descargarplaystore
EN

eSIM on Android: compatibility, setup and travel eSIMs

Reviewed on

Check if your Android supports eSIM with *#06#, set it up on Pixel and Samsung with a QR code, use a travel eSIM without losing your number and avoid common mistakes.

Phone with an eSIM chip, a globe and a plane

An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a card, your carrier gives you a QR code or an app and the profile downloads to the phone. One phone can store several eSIMs and use a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time.

Does my phone have eSIM?

  1. Open the phone dialer and type *#06#.
  2. If you see a number labeled EID, your phone supports eSIM.
  3. Also make sure the phone is unlocked: carrier-locked phones may reject eSIMs from other carriers.

Be careful with imported models: some regional versions of the same phone have no eSIM.

How to set up an eSIM

Have the QR code or activation code from your carrier at hand and connect to Wi-Fi.

  • Pixel and stock Android: SettingsNetwork & internetSIMsAdd SIM, choose to download a SIM, then scan the QR code.
  • Samsung: SettingsConnectionsSIM managerAdd eSIM and tap Scan QR code.

When it's done, give it a name (say "Travel" or "Work") and choose which SIM handles calls, texts and mobile data.

Travel eSIMs without losing your number

Travel eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Ubigi or Nomad, among others on Play Store) are usually data-only and much cheaper than your carrier's roaming. To use one without nasty surprises:

  1. Install it at home, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you travel.
  2. When you land, pick the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn on roaming only on that eSIM.
  3. Keep your usual SIM on to receive calls and texts (like bank codes), but with its data roaming turned off.
  4. WhatsApp keeps working with your usual number, since it only needs an internet connection.
Don't delete an eSIM "to free up space": many carriers won't let you reinstall it with the same QR code. If you want to stop using it for a while, turn it off instead of deleting it.

Common problems

ProblemUsual causeFix
"Invalid QR code"The QR code was already used or has expiredAsk your carrier for a new one
Can't add the eSIMCarrier-locked phone or a model without eSIMRequest an unlock or check the EID
No data abroadRoaming is off on the eSIMTurn it on for the travel eSIM only
Switching phonesThe eSIM is tied to the old phoneAsk your carrier to transfer it; some recent Android phones can transfer it during setup

Frequently asked questions

Can I have two numbers on one phone?
Yes, if your phone is dual SIM: a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs on some models. You choose which one to use for calls, texts and data.
Does an eSIM use more battery?
Not noticeably. Having two active lines does use a little more than one, whether they’re physical or eSIM.
Does WhatsApp work with a data-only eSIM?
Yes. WhatsApp keeps your usual number; the eSIM just gives it an internet connection.