To activate an eSIM on Android, first confirm with your carrier that your exact phone model and plan are supported, then get the carrier’s assigned plan, QR code, activation code, or guided setup instructions. Follow the matching flow in your phone’s settings: Pixel and Samsung Galaxy use different menu paths, and a carrier may need to provision the eSIM before the phone can detect it.
Before you activate an eSIM
- Check compatibility with your carrier. Ask whether your exact phone model and plan support eSIM in your region. If you did not buy a Pixel from a carrier, Google advises checking eSIM support and confirming the phone’s IMEI or device ID with the carrier. Google’s Pixel eSIM setup instructions explain this check.
- Get the carrier’s activation method. Depending on the carrier, you may have a plan already assigned to the phone, a QR code, an activation code, or instructions to use a carrier app. Android supports carrier-app activation as one possible implementation, but the carrier determines what it offers. Samsung’s Galaxy instructions cover assigned plans, QR codes, and activation codes; the Android Open Source Project overview describes carrier-app activation.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Samsung says the Galaxy phone should have an internet connection while adding a plan.
- Keep the carrier’s instructions handy. The exact activation steps and whether the carrier must act first vary by provider.
Activate an eSIM on Google Pixel
During initial setup
- Follow the new Pixel setup flow. When prompted, choose Download SIM, then Set up, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If the phone does not detect a SIM or plan, contact the carrier. It may need to activate or assign the eSIM before the Pixel can find it.
After the Pixel is set up
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM.
- Follow the prompts. If no plan appears, ask the carrier to verify eSIM support for your phone and plan, and provide the IMEI or device ID if requested.
See Google’s current Pixel eSIM setup steps for the setup flow.
Activate an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
On a Galaxy phone, open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan. Choose the option that matches what your carrier supplied:
Pre-assigned plan
- Tap Add mobile plan and allow the phone to download and activate the assigned plan.
- If it is not available, ask the carrier whether automatic activation is supported. The carrier may request the phone’s EID.
QR code
- Tap Add using QR code.
- Scan the QR code provided by your carrier, then follow the prompts to download and activate the plan.
Activation code
- Tap Add using activation code.
- Enter the carrier’s details and continue through the download and activation flow.
Samsung’s Galaxy eSIM guide documents these paths. Carrier instructions take precedence if its setup process differs.
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- Vivid Large Screen & All-Day Battery - Features a 6.56" HD+ display for clear viewing and a robust 4000mAh battery that lasts. With an IP52 rating, it resists spills and dust, built for daily life.
- Easy eSIM Activation & Carrier Compatibility - Get connected faster with eSIM. No physical SIM card slot. Pre-configured and fully compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon ( not included their MVNOs).
- Clear Cameras & Practical Features - Capture life's moments with a 13MP rear AF camera and dual LED flash. The 5MP front camera is perfect for video calls. GPS and multiple sensors make it a capable daily driver.
- Clean Android Experience & Smooth Performance - Runs the latest Android 13 for a simple, intuitive experience. With 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, it handles everyday apps and tasks smoothly.
- Fast Charging & Modern Connectivity - Supports 18W fast charging to power up quickly. Equipped with USB Type-C, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for all your connection needs.
Transfer an existing SIM or eSIM to a new Pixel
Depending on carrier support, you may be able to move an existing physical SIM or eSIM to an eSIM on a new Pixel during setup or later from Settings. For Google’s automatic transfer flow, both phones must run Android 12 or later, have the current Google Play Services, and have a screen lock configured.
During Pixel setup
- Keep the old phone nearby and follow the new Pixel’s setup prompts.
- Select the SIM you want to transfer, choose Transfer and then Activate, and follow the remaining instructions.
After Pixel setup
- On the new phone, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device.
- Follow the prompts to select and activate the SIM.
If the transfer is not detected, or a retry fails, contact the carrier. Google notes that a failed transfer does not necessarily stop service on the old phone; the existing device or eSIM may continue to work. See Google’s Pixel SIM transfer instructions.
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- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
What to do if eSIM activation fails
- No eSIM option or no plan detected: Check that the exact phone and plan are eligible, and ask the carrier to confirm provisioning. Share the IMEI or device ID if requested. The carrier may have to activate or assign the profile first.
- You do not have a QR code or activation code: Request the correct method and credentials from the carrier. Do not assume a code can be reused; its validity depends on carrier rules.
- A Pixel transfer is not detected: Confirm the two phones meet Google’s documented requirements, retry, and contact the carrier if the transfer continues to fail.
- Settings labels do not match: Follow the instructions for your phone family and software interface. The Pixel and Galaxy paths are not universal Android menu labels.
Removing an eSIM is not the same as cancelling service
Removing an eSIM plan from a Galaxy phone does not end the carrier contract. Contact the carrier to cancel service or change the account; deleting the profile from the phone only removes it from that device. Samsung’s guide distinguishes removing a plan from ending the carrier agreement.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
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