Install and activate your eSIM on Android

HelloRoam eSIM works on Android phones that support both physical SIM and eSIM running simultaneously using Dual SIM Dual Standby. Most eSIM-capable Android phones support this, including most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Google Pixel 4 and newer, some OnePlus models (such as the OnePlus 9 series, 12 and 13), depending on the model and where it was bought, and selected Xiaomi and Oppo models. Some Pixel 3 and 3a phones also have eSIM, depending on where they were bought. Keep your Jio, Airtel, or Vi number active on your physical SIM while HelloRoam handles data abroad.

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.

Not all Android phones have eSIM. eSIM requires both the Android 9.0 (Pie) operating system or later and physical eSIM hardware inside the device. Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Google Pixel 4 and newer, some OnePlus models (such as the OnePlus 9 series, 12 and 13), depending on the model and where it was bought, and selected Xiaomi, Oppo, and Motorola models support eSIM. Some Pixel 3 and 3a phones do too, depending on where they were bought. Budget and older Android phones typically do not include eSIM hardware.

HelloRoam Android eSIM plans work for international travellers from India visiting the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and the rest of HelloRoam's 185+ countries. HelloRoam connects to 212+ mobile networks worldwide. Plans start from ₹98.03, which is real value for money compared to standard international roaming.

To activate eSIM on Android, open Settings and go to Connections or Network & Internet. Tap SIM manager, find your HelloRoam eSIM, turn it on, and enable Data Roaming. The path differs slightly by brand: Samsung uses Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, while Google Pixel uses Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Both take under 2 minutes.

An installed HelloRoam eSIM cannot be moved to another Android phone. Beyond that, eSIM beats a physical SIM card for travel 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.

An Android eSIM installs without a QR code in about 2 minutes 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 process works on any compatible Android running Android 9.0 or later.

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, plus the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, support this eSIM activation process. The Galaxy 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 in the current billing period and break it down by app. Tap your HelloRoam eSIM line to see usage 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 data used and data 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 Dubai, Thailand, Europe and beyond. You keep your Jio, Airtel or Vi SIM active for calls. No physical SIM card swap, and 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.

No. An installed HelloRoam eSIM cannot move to another phone, including with a phone's own transfer feature. Replacing your Android phone? Before your HelloRoam eSIM's first connection to a network its plan covers in your destination, email help@helloroam.com. HelloRoam can issue a new eSIM. After that first connection, HelloRoam does not issue a new one for a change of phone. Before you switch, check that the new phone can take an eSIM: a phone may hide the eSIM option if the model has no eSIM hardware, runs Android below 9.0 (Pie), or is carrier-locked.