Google Pixel phones have one of the simplest eSIM flows on Android. The key thing to understand: you can install the eSIM profile days before your trip without it using any data. The profile just sits there until you switch your active data line. This means there is no reason to wait until you are at the airport.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM (or the + icon).
- Select "Download a new eSIM."
- Scan the QR code from your Roamiya confirmation email.
- Tap Download to confirm.
The download takes 30 seconds to two minutes on WiFi. You do not need to turn on the SIM or enable data roaming yet. The profile is just stored on your phone, ready for when you travel.
When you are ready to use the eSIM (either the day of your flight or after you land):
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap your new Roamiya eSIM.
- Toggle "Use SIM" to ON.
- Toggle "Mobile Data" to ON.
- Toggle "Roaming" to ON.
At the same time, select your physical SIM and turn Mobile Data OFF for it. This prevents your Pixel from routing data through your home carrier and triggering roaming charges.
Rename your eSIM to "Travel" or the destination country (for example, "Japan") and keep your physical SIM as "Primary." This makes it obvious which line is which when you are toggling settings at the airport.
Your Pixel keeps both SIMs active at once. The recommended split:
| Function | Which SIM | Why |
|---|
| Calls and SMS | Physical SIM (home) | People reach your normal number |
| Mobile data | Roamiya eSIM | Data runs through the travel plan, no roaming fees |
To set this up, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Primary SIM and make sure Mobile Data is turned OFF for your physical SIM, or explicitly select the eSIM as the data preference.
On the QR scanning screen, tap
"Need help?" or
"Enter manually" to switch to manual entry. Copy the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your Roamiya confirmation email and paste them in. For detailed manual-entry steps, see our
manual activation guide.
"No Service" after landing
Toggle Airplane Mode on for ten seconds and back off, then wait a full minute. If it still shows No Service, confirm Roaming is ON for the eSIM and check our
No Service troubleshooting guide.
"Can't download eSIM"
Make sure you are on WiFi and that your Pixel supports eSIM. All Pixel 6 and newer models do. If you have an older Pixel, check
device compatibility.
Profile downloaded but no data
You probably have not switched mobile data to the eSIM yet. Go back to Step 2 above and make sure Mobile Data is ON for the eSIM and OFF for your physical SIM.
