Install and activate your eSIM on Android

HelloRoam eSIM plans work on Android phones running Android 9.0 (Pie) or later with built-in eSIM hardware. Compatible models in New Zealand include Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, OnePlus 9 and newer, Xiaomi 12T Pro and 13 series, Oppo Find X3 and X5 Pro, Motorola Razr 2019 and newer, and Nokia XR21. Check your model's spec sheet before buying a plan.

HelloRoam eSIM works on Android through a chip built into your phone that stores a digital SIM profile. After buying a plan, HelloRoam emails you a QR code or activation code. Scan it through your phone's SIM settings, the profile downloads, and your phone connects to a local carrier network in your destination country. eSIM vs physical SIM on Android: no SIM card swap needed before you board at Auckland Airport. You can also use Android data saver alongside your eSIM to control data usage on Android while travelling.

HelloRoam eSIM installs on Android without a QR code using a manual activation code in about 2 minutes. Open your phone's eSIM settings, tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan, choose Enter activation code manually, then type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your HelloRoam confirmation email. This works 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. Getting a new Android? Email help@helloroam.com before your HelloRoam eSIM first connects to a network your plan covers at your destination. We can issue a new eSIM before that first connection happens. After it connects, we don't issue a new one just for a phone change. Your Android phone may also hide the eSIM option if the model lacks eSIM hardware, runs Android below 9.0 (Pie), or is carrier-locked. Confirm your device specs and update your Android version to check eSIM support before you travel. eSIM compatible Android phones support both an active eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time, so you keep your NZ number while using HelloRoam data abroad.

An installed HelloRoam eSIM can't move 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.

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. The Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series, and Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models all support this eSIM activation process. 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. HelloRoam also shows your remaining balance in your account dashboard in real time.

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. Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 6 and newer, and OnePlus 9 and newer all support running eSIM alongside a physical SIM. 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.