How to Install eSIM on Android: Set Up in 2 Minutes

Android phones support eSIM when they run Android 9.0 (Pie) or later and carry dedicated eSIM hardware. The most common eSIM compatible phones are most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models and Google Pixel 4 and newer. Some OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola, and Nokia models support eSIM too, depending on the model and where you bought it. Check your specific model's spec sheet before you buy a plan, because not every Android device ships with the chip. eSIM activation on all of these models follows the same QR code or manual code process through your phone's SIM settings.

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.

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.

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. Your 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. Confirm your device specs and update your Android version first.

An installed HelloRoam eSIM cannot 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. Most Samsung Galaxy S20 to S24 models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE) and the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models 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. Your HelloRoam account dashboard also shows your remaining balance. The network reports usage with a delay, so it 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 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.