How to install an eSIM on a Google Pixel

Installing your Eflexsim eSIM on a Google Pixel takes about two minutes. The path is Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + Add SIM → Download a SIM instead? From there you scan the QR code from your activation email, name the line, and set Eflexsim as your data SIM. Pixel 6 and later also support eSIM Transfer, which lets you move profiles from another Android phone without using your QR code if your previous Pixel had one already installed.

Below: install steps, eSIM Transfer alternative, Pixel-specific gotchas, and how to set up dual SIM with your home line.

Which Pixels support eSIM

Every Google Pixel from the Pixel 3 (2018) forward supports eSIM in regions where Google sold the cellular variant. Pixel models known to work:

• Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
• Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
• Pixel 5, 5a
• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
• Pixel Fold

Some Pixels sold in India and certain Asian markets ship with eSIM disabled. If Settings → Network & internet → SIMs doesn't show + Add SIM, you have a region-restricted model. There's no fix; you'd need a different phone.

Before you start

Three quick checks:

• Pixel is on Android 12 or later (most are by now). Check Settings → About phone → Android version.
• You're on Wi-Fi. Install needs a working internet connection, and you don't want to use cellular data to set up a cellular plan you bought to save on cellular data.
• Your Pixel is unlocked. If you bought it through a US carrier on installments, the unlock comes automatically after the device is paid off; before that, the carrier holds the unlock until you meet their criteria.

Step-by-step install via QR code

1. Open the activation email on a separate screen. Laptop, tablet, or another phone. Pixel can't scan its own screen.
2. On your Pixel, open Settings.
3. Tap Network & internet → SIMs.
4. Tap + Add SIM (or "+" in the top right on Pixel 8 and later).
5. Tap Download a SIM instead? at the bottom.
6. Tap Next. The Pixel camera opens for scanning.
7. Point the camera at the QR code on your other screen. Hold steady; it usually scans in 1-2 seconds.
8. Confirm Download. The eSIM profile downloads (10-30 seconds on Wi-Fi).
9. Name the line ("Eflexsim Italy" works fine).
10. Pixel asks which SIM to use for Mobile data, Calls, and Texts. Set Mobile data to Eflexsim. Leave Calls and Texts on your home line.

You're done. Open Chrome or Maps to confirm. If a page loads, you're on Eflexsim's data.

Using eSIM Transfer (Pixel 6 and later)

If you've already installed a different eSIM on another Android phone you own (or on an older Pixel you still have), you can transfer it without using your QR code:

1. On the new Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device.
2. The Pixel walks you through a sign-in to your Google account, then scans for nearby Android phones that already have eSIMs.
3. Select the old phone, then the eSIM you want to move.

This is useful when you upgrade phones mid-trip and don't want to email support for a fresh QR. The QR code becomes unnecessary. Transfer handles the profile re-issue automatically. Note: this works phone-to-phone within the Android ecosystem. There's no Pixel-to-iPhone (or iPhone-to-Pixel) eSIM transfer.

Manual install (when QR scanning fails)

If the QR refuses to scan:

1. On the Download a SIM screen, tap Need help? at the bottom.
2. Pick Manually enter activation code (label varies slightly by Android version).
3. Open your activation email. The codes you need are at the top.
4. Copy the first code into the Activation code field. The format is usually LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ACTIVATION_TOKEN. Copy the whole thing as one string, including the LPA:1$ prefix.
5. Tap Activate.

If the prompt asks for a "Confirmation code" leave it blank. Eflexsim doesn't require one. Tap Continue.

Setting Eflexsim as your data SIM

After install, Pixel asks you to set the SIM preferences during the setup flow. If you skipped or want to change them later:

1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
2. Tap your Eflexsim line.
3. Toggle Use SIM on (if it isn't already).
4. Tap Mobile data preference at the top of the SIMs screen.
5. Pick Eflexsim.

You also need to enable Roaming for the Eflexsim line for it to actually carry data:

1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tap Eflexsim.
2. Toggle Roaming on.

This is the counterintuitive but common cause of "I installed Eflexsim but I have no data". Even though Eflexsim is a travel eSIM running on a partner network you bought for that country, Android still labels the connection as "roaming" until you toggle it on for that line.

Pixel-specific tips

A few Pixel quirks worth knowing:

Adaptive Connectivity. Pixel 6 and later have a "Adaptive Connectivity" setting that automatically switches the data SIM based on signal quality. For travel, this can be helpful (auto-fallback) or confusing (data line keeps flipping back to your home SIM when home roams). Test both states; turn off Adaptive Connectivity if you want Eflexsim to stay the data line no matter what.

Wi-Fi calling on the home line. Pixel handles Wi-Fi calling well, which means your home line can keep receiving calls and SMS over hotel Wi-Fi while Eflexsim carries cellular data. Enable Wi-Fi calling per-line in Network & internet → SIMs → Calls → Wi-Fi Calling.

Multiple eSIMs. Pixels can store 5+ eSIM profiles but only run one active at a time (the active eSIM plus one physical SIM). Useful if you travel often. Store eSIMs for several frequent destinations and switch the active one before each trip.

Pixel Fold. Works the same as a standard Pixel; the foldable form factor doesn't change the eSIM behavior. Both inner and outer displays show the same Settings screens.

For more on managing two lines, see how to switch between your physical SIM and eSIM. For the iPhone equivalent, see install on iPhone. For troubleshooting failed Android installs, see Android couldn't activate eSIM.