Released Oct 2022 on Pixel Android. Current OS: Android 15 / 16.
Open SIMs settings
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Add SIM
Tap 'Add SIM'
Set up an eSIM
Tap 'Set up an eSIM' (Android 15/16 wording; older Pixels say 'Download a SIM')
Scan the QR code
Point the camera at the QR from your provider, then tap 'Activate'
Pick default lines
Under 'Your primary SIMs' assign Calls, Texts and Mobile data
Open SIMs settings
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM
Enter manually
On the QR scan screen tap 'Need help?' or 'Enter it manually'
Paste the LPA string
Paste the full LPA / SM-DP+ activation string from your provider
Activate
Tap Activate, label the line, then set preferred SIMs under Network & internet > SIMs
Use Quick Setup on first boot
If you are setting up a new Pixel, choose 'Use another Android' and place the old phone nearby
Pick the SIM to transfer
Select the eSIM line to move and tap 'Transfer' then 'Activate'
Or transfer after setup
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device. Both phones need Android 12+, Play Services current and a screen lock enabled.
Confirm and verify
Approve on the old device. The line activates on the new Pixel and stops working on the old one.
Toggle Airplane mode on and off, then restart the Pixel. If it still shows No SIM, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the line and toggle it off and on. Google Fi users: remove the profile, reinstall the Fi app and re-add the eSIM.
Raise the brightness on the screen showing the QR code, clean the camera lens, and make sure the QR fills the viewfinder. If it still fails, use Need help? > Enter manually on the QR scan screen to paste the SM-DP+ activation string instead.
Use Quick Setup during first boot — pick "Use another Android" and place the old Pixel nearby. Both phones need Android 12+, current Play Services and an active screen lock. After setup you can also do it via Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device.
Yes on Pixel 7 and later. Pixel 6 and earlier can only have one eSIM active at a time (paired with a physical SIM in Dual SIM mode). Carrier support is still required for dual-active eSIM.
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the eSIM and tap Erase eSIM. Deleting the profile does not cancel the carrier plan. You can enable Settings > Security > Confirm SIM deletion to require authentication first.
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