Best eSIM For Android: A Smart Guide to a SIM-less Future

In this guide, we’ll explain what eSIMs are on Android devices, how they compare to traditional SIM cards, and how to install one using one of the best eSIM apps for Android available today. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just curious about the tech behind your devices, here’s exactly what you need to know.

Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

What is an eSIM in Android?

An eSIM (short for Embedded SIM) is like a regular SIM card, but it’s built into your Android phone or tablet. You don’t need to insert anything as there’s no plastic card, no SIM tray, and no tools required. It does everything a physical SIM does but lives inside your device.

Moreover, with an eSIM, your phone can hold more than one mobile plan at once. That means you can switch between different carriers or numbers without swapping out a SIM card.

How does an eSIM work on Android?

Now that you know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how it works on Android phones and tablets.

• Follows a Global Standard: Android devices with eSIM use something called the eUICC standard, which lets carriers send your mobile plan directly to your phone over the internet.

• Easy Setup: Instead of inserting a SIM card, you can scan a QR code, tap a link, or use your carrier’s app to activate your plan. The setup takes just a few minutes.

• Use Two SIMs at Once: Many Android phones with eSIM also keep the regular SIM slot. So you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time.

eSIM vs. Regular SIM Cards

Now that you know how eSIM works on Android, how does it compare to the SIM cards you’re used to? While both work in the same way, there are some key differences in how they work and what they offer:

• No Physical Card Needed: An eSIM is built in, so you don’t need to handle or replace anything.

• Easier to Switch Networks: With a physical SIM, switching carriers usually means getting a new card. With an eSIM, you can switch networks just by downloading a new profile.

• More Control: You can add, remove, or switch between eSIM plans right in your phone’s settings. No need to go to a store.

• More Durable: Since eSIMs are built into the phone, they can’t be lost or damaged like a regular SIM card.

• More Efficient: eSIMs may use a little less power since they don’t require the same physical components as traditional SIM cards. While the difference is small, it contributes to overall efficiency.

Optimized Android Devices for eSIM

Many Android phones now come with eSIM technology, which lets users connect to networks without needing a physical SIM card. Let’s look at how different Android brands have added and improved eSIM support, including some lesser-known devices with eSIM, and brands that haven’t fully adopted it yet.

• Google Pixel: Google started using eSIM with the Pixel 2 (mainly for Google Fi). Since then, most Pixel models (3 through 8) support eSIM, though some older ones have regional limits. Pixels let you use two SIMs at once: one physical and one eSIM.

• Samsung: Samsung added eSIM starting with the Galaxy S20 and includes it in many flagship and mid-range phones like the S21 to S24 series and foldable models (Z Fold, Z Flip). Samsung phones usually let you use two SIMs, either both physical or one physical plus one eSIM. They can store multiple eSIM profiles.

• OnePlus: OnePlus has slowly added eSIM to some newer high-end phones. It’s not as common as with Google or Samsung, but newer models often have both eSIM and a physical SIM slot.

• Motorola: Motorola supports eSIM in several phones, including the Razr foldables and the Edge series, plus some Moto G models. These phones usually let you use one physical SIM and one eSIM at the same time.

• Oppo: Oppo includes eSIM in some higher-end phones. It’s growing, but not as widely used as with Samsung or Google.

• Xiaomi: Xiaomi offers eSIM in some flagship and mid-range models like the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Their phones typically have both physical SIM slots and eSIM support.

• Sony Xperia: Sony’s newer Xperia phones like the Xperia 10 IV support eSIM, allowing dual SIM use with one physical and one embedded SIM.

• Fairphone: Fairphone recently added eSIM in newer models. This fits their focus on sustainability and easy repair, giving more connectivity options without making the phone harder to fix.

• Surface Duo: Microsoft’s dual-screen Android phone uses both eSIM and a regular SIM card. It’s designed for people who need flexible connectivity, especially for work.

• Gemini PDA: This is a special device made for productivity and mobility. It supports eSIM, which is great for users who want constant connection without changing physical SIM cards.

Some Android phone makers are slow to include eSIM. This is often due to market focus, hardware design, or limited support from carriers in certain regions. Budget phone brands or those targeting emerging markets may avoid eSIM to keep costs low or because local carriers don’t support it.

Check out the full list of devices that support eSIM.

Benefits of Using a Yoho eSIM for Android

A Yoho eSIM is a digital SIM card that works on Android phones and offers a lot more convenience and flexibility than traditional physical SIM cards. This helps all kinds of people stay connected more easily and affordably.

• Stay Organized by Keeping Work and Personal Lines Separate: With Yoho eSIM, you can use two numbers on one phone: one for business, one for personal use. This helps keep work and personal communication clearly separated. You can also test new carriers temporarily without signing long-term contracts or waiting for physical SIMs.

• Keep Your Home Number While Living or Working Abroad: Expats and remote workers can keep their home-country phone number active while using a local plan for calls, texts, and data. This makes it easier to stay in touch with family, manage bank accounts, and handle work that still relies on your original number, without paying expensive roaming fees.

• Stay Connected During Emergencies: If your physical SIM is lost, damaged, or inaccessible, Yoho eSIM lets you activate a new profile remotely. This means you can get back online quickly even during travel delays, natural disasters, or emergencies, without needing to visit a store or wait for a replacement.

• Save Money on Roaming: Yoho eSIM supports data-only plans from providers like Ubigi and Airalo. These let you buy affordable local or regional data packages before or during your trip.

• Try a Free eSIM for Android: Try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM service for Android for instant mobile data in most countries, no contract, credit card, or ID required. Set up in minutes, and if you decide to buy a plan later, use code YOHO12 for 12% off your next purchase.

How to Install, Activate, and Troubleshoot eSIMs on Android

Think of a grandma who wants to switch to a new phone carrier. She gets an email from the carrier with a QR code. She goes into her phone’s Settings and scans the QR code with her camera. Her phone downloads and activates the new plan in just a few minutes. It’s that easy!

While it is very easy to install and activate an eSIM in Android, we’ll walk you through how to set it up, fix common issues, use two SIMs at once, and prepare for international travel.

Ready to get started with Yoho Mobile? Here are three ways to install your eSIM:

1. Use the Yoho Mobile App (iPhone only so far): If you’re an iPhone user, the Yoho app is the quickest and easiest method. It walks you through installation and lets you manage your eSIM with just a few taps. (Note: The app isn’t available for Android yet.)

2. Scan the QR Code: After you purchase your plan, Yoho Mobile will email you a QR code. To install your Yoho eSIM, open your phone’s Settings, then navigate to Mobile Network or Cellular, depending on your device. Tap on Add Data Plan (or a similarly named option), and then scan the QR code Yoho sent you. Your eSIM should be set up in just a couple of minutes.

3. Enter It Manually: If you can’t scan the QR code, Yoho also provides manual setup info. You can type in the activation details yourself, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Don’t Activate Too Soon: Your plan starts the moment you install the eSIM, not when you use it. To avoid wasting days, wait until you’re about to travel, ideally, activate it just before your flight or as soon as you land. Once installed, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes to connect to the network. It may take a little longer if the network is busy. Keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi during setup to speed things up.

Fixing Common and Unusual eSIM Issues

Even though the eSIM setup is usually smooth, sometimes things go wrong. Here’s how to fix some less obvious problems:

• QR Code Doesn’t Scan: Make sure the QR code is clear and the camera is clean. Try entering the code manually. Restarting the phone might also help.

• No Internet After Switching Carriers: This is usually an APN (Access Point Name) issue. Go to Mobile Network settings and enter the correct APN settings from your carrier’s website.

• eSIM Won’t Download: If the download gets stuck, toggle airplane mode or restart your phone. Also, check for software updates.

• eSIM Locked to One Carrier: Some phones or carriers lock eSIMs. If this happens, ask your carrier to unlock it, or use an unlocked phone.

For more helpful tips, troubleshooting advice, and step-by-step support, be sure to visit this troubleshooting page or contact the Yoho support team directly.