The Google Pixel has supported eSIM technology since the Pixel 3 in 2018. Every Pixel from the Pixel 4 onwards supports eSIM without regional restrictions.

The Pixel 7 and later models added dual active eSIM support, so you can run two lines simultaneously without needing a physical SIM card at all . This guide walks you through the setup process step by step.

Devices That Support Google Pixel eSIM

Most Google Pixel models are eSIM-compatible. Here is the breakdown:

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Full eSIM support (no restrictions):

  • Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G)

  • Pixel 5, 5a (5G)

  • Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a

  • Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a

  • Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a

  • Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9a, 9 Pro Fold

  • Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold

  • Pixel Fold

Limited support:

  • Pixel 2 and 2 XL: eSIM only works on Google Fi in the US 

  • Pixel 3 and 3 XL: Only models from Google or Verizon support eSIM. Excluded: Australia, Japan, and Taiwan variants 

  • Pixel 3a and 3a XL: Works on most global models. Excluded: Japan, South East Asia, and Verizon variants 

Before You Start: What You Need?

Complete these three prerequisites before setting up your eSIM:-

  1. Carrier-unlocked device: A carrier-locked Pixel will block eSIM activation on other networks. If you bought your Pixel directly from Google, it is unlocked. Carrier-purchased devices like Verizon or T-Mobile variants may be locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock before proceeding.

  2. eSIM profile from your carrier: Your carrier will provide either a QR code or a manual activation code. Keep this ready before you begin.

  3. Stable Wi-Fi connection: A strong Wi-Fi connection is required to download the eSIM profile. Interruptions during download can cause errors.

Check If Your Pixel Is eSIM-Ready

You can quickly verify if your Pixel supports eSIM using two methods:

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1: Settings

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs

  • Look for the Add SIM (+) icon. If you see Download a SIM or Set up eSIM, your Pixel supports eSIM .

*Method 2: Dial #06#

  • Open your phone dialer and dial *#06#

  • If a 32-digit EID (eSIM hardware identifier) appears alongside your IMEI, the eSIM hardware is present .

Step-by-Step: How to Activate Google Pixel eSIM?

The setup path is the same across all compatible Pixel models, with minor label variations. Here are the steps :

Step 1: Open Settings

Open Settings and tap Network & internet. You will see the connectivity page with entries such as Internet, Calls & SMS, and SIMs.

Step 2: Access SIM Settings

Tap SIMs on the Network & internet screen. This opens the page where your physical SIM, eSIM profiles, and SIM preferences are managed.

Step 3: Add a New eSIM

Tap Add SIM (or Download eSIM instead if your Pixel build shows that option) . The phone will open the add-SIM flow.

Step 4: Choose Setup Method

Tap Set up an eSIM. The Pixel will show the eSIM setup screen where you can either scan a QR code or enter the details manually .

1: Install eSIM by Scanning a QR Code (Easiest Way)

This is the quickest and most common way to activate your eSIM.

  1. On the QR setup screen, point your Pixel camera at the QR code provided by your carrier.

  2. Keep the code inside the scan frame until the phone recognizes the eSIM profile.

  3. Review the detected profile details and tap Download.

  4. Wait for the download to complete, then tap Done.

The eSIM profile is now installed on your Pixel.

Important tip: The QR code is single-use. Once scanned, it cannot be used again . Do not delete the eSIM after installing it—many profiles cannot be reinstalled using the same code without support.

2: Install eSIM Manually (Without QR Code)

If your carrier did not provide a QR code or the camera cannot read it, use manual entry .

  1. On the eSIM setup screen, tap Enter code manually (or look under Need help? for this option) .

  2. Enter the activation details provided by your carrier. The activation code might look like a single string in this format: LPA:1SM−DP+AddressSM−DP+AddressActivation Code .

  3. Tap Continue or Next and wait for the eSIM to download .

  4. Tap Done when the installation completes .

The manual activation code is also single-use and not transferable between devices .

Confirm the eSIM Was Installed Successfully

After installation, verify the eSIM is active:

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs .

  • Confirm that your new eSIM profile appears in the list.

  • Tap on the eSIM entry and check that Use SIM is available and the toggle switch can be turned on .

Managing Your eSIM on Google Pixel

Here is how to manage your eSIM after setup:

Enable/Disable eSIM: Go to Settings > Network & Internet, select your eSIM profile, and toggle it on or off.

Switch Between SIMs: If you are using dual SIM mode, switch between eSIM and physical SIM easily under Network Settings. The Pixel 7 and later support two active eSIMs simultaneously without a physical SIM.

Delete an eSIM Profile: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and select Delete or Remove SIM Profile.

FAQ's- About Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

Does my Google Pixel need to be unlocked for eSIM?

Yes. A carrier-locked Pixel will block eSIM activation on other networks. Pixels bought directly from the Google Store are unlocked. Carrier-purchased devices may be locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock .

What does dual active eSIM mean on Google Pixel?

Starting with the Pixel 7 series, Google enabled dual active eSIM: two eSIM lines running simultaneously without needing a physical SIM card. You can store your home eSIM on one line and a travel eSIM as your data line—both stay active at the same time. On Pixel 4, 5, and 6 series, one active eSIM + one physical SIM is supported.

Can I install a travel eSIM on my Pixel?

Yes. All Pixel 4 and newer models support travel eSIM with no regional restrictions. Install the eSIM before you travel, but wait until you land to turn on mobile data. Some plans automatically activate when you enable data roaming .

What are the prerequisites for eSIM setup?

You need a compatible Google Pixel device, a carrier that supports eSIM, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a QR code or activation code from your provider .