Google Pixel · 2021

Does the Pixel 5a have eSIM?

Yes · supports eSIM

Yes, the Pixel 5a supports eSIM. One physical SIM and one eSIM are active at the same time. A travel profile is installed at home over Wi-Fi; your own SIM stays in for calls and texts.

The earliest Google Pixel with eSIM in this catalogue is the Pixel 4, from 2019 — 2 years before the Pixel 5a. The Pixel 4a from 2020 has it too. The Pixel 6a that follows in 2022 has it too. Of its 2021 shelf-mates, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro carry the same answer.

Check your unit in a minute

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs

An "Add eSIM" entry means it is supported. Dial *#06#: a phone with eSIM shows an EID among the numbers.

Settings beat any list: the same model ships with and without eSIM depending on the country.

Check another phone eSIM compatibility for 232 models — pick the phone and the destination. ›

How to put a travel eSIM on the Pixel 5a

Buy a plan for the destination The QR lands in your inbox within minutes. › Install at home over Wi-Fi SIM manager → Add eSIM → scan the QR from a second screen or enter the code by hand. › Turn data roaming on after landing For the travel profile only. Switch data off on your own SIM so it does not roam. › Check what the country requires Registration, handset rules and APN by country, read from the primary documents. ›

Type your destination — the plan for it opens in one step

Other Google Pixel models

Pixel 6 supports eSIM › Pixel 6 Pro supports eSIM › Pixel 4a supports eSIM › Pixel 4a 5G supports eSIM › Pixel 5 supports eSIM › Pixel 6a supports eSIM › Pixel 7 supports eSIM › Pixel 7 Pro supports eSIM › Google Pixel and eSIM, read on Google's own page Google marks its eSIM-only rule “US only”: Pixel 10 and later, except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. › All phones and eSIM Lists by maker and the check for any model. ›

Common questions

Can I install a travel eSIM on the Pixel 5a?

Yes. Buy a plan for the destination, scan the QR from the email over Wi-Fi at home, and turn data roaming on for the profile after landing. Your own SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts.

How many eSIMs does the Pixel 5a store, and how many work at once?

On Android the number of stored profiles depends on the model and firmware. Usually a physical SIM and one eSIM work at the same time. The SIM manager in Settings shows the exact layout.

Which other 2021 Google Pixel models answer the same way as the Pixel 5a?

Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro give the same eSIM answer in this catalogue. Where units differ is the market they were made for, and that is what Settings shows.