I have Google Fi on my Pixel. Can I use a travel eSIM at the same time?

Yes, but Google Fi takes priority by default and can prevent your travel eSIM from working. Before traveling, either pause your Fi service in the Google Fi app or disable the Fi SIM in Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Then enable your travel eSIM, set it as the default data line, and restart your phone to make sure the switch takes effect.

My Pixel has the eSIM transfer tool. Should I use it to fix connection issues?

No. The eSIM transfer tool (available on Pixel 7 and later) is for moving eSIM profiles between devices, not for troubleshooting. Using it while trying to fix a connection issue could interrupt your active profile. Stick to the troubleshooting steps in this guide instead.

Will resetting network settings on my Pixel remove my eSIM?

No. Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth settings clears saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular preferences, but your eSIM profiles stay installed. After the reset, you will need to re-enable Data Roaming and set your eSIM as the default data line again.

Google Pixel eSIM Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Fixes

Before You Start

Google Pixel phones run stock Android, so the settings paths are clean and consistent. This guide is tailored specifically for Pixel devices, including Pixel-only quirks.

Confirm your eSIM is installed by going to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. You should see your eSIM profile listed. If it's not there, install it first.

Work through these fixes in order. Most Pixel users resolve their issue within the first four steps.

Step 1: Toggle Airplane Mode

This forces your Pixel to drop all connections and scan for networks again.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings
Tap the Airplane Mode tile
Wait 30 seconds
Tap it again to turn it off

Step 2: Make Sure the eSIM Is Enabled

An installed eSIM isn't always active.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Tap your eSIM profile
Make sure the toggle to use this SIM is turned on

Step 3: Set the eSIM as Your Default Data Line

Your Pixel may still be routing data through your physical SIM or another profile.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Tap your eSIM profile
Turn on Mobile data to make it the default

Step 4: Enable Data Roaming

Travel eSIMs connect through roaming agreements with local carriers. Your Pixel blocks roaming by default.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Tap your eSIM profile
Toggle Roaming to ON

This single setting is the fix for most eSIM connection issues. Without it, your travel eSIM cannot connect to any network abroad.

Step 5: Manually Select a Network

If automatic network selection isn't finding a compatible carrier, choose one yourself.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Tap your eSIM profile
Tap Network preferences
Turn off Automatically select network
Wait for a list of available carriers to appear (up to 30 seconds)
Try connecting to each carrier until you get service

Tip: If the carrier list is empty, make sure Data Roaming is enabled first, then try again.

Step 6: Check for Pixel Updates

Google pushes monthly security patches and feature updates that can fix eSIM bugs.

Go to Settings > System > System update
Tap Check for update
If an update is available, download and install it

Pixel phones get updates directly from Google, so they're usually the first to receive Android eSIM fixes.

Step 7: Restart Your Phone

A full restart clears out stuck network processes.

Press and hold the power button
Tap Restart
Wait for your phone to boot up and give it a couple of minutes to reconnect

On Pixel 6 and later, hold the power button and volume up if the power button opens Google Assistant.

Step 8: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

This clears all network configurations and forces your Pixel to start from scratch.

Go to Settings > System > Reset options
Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
Confirm with your PIN or password

What this resets: Saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, mobile data preferences, and VPN configurations. What it keeps: Your apps, photos, eSIM profiles, and personal data.

After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi, re-enable Data Roaming, and set your eSIM as the default data line again.

Google Fi Conflicts

This is the most common Pixel-specific issue. If you're a Google Fi subscriber, Fi's eSIM takes priority and can prevent your travel eSIM from connecting.

To fix this before traveling:

Open the Google Fi app and pause your Fi service, or disable the Fi SIM in Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
Enable your Only eSIM travel profile and set it as the default data line
Restart your phone — this is important, as Fi can reassert itself without a restart

When you return home, re-enable Fi and disable the travel eSIM.

Pixel VPN and Private DNS

Pixel phones have Private DNS settings and sometimes a built-in VPN that can interfere with eSIM data routing. If your eSIM connects but data isn't flowing, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and set it to Off temporarily. Disable any active VPN as well. Re-enable these once your connection is confirmed working.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Notes

On Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 9, or 9 Pro running Android 15, the settings paths in this guide still work, though the interface may look slightly different. The eSIM transfer tool (Pixel 7+) is for moving profiles between devices — don't use it while troubleshooting. If your Pixel 9 shows satellite connectivity options, these are unrelated to your eSIM data plan.

When to Contact Support

If you've completed all eight steps and your eSIM still isn't connecting after 30 minutes at your destination, reach out to us at onlyesim.com with your order number and Pixel model. We'll check your plan status and help you get connected.