone, use the QR code from your email. You can also see it in your account.

1. Google Pixel: open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then tap Add SIM or Download a SIM instead. Samsung: open Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then tap Add eSIM.
2. Choose to scan a QR code.
3. Scan the QR code from your email and confirm the download.
4. When the eSIM is added, choose it as the SIM for mobile data.

Install by entering the details manually

If the QR code does not scan, you can enter the activation code instead. It is in your email and in your account.

1. Start adding an eSIM as above.
2. On the scanning screen, tap Need help? or Enter activation code.
3. Enter the activation code exactly as shown and confirm.

Turn on roaming for the eSIM

Your eSIM uses partner networks abroad, so roaming must be on for it to work. This does not add charges to your eSIMtime plan.

Newer phones have a separate roaming switch for each SIM. Older phones have one switch for the whole phone.

1. Open your SIM settings. Google Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager or Mobile networks.
2. If you see a roaming switch for each SIM: tap your eSIMtime eSIM and turn on Roaming for it only. Leave roaming off for your main SIM, so your home operator does not charge you.
3. If there is one roaming switch for the whole phone (Data roaming under Mobile networks): turn it on, and turn off your main SIM or its mobile data while you travel, so your home operator does not charge you.

When you arrive

Your phone can keep your main SIM and the eSIM installed at the same time, and you can switch each one on or off in the SIM settings.

Turn off your main SIM before you reach the border. Near a border your phone can pick up a foreign network even before you cross, and your home operator may charge roaming for it.

Some networks take up to 10 minutes to register a new eSIM. If you have no connection after that, restart your phone and check the APN settings.

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