How to Set Up an eSIM on Android

Travel eSIMs work brilliantly on Android — Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and most recent flagships. The menus vary slightly by brand, but the flow is the same: scan a QR, add the line, point your data at it. Here's how, with the exact paths for Pixel and Samsung.

Before you start

• Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and support eSIM (Pixel 3 and newer, Galaxy S20 and newer, and many others). Confirm with our compatibility check.
• You need Wi-Fi or data to download the profile — install before you fly.
• Have your Roameo QR code ready from your confirmation email.

Step-by-step on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings → Network & internet.
2. Tap the + next to SIMs (or "Add SIM").
3. Choose Download a SIM instead? → Next.
4. Scan your Roameo QR code.
5. Follow the prompts to download and activate, then give the line a clear name like "Travel".

Step-by-step on Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Tap Scan QR code from service provider and scan your Roameo QR.
4. Confirm to add the eSIM, then label it.

Other Android brands follow a near-identical path under Settings → SIM / Mobile network → Add eSIM. If you can't find it, search your settings for "eSIM".

Point your data at the travel eSIM

This step prevents accidental home-roaming charges:

1. Go to SIM manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel).
2. Set Mobile data to your new travel eSIM.
3. Open the travel eSIM's settings and turn Data roaming ON for that line. On a travel eSIM this just means "use the local network" — it does not bill your home carrier.
4. Keep your home SIM enabled for calls and texts if you want to stay reachable on your number.

When to do this

Install before departure on Wi-Fi. Switch the travel line's data roaming on after you land (or keep your home line's roaming off in the meantime). Your data allowance typically starts when the eSIM first connects in your destination.

Common Android eSIM issues (and fixes)

• No connection after landing: Toggle Airplane Mode, then confirm Data roaming is ON for the travel eSIM.
• QR won't scan: Use "Enter code manually" with the activation details in your Roameo email.
• Data not routing: Double-check Mobile data is set to the travel eSIM, not your home SIM.
• Can't find Add eSIM: Update Android to the latest version and check the phone is unlocked.

Need more detail? See our full eSIM setup guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does adding an eSIM remove my physical SIM?

No. The eSIM sits alongside your physical SIM, so you keep your home number for calls and texts.

Why do I have to turn on data roaming?

A travel eSIM connects to a local network as a "visitor," which Android labels as roaming. With a travel eSIM that carries no extra cost — it's just how the connection is made.

Can I move my eSIM to a new phone?

eSIM profiles are usually tied to one device. If you change phones mid-trip, contact support; for a new trip, simply buy and install a fresh plan.

Get your Android eSIM

Pick a destination, get an instant QR, and follow the steps above. Start with all Roameo destinations or read how it works.