How to Install an eSIM on Android: Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi and Motorola

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By Steady eSIM Editorial Team
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Before You Start

This guide covers Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi and Motorola phones. If you have a Samsung Galaxy, follow our Samsung Galaxy guide instead, as Samsung uses its own SIM Manager menu.

Menu names differ a little between brands and Android versions. If a step below does not match your screen exactly, look for the closest option with the words SIM, eSIM, mobile network or mobile plan.

1. Check Your Phone Supports eSIM

Open Settings and search for eSIM. If you see an option such as Add SIM, Download a SIM, Add eSIM or Manage eSIM, your phone supports eSIM. If nothing appears, your model or regional variant may not support it.

2. Check Your Phone Is Unlocked

A phone locked to your home carrier will reject a travel eSIM. If you bought your phone outright or have finished your contract, it is usually unlocked. If you are not sure, ask your carrier before you buy.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Your phone downloads the eSIM profile over the internet, so install it at home or in your hotel on Wi-Fi, not after you land with no connection.

Where to Find Your QR Code and Activation Code

After you pay, your Steady eSIM details appear on screen and are emailed to you. You get two ways to install the same eSIM:

  • QR code: scan it with your phone's camera from another screen, such as a laptop or a printed copy.
  • Manual details: an SM-DP+ address and an activation code that you type or paste into your phone. Use these when the QR code is on the same phone you are installing on, because a phone cannot scan its own screen.

Google Pixel

  • Step 1: Open Settings, then tap Network and internet, then SIMs.
  • Step 2: Tap Add SIM (on some versions, Download a SIM instead).
  • Step 3: When the camera opens, scan the Steady eSIM QR code. If the code is on this phone, tap Need help? or Enter it manually and paste the activation code.
  • Step 4: Confirm the download and wait for the eSIM to install. This usually takes under a minute on Wi-Fi.
  • Step 5: When asked whether to use the new SIM, you can leave your home SIM in use for now. You will switch data to Steady when you arrive.

OnePlus and Oppo

  • Step 1: Open Settings, then Mobile network (on some models, SIM card and mobile data).
  • Step 2: Tap Add eSIM or eSIM, then Add mobile plan.
  • Step 3: Scan the QR code, or choose the option to enter details manually and paste the activation code.
  • Step 4: Confirm and wait for the eSIM to download.

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco

  • Step 1: Open Settings, then SIM cards and mobile networks.
  • Step 2: Tap Manage eSIM or Add eSIM.
  • Step 3: Scan the QR code, or enter the activation code manually.
  • Step 4: Confirm and wait for the download to finish.

Many Xiaomi phones sold for the mainland China market do not support eSIM, even when the model name matches an eSIM-capable version.

Motorola

  • Step 1: Open Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs.
  • Step 2: Tap Download a SIM or Add eSIM.
  • Step 3: Scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually.
  • Step 4: Confirm and wait for the eSIM to install.

When You Arrive

  • Turn off Airplane Mode.
  • In your SIM settings, turn on the Steady eSIM and set it as the SIM for mobile data.
  • Turn on Data roaming for the Steady eSIM line. Your phone is roaming abroad, and without this setting the eSIM will not connect.
  • Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier. You can keep your home SIM on for calls and SMS.
  • Wait a minute or two for your phone to join a local network. The network name appears in your status bar once you are connected.

Troubleshooting

The QR code will not scan

Turn your screen brightness up and hold the camera a little further away. If the code is on the same phone, use the manual option and paste the activation code instead of scanning.

The eSIM installed but there is no data

Check that the Steady eSIM is set as your mobile data SIM and that Data roaming is on for that line. Then turn Airplane Mode on and off to make your phone search for a network again.

This code is no longer valid

Each eSIM can only be downloaded once. If an install was interrupted or you deleted the eSIM, do not try the same code again: contact Steady support and we will help you get a working eSIM.

I cannot find any eSIM option

Your phone may be carrier-locked or may be a variant without eSIM. Ask your carrier about unlocking, or check your exact model's specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install the eSIM before my trip?

Yes, and we recommend it. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, keep using your home SIM until you land, then switch mobile data to Steady when you arrive.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM?

No. Most eSIM-ready Android phones keep your physical SIM active alongside the eSIM, so you can still receive calls and SMS on your usual number.

Can I keep more than one eSIM on my phone?

Most Android phones can store several eSIMs and switch between them in SIM settings, though only one or two can be active at a time depending on the model.

Why does my eSIM say No service after I land?

The most common cause is Data roaming being off for the Steady eSIM line. Turn it on in your SIM settings and make sure the Steady eSIM is the SIM used for mobile data.

Set It Up Before You Fly

Installing your Steady eSIM at home on Wi-Fi takes a few minutes and means you are online the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

Pick your destination at steadyesim.com, install the eSIM before you leave, and switch your data to it when you arrive.

Find Your Destination