So you just got a Pixel 10 and want to set up an eSIM instead of dealing with a physical SIM card. Good call. The Pixel 10 handles eSIM exceptionally well — it supports multiple eSIM profiles, switching between carriers is quick, and the whole process is more straightforward than most people expect.
This guide walks you through everything: what an eSIM is, how to add one to your Pixel 10, how to switch between plans, what to do when things go wrong, and whether eSIM is actually worth it over a regular SIM.
The How to Use eSIM on Pixel 10 brings major changes to eSIM technology, especially in the United States. Unlike older Pixel phones that used both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, the U.S. versions of the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are now fully eSIM-only. This means there is no physical SIM tray on U.S. models.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into the phone. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, users activate their mobile network via a QR code, a carrier app, or an automatic setup process. Google says this design helps improve durability, simplifies switching carriers, and allows support for multiple mobile plans at the same time.
- Chake now-How to install eSIM on Pixel 10
What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built directly into your phone. Unlike a physical SIM card that you slide in and out, an eSIM is programmed digitally. You download a carrier plan onto it, and your phone connects to that network — no plastic card required.
The Pixel 10 supports dual SIM functionality — one physical nano-SIM slot plus eSIM capability. In practice, this means you can run two numbers simultaneously on one device. That’s useful in a lot of everyday situations.
Practical examples of when this matters:
- A consultant who travels between India and the UAE keeps their home Airtel SIM active while adding a local du eSIM when abroad — no swapping, no roaming charges
- A freelancer uses one number for clients and a separate personal number, both active on the same Pixel 10
- Someone switching carriers doesn’t need to wait for a new SIM card to arrive — they add the new carrier’s eSIM digitally and switch immediately
The Pixel 10 also supports multiple saved eSIM profiles — you can store several carrier plans on the device and switch between them as needed, even if only one or two are active at a time.
Before You Start: What You Need
Before setting up an eSIM on your Pixel 10, make sure you have the following:
A carrier that supports eSIM — Not every carrier offers eSIM plans. In most countries, the major carriers do, but smaller regional providers may not. Check your carrier’s website or call them to confirm eSIM support before starting.
An unlocked Pixel 10 — If your phone was purchased directly from Google or is fully paid off on a carrier plan, it’s likely unlocked. A locked phone can only use eSIM profiles from the carrier it’s locked to.
Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection — Downloading an eSIM profile requires an internet connection. If you’re switching carriers and your current connection is about to go away, complete the eSIM setup before cancelling your old plan.
Your carrier’s eSIM activation details — Depending on the carrier, this will be either:
- A QR code (most common)
- An activation code (a long string of characters)
- A carrier app download
Have whichever method your carrier uses ready before starting.
How to Use eSIM on Pixel 10: How to Add an eSIM on Pixel 10: Step-by-Step
Method 1: Using a QR Code (Most Common)
This is the standard method used by most carriers worldwide.
Step 1: Open Settings on your Pixel 10
Step 2: Tap Network & Internet
Step 3: Tap SIMs (you’ll see your current SIM listed here)
Step 4: Tap the + (plus) icon or Add SIM
Step 5: Select Download a SIM instead
Step 6: Tap Next and then point your camera at the QR code provided by your carrier
Step 7: Your Pixel 10 will scan the QR code and download the eSIM profile
Step 8: Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the plan — this usually involves confirming your number and choosing which SIM to use for calls, texts, and data
Step 9: Tap Done — your eSIM is now active
The entire process from Step 1 to Done typically takes about 3–5 minutes, plus however long your carrier’s network takes to activate the plan (usually instant, sometimes up to 15 minutes).
Method 2: Using an Activation Code
Some carriers — particularly business accounts or certain international providers — give you an activation code instead of a QR code. The steps are almost identical.
Step 1: Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Step 2: Tap the + icon → Download a SIM instead
Step 3: On the QR code scanning screen, tap Need help? or Enter code manually
Step 4: Type in the activation code exactly as provided — these are case-sensitive and long, so copy-paste where possible
Step 5: Follow the on-screen activation prompts
Step 6: Tap Done
Method 3: Through Your Carrier’s App
Several carriers — including Google Fi, Airtel, Jio, T-Mobile, and Vodafone — have their own apps that handle eSIM activation automatically. This is often the simplest method because the app manages the technical steps for you.
Step 1: Download your carrier’s official app from the Google Play Store
Step 2: Sign in to your account
Step 3: Navigate to SIM Management or Activate eSIM (the label varies by carrier)
Step 4: Follow the in-app instructions — the app will communicate directly with your Pixel 10 to download and activate the eSIM profile
Step 5: Restart your phone if prompted
Method 4: Google Fi (Built-In Setup)
If you’re using Google Fi — Google’s own carrier — the setup is even more seamless on a Pixel 10 because the two are designed to work together.
Step 1: Download the Google Fi app from the Play Store
Step 2: Sign in with your Google account
Step 3: Follow the Fi setup flow — it detects your Pixel 10 automatically and handles eSIM activation in the background
Step 4: Your Fi number is active within minutes
Google Fi also automatically switches between Wi-Fi calling and mobile networks, and on Pixel devices, this integration is particularly smooth.
How to Switch Between SIMs on Pixel 10
Once you have an eSIM set up alongside a physical SIM — or multiple eSIM profiles — managing which one is active is simple.
To choose which SIM handles calls, texts, and data:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap the SIM you want to configure
- Under Preferred SIM, set your preference for calls, texts, and mobile data separately
You can, for example, use your physical SIM for calls and texts (keeping your main number) while using an eSIM data plan for internet — useful when travelling internationally to avoid roaming charges.
To switch your default data SIM quickly:
Pull down the notification shade, long-press the Mobile Data tile, and you’ll see your available SIMs. Tap the one you want to use for data. No need to go into Settings every time.
How to Transfer an eSIM from Your Old Phone to Pixel 10
If you’re upgrading from a previous Android phone and already have an eSIM set up, you can transfer it to your Pixel 10. The process depends on your carrier — some allow self-service transfers through their app, others require a quick call to customer support.
General transfer process:
- Contact your carrier and let them know you’re switching to a new device
- Provide your new Pixel 10’s EID number (found at Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → EID)
- Your carrier will issue a new eSIM profile for your Pixel 10
- Follow Method 1 or 2 above to download and activate it
Note: Your old eSIM on the previous phone will be deactivated once the new one is activated — an eSIM profile can only be active on one device at a time.
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles
The Pixel 10 can store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, though typically only one or two can be active at the same time. This is useful for frequent travellers who keep a local eSIM for each country they visit regularly.
To view and manage saved eSIM profiles:
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Manage SIMs
Here you’ll see all downloaded profiles. You can:
- Enable or disable a profile
- Delete a profile you no longer need
- Rename profiles for easy identification (e.g., “Airtel India,” “Telstra Australia,” “T-Mobile USA”)
Practical example: A travel blogger based in Mumbai visits Australia every quarter. She keeps an Airtel eSIM as her primary Indian plan and has a Telstra Australia eSIM saved on her Pixel 10. When she lands in Sydney, she switches the Telstra eSIM to active in about 30 seconds — no hunting for a SIM card at the airport.
Pros and Cons of Using eSIM on Pixel 10
Pros
No physical SIM swap needed — When travelling internationally or switching carriers, everything is done digitally. No waiting for a card to arrive in the mail, no fumbling with a SIM ejector tool.
Dual SIM made easy — Running two numbers simultaneously is much cleaner with eSIM. One line for work, one for personal, both active on the same device.
Faster carrier switching — If a carrier offers you a better deal, you can switch plans in minutes without visiting a store. This puts genuine competitive pressure on carriers to keep their pricing reasonable.
Better physical durability — Without a SIM tray, there’s one fewer point of entry for dust and water. The Pixel 10’s IP rating benefits from eliminating the SIM slot concern.
Multiple profiles stored — Saving several carrier profiles means frequent travellers always have their preferred local plan ready to activate instantly.
Environmentally friendlier — No plastic SIM cards means less waste, which adds up across millions of users.
Cons
Not all carriers support it — Smaller regional carriers, MVNOs, and carriers in developing markets may not offer eSIM plans. Always check before assuming.
Harder to switch phones quickly — If your phone breaks and you need to swap to a backup device urgently, transferring an eSIM takes longer than pulling out a physical SIM and inserting it into another phone.
Carrier lock-in concerns — Some carriers make it inconvenient to transfer eSIM profiles away from their network, creating subtle friction when you want to switch.
Can’t share a SIM with another device — Physical SIMs can be moved between devices freely. An eSIM is tied to a specific device and requires carrier involvement to move.
Activation requires internet — To download an eSIM profile, you need a working internet connection. If your current SIM has already been cancelled, you’ll need Wi-Fi to complete setup.
Troubleshooting Common eSIM Issues on Pixel 10
eSIM QR code not scanning. Make sure there’s enough light and hold the phone steady. If it still doesn’t work, try entering the activation code manually instead. Also, check that the QR code hasn’t expired — some carriers issue time-limited codes.
eSIM downloaded but showing “No Service” This is usually an activation delay on the carrier’s end. Wait 10–15 minutes, then toggle the eSIM off and back on at Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs. If it persists after 30 minutes, contact your carrier.
Can’t find the eSIM option in Settings. Check that your Pixel 10 is not carrier-locked to a different network. Go to Settings → About Phone → SIM Status and confirm the EID is listed — if there’s no EID, the device may have a hardware issue worth reporting to Google support.
eSIM profile disappeared after a factory reset. Factory resetting a Pixel 10 deletes all eSIM profiles stored on the device. You’ll need to download them again from your carrier. Keep your activation QR codes or carrier account login details saved somewhere safe for this reason.
Two SIMs are showing, but only one has data. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs and check which SIM is set as the preferred data SIM. Only one can be the active data connection at a time — set it to whichever plan offers better data coverage in your current location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pixel 10 support eSIM?
Yes. The Pixel 10 fully supports eSIM and can run dual SIM configurations — one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. It also supports storing multiple eSIM profiles.
How many eSIM profiles can the Pixel 10 store?
The Pixel 10 can store multiple eSIM profiles, though the exact number depends on the carrier and region. Typically, you can store up to 10–15 profiles, with one or two active at a time.
Can I use eSIM on Pixel 10 while travelling internationally?
Yes, and this is one of the best use cases. Add a local carrier’s eSIM before or after landing, activate it when you arrive, and avoid international roaming charges entirely. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts on your regular number.
Is eSIM more expensive than a physical SIM?
Not necessarily. In most markets, eSIM plans are priced the same as physical SIM plans from the same carrier. Some travel eSIM providers (like Airalo or Holafly) offer competitive international data rates that are significantly cheaper than roaming.
What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my Pixel 10?
A factory reset deletes all eSIM profiles from the device. You’ll need to re-download them from your carrier. Contact your carrier with your account details, and they’ll reissue the profile.
Can I have two active phone numbers on my Pixel 10?
Yes. With one physical SIM and one active eSIM, you have two separate numbers on the same device. Incoming calls and texts arrive on both. You choose which number is used for outgoing calls and messages.
Does eSIM work with prepaid plans in Australia, India, or the UK?
It depends on the carrier. In Australia, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all support eSIM on prepaid plans. In India, Airtel and Jio support eSIM. In the UK, EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three all support eSIM. Check your specific carrier’s current eSIM prepaid availability, as this continues to expand.
What is an EID number, and where do I find it on Pixel 10?
The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is your eSIM’s unique identifier — similar to an IMEI for a physical SIM. Find it at Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → EID. Your carrier may ask for this when setting up or transferring an eSIM.
Conclsion
Setting up an eSIM on your Pixel 10 is genuinely one of the smoother experiences in the Android world. Google has put real effort into making the SIM management interface clean and logical, and the Pixel 10’s hardware is built around eSIM from the ground up.
For most people, the QR code method takes under five minutes from start to finish. Once it’s set up, the ability to carry two numbers, switch carriers without a store visit, and travel internationally without SIM-swapping headaches makes it hard to go back to physical SIM-only life.
If your carrier supports it — and in 2026, most major carriers do — there’s no real reason not to use eSIM on your Pixel 10.