Set Up or Transfer eSIM on Pixel 11

Prepare the account and devices

Before setup, keep these items available:

• reliable Wi-Fi;
• the old phone with its current line still working;
• carrier account login and account-holder approval;
• the carrier account PIN or transfer PIN if required;
• the Pixel IMEI or device ID if the carrier requests it;
• a carrier QR code or activation code if one was issued.

Do not remove service from the old phone merely to make the new-phone option appear.

Set up eSIM during onboarding

If the setup flow offers mobile service, follow the on-screen carrier option. A supported transfer may ask you to approve the move on the old phone or sign in to the carrier.

For automatic Android-to-Android eSIM transfer, Google documents requirements that include Android 12 or later on the source phone, current Google Play services and a screen lock. Carrier participation is still required.

Add eSIM after onboarding

If you skipped service setup or the carrier asked you to finish later, use the SIM settings on the new Pixel.

The wording can differ by software version. Follow the carrier option shown for the account rather than selecting an unrelated carrier profile.

Transfer from iPhone

Google states that iPhone-to-Pixel eSIM transfer support depends on the carrier. Your carrier may instead require:

• its mobile app;
• a QR code;
• entry of an activation code;
• a website or store activation;
• a call or chat with the account holder present.

Moving photos and apps from iPhone does not automatically move the phone number.

If activation does not finish

1. Keep the new Pixel on stable Wi-Fi.
2. Confirm the correct line and device are eligible in the carrier account.
3. Restart the Pixel once if the carrier shows the activation as complete but service has not appeared.
4. Check whether the old phone is waiting for transfer approval.
5. Give the carrier the requested IMEI or device ID, not an identifier copied from a different device.
6. Contact the carrier if its app, QR code or account rejects the activation.

When to contact the carrier

Use carrier support when the account says the device or plan is ineligible, a QR code is expired, identity verification fails, the old line remains active after an approved transfer, or the carrier has no documented iPhone-to-Pixel path.

Phone Help cannot activate a line, access a carrier account or promise that a carrier supports a specific transfer method.