One of the most controversial changes in the Pixel 10 series – at least for US users – is the switch to an eSIM-only setup. For many, that might mean the first time ever using eSIM and it begs the question, how did that go for you?
When Apple first adopted eSIM-only iPhones a few years ago, the picture of eSIM support on Android was a rough one. Some carriers had the tools available but, for others, eSIMs could vary by carrier, device, even software version. It was truly a labyrinth.
Fast forward to today, though, and Google has improved how Android handles eSIM quite a bit. Transfers are better, setup is easier, and more carriers work better with the whole process.
That’s really important for the Pixel 10, because there’s no alternative.
For myself, switching to an eSIM on my Pixel 10 Pro XL was a breeze, because I’m using the device on Google Fi which remains the gold standard for eSIM. I simply went through normal setup and, after getting my apps installed, I opened the Fi app and just followed the prompts to install an eSIM. It took all of maybe 2 minutes as I was running out the door on my first night using the phone.
I was a bit more worried around my wife’s Pixel 10 Pro upgrade, as she would need to transfer service over from Verizon. Thankfully, this worked really well. During the normal transfer flow of bringing her Pixel 8 data over to the new phone, we were prompted to convert her physical Verizon SIM to an eSIM, with a note that this can’t be reversed. We started the process and, within a couple of minutes, it was done. After setup was complete, she was immediately able to access her messages and make phone calls like nothing had ever changed.
That’s a lot of progress over the past few years, but your results can still vary. I’ve heard of a few folks who have had to call up their carriers to get the eSIM transfer taken care of, or run into a number of other headaches. That’s part of the reason I was so surprised to see the Verizon transfer being an absolute breeze.
Top comment by MartyKinn
It's very surreal because in all likelihood, I will never be able to buy another Pixel. I cannot switch to eSIM only. To switch would mean giving up using all of my other phones...some of them don't have eSIM capability. And I won't give up using my other phones just to have a Pixel 10 and only use it.
For myself, switching to an eSIM on my Pixel 10 Pro XL was a breeze, because I’m using the device on Google Fi which remains the gold standard for eSIM.
I agree, Google Fi is the standard that all other carriers should follow. If T-Mobile had as good an eSIM system as Fi, I would be able to buy a Pixel 10. But, corporatism being what it is in America, that will probably never happen. In fact, it is more likely the opposite will happen. I believe carriers prefer to implement a system that locks users down rather than freeing them up. If it wasn't for an act of Congress decades ago, we would not be taking our phone numbers to different carriers.
Kudos, Google.
eSIM will probably never be quite as seamless as a regular physical SIM card. After all, you still need a Wi-Fi connection to transfer your SIM. But it’s clear that Android is at least ready for phones without a physical SIM card slot.
But how was your experience? Did you run into any issues activating an eSIM on your Pixel 10? Vote in the poll below and tell us your story in the comments below.
More on Pixel 10:
- Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL remove support for physical SIM cards in the US
- Google Pixel 10 Initial Review: Constrained, concise, costly upgrades [Video]
- Pixel 10 Pro XL Initial Review: 10 generations in, Google is still trying to get it right
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments