Install Guide
Set up your Android eSIM at home, not at the airport.
Android menu names vary, but the flow is consistent: open the install details, add an eSIM, scan or paste the activation info, and choose the travel line for data.
Before you start
Make sure your Android phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked before you start.
Keep the QR code visible on another device or screen so you do not lose it mid-setup.
Keep a stable internet connection while the eSIM profile downloads and installs.
Install before you fly. Every Pelesim plan starts on first use at your destination, not at install time, so setting up early never costs you plan days.
Do not remove the eSIM after setup unless support explicitly tells you to. Reinstall options vary by provider and device.
Install steps
Follow the flow in order so the eSIM installs cleanly the first time.
- 1
Open your Pelesim install details
Open your order or email and keep both the QR code and manual activation code ready before entering Android settings.
- 2
Find the Add eSIM menu
Open Settings and look for the eSIM add flow. Samsung usually shows Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Pixel often shows Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Other Android phones may place it under Mobile network or Cellular network.
- 3
Scan the QR code first
Choose the QR install option and scan the code from your Pelesim order or email. This is the fastest path on most Android devices.
- 4
Use manual activation if needed
If the camera cannot scan or your device offers manual entry, paste the activation details from the install email instead.
- 5
Enable the line and choose it for data
Turn on the new eSIM, label it clearly, keep your primary SIM for calls if needed, and set the travel eSIM as the mobile data line when you want it active.
- 6
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM
In your mobile network or connections settings, select the travel eSIM and enable Data Roaming. On Samsung this lives under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks; on Pixel under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Travel eSIMs use partner networks abroad and stay offline without it.
Travel-ready settings
Keep your primary SIM active for calls and SMS if you still need your regular number.
Select the Pelesim eSIM as the data SIM before or when you land.
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM only - it is required for the eSIM to connect abroad, and keeping it off on your home SIM avoids surprise roaming charges.
If your phone offers automatic data switching, turn it off if you want to avoid accidental fallback to your home carrier.
Leave the network mode on 5G while it works. Travel eSIMs mostly ride 4G/LTE partner networks abroad, so if the line will not attach or shows no data, switch it to 4G/LTE. Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode, with the travel eSIM selected. Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > the travel eSIM > Preferred network type.
If the eSIM does not connect after landing, toggle airplane mode or restart mobile data once before troubleshooting further.
Troubleshooting
Most install issues come from scanning, compatibility, or data-line settings.
QR code does not scan
Raise the brightness of the screen showing the QR code, make sure the full code is visible, and try again under better light.
Manual install works better on some devices
Some Android phones offer an Enter activation code or Enter manually option. Use the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your Pelesim details if needed.
No Add eSIM option appears
The device may not support eSIM, the carrier may restrict it, or the menu name may differ. Check compatibility before spending more time in settings.
Installed but no data
Confirm the travel line is enabled, chosen for data, and has Data Roaming enabled. Then toggle airplane mode and retry the connection.
Shows a network but no data works
Drop the travel line from 5G to 4G/LTE, then toggle airplane mode on and off. Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode, with the eSIM selected, and choose the LTE option instead of the 5G one. Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > the travel eSIM > Preferred network type. Partner networks abroad often accept the eSIM on 4G/LTE when 5G registration fails, and you can switch back once you are online. While you are in these menus, check that the plan's APN is present and selected under Access Point Names.
Still no service, or stuck on Emergency calls only
Choose a network by hand. Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators, turn off Select automatically, wait for the scan, and pick a network your plan covers. Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > the travel eSIM, turn off Automatically select network, then choose. Open Coverage on the eSIM in My eSIMs to see which partner networks the plan uses in each country, which is also how you find the right network on a regional or Global plan. If the first network fails, try the next one, then switch automatic selection back on once you are connected.
Need help now?
If the eSIM still does not install or connect, open support with your phone model and the exact step where the flow stopped.