Set up and manage eSIM (Android)

When you turn on your Android phone for the first time, follow the steps on your screen to activate Google Fi and set up your embedded SIM (eSIM). If you've already set up your phone or skipped activation, follow the steps below.

If your phone isn't supported for eSIM with Fi, activate Google Fi service with a SIM card.

Important: If you bought your Pixel phone from Verizon, the phone isn't eSIM compatible with Google Fi. Turn on the Pixel phone with a physical SIM. Activation must be completed in the US. See Terms of Service.

Set up eSIM on the Google Fi app

1. Make sure you have access to Wi-Fi.
2. Open the Google Fi app or download it from Google Play.
3. Sign in with the Google Account you used to sign up for Fi.
4. When you're asked to activate Google Fi, tap Continue.
5. If you’re transferring a number, enter the number and account information for your current carrier.

Refer to the tutorial on how to set up your eSIM.

Keep in mind that your Fi service stays active. Learn how to pause your plan or cancel your Fi service.

Switch between your eSIM and physical SIM card

Important: If you are outside the US, don't try to switch your SIM. You could lose your international roaming capabilities. It isn't possible to turn on a new SIM outside the US.

If you set up your Google Fi eSIM and also have a physical SIM card for a different carrier, you can switch between mobile networks.

1. Open your phone's Settings .
2. Tap Network & Internet Mobile Network Advanced.
3. Choose the name of the carrier.
4. Tap Switch.

Refer to the tutorial on how to switch between physical SIM and eSIM.

Use 2 Fi SIMs to improve coverage (Pixel 4 and up only)

Important: If you're outside the US, don't try to improve coverage with this method. When you erase your active eSIM profile, you disable your international roaming capabilities. It isn't possible to turn on a new eSIM profile outside the US.

To improve your network coverage, your Google Fi eSIM will be enabled automatically when your device is activated with a physical Fi SIM card. Fi automatically switches between the 2 to provide the best coverage.

If you bought your phone from Google Fi or the Google Store and selected Fi as your carrier, your phone comes with a SIM card inside. After you activate Fi with the inserted SIM card, the 2 SIMs work together. Learn how to activate your device.

Dual connect uses both the physical SIM and the eSIM together on one Fi account. The eSIM can't be used without the physical SIM inserted. If you take out your physical SIM card, your device loses service. To regain service, reinsert your SIM card or reactivate Fi with your eSIM.

If you add a SIM card after you activate FI with your eSIM and have 2 mobile data indicators, follow these steps:

1. Remove your SIM card.
2. Open your phone's Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet Mobile network  Advanced  Erase SIM.
4. Reinsert the SIM card.
5. Open the Google Fi app.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Check if your phone model is eSIM compatible

Important: If your phone isn't eSIM compatible, use a physical SIM card.

• Samsung: S23 Series, S22 series except S22+, S21 series, S20 series, Galaxy Note20 Series, Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4, and Galaxy Flip 3 work with eSIM.
• 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 any US or Canadian carriers other than Google Fi don't work with eSIM. Phones bought in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan also don't work with eSIM.
• Pixel 2: Only phones bought with Google Fi service work with eSIM.
• Pixel (2016): No phones work with eSIM.

Troubleshoot eSIM issues

If on display is "Activate service later" when you set up your phone for the first time, finish setup and follow the steps above to activate your eSIM.