Install and activate your eSIM on Android

Android phones running Android 9.0 (Pie) or later can support eSIM, but not every model ships with the required hardware. Compatible devices include most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models, Google Pixel 4 and newer, the OnePlus 11, 12, 13, 13R and Open (not Chinese models or the Nord series), Xiaomi 12T Pro and 13 series, Oppo Find X3 and X5 Pro, some Motorola Razr models, and Nokia XR21. The Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE have no eSIM, and some Pixel 3 and 3a phones work too, depending on where they were bought. Check your phone's spec sheet before buying a plan to confirm eSIM support, and make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked. The setup process is the same on all these models: QR code or manual activation code through your SIM settings.

HelloRoam eSIM installs on Android without a QR code using a manual activation code. Open your phone's eSIM settings, tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan, choose Enter activation code manually, then type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your HelloRoam confirmation email. The whole process takes about 2 minutes on any compatible Android running Android 9.0 or later.

An installed HelloRoam eSIM can't move to another phone, even with your phone's own transfer feature. Replacing your Android phone? Before your HelloRoam eSIM's first connection to a network your plan covers at your destination, email help@helloroam.com. HelloRoam can issue a new eSIM. After that first connection, HelloRoam doesn't issue a new one for a change of phone. Your Android phone may also hide the eSIM option if the model does not support eSIM hardware, runs Android below 9.0 (Pie), or is carrier-locked by Bell, Rogers, or Telus.

An eSIM works on Android through a built-in chip that stores a digital SIM profile downloaded via a QR code or activation code. HelloRoam sends that code by email after you buy a plan. You scan it through Settings, your phone connects to the local carrier network, and you get data in minutes. No physical card swap, no visit to a store.

Yes, for travel, eSIM beats a physical SIM card in three ways. First, you install it instantly from your email: no SIM card swap, no visit to a store. Second, you keep your home physical SIM active at the same time for calls and texts, so your number stays reachable. Third, you can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between country plans without carrying extra cards. One thing to know: an installed HelloRoam eSIM can't move to another Android phone.

Activating eSIM on Android takes about 2 minutes. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung), tap SIMs or SIM Manager, then tap Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email or choose Enter activation code manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code. Confirm the plan details, tap Download, and wait about 60 seconds. Once installed, turn on Data Roaming for the HelloRoam line. eSIM activation on Android 9.0 (Pie) and later follows this same path across brands.

Activating eSIM on Samsung Galaxy phones uses One UI. Open Settings, tap Connections, then SIM Manager, then Add eSIM. Choose Scan QR code or Add with activation code. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email, confirm the plan, and tap Download. Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models, including Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, support this eSIM activation process, but the S20 FE and S21 FE have no eSIM. After download, go to SIM Manager and set your HelloRoam eSIM as the preferred data line.

Turning on hotspot on Android lets you share your HelloRoam eSIM data with other devices like laptops and tablets. On most Android phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot and Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot, then toggle it ON. On Samsung (One UI), go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot. Make sure your HelloRoam eSIM is set as the active data line first, or the hotspot will use your home SIM instead. Hotspot usage counts against your data plan balance.

Checking data usage on Android works through Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage (or Settings > Connections > Data Usage on Samsung). You can see total data consumed by the current billing period and break it down by app. Tap your HelloRoam eSIM line to see usage specifically for that SIM. Set a data usage warning or limit so you get an alert before you hit your plan cap. Your HelloRoam account dashboard also shows the data you have used and the data you have left. The network reports usage with a delay, so these figures can be up to 3 hours behind.

eSIM travel plans on Android work the same as any eSIM. You buy a HelloRoam plan for your destination, install it before you fly, and turn on Data Roaming when you land. Your phone connects to a local network automatically. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries across 212+ networks, so your Android eSIM for travel works in Mexico, Japan, Europe, and beyond. You keep your home SIM active for calls. No physical SIM card swap, no international roaming fees from your home carrier.

If your Android eSIM shows no service, follow this eSIM troubleshooting checklist. First, confirm Data Roaming is ON at Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > your HelloRoam line. Second, restart your Android phone with the eSIM active. Third, select a network manually under Network Selection or Carrier settings and pick a local carrier. Fourth, toggle airplane mode on and off to force the phone to reconnect. Fifth, if the eSIM activation failed during setup, contact HelloRoam support at help@helloroam.com with your order ID for a replacement profile. The same troubleshooting steps work whether you are on a Samsung, Pixel, or OnePlus device.

eSIM on Android supports using eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time on devices running Android 10 or later with dual SIM hardware. Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models, Google Pixel 6 and newer, and the OnePlus 11, 12, 13, 13R and Open (not Chinese models or the Nord series) support running eSIM alongside a physical SIM. The Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE have no eSIM. Your home SIM stays in the tray for calls and texts, while HelloRoam eSIM handles data abroad. Go to Settings > SIM Manager (or Connections > SIM Manager on Samsung) to assign which SIM handles calls, messages, and data independently.