URL: https://esimworld.co.uk/esim-google-pixel/
Source: eSIM World (esimworld.co.uk)
Author: Nadezhda Semenova, entrepreneur, co-founder of the Trippy travel service, https://esimworld.co.uk/author/
Updated: 26 October 2026

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

Google Pixel Help for the UK says "Pixel 4 and later: All phones work with eSIM" (checked on 26 October 2026, [Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)). The page carries no date, so that date is our check. A Google Pixel eSIM is a safe bet from the Pixel 4 on; the Pixel 3a, 3 and 2 come with conditions.

This site is not affiliated with Google or any of the networks mentioned here; we sell eSIMs. [How we compare](https://esimworld.co.uk/how-we-compare/)

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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)).

| Pixel generation | What Google Pixel Help says |
|---|---|
| Pixel 4 and later | "All phones work with eSIM" |
| Pixel 3a | Phones bought with Verizon service or in Japan "don't work with eSIM" |
| Pixel 3 | Phones bought with service from US or Canadian operators other than Sprint and Google Fi don't work; nor do phones bought in Australia, Taiwan and Japan |
| Pixel 2 | Only phones bought with Google Fi service work |
| Pixel (2016) | "No phones work with eSIM" |

### 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)). 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB)).

## 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)).

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](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/esim)). 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](https://esimworld.co.uk/esim-compatible-phones/) 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115470?hl=en-GB)). 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2926415?hl=en-GB)). To set up a Google Pixel eSIM step by step, see [how to install a travel eSIM](https://esimworld.co.uk/how-to-install-esim/#android). To switch roaming on for the new line, see [data roaming settings](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB)). 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](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/keep-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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB)). 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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS)). Of the UK networks, its list names only [EE](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/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](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/transfer-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](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB)). 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](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/transfer-esim/#remove-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.

| Question | What Google says | Page (answer) | What it does not say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which Pixels | Pixel 4 and later: all | 7086887 | A model list after the Pixel 4 |
| Pixel 10 note, model page | [US only]: no physical SIM on the Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL | 7086887 | A UK rule |
| Pixel 10 note, dual-SIM page | [US only]: Pixel 10 or later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, eSIM only | 9449293 | A UK rule |
| Add an eSIM | SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM | 16115470 | Manual-entry steps |
| Physical SIM plus eSIM | Pixel 3a or later | 9449293 | — |
| Two eSIMs at once | Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro or later, if the operator allows it | 9449293 | Which UK networks allow it |
| Transfer from Android | Android 12 or later on both, Google Play services, screen lock | 16115951 | — |
| Transfer from iPhone | Transfer a SIM from another phone → iPhone; EE listed | 16115951, iPhone tab | Other UK networks |
| Convert a physical SIM | Pixel 7 or later including Fold, on Wi-Fi; the old SIM stops working | [16115471](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115471?hl=en-GB) | — |
| Delete an eSIM | Mobile network → Erase eSIM | 9449293 | Getting it back |
| Lock check | No menu; "check with your operator" | 7086887 | Any Pixel menu |

## Frequently asked questions

### Do all Google Pixel phones support eSIM?

Pixel 4 and later do: Google says "All phones work with eSIM". Pixel 3a, 3 and 2 depend on where and with which operator the phone was bought. The original Pixel (2016) does not support eSIM.

### How do I add an eSIM on a Pixel?

Open **Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM** and follow the instructions on the screen. Do it on Wi-Fi at home before you fly. The full steps are in our [install guide](https://esimworld.co.uk/how-to-install-esim/#android).

### How do I delete an eSIM on a Pixel?

Go to **Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network**, select the eSIM, then tap **Erase eSIM**. If you have set **Confirm SIM deletion**, you enter your password first. A deleted eSIM can need a new QR code from the network that issued it. To keep the line for later, turn off **Use this SIM** instead.

## Sources

- [Google Pixel Help: which Pixels take an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)
- [Google Pixel Help: add an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115470?hl=en-GB)
- [Google Pixel Help: transfer a SIM to a new phone (Android)](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB)
- [Google Pixel Help: transfer a SIM to a new phone (iPhone)](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS)
- [Google Pixel Help: convert a physical SIM to an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115471?hl=en-GB)
- [Google Pixel Help: use dual SIMs, turn off and delete an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB)
- [Google Pixel Help: mobile network settings](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2926415?hl=en-GB)
- [Vodafone: eSIM](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/esim)