Samsung eSIM and Google Pixel eSIM: which models work, and where the settings are

Samsung eSIM and Google eSIM: the short answer

Samsung eSIM support covers every Galaxy S flagship from the S20 on, the Z Fold and Z Flip lines, the Note 20 and a growing slice of the A series. Google eSIM support on a Pixel is simpler still: Google's dual-SIM page starts at the Pixel 3a, and in the US the Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL have no SIM tray at all.

The settings live in different places, though, and the model list has holes. Here is where to look on each, and what changes when the eSIM is a travel one. We read Samsung's and Google's support pages on 9 November 2026; the model lists below are theirs, not ours.

Which Samsung phones have eSIM?

Samsung's US support page lists these as taking an eSIM alongside a physical SIM:

Two traps. First, the S20 FE and S21 FE appear on that page among unlocked models that take two physical SIMs instead of an eSIM, so "S20 series" doesn't quite mean every S20. Second, Samsung says support depends on country and carrier, and that carrier-locked phones don't get dual-SIM features. A Galaxy bought on contract abroad, or second-hand, can disappoint.

Our phone pages go model by model: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Z Fold, Z Flip, Note 20, A56, A55 and A54 and the patchier A3x series. The S10 and earlier don't have it.

Where Samsung hides the eSIM settings

Everything sits under Settings, Connections, SIM manager. (Samsung's UK page calls it SIM card manager and the button Add mobile plan; the US page says Add eSIM. Same screen.)

Add an eSIM

Add eSIM, Scan QR code, scan, then restart. Samsung also lists a carrier discovery route and a push notification route, both carrier-driven

Switch one off

the toggle next to the plan

Remove one

select it, switch it off, tap Remove. Samsung notes this doesn't end your contract with the carrier. Our [delete eSIM guide](/delete-esim/) explains why that matters

Move a SIM from another phone

Add eSIM, then Transfer SIM from another phone (or from iPhone), where your carrier supports it

Do Google Pixel phones have eSIM?

Yes, and for a long time. Google's own wording: a Pixel 3a or later can use one physical SIM and one eSIM at once. A Pixel 7 or later can run two eSIM profiles together, if the carrier allows it. A Pixel 3a bought in Japan can't have two SIMs.

Then the newest change. Google says US Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL phones don't use physical SIMs and are eSIM-only; the 10 Pro Fold is the exception. Outside the US, our Pixel 10 page records a tray still there.

The oldest exception is the Pixel 2, whose eSIM was tied to Google Fi, Google's US carrier service, and is no good for a travel eSIM; see the Pixel 2 page. Google Fi is a separate subject we don't cover.

Model pages: Pixel 3 and 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8 and Pixel 9.

Where the eSIM settings are on a Pixel

Google keeps it tidy. Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Set up an eSIM, then follow the prompts. During first setup the same thing appears as Download SIM.

Afterwards, choose which SIM handles calls, texts and data. To turn a line off, it's Network & internet, Mobile network, the SIM, then Use this SIM. To erase it, the same screen has Erase eSIM. One sensible extra: under Security, Advanced, turn on Confirm SIM deletion so nobody can erase a line without your password.

Using a travel eSIM on Samsung or Pixel

The phone doesn't care who sold the eSIM. A travel plan from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily or eSIMCard goes in through the same Add eSIM screen as a carrier's. What matters is the order:

1. Make sure the phone is unlocked. On a Galaxy, a carrier lock blocks dual-SIM features outright.
2. Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you fly.
3. On arrival, switch the travel line on and make it the mobile data SIM.
4. Turn data roaming on for the travel line if the seller says so, and leave it off on your home line.

Step four is where home bills go wrong. Our eSIM activation guide has the fixes if the line won't connect.

Is there a best eSIM for Android? Not really. Every brand above sells the same kind of profile to Samsung, Pixel and iPhone alike, so pick on price for your destination; our cheapest eSIM page does that sum. If you're also weighing an iPhone, the iPhone eSIM guide covers Apple's side, and the full eSIM compatible phones list covers everything else.