How to install an eSIM on Android

Before you start

• Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Most recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones do; many other brands too. A quick test: dial *#06#. If you see an EID, your phone has eSIM. Check your phone.
• Be on wifi. The eSIM downloads over the internet.
• Have your order page or email open. It has your QR code, an install button and the codes to enter by hand.

Option 1: tap the button

Reading your order page on the phone the eSIM is for? Tap Install on Android. On phones that support it, the eSIM setup opens by itself. Doesn’t work on your phone? Use option 2 or 3.

Option 2: scan the QR code

Open the order page or email on another screen, like a laptop. Then:

Samsung Galaxy

1. Go to Settings › Connections › SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider.
3. Scan the code and follow the steps.

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings › Network & internet › SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM (or the +), then Download a SIM instead.
3. Scan the code and follow the steps.

Other phones: search your settings for “eSIM”. Menu names differ per brand and Android version, but the steps are the same.

Option 3: enter the codes by hand

Can’t scan? On the scan screen, look for Enter code manually or Need help?. Paste the activation code from your order page. Some phones also ask for the SM-DP+ address, which is on the order page too.

Set it up

• Name: call the new line “Rebels”, so you can tell the two apart.
• Calls and texts: keep your home SIM.
• Mobile data: leave it on your home SIM for now.

When you land

1. In SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel), set Rebels as your mobile data SIM.
2. Turn on Roaming for the Rebels line. On Samsung: Settings › Connections › Mobile networks › Data roaming. On Pixel: tap the Rebels SIM and turn on Roaming. That’s how the eSIM reaches the local network, and it costs nothing extra.
3. Make sure roaming is off for your home SIM, so it can’t run up a bill.

Not connecting?

• Check that Roaming is on for the Rebels line, and that Rebels is your mobile data SIM.
• Turn Airplane mode on and off again, or restart your phone.
• Still nothing? In the Rebels line’s network settings, turn off automatic network selection and pick another network.
• Don’t delete the eSIM. An eSIM can usually be installed only once, so a deleted one is gone. Contact us first: we’ll fix it with you.

Using an iPhone instead? See installing on iPhone.

Source for Samsung: Samsung Support. Menu names differ per brand, model and Android version.