Menu names vary a little by brand, but the flow is the same on Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and most other recent Android phones with eSIM support. Do the install at home on Wi‑Fi before you travel.
1. Confirm eSIM support and unlock status
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead?
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
If you don’t see an eSIM option, your model or region variant may not support it. For unlock status, check Settings → About phone → SIM status, or ask your carrier.
2. Install the eSIM profile
With a QR code:
- Open the Add eSIM / Download a SIM flow above.
- Scan the QR code from the provider’s email (from a laptop or second screen).
- Confirm the download. Give the profile a name like “Trip”.
With the provider’s app: Airalo, Saily, Nomad and aloSIM can install directly on most Android phones — buy or open the plan and tap Install.
3. Configure the two SIMs
Once both are active:
- Set Mobile data to the travel eSIM.
- Set Calls and SMS to your home SIM.
- Turn off “Switch mobile data automatically” / “Auto data switching” so it can’t fall back to home-carrier roaming.
On Samsung: SIM manager → Preferred SIM → set Mobile data to the eSIM. On Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → pick the eSIM → set as data.
4. On arrival: enable roaming for the travel eSIM
- Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel) or SIM manager (Samsung) → tap the travel eSIM.
- Turn the eSIM on.
- Turn on Roaming for that line — required, because the eSIM’s home network is abroad. It doesn’t affect your home SIM.
- Confirm Mobile data is pointed at the eSIM.
Wait a minute for it to register. If it doesn’t connect, toggle Airplane Mode, then restart.
5. After the trip
Top up in the app if supported, or remove it: SIMs / SIM manager → tap the eSIM → Erase / Delete.
Common problems
- No data on arrival: roaming is off for the eSIM, or mobile data is still set to your home SIM.
- Only 3G / slow: manually select the network — Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → the eSIM → Preferred network type → 5G/LTE, and try choosing the carrier manually.
- APN issues (rare): the provider’s help page lists the APN to enter under the eSIM’s Access Point Names.