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Android continues to rule the global mobile gadgets world, and there are countless confirmations. It always goes one step ahead of technological progress and provides people with all the latest features. Moreover, this operating system is regularly updated and upgraded to ensure user-friendliness. According to statistics, in 2023, the Android system will own more than 70% of the market share of mobile devices.
Some companies have picked up the wave of progress and are adding eSIM technology to their Android-based smartphones. In the future, this trend will grow beyond a shadow of a doubt. Our article is about which Android devices support electronic cards and how to perform eSIM activation on devices.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: What Should I Choose?
Techno-development and ongoing digitalization affect many areas of life. A complete rejection of the standard physical SIMs is on its way. It is assumed that they will be replaced by a technology called eSIM.
We will see how justified such assumptions are in the future. In the meantime, let’s figure out the main advantages of an eSIM chip over physical modules for mobile gadgets.
Benefits of eSIM solution
Some modern mobile phone users have already tested embedded cellular modules, and they note the comfort of using this technology. In addition, major mobile operators in many countries have already introduced and continue to implement eSIM support with various tariff plans.
So, an electronic SIM card has the following advantages:
- Remote activation or cellular module change. From now on, card purchase, verification, and reissue – you can do all this remotely online without visiting the salon or the operator’s branch;
- Multiple phone numbers. To record a new number, you don’t have to delete the old one. It remains in the system, and you can run it at any convenient moment;
- Safety. An eSIM is built-in into the system; therefore, a particular password that the user has set protects it. Moreover, you will not lose such a card, forget or break it;
- Support anywhere on the planet. For travelers, an embedded mobile chip is a real find! You can register and connect to eSIM on Android even while in your own country;
- You can transfer to a regular SIM card and vice versa. Mobile carriers will quickly give you an additional eSIM with your number upon request. Besides, that card can transform into a standard physical module;
- More room on your gadget. The eSIM module takes up much less space, allowing you to make the gadget either more compact, productive, and autonomous. The absence of a slot means that dirt and moisture will not penetrate the device.
Android devices that support eSIM
How to find out if your Android supports eSIM technology? In the case of Android smartphones, support for an electronic SIM card is implemented mainly in the flagship models of such devices. To find out if your phone supports eSIM activation, you can get acquainted with the technical characteristics of your smartphone.
Related: “Which iPhone models have eSIM?“
We have prepared an up-to-date list of devices with an eSIM chip. Keep in mind the given pick is regularly updated as manufacturers release new gadgets:
| Manufacturer | Models |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy S23 |
| Google Pixel | Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 6, Google pixel 6a, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7 Pro |
| Sony | Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, and the other newer models |
| Huawei | Models P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM) |
| Some other andriod phones with eSIM | Motorola Razr, Motorola Razr 5G, Gemini PDA, Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big, Rakuten Hand, Rakuten Hand 5G |
How to activate eSIM on Android
Samsung produces most devices supporting the Android system. The given mobile gadget maker actively uses eSIM technology when creating phones.
Step-by-step instructions to activate eSIM for Samsung phones:
- Head to mobile settings;
- Open the “Connections” section;
- Pick “SIM card manager” and tap that;
- Find the “Add a mobile tariff plan” button and click on it;
- Select a convenient way to add an eSIM chip, “Adding with a QR code” or “Adding with an activation code”.
Some mobile carriers allow activating eSIMs via native applications. You may use this method. Anyway, you should follow the instructions on the smartphone screen. After eSIM activation, the card will become active and ready for use. Keep in mind that Samsung mobile devices use only one eSIM.
For users of Google Pixel phones based on Android OS to add eSIM, perform the following steps:
- Open mobile phone settings and head to the “Network and Internet” tab;
- Find an eSIM logo there, and click on “Plus” icon;
- Scan the QR cipher provided by a carrier, or use the addition of an eSIM through app;
- Follow a helpful guide on your phone screen.
After you find out how to activate eSIM on Android and your cellular chip is ready, configure which number will be used in a particular case. Perform simple actions:
- Head to mobile gadget settings;
- Open the “Mobile Network” tab;
- Pick “SIMs Management” section;
- Then, tap the SIM card 2 and select the eSIM chip;
- After that, you may scan the QR code issued by your mobile carrier, or you can add a number through the operator’s app.
As soon as the number is added, you can pick which SIM chip to use for internet traffic and which one is suitable for calls.
