How to Set Up eSIM on Pixel 10 Pro (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
Switching to eSIM on your Pixel 10 Pro is one of those things that sounds more complicated than it actually is. No physical SIM card to lose, no tiny tray to pry open with a paperclip — just a few taps and you’re connected.
This guide walks you through the entire process clearly, whether you’re setting it up for the first time, switching carriers, or adding a second line for travel.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a high-end Android smartphone developed by Google, designed for users who want top-tier camera performance, AI-powered features, and a smooth software experience. Launched in 2025, it continues the Pixel tradition of combining hardware with advanced AI capabilities.
One of the biggest highlights of the Pixel 10 Pro is its advanced camera system. It features a 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP telephoto lens with 5× optical zoom, along with up to 100× digital zoom for capturing distant subjects with clarity. It also supports 4K and even 8K video recording, making it ideal for content creators and photography enthusiasts.
The device is powered by the Google Tensor G5 chip, which focuses heavily on AI and machine learning performance. This enables features like real-time photo enhancement, AI video editing, voice assistance, and smart suggestions across apps. It runs on Android 16 with long-term support, offering up to 7 years of updates, which is among the best in the industry.
In terms of display, the Pixel 10 Pro offers a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness up to 3300 nits, delivering a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. The build quality is premium, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 water resistance, making it durable for everyday use.
Battery performance is also solid, with a ~4870mAh battery, fast charging support, and wireless charging capabilities. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and advanced security features like the Titan M2 chip for enhanced data protection.
In India, the Pixel 10 Pro is priced around ₹1,09,999, placing it in the premium flagship segment.
The Pixel 10 Pro is perfect for users who want:
- Best-in-class camera quality 📸
- Deep AI integration 🤖
- Clean, smooth Android experience
- Long-term software support
However, it may not be ideal for heavy gamers or those looking for the absolute best raw performance compared to some Snapdragon-powered rivals.
What Is an eSIM and Why Should You Care?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you activate a carrier plan digitally — either by scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading a carrier profile through an app.
The Pixel 10 Pro fully supports eSIM and can store multiple eSIM profiles at once, though typically only one or two can be active at the same time, depending on your carrier setup.
Why people switch to eSIM:
- No physical SIM to lose or damage
- Instantly switch carriers without visiting a store
- Add a local data plan when traveling abroad without swapping SIMs
- Keep two numbers active on one phone (personal + work, or home + travel)
Before You Start — Quick Checklist
Before jumping into the setup, run through this list:
- Your carrier supports eSIM (most major carriers do in 2026)
- Your Pixel 10 Pro is running the latest Android version
- You have your eSIM QR code or activation details from your carrier
- You have a stable Wi-Fi connection (setup requires internet)
- Your device is unlocked (or locked to the carrier you’re activating)
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure your Pixel 10 Pro is unlocked before you leave. Trying to sort this out at the airport is not a fun experience.
Method 1: Set Up eSIM Using a QR Code (Most Common)
This is the method most carriers use. You get a QR code — either printed, emailed, or shown on the carrier’s website — and scan it from your phone.
Step 1: Open Settings
Unlock your Pixel 10 Pro and go to Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Network & Internet
Tap Network & Internet from the main Settings menu.
Step 3: Tap on SIMs
You’ll see a SIM option. Tap it. This is where all your SIM and eSIM profiles are managed.
Step 4: Add a New SIM
Tap the “+” (Add SIM) button at the top right or bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Scan the QR Code
Your phone will ask how you want to add the eSIM. Select “Scan a QR code.”
Point your camera at the QR code your carrier provided. Make sure it’s well-lit, and your hand is steady — it usually scans within a second or two.
Step 6: Confirm the Plan Details
After scanning, your phone will display the plan details your carrier sent. Review the carrier name, plan type, and any notes. Tap Activate or Confirm to proceed.
Step 7: Wait for Activation
Your Pixel 10 Pro will connect to the carrier’s network and download the eSIM profile. This usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on during this step.
Step 8: Set Preferences
Once activated, your phone will ask you to configure:
- Default SIM for calls
- Default SIM for SMS
- Default SIM for mobile data
Set these based on your preference. If this is your only SIM, everything will default to it automatically.
Done. Your eSIM is now active and ready to use.
Method 2: Set Up eSIM Using an Activation Code (Manual Entry)
Some carriers don’t provide a QR code and instead give you a text-based activation code. The steps are almost identical.
Step 1–4: Same as Above
Follow Steps 1 through 4 from Method 1 to reach the Add SIM screen.
Step 5: Enter the Code Manually
Instead of scanning, tap “Enter activation code manually” or “Use activation code.”
Type in the code exactly as your carrier provided. These codes are usually long strings that look something like:
LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ABCD1234EFGH5678
Copy-paste it if your carrier sent it by email or text — typing it manually leaves room for errors.
Step 6: Confirm and Activate
Tap Connect or Activate. The rest of the process is the same as the QR code method — your phone downloads the profile and activates within a minute or two.
Method 3: Set Up eSIM Using Your Carrier’s App
Several major carriers — including Airtel, Jio, and T-Mobile — allow eSIM activation directly through their official apps. This is arguably the smoothest method when it works.
Step 1: Download Your Carrier’s App
Search for your carrier’s official app on the Play Store and install it.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Sign in using your registered mobile number or account credentials.
Step 3: Find the eSIM Activation Option
Look for an option like “Activate eSIM,” “Manage SIM,” or “Switch to eSIM” in the app’s account or settings section.
Step 4: Follow the In-App Instructions
The app will guide you through the rest. Most carrier apps verify your identity, confirm your plan, and push the eSIM profile directly to your device.
Step 5: Restart if Prompted
Some carriers ask you to restart your Pixel 10 Pro after activation. Do this if prompted — it ensures the profile is fully registered on the network.
How to Add a Second eSIM (Dual SIM Setup)
One of the most useful features of the Pixel 10 Pro is the ability to run two active lines simultaneously — useful for separating work and personal calls, or for adding a local SIM when traveling.
Step 1: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Step 2: Tap “+” to Add Another SIM
If you already have one eSIM active, your phone will show it here. Tap the + button to add a second one.
Step 3: Activate the Second eSIM
Follow Method 1, 2, or 3 as appropriate for your second carrier.
Step 4: Configure Which SIM Does What
Once both are active, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs and configure:
- Calls: Choose which number rings for outgoing calls (or ask every time)
- SMS: Choose your default messaging line
- Data: Select your primary data SIM (only one can use data at a time unless your carrier supports simultaneous data)
Practical example: You’re traveling to Thailand for two weeks. You keep your Indian Jio eSIM for WhatsApp and incoming calls, and activate a local AIS Thailand eSIM for cheap local data. Both are on your Pixel 10 Pro at the same time — no SIM swapping needed.
How to Switch Between eSIM Profiles
Already have multiple eSIM profiles saved and want to switch between them?
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
You’ll see all your saved eSIM profiles listed. Tap the one you want to activate, then toggle it on. You can also disable a currently active profile from here without deleting it — useful if you want to pause a line temporarily.
How to Delete or Transfer an eSIM
Deleting an eSIM Profile
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Select the eSIM] → Delete SIM
Be careful: once deleted, some carriers require you to go through the full activation process again. A few carriers allow re-download of the same profile; most don’t.
Transferring an eSIM to a New Phone
eSIM transfers are carrier-dependent. Here’s the general process:
- Contact your carrier or use their app to initiate a transfer
- Your carrier will provide a new QR code or activation code for the new device
- On your new phone, follow Method 1 or 2 to activate using that code
- The old device’s profile gets deactivated automatically
Google also has a “Transfer SIM” feature built into Android that works for Pixel-to-Pixel transfers for supported carriers. Look for it under Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Transfer SIM.
Pros and Cons of Using eSIM on Pixel 10 Pro
Pros
- Convenience — No physical card to insert, lose, or damage. Great for frequent travelers.
- Multiple profiles — Store several carrier profiles and switch between them without swapping hardware.
- Faster carrier switching — Change plans or providers in minutes without visiting a store.
- Dual SIM without dual tray — Keep two numbers active simultaneously for work/personal separation.
- Better water resistance — No SIM tray opening means one less gap for water or dust to enter.
Cons
- Harder to switch phones quickly — Unlike a physical SIM you can pop out and move, eSIM transfers require carrier involvement and can take time.
- Carrier dependency — If your carrier doesn’t support eSIM (still the case with some regional carriers in India), you’re stuck with a physical SIM.
- Risk when factory resetting — If you factory reset your phone without backing up or noting your eSIM details, some profiles may need to be re-provisioned by your carrier.
- Selling your phone gets complicated — You need to properly delete and potentially re-provision eSIM profiles before handing off the device.
- Limited re-downloads — Some carriers allow only one-time eSIM QR code use. If you lose the code before activating, you have to contact support for a new one.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
eSIM Not Activating / Stuck on “Downloading.”
- Make sure Wi-Fi is stable and not switching networks mid-download
- Restart your Pixel 10 Pro and try again
- Check that your carrier account is active and the plan is ready for activation
- Contact your carrier if it stays stuck for more than 5 minutes
QR Code Not Scanning
- Increase screen brightness if scanning from another device’s screen
- Make sure you’re scanning the right code (some carriers send both a physical card QR and an eSIM QR — they’re different)
- Try entering the activation code manually instead
eSIM Activate, butt No Signal
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs and check that the eSIM is toggled on
- Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Your eSIM] → Preferred network type and make sure it matches your carrier (4G/LTE or 5G)
- Restart the phone
“This Device Is Locked” Error
Your Pixel 10 Pro may be carrier-locked. Contact your current carrier to unlock it before activating a different carrier’s eSIM.
eSIM Not Showing in Settings
Make sure your phone’s software is up to date. Go to Settings → System → System update and install any pending updates.
eSIM Support: Major Indian Carriers on Pixel 10 Pro
| Carrier | eSIM Support | Activation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Jio | Yes | App (MyJio) or QR code |
| Airtel | Yes | App (Airtel Thanks) or QR code |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Yes | Check with the local store |
| BSNL | Limited | Check with local store |
For international travelers using their Pixel 10 Pro in India, most global eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad also work seamlessly on the Pixel 10 Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Pixel 10 Pro use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time?
The Pixel 10 Pro is a dual SIM device. Depending on the variant, it can run one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM simultaneously, or two eSIMs simultaneously. Check your specific model’s spec sheet, as configurations can vary by region.
Q: How many eSIM profiles can I store on the Pixel 10 Pro?
The Pixel 10 Pro can store multiple eSIM profiles (typically up to around 5–10 depending on profile size), but generally only one or two can be active at the same time.
Q: Does setting up eSIM cost extra?
Setting up an eSIM itself is free. However, your carrier may charge a fee for issuing a new eSIM profile or converting your existing SIM to eSIM. Jio and Airtel in India generally do this free of charge.
Q: Can I switch back to a physical SIM after using eSIM?
Yes. Simply insert your physical SIM and go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs to set it as active. You can have both available at the same time on supported configurations.
Q: Will my eSIM work when I travel internationally?
Your eSIM works wherever your carrier has roaming coverage. For cheaper rates abroad, you can add a second eSIM from a local or international provider (like Airalo) without removing your home eSIM.
Q: What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my Pixel 10 Pro?
A factory reset deletes all eSIM profiles from the device. Before resetting, note down your activation details or contact your carrier to get a re-issue QR code. Some carriers can re-provision the same number; others require a new profile.
Q: Can I activate eSIM without Wi-Fi?
You typically need an active internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Wi-Fi is preferred. If you have mobile data already active on a second SIM, that may work too,o depending on your carrier.
Q: Is eSIM more secure than a physical SIM?
eSIM is generally considered more secure because it can’t be physically stolen or swapped without your involvement. SIM-swap fraud is harder to execute with eSIM-only setups, as it requires carrier authentication.
Conclsion
Setting up an eSIM on the Pixel 10 Pro takes less than five minutes once you have the QR code or activation details from your carrier. The process is straightforward and the benefits — especially for travelers and people managing dual numbers — are genuinely useful in day-to-day life.
If you run into issues, the most common fix is simply restarting the phone or checking that your carrier account is properly set up on their end. Most activation problems are carrier-side, not device-side.
Once it’s set up, you’ll probably wonder why you ever dealt with physical SIM cards at all.