How to install an eSIM on Android

Android phones handle eSIMs slightly differently depending on the brand, but the shape is the same everywhere: add the eSIM at home on WiFi, leave it off, switch it on when you land. Here are the two most common paths.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Choose Scan QR code and point the camera at the QR from your Onda email.
4. Confirm the download, then give the eSIM a clear name like "Onda Europe".

Recent Galaxy models (roughly S20 and newer, plus Z Flip and Z Fold) support eSIM, but carrier-locked or some regionally sold models don't — check SIM manager for the Add eSIM option before you buy a plan.

Google Pixel

1. Open Settings → Network & internet.
2. Tap the + next to SIMs (older versions: Mobile network → Download a SIM instead?).
3. Choose Download a SIM, scan the QR code and follow the prompts.

Pixels from the Pixel 4 onward support eSIM in most regions.

No camera to scan with? Enter it manually

If you're reading the email on the same phone (so you can't scan its own screen), every Android eSIM flow offers a manual option — look for Enter code manually or Need help? on the QR screen. Your Onda email includes an SM-DP+ address and an activation code; type them in exactly as shown and the download proceeds the same way.

Dual-SIM settings that matter

Once installed, your phone runs two lines side by side. Three settings to get right when you land:

• Turn the eSIM line on — in SIM manager (Samsung) or the SIMs list (Pixel).
• Set mobile data to the eSIM. This is the important one: it routes all your internet through the travel plan.
• Enable data roaming on the eSIM line only. Travel eSIMs connect as roaming profiles on local networks — the toggle is required and doesn't add charges. Keep roaming off on your home SIM so it can't quietly rack up day-pass fees.

Leave calls and SMS pointed at your home SIM so you still receive bank verification codes. Onda eSIMs are data-only anyway — calls happen over WhatsApp or WiFi calling.

If it won't connect on arrival

Work through these in order — the first two fix most cases:

1. Airplane mode on, wait ten seconds, off again. Forces a fresh network search.
2. Restart the phone. The classic, for a reason.
3. Check mobile data is set to the eSIM and roaming is enabled for it.
4. Select a network manually — in the eSIM's network settings, disable automatic selection and pick an available network from the list.
5. Check the APN if your plan's instructions list one: Settings → your eSIM → Access Point Names.

Still stuck? We're here.

Before you board

Install tonight, not at the gate. Then pick your plan — Japan, Bali, Vietnam, Europe, the USA or anywhere else we cover — and land connected. iPhone in the family too? Here's the iPhone guide.