eSIM on Google Pixel

Learn how to use eSIM on Google Pixel, including steps to install, use and convert eSIM extremely quickly and easily.

eSIM is a technology first launched by Google through Google Pixel phones, starting in 2017. Although eSIM is gradually becoming popular with Vietnamese users, not everyone clearly understands how to use eSIM on Google Pixel. This article will guide you in detail on how to install, use, convert eSIM on Google Pixel, and how to activate eSIM for international travel on Pixel phones.

I. What is eSIM on Google Pixel?

eSIM on Google Pixel (short for Embedded SIM) is a microchip integrated inside the circuit board, allowing users to use mobile services without having to insert a physical SIM.

eSIM support on Pixel series:

Pixel 3a and above: eSIM support, allowing you to use 2 SIMs in parallel, including 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM (Dual SIM mode), except for the Japanese market. You can customize the functions for each SIM, for example, calling, texting or using mobile data.

Pixel 7, 7 Pro and above: you can use 2 eSIMs at the same time, however, this depends on your carrier.

For details on Pixel phones that can use eSIM, please update the full list here.

Note:

Pixel 3 versions for the Australian, Japanese and Taiwanese markets do not support eSIM.
Google Pixel 3a version for the Southeast Asian market does not support eSIM.

II. Conditions for activating eSIM on Google Pixel

To install eSIM on Piixel phone, you must meet 02 conditions:

You use Pixel 3a phone or later (Pixel 2 supports eSIM but only in some countries)
Network operators supporting eSIM: in Vietnam, there are 3 network operators supporting eSIM service: Vinaphone, Viettel, and MobiFone.

III. Preparation before installing eSIM on Google Pixel

Before installing eSIM on Pixel phone, you need to prepare:

Phone supporting eSIM (if installing eSIM for international travel, the phone needs to be unlocked)
Stable Wi-Fi network
eSIM information from the provider (QR code or manual activation information)

IV. Instructions for installing eSIM on Google Pixel for the first time

There are 02 ways to install eSIM on Pixel phones:

Scan QR code, or
Enter information manually (SM-DP+ Address and activation code sent from the provider)

Usually, the QR code scanning method is the first default in the eSIM installation process on the device. This is also the most convenient and simple method. Only when the QR code cannot be scanned, do you need to enter information manually.

Here are the steps to install eSIM on Pixel:

Go to Settings > Network and Internet
Select Mobile Network > select Add eSIM or the + icon
Select Download a new eSIM
At this point, you need to prepare a QR code opened on another device or print the QR code on paper for easy scanning.
Scan the QR code > select Download and wait a few minutes.

The eSIM is now downloaded successfully

In case the QR code cannot be scanned, you can manually enter the information according to the supplier’s instructions. Save the SM-DP+ address and activation code somewhere for easy copying and pasting when setting up the device.

How long does it take to install eSIM on Pixel?

The steps to install eSIM on Google Pixel are very simple and quick, taking only 3-5 minutes.

V. Instructions for setting eSIM as default for mobile data connection, calling, calling, texting

You can customize to select eSIM as the default line for calling, texting, using mobile data services:

Go to Settings > Select Network & Internet > SIM > your network
For each type of SIM/eSIM, you set the priority options:
Mobile data: Turn on mobile data.
Calls: Go to Call options > select the default carrier or tap on Always ask me.
SMS messages: Go to SMS priority options > select the default carrier or tap on Always ask me.

VI. Instructions for activating eSIM for international travel on Google Pixel

There are 02 types of eSIM that you need to distinguish: regular eSIM which acts as the physical SIM you are using and international travel eSIM (only used when going to the country you want to use).

With regular eSIM, after successful installation, you just need to turn on the eSIM to use it immediately.

With international travel eSIM, you need to perform some steps to activate the eSIM package after arriving in that country. International travel eSIM is usually a data eSIM. At this time, you need to activate mobile data for that eSIM.

Here are the steps to activate the eSIM for international travel on your Pixel phone:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet
Scroll down and select SIM/Mobile Network
Select the eSIM you just installed from the list of eSIMs downloaded on your phone >
Select Use eSIM > Yes
When you see the Select SIM for data window, select the eSIM you just installed.
Turn on Mobile data and Roaming
After completing these steps, you can start accessing the Internet using mobile data on the eSIM.

Steps to activate the eSIM for international travel on Google Pixel
Steps to activate the eSIM for international travel on Google Pixel
What to do if you have installed the eSIM but still cannot access the Internet?

If you have completed all the steps but still cannot access the Internet, please restart your device.

If it still does not work, you need to set up APN (personal access point):

Go to Settings > Network & Internet
Select SIM/Mobile Network > select eSIM package > select the + sign in the upper right corner of the screen
Enter the APN code of the corresponding carrier (get APN information from the provider)
If you still cannot access the Internet, you should contact the eSIM provider for support.

VII. How to delete eSIM on Pixel

You need to consider carefully before deleting eSIM, especially international travel eSIM because most travel eSIM providers only allow one-time installation. Therefore, you should only delete it when the eSIM package expires or runs out of data.

Then, follow these steps to delete eSIM on Pixel phone:

Go to Settings >> Network & Internet >> SIM/Mobile Network
Select eSIM you want to delete > Turn off eSIM (if eSIM is on)
Select Erase SIM > confirm to delete eSIM.
VIII. Instructions for converting eSIM on Google Pixel of three carriers
You can convert from physical SIM to eSIM of three carriers Viettel, MobiFone and Vinaphone.

All three carriers allow converting eSIM directly at the transaction store. Remember to bring your ID card or CCCD and the SIM card you need to convert to get support from the staff.

In addition, Viettel and MobiFone also allow converting eSIM online on the carrier’s application. Vinaphone does not allow converting eSIM online.

The common eSIM conversion fee for all carriers is 25,000 VND/eSIM.

Convert eSIM Viettel online on the app
On the My Viettel app, go to Menu > Utilities > Change SIM > select Change eSIM
Click to confirm the conversion fee is 25,000 VND and sign the contract.
Enter personal information and phone number to convert eSIM.
Convert eSIM Viettel online on Google Pixel via the app
Steps to convert eSIM Viettel online on Google Pixel via the My Viettel app
Convert eSIMMobiFone online on the app
On the My MobiFone app, select Change to eSIM > select Agree
The OTP code will be sent to your phone number > Enter the code and click Confirm to change SIM
Receive a message confirming the successful eSIM conversion from MobiFone. Then restart the device to activate eSIM.
Convert MobiFone eSIM online on Google Pixel via My MobiFone application