Google Pixel 9 eSIM Setup: Everything You Need to Know
The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold all support eSIM natively — you can add a Fuse Mobile eSIM in under five minutes by scanning a QR code directly from Settings. This guide is for UK Pixel 9 owners who want a faster, more reliable connection by switching to a multi-network eSIM.
Unlike a single-network SIM that locks you to one provider's masts, a Fuse Mobile eSIM connects your Pixel 9 to all four UK networks — EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 — automatically selecting whichever has the strongest signal wherever you are. Stock Android on the Pixel 9 handles this beautifully: you'll see clean network-switching notifications in the status bar, so you always know your phone is working hard to keep you connected.
Is the Google Pixel 9 eSIM Compatible?
Yes — every model in the Pixel 9 range supports eSIM, and all are sold unlocked in the UK by default.
| Model | eSIM Support | Dual SIM (eSIM + physical SIM) |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pixel 9 Pro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
All four models support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), meaning you can run a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously — useful if you're keeping a work SIM alongside your Fuse eSIM, or transitioning away from a legacy contract.
Important: If your Pixel 9 was purchased through a network operator rather than the Google Store or a retailer, it may be locked to that carrier. Contact your current provider to request an unlock before adding a new eSIM.
What You'll Need Before You Start
- A Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, or 9 Pro Fold running Android 14 or later (Android 15 recommended)
- A Wi-Fi or mobile data connection during setup
- Your Fuse Mobile QR code (sent to your email after signing up)
- A second device or printed copy of the QR code — you can't scan it on the same screen displaying it
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Fuse eSIM on a Google Pixel 9
Step 1: Open Settings
- Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon, or open the Settings app from your app drawer.
Step 2: Navigate to SIM Settings
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs. You'll see any existing SIM cards listed here.
Step 3: Add Your eSIM
- Tap Add eSIM (or the + icon in the top-right corner).
- Your Pixel 9 will ask how you'd like to add the eSIM. Select Scan a QR code.
Step 4: Scan Your Fuse QR Code
- Your camera viewfinder will open. Hold your phone steady and point it at the Fuse QR code displayed on another screen or printed sheet.
- Once the code is recognised, you'll see a confirmation screen showing your plan details. Tap Activate.
Step 5: Wait for Activation
- Your Pixel 9 will connect to the network and download the eSIM profile. This usually takes 30–60 seconds. Keep your Wi-Fi connection active during this step.
- You'll see a confirmation message once the eSIM is active.
Step 6: Configure Your Data and Call Preferences
- Go back to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap your new Fuse eSIM and set it as your preferred SIM for mobile data.
- If you're running dual SIM, decide which SIM handles calls and SMS — most users set Fuse as data-only and keep their existing SIM for calls during a transition period.
- Enable Automatically select network if prompted, so your Pixel 9 can roam freely across EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2.
That's it — your Fuse eSIM is live. You can check which network you're currently on by pulling down the notification shade and looking at the signal indicator.
How to Add an eSIM to Google Pixel Without a QR Code
If you can't scan a QR code — perhaps you're setting up remotely or your camera isn't working — you can enter an activation code manually.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
- Instead of scanning, look for Enter activation code manually or Use activation code (the exact wording varies slightly by Android version).
- Type or paste the activation code exactly as provided. Fuse includes this code in your activation email alongside the QR code.
- Tap Activate and wait for the profile to download.
Manual codes are especially handy if you're activating a second device using a phone you've already set up, or if you're helping someone else get started over the phone. You can find your activation code in your Fuse account dashboard or the original setup email — head to fuse.activate if you need to retrieve it.
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Setting Up Dual SIM on Pixel 9
Running a physical SIM and your Fuse eSIM side by side is straightforward on the Pixel 9. Once both are installed:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Both SIMs appear with toggles. Make sure both are enabled.
- Under Preferred SIM, set:
- Calls: whichever number you want to appear as your outgoing caller ID
- SMS: same logic — pick your primary number
- Mobile data: set this to your Fuse eSIM to take advantage of multi-network switching
- Enable Ask before using for calls if you want to choose per-call which SIM to use.
The Pixel 9's stock Android interface makes dual SIM management cleaner than most Android skins — there's no manufacturer bloat obscuring the options.
Why Pixel 9 + Fuse Is a Particularly Good Combination
Google's Pixel range runs the closest thing to reference Android available. That matters for a multi-network eSIM like Fuse for a few reasons:
Clean network notifications. When your Pixel 9 switches between EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2, you'll see a brief notification in the status bar. There's no manufacturer UI layer suppressing these — you always know which network you're on.
No carrier bloatware. Network-branded Android phones sometimes include software that interferes with eSIM switching or data routing. The Pixel 9 has none of that.
Fast security updates. Google pushes monthly security patches directly to Pixel devices. Keeping Android up to date ensures eSIM profiles and network authentication work as intended.
The single-network problem. If you're currently on a SIM from a single provider, your signal is only as good as their nearest mast. In rural areas, on the Underground, or in buildings with patchy coverage, you're stuck. Fuse's automatic selection across all four networks means your Pixel 9 is always finding the best available signal — without you doing anything. See how Fuse works for more detail on the switching logic.
eSIM Not Activating on Pixel 9? Common Fixes
If your eSIM gets stuck during setup, work through these in order:
1. Check your internet connection eSIM activation requires a live connection. If you're on Wi-Fi, confirm the network is working. If you're relying on a physical SIM for data, make sure mobile data is enabled on that SIM before starting.
2. Restart the activation process Go back to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, delete the incomplete eSIM profile, and start again from the QR code or activation code.
3. Confirm the QR code hasn't expired Fuse QR codes are single-use and time-limited. If yours has expired, log into your Fuse account and request a new one.
4. Check your phone isn't carrier-locked
Dial *#06# to see your IMEI, then contact your current network to confirm your phone is unlocked. A locked device will reject eSIM profiles from other providers.
5. Update Android Go to Settings > System > System update and install any pending updates. Older Android builds occasionally have eSIM provisioning bugs that are fixed in later releases.
6. Check eSIM storage The Pixel 9 can store multiple eSIM profiles but only activate a limited number simultaneously. If you've previously added several eSIMs, delete unused ones under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
If none of the above resolves it, Fuse's help centre has a live chat option and can reissue your QR code within minutes.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a eSIM Setup
The steps above apply to earlier Pixel models too, with minor differences:
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — eSIM setup follows the identical path: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Both models support dual SIM. Running Android 14 or 15, the interface is nearly identical to the Pixel 9.
Pixel 7a — Also eSIM compatible. The setup path is the same. The Pixel 7a runs Android 14 and supports one physical SIM plus one eSIM. Note that the Pixel 7a's camera can occasionally struggle to lock onto QR codes in low light — use the manual activation code method if scanning proves difficult.
Pixel 6 series — eSIM supported on Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a. The menu path is identical. These devices are approaching end of Google's security update window, so keep Android fully updated.
For any Pixel model, the Fuse eSIM plans page will show you which plan suits your usage before you commit — and the 7-day free trial (500MB) lets you test coverage on your specific device before spending a penny.
Choosing the Right Fuse Plan for Your Pixel 9
Fuse offers three rolling monthly plans with no contract:
- Spark — 5GB, £5.99/month. UK data only. Great for light users who mostly connect via Wi-Fi.
- Pulse — 10GB, £9.99/month. Includes roaming in 130+ countries. The most popular choice for everyday use.
- Surge — 15GB, £14.99/month. Includes roaming in 130+ countries. For heavy data users or frequent travellers.
All plans include access to all four UK networks. Pulse and Surge are the only UK plans combining genuine multi-network coverage with 130-country roaming in a single eSIM — a meaningful advantage over providers tied to a single network. Compare all plans to find your fit.
FAQ
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time on the Pixel 9?
Yes. The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold all support Dual SIM Dual Standby — you can run a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously, with both active and receiving calls.
How many eSIM profiles can the Pixel 9 store?
The Pixel 9 can store multiple eSIM profiles, though only one (or two in dual-SIM mode) can be active at a time. You can switch between stored profiles under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs without needing to re-download them.
Will my Pixel 9 automatically switch between EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 with Fuse?
Yes. Fuse's multi-network eSIM handles network selection automatically. Your Pixel 9 connects to whichever of the four networks has the strongest signal at your location. You don't need to configure anything — it works in the background.
Does Fuse eSIM work with Google Fi or other international eSIM profiles?
Fuse is a UK-based eSIM provider. If you have an existing eSIM from another provider stored on your Pixel 9, you can keep it inactive alongside your Fuse profile, switching between them as needed.
Can I try Fuse before committing to a monthly plan?
Yes — Fuse offers a 7-day free trial with 500MB of data. It activates instantly via QR code and automatically converts to your chosen monthly plan at the end of the trial period. Start your free trial to test coverage on your Pixel 9.
Summary
Setting up a Fuse eSIM on a Google Pixel 9 takes less than five minutes: open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM, scan your Fuse QR code, and set the eSIM as your preferred data SIM. If scanning isn't an option, the manual activation code method works just as well. The same steps apply to the Pixel 8, Pixel 7a, and earlier Pixel models.
The Pixel 9's clean stock Android makes it one of the best handsets for a multi-network eSIM — you get transparent network-switching notifications and none of the carrier bloat that can interfere with eSIM behaviour on other devices.
Ready to get started? Try Fuse free for 7 days — no contract, instant activation, all four UK networks from day one.