eSIM on Google Pixel: compatible models and adding a travel eSIM

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You may not need a travel eSIM: if your UK network already includes your destination, your own line works. If you do want one, check two things first. The Pixel must be unlocked, and it should be on Wi-Fi when you install.

Which Pixel phones support eSIM?

Every Pixel 4 or later takes an eSIM, Google says. For older models, it depends on where the phone was bought (checked on 26 October 2026, Google).

The Pixel 10 note is marked US only

Both Google notes that make a Pixel 10 eSIM-only are marked “[US only]”. No Google UK page says a Pixel 10 sold here is eSIM-only, so neither do we.

Google’s model page says: “[US only]: You can’t use a physical sim (pSim) if you use a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL” (checked on 26 October 2026, Google). Its dual-SIM page, also under “[US only]”, reads: “If you have a Pixel 10 or later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, you can only use an eSIM” (checked on 26 October 2026, Google).

How to check your Pixel takes an eSIM

Check the model and the lock. A Pixel 4 or later passes the model check. Google’s UK pages give no menu for the lock. Its model page says “for details, check with your operator” (checked on 26 October 2026, Google).

So the network that sold the phone decides. Vodafone, for one, says “your device must be network unlocked to use a Vodafone eSIM” (checked on 26 October 2026, Vodafone). If your Pixel came on a contract, ask that network.

To see whether the phone has an eSIM at all, use the *#06# EID check on our phones that take an eSIM page.

Add a travel eSIM to a Pixel

Google’s add path is Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM, then “follow instructions on the screen” (checked on 26 October 2026, Google). Do it at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.

On a new phone, Google says to tap Download SIM, then Set up during setup. It prints no manual-entry steps, so neither do we. On most of our plans the days start when the eSIM first connects at your destination, so installing early costs no days; check the activation rule shown on your plan.

Google writes “Network and Internet”; your phone may show “Network & internet”. Google’s SIM settings page says “the following options vary by phone and Android version” (Google). To set up a Google Pixel eSIM step by step, see how to install a travel eSIM. To switch roaming on for the new line, see data roaming settings.

Two SIMs: travel data and your UK number

Google says a Pixel 3a or later can use “one physical SIM card and one eSIM” (checked on 26 October 2026, Google). In Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs, turn on Mobile data, then under “Your primary SIMs” pick the SIM for calls, texts and data. On a trip, most people use the travel eSIM for data. Calls and texts stay on your UK number.

Is your UK line already an eSIM? Then two eSIMs at once need “a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro or later phone” and an operator that “allows this feature”.

One catch on a Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro or earlier: “during a phone call, all data goes through the SIM making the call”. Abroad, a call on your UK line moves your data onto that line until you hang up.

Moving an eSIM to a new Pixel

To move your UK line onto a Google Pixel eSIM from another Android phone, the route is Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device (checked on 26 October 2026, Google). Automatic transfer needs Android 12 or later on both phones. Each also needs current Google Play services and a screen lock.

From an iPhone, the iPhone tab of the same Google page gives Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer a SIM from another phone → iPhone, then a QR scan pairs the phones (Google). Of the UK networks, its list names only EE; on any other, ask your network first.

A travel eSIM uses neither route; it goes in by QR code or link. Network by network, see transferring an eSIM.

After the trip: delete only when you are sure

Google’s delete path is Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network, select the eSIM, then Erase eSIM (checked on 26 October 2026, Google). Note the label: “Mobile network” here, “SIMs” on the add path. For a password prompt first, turn on Settings → Security → Advanced → Confirm SIM deletion.

To pause the travel line instead, tap it in Mobile network and turn off Use this SIM. Erasing is final, and a deleted eSIM can need a replacement from the network that issued it. What each network says about deleting is in removing an eSIM.

What do Google’s UK pages say, and what do they leave out?

Google’s UK Pixel Help answers eight of our nine questions across five pages (checked on 26 October 2026). It leaves the lock open: ask the network that sold the phone.

Frequently asked questions

Unfamiliar term? See the eSIM glossary.