How to Install an eSIM on Android: Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi

To install an eSIM on Android, open the SIM section of Settings, tap Add eSIM, then scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. On Samsung it's Connections → SIM manager, on Pixel Network & internet → SIMs, on Xiaomi Mobile networks → Manage eSIM. Install a Matrimix eSIM at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land.

Key facts (October 2026)

• Menu paths differ by brand and software version. If you can't find the option, type "eSIM" into the Settings search.
• Ways to install: a QR code (Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi can also read it from a saved image) or manual entry of the activation code.
• Internet needed: the phone should be on Wi-Fi during setup.
• Two lines: Pixel 3a and later run one physical SIM plus one eSIM. On most Samsung phones only one eSIM can be active at a time. On some Xiaomi models the eSIM can't be used together with a second physical SIM.
• Mobile data runs through one SIM at a time, and you pick which one.
• Region matters: Samsung warns that depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even on a listed model.

Before you start

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Check eSIM support: dial *#06#; an EID line means the phone has eSIM. More in how to check if your phone supports eSIM.
3. Make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked. A locked phone only accepts its own carrier's eSIMs.
4. Buy the eSIM in the Matrimix wallet in Telegram: Services → Travel SIM cards; every destination is in the eSIM catalogue. The order appears in the Mini App and under Profile → Purchases with the QR code, SM-DP+ address and activation code.

On some Android phones the Install eSIM button in the order opens setup straight away. If it doesn't, use the QR code or manual entry.

Where to find it: Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi

Action	Samsung (One UI)	Google Pixel	Xiaomi (HyperOS)
Add an eSIM	Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM	Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM	Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM
SIM for data	SIM manager → Mobile data	Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data	Mobile networks → Data SIM
Data roaming	Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming	Network & internet → SIMs → [eSIM] → Roaming	Mobile networks → Data roaming
Hotspot	Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering	Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering	Settings → Portable hotspot

Labels can vary between software versions and languages. On older Xiaomi phones with MIUI the section is called SIM cards & mobile networks.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and tap Add eSIM.
2. Tap Scan QR code and point the camera at the code shown on another screen. If the QR code is saved as an image, tap the gallery icon and pick the file.
3. For manual entry, tap Enter activation code on the scanner screen. Newer One UI versions have separate fields for the SM-DP+ address and the activation code; older ones want a single string like LPA:1$SM-DP+-address$activation-code.
4. Follow the prompts and switch the new line on in SIM manager.

Samsung says that if Settings has no SIM manager item, the phone works with a single physical SIM only and doesn't support eSIM. Also, on most Galaxy phones only one eSIM is active at a time; if your home number is an eSIM too, you may not be able to keep both lines on. Check this before you travel.

Google Pixel

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM. On older Android versions the option reads Download a SIM instead?
2. On the scan screen, point the camera at the QR code. You can also upload a picture of the code.
3. Nothing to scan? Use the help link on the same screen to type the code in manually.
4. Follow the prompts. If asked whether to use two SIMs, say yes so your home SIM stays on.

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (HyperOS)

1. Open Settings → Mobile networks and turn on Use eSIM.
2. Tap Manage eSIM → Add eSIM (Add mobile plan on some versions).
3. Scan the QR code, pick its image from the gallery, or choose manual entry below the scanner.

Xiaomi warns that on some models the eSIM and a second physical SIM can't be used at the same time. Keep your home SIM in slot 1 and leave slot 2 empty.

On arrival: pick the data SIM and turn on roaming

1. Turn on the eSIM line if it's off.
2. Choose the eSIM for mobile data (see the table above). Keep calls and SMS on your home SIM: a Matrimix eSIM has no number.
3. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM. On Xiaomi with HyperOS, the Data roaming screen has an International roaming mode: set it to Always. On Samsung the roaming switch stays grey until mobile data is on.
4. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM, and automatic data switching between SIMs if your phone has it, so the phone doesn't pull data from your home carrier at roaming rates.

No data? Toggle Airplane Mode, check that the eSIM is selected for data and restart the phone. Keeping your home number for bank SMS is covered in keep your home number with a travel eSIM.

Hotspot from an eSIM

The hotspot shares whichever SIM is set for mobile data, here the eSIM. Tethering usually works, though some networks may limit it. A laptop burns data much faster than a phone; the order page shows what's left.

Good to know

• Data only. No number, calls or SMS — your home SIM keeps those.
• One installation. Don't delete the eSIM until the trip ends; it can't be reinstalled.
• New plan instead of a top-up. When data runs out, buy another plan in the same wallet in a couple of taps.
• Telegram required. The order and install details live in the Telegram wallet, always at hand under Profile → Purchases.
• Matrimix holds your balance for you. No seed phrases and no extra apps — everything opens in Telegram.
• Not every Android qualifies. You need eSIM support in your regional version and no carrier lock.

Sources

• Samsung UK: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers
• Samsung Russia: how to set up eSIM on Galaxy (in Russian)
• Samsung UK: turn international data roaming on or off
• Pixel Phone Help: how to use dual SIMs
• Pixel Phone Help: connect to mobile networks
• Google Store: how to set up a SIM on Google Pixel
• Xiaomi: how to activate the eSIM card
• Xiaomi: turn data roaming on or off on the Xiaomi 14T
• Compare the Networks: manual SM-DP+ and activation code setup

Read also

• Travel eSIM: the complete guide
• How to install an eSIM on iPhone
• Is my phone eSIM compatible? How to check
• How much data do I need for a trip?

FAQ

How do I install an eSIM on Samsung?

Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code. If you don't have the QR code to hand, tap Enter activation code on the same screen.

Can I scan a QR code shown on the same phone?

Not with the camera, but Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi can read a QR code from a saved image. Manual entry works too.

Why is there no data after I land?

Usually your home SIM is still set for mobile data, or data roaming is off for the eSIM. Check both and toggle Airplane Mode.

How do I install an eSIM on Huawei or another Android phone?

The path is similar: look for the SIM section in Settings or search for "eSIM". If there is no option to add an eSIM, your model or its regional version most likely doesn't support it.