How to Set Up eSIM on Pixel 4 (Install, Scan, Activate)
Your Pixel 4 has a built-in eSIM, which means you can add a travel data plan without touching your physical SIM. This guide walks you through the exact menu path for Android 10 through Android 13, how to scan the QR code, and—just as important—when to activate so your plan doesn't expire early. Let's get your phone ready.
What you need before you start
- A Pixel 4 connected to Wi‑Fi. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
- The QR code from your UROCOMM confirmation email. It usually arrives within a few minutes after purchase.
- Android 10 or later. The Pixel 4 shipped with Android 10 and can be updated to Android 13. UROCOMM eSIMs work on both.
- Your travel plan. If you're headed to Japan, grab a Japan unlimited eSIM. Going to the US instead? A USA unlimited eSIM follows the same steps.
Do not activate the plan before you land. Installing the eSIM profile does not start your data. The plan clock starts when your Pixel 4 connects to the destination network. So scan the QR code at home, but keep the eSIM line off until you arrive. Airport and hotel Wi‑Fi are safe places to finish activation.
Install the eSIM profile on your Pixel 4
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Connect to Wi‑Fi. A stable connection makes the download faster and avoids half-installed profiles.
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Open Settings.
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Tap Network & internet.
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Tap Mobile network.
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Tap Advanced to expand more options.
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Tap Carrier.
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Tap Add carrier. If you don't see that, look for a + icon or an Add mobile plan option.
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Point your camera at the QR code in your UROCOMM email. Hold the phone about 4–6 inches away from the screen or printed code. If the camera struggles, tap Enter code instead and type the activation code manually.
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Follow the on-screen prompts. You may be asked to label the eSIM. Choose something clear like UROCOMM Travel. You'll also see options for which SIM to use for calls, texts, and data. Don't set data to the UROCOMM eSIM yet. You'll do that after landing.
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Wait for the profile to download. This usually takes 1–2 minutes. You'll see eSIM downloaded or Carrier added when it's done.
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Important: After the profile installs, go back to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network, tap the UROCOMM eSIM, and make sure Use SIM is off. If it's on, your phone may try to connect to a network and start the plan before you arrive. You'll turn it on after you land.
That's the whole install. The profile is now saved on your Pixel 4, but it's dormant. Nothing is counting down.
Activate after you land
Once you arrive, connect to airport Wi‑Fi if you want a stable setup.
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network.
- Tap your UROCOMM eSIM.
- Toggle Use SIM on.
- Toggle Mobile data on.
- Turn on Data roaming if your UROCOMM plan requires it. Many travel eSIMs need roaming enabled because the eSIM connects through a partner network, not your home carrier. Check the plan details in your email.
- Wait 1–2 minutes. The phone should pick up a local signal. No signal? Toggle airplane mode on for 5 seconds, then off.
Now you can use data. If you want to keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, set data to the UROCOMM eSIM and leave the physical SIM on for voice only.
Troubleshooting
QR code won't scan.
Clean the camera lens, improve lighting, and hold the phone 4–6 inches from the QR. If it still fails, use the manual activation code from the same UROCOMM email. You can also forward the email to a laptop or print the QR code.
No "Add carrier" option.
Update your Pixel 4 to the latest Android version—Android 13 is the last supported release for Pixel 4. If the option is still missing, your phone may be carrier-locked. Carrier-locked units often hide the eSIM menu. You can't install a UROCOMM eSIM on a locked device. In that case, a WiFi 6 portable travel WiFi hotspot works with any phone and doesn't need an eSIM. See all mobile WiFi options at UROCOMM mobile WiFi devices.
eSIM installed but no data after landing.
Check that the eSIM line is on, mobile data is on, and data roaming is on for the eSIM. Turn off airplane mode. Move closer to a window or go outside. Wait 1–2 minutes. If still nothing, toggle airplane mode off and on.
"Network not available" or "No service."
This can happen in basements, rural areas, or right after landing. Walk to an open area, then toggle airplane mode. If the issue lasts more than 5 minutes, contact UROCOMM support at service@urocomm.com. Include your eSIM ICCID—find it under Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > UROCOMM eSIM—so support can check the profile.
You accidentally activated the eSIM before your trip.
The plan clock started. UROCOMM cannot pause or reset a plan once it connects to the destination network. If you caught it immediately, you may still have most of the validity left. If you need a fresh plan, browse the eSIM collection. For more setup walkthroughs, see our eSIM guides and how-to articles.
FAQ
Can I use my regular SIM and UROCOMM eSIM at the same time on Pixel 4?
Yes. Pixel 4 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS): one physical SIM and one eSIM active at the same time. You can keep your home SIM on for calls and texts, and set data to the UROCOMM eSIM so you don't pay roaming charges.
Does installing the eSIM profile start my data plan?
No. Installing the profile only saves the carrier settings on your phone. The plan starts when the eSIM connects to the destination network. Keep the eSIM turned off until you arrive, then activate using airport or hotel Wi‑Fi.
What if my Pixel 4 doesn't show the eSIM option?
Pixel 4 does support eSIM, but a carrier-locked unit may hide the option. If you can't get the eSIM menu to appear, use a UROCOMM portable WiFi hotspot instead. The WiFi 6 portable travel WiFi hotspot covers 110+ countries and works independently of your phone's SIM slot.
Get connected
Your eSIM is installed and dormant, which is exactly what you want before travel. The only thing left is to turn it on after you land and toggle mobile data. If you hit a snag, email service@urocomm.com with your eSIM ICCID—our support team can check the profile and tell you what's wrong. Safe travels.
