Google Pixel 3 Series

The Google Pixel 3 series brought eSIM to four models: Pixel 3, 3 XL (2018), 3a, and 3a XL (2019). All four support one active eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM, with important exceptions for certain regional and carrier variants.

Key Takeaways

• Pixel 3 and 3 XL: eSIM supported except on Australian, Japanese, and Taiwanese variants.
• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: eSIM supported except Japan, Southeast Asian markets, and Verizon US.
• Hong Kong variants generally do not support eSIM.
• One active eSIM at a time alongside physical nano-SIM.

Google Pixel 3 eSIM Compatibility and Restrictions

While the technology is built-in, some models have it disabled at the hardware or carrier level:

• Regional Blocks: Pixel 3 models from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan do not support eSIM.
• South East Asia: Pixel 3a models from this region often lack eSIM.
• US Carriers: Pixel 3 models from US carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi may have eSIM compatibility issues.
• Verizon: Specifically, the Verizon Pixel 3a does not support eSIM.

Google Pixel 3 Models and eSIM Compatibility

How to Activate eSIM on Google Pixel 3 or 3a

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Select Mobile network.
4. Tap the + icon (Add).
5. Choose Download a SIM instead.
6. Scan your Roamix QR code.
7. Follow the prompts to finish.
8. Set the new line as your preferred data SIM.
9. Turn on Data Roaming for the Roamix line.

Pixel 3 eSIM for International Travel

Roamix works with any unlocked Pixel 3 or 3a. Purchase a plan, scan the QR code, and your phone connects to local partner networks when you arrive.

Carrier unlock check: Settings → About phone → SIM status. Pixels purchased directly from Google are sold unlocked.

Pixel 3 eSIM Troubleshooting

"Download a SIM instead" option missing: Most commonly carrier lock or a regional variant without eSIM hardware. Confirm your model: Pixel 3a models with model number G020A (Verizon) do not support eSIM. For Japan, Australia, and Taiwan Pixel 3/3 XL variants, eSIM hardware is absent — this cannot be fixed by unlocking. For other models, contact your carrier to unlock.

Pixel 3a Verizon no eSIM: The Verizon-branded Pixel 3a (G020A) shipped without eSIM support. This is a hardware omission, not a software lock — unlocking the carrier will not add eSIM capability. The unlocked and T-Mobile/Sprint Pixel 3a models do include eSIM.

eSIM installed but no service abroad: Go to Network & internet → SIMs, select the Roamix line, and enable Data Roaming. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off to force network re-registration.

QR code scan fails: Ensure you are on Wi-Fi. Try manual entry with the SM-DP+ address from your Roamix email if the camera scan fails repeatedly.