Can the Pixel 8a have two eSIMs?

Yes, the Google Pixel 8a can store multiple eSIM profiles and use two eSIMs simultaneously without a physical SIM card. However, only two lines total—whether physical, eSIM, or a combination—can be active at the same time. You can switch between stored eSIM profiles in Settings whenever you need a different line active.

What are the drawbacks of using an eSIM?

The main drawback is that you can't instantly move an eSIM to a new phone by swapping a physical card—you'll need to download the profile again, which requires an internet connection. Some older networks and a few budget carriers don't support eSIM yet. Otherwise, eSIM works identically to a physical SIM and offers the same call, text, and data functionality with no performance difference.

How do I activate an eSIM on a Google Pixel 8?

The process is identical to the Pixel 8a. Open Settings, tap Network & internet, select SIMs, tap the plus icon, and choose to download a SIM. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider, wait for the profile to download, then label the line and set your data preferences. The entire process takes about one minute with an active internet connection.

Does the Pixel 8a have two SIM cards?

The Pixel 8a has one physical nano-SIM slot and eSIM support, allowing you to use two phone lines at once. You can pair the physical SIM with an eSIM, or run two eSIMs without using the physical slot at all. The device stores several eSIM profiles but only two lines can be active simultaneously for calls, texts, and data.

How many eSIMs can I store on the Pixel 8a?

The Pixel 8a typically stores four to five eSIM profiles depending on your Android version and carrier configuration. You can install multiple travel or secondary line eSIMs in advance and switch between them in Settings whenever you need a different profile active. Only two lines total—physical or eSIM—can be active at once, but swapping between stored profiles takes just seconds.

Google Pixel 8a eSIM — Compatibility & Setup

Does the Google Pixel 8a support eSIM?

Yes, the Google Pixel 8a supports eSIM technology across all models and regions. Every variant sold worldwide—whether you buy it unlocked from Google, through a carrier, or from a retailer—includes full eSIM functionality built into the device.

Google Pixel 8a eSIM compatibility

The Pixel 8a features a hybrid SIM setup: one physical nano-SIM slot plus eSIM support. You can use the physical SIM and one active eSIM simultaneously for true dual-SIM functionality, which means you can keep your home number active while adding a second line for work, travel, or local data. The Pixel 8a stores multiple eSIM profiles on the device—typically up to four or five depending on your software version—but only one eSIM can be active at the same time alongside your physical SIM.

If you want to run two eSIMs without a physical card, the Pixel 8a supports that configuration too. You can activate two eSIM profiles and switch between them in Settings, though again only two lines total (physical or eSIM) can be active simultaneously.

How to set up an eSIM on the Google Pixel 8a

Setting up an eSIM on the Google Pixel 8a takes about sixty seconds once you have your QR code from your carrier or eSIM provider. The process is identical whether you're adding a second line from your home carrier or installing a travel eSIM for an upcoming trip.

Google Pixel 8a eSIM setup steps

Open Settings on your Pixel 8a and tap Network & internet.
Tap the + icon next to SIMs or select Add mobile network.
Choose Download a SIM instead? or Add a network if prompted.
Tap Next and scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider using your Pixel's camera.
Wait while the eSIM profile downloads and activates—this typically takes 30 to 90 seconds and requires an active internet connection via Wi-Fi or your other SIM.
Once installed, give your eSIM a label (like "Travel" or "Work") so you can identify it easily.
Set your preferences for which SIM handles mobile data, calls, and SMS in the SIM settings menu.

If your provider offers an alternative activation method, you may see options to enter an activation code manually or use a carrier app instead of scanning a QR code. Both methods work equally well on the Pixel 8a.

Set up an eSIM in Settings

After installation, you'll find all your SIM lines under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. From here you can toggle each line on or off, choose which SIM to use for mobile data by default, and configure call and SMS preferences. The Pixel 8a lets you set separate defaults for data, calls, and texts, giving you full control over how your dual-SIM setup behaves.

Using a travel eSIM on the Google Pixel 8a

A travel eSIM is the easiest way to get mobile data abroad without paying roaming fees from your home carrier. Instead of hunting for a local SIM card shop when you land, you install a data-only eSIM plan before you fly and activate it when you arrive.

Why use a travel eSIM on your Pixel 8a

Your Pixel 8a can store multiple eSIM profiles, so you can install travel plans for several destinations ahead of time and activate the right one when you need it. Most travel eSIM plans are data-only, which means your home SIM stays active for calls and text messages while the travel eSIM handles internet, maps, messaging apps, and everything else that needs data. You'll avoid surprise roaming charges and get local data speeds at a fraction of the cost.

Install your travel eSIM while you still have Wi-Fi at home or at the airport. Once the profile is on your device, you can activate it in Settings whenever you're ready. When you land, turn on the travel eSIM line, select it as your default data source, and you're connected. You can browse eSIM plans for more than 200 countries and regions, with coverage options from one day to several months.

Tips & troubleshooting

Most eSIM activations on the Pixel 8a work perfectly on the first try, but a few settings and common issues are worth knowing about before you travel.

Turn on data roaming for your eSIM line

Even though your travel eSIM is a local data plan, it will appear as "roaming" to your Pixel 8a because the profile wasn't issued by your phone's original carrier. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select your travel eSIM, and make sure Roaming is turned on. Without this, your eSIM won't connect to the network. Your home SIM can stay set to block roaming so you don't accidentally incur charges on that line.

Keep your home SIM active for calls and two-factor authentication

Leave your primary SIM active while traveling so you can receive calls and SMS verification codes for banking apps and two-factor authentication. Set your travel eSIM as the default for mobile data, but keep your home line enabled for voice and texts. This dual-SIM setup means you won't miss important messages, and you won't pay data roaming fees because all your internet traffic flows through the travel eSIM.

Fix an eSIM that won't activate

If the QR code won't scan, make sure your camera lens is clean and you have good lighting. If scanning still fails, most eSIM providers offer a manual activation option—you'll enter an activation code and server address by hand instead of scanning. If the eSIM downloads but won't connect, restart your Pixel 8a and double-check that data roaming is enabled for that specific line. You can also try toggling Airplane mode on and off to force the device to search for the network again.

If you're still stuck, remove the eSIM profile and reinstall it. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select the problematic eSIM, choose Erase SIM, and then repeat the setup process. Most QR codes can be used multiple times, but confirm with your provider before deleting the profile. For additional help with activation issues, visit our eSIM setup help resource or contact your eSIM provider directly.

If you're considering other devices or want to confirm compatibility before you buy, you can check another device's eSIM compatibility to compare options.

Google Pixel 8a eSIM