Using a Taiwan eSIM on an Android phone is a convenient way to get mobile data without replacing your regular SIM card. You can install the digital profile before departure and connect after arriving in Taiwan without searching for a physical SIM shop.
Many recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola and other Android phones support eSIM. However, compatibility depends on the exact model, sales region, mobile operator and software version.
Before purchasing a Taiwan eSIM, confirm that your phone includes eSIM support and is carrier-unlocked. A model name alone is not always enough because regional versions of the same device can have different SIM capabilities.
Quick answer: Install the Taiwan eSIM on stable WiFi before travelling. After arrival, enable the eSIM, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming for the travel profile and disable automatic data switching.
Top Taiwan eSIMs
Which Android Phones Support a Taiwan eSIM?
Many modern Android smartphones support eSIM, but not every device in a product series includes the feature.
Common compatible families may include selected models from:
- Samsung Galaxy S series.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series.
- Google Pixel series.
- Motorola Razr and selected Edge models.
- Honor and Huawei models with regional eSIM support.
- Xiaomi and other manufacturers on selected devices.
This is only a general guide. Some budget models, carrier editions and regional versions may not support eSIM even when a similar international model does.
How to Check Whether Your Android Phone Supports eSIM
Use several checks before purchasing because menu names differ between Android brands.
Dial the compatibility code
- Open the Phone application.
- Dial *#06#.
- Look for an EID number.
An EID usually confirms that the device contains eSIM hardware. You should still check the network settings and carrier lock status.
Check the mobile network settings
Look for an option such as:
- Add eSIM.
- Add Mobile Plan.
- Add Carrier.
- Download a SIM.
- Add SIM.
- SIM Manager.
The exact menu depends on the manufacturer and Android version.
How to Check Whether Your Android Phone Is Unlocked
A carrier-locked phone may reject a travel eSIM even if the device supports the technology.
Possible ways to check include:
- Contacting the operator that sold the phone.
- Reviewing the device contract or account information.
- Testing another operator’s physical SIM where appropriate.
- Looking for a network-lock message during eSIM installation.
Only the original carrier can normally remove a network lock. NoveSIM cannot unlock the device.
What You Need Before Installation
- A compatible and unlocked Android phone.
- A reliable WiFi connection.
- The eSIM QR code or manual activation details.
- Access to the purchase email or customer account.
- A second device if the QR code must be displayed separately.
Install the eSIM before departure whenever possible. Installation requires internet access, while activation may begin only after the profile connects to a supported network in Taiwan, depending on the plan.
How to Install a Taiwan eSIM on Samsung
Menu names can vary slightly between Samsung models and One UI versions.
- Connect the phone to stable WiFi.
- Open Settings.
- Select Connections.
- Open SIM Manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR Code.
- Scan the code from another screen.
- Follow the installation prompts.
- Label the plan Taiwan, Travel or NoveSIM.
Wait until the new mobile plan appears in SIM Manager before closing the settings.
How to Install a Taiwan eSIM on Google Pixel
- Connect the Pixel to WiFi.
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- Select Add SIM.
- Choose Set Up an eSIM or Download a SIM Instead.
- Scan the QR code.
- Complete the instructions shown on screen.
The wording may differ depending on the Android version and Pixel model.
How to Install a Taiwan eSIM on Other Android Phones
The general process is similar across compatible Android devices:
- Open Settings.
- Go to the mobile network, connections or SIM section.
- Choose Add eSIM, Add SIM or a similar option.
- Select the QR code installation method.
- Scan the supplied code.
- Confirm the mobile plan download.
- Label the new profile clearly.
Consult the device manufacturer’s official support information when the menu cannot be found.
How to Install the eSIM Manually
Manual installation can be used when QR scanning is unavailable or you cannot display the code on another screen.
- Open the Add eSIM menu.
- Look for Enter Activation Code, Enter Details Manually or a similar option.
- Enter the supplied SM-DP+ address.
- Enter the activation code if one is provided.
- Confirm the profile download.
Enter the details exactly as provided. Avoid extra spaces and do not share the activation information.
How to Label the Taiwan eSIM
Clear labels reduce the risk of selecting your home SIM for mobile data.
Useful labels include:
- Taiwan.
- NoveSIM.
- Travel Data.
- Taiwan Internet.
Avoid generic names such as SIM 2 or Secondary when multiple profiles are installed.
Recommended Android Settings Before Departure
| Setting | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Primary SIM for calls | Your regular SIM |
| Primary SIM for SMS | Your regular SIM |
| Taiwan eSIM | Keep installed |
| Mobile data before arrival | Your normal line or unchanged |
| Automatic data switching | Disable before using the travel plan |
Review the plan activation conditions before turning the profile on. Some products start their validity after connecting to a supported network, while others may follow different rules.
How to Activate the Taiwan eSIM After Arrival
- Open the SIM or mobile network settings.
- Enable the Taiwan or NoveSIM profile.
- Select it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
- Disable automatic mobile data switching.
- Keep Data Roaming disabled on the home SIM.
- Wait several minutes for network registration.
Turn off WiFi temporarily when testing whether mobile data is working.
Recommended Android Settings in Taiwan
| Android Setting | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|
| Taiwan eSIM | Enabled |
| Preferred SIM for mobile data | Taiwan eSIM |
| Data Roaming on travel eSIM | Enabled |
| Data Roaming on home SIM | Disabled |
| Automatic data switching | Disabled |
| Network selection | Automatic unless support advises otherwise |
| APN | data.esim |
How to Set the APN on Android
The APN may configure automatically. If the phone has signal but mobile data does not work, check the access point settings.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Connections, Network & Internet or Mobile Network.
- Select the Taiwan eSIM.
- Open Access Point Names.
- Create a new APN if required.
- Enter data.esim in the APN field.
- Leave username and password empty.
- Save the APN.
- Select the newly created profile.
Restart the phone or toggle Airplane Mode after saving the new APN.
Samsung APN Path
On many Samsung devices, the path is:
Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names
Select the Taiwan eSIM first when the device asks which SIM you want to configure.
Google Pixel APN Path
On many Pixel devices, the path is:
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Taiwan eSIM → Access Point Names
The wording can change after Android updates.
Can You Keep Your Main SIM Active?
Yes. Dual SIM Android phones can usually keep the regular SIM active while the Taiwan eSIM provides mobile data.
This allows you to:
- Keep your normal number.
- Receive verification codes.
- Remain reachable on your home line.
- Use the Taiwan eSIM for maps and internet.
Calls and SMS on your primary line may still incur roaming charges. Check your operator’s pricing and keep roaming disabled on that SIM.
How WhatsApp Works With a Taiwan eSIM
Your WhatsApp account normally remains connected to your existing number. Installing a data-only travel eSIM does not automatically change the account.
You can continue using:
- Messages.
- Voice calls.
- Video calls.
- Group chats.
- Photo and document sharing.
Do not register WhatsApp with another number unless you intentionally want to change the account.
Does the Taiwan eSIM Include Calls or SMS?
NoveSIM plans are data-only. They do not include:
- A Taiwanese phone number.
- Traditional voice minutes.
- Standard SMS.
You can use WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger and other internet calling applications through the mobile data connection.
Can You Use Mobile Hotspot on Android?
Hotspot may be available depending on the plan, phone and partner network.
The usual Android setup is:
- Open Settings.
- Select Connections or Network & Internet.
- Open Mobile Hotspot and Tethering or Hotspot & Tethering.
- Enable Mobile Hotspot.
- Connect the second device using the displayed WiFi information.
Confirm that the Taiwan eSIM is selected for mobile data before enabling hotspot.
How Much Data Should Android Users Choose?
| Trip Length or Usage | Recommended Data |
|---|---|
| 3–5 days with WiFi | 3GB–5GB |
| One week | 5GB–10GB |
| Two weeks | 10GB–15GB |
| Three to four weeks | 15GB–30GB |
| Hotspot or remote work | 30GB+ or a suitable unlimited-style plan |
Automatic photo uploads, application updates and video streaming can consume a large allowance quickly.
Fixed Data or Unlimited-Style Plan?
A fixed-data plan is often the best choice for maps, messaging, transport apps and moderate browsing. It provides a clear allowance and predictable high-speed use.
An unlimited-style plan may suit travellers who prefer not to monitor a total data allowance. NoveSIM unlimited-style plans provide 1GB of high-speed data during each 24-hour period. After that daily amount is consumed, speed may be reduced until the next reset.
A larger fixed-data plan may be more suitable for continuous hotspot use, video calls or frequent media uploads.
How to Reduce Android Data Usage
Enable Data Saver
Android Data Saver restricts background mobile activity for many applications.
The usual path is:
Settings → Network & Internet or Connections → Data Usage → Data Saver
Disable automatic application updates
Configure Google Play to update applications only through WiFi.
Pause cloud photo backups
Google Photos and other backup services can upload large travel files in the background.
Download offline content
Save maps, music, podcasts and entertainment before leaving WiFi.
Restrict background data
Review applications with high background usage and limit them individually.
What to Do If the Taiwan eSIM Does Not Connect
- Confirm that the eSIM profile is enabled.
- Select it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
- Disable automatic mobile data switching.
- Turn off WiFi and test the connection.
- Check that the APN is data.esim.
- Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds and then off.
- Restart the phone.
- Move outdoors or toward a more populated area.
Do not delete the eSIM during troubleshooting. Some QR codes are valid for one installation only.
Why the Phone Shows No Service
No Service may appear when the phone has not registered on a supported partner network or when local coverage is weak.
Check that:
- You are in Taiwan or another included destination.
- The eSIM is turned on.
- Data Roaming is enabled.
- Network Selection is set to Automatic.
- The phone is carrier-unlocked.
- The plan has not expired.
Why There Is Signal but No Mobile Internet
Signal bars without working internet often indicate an incorrect data line or missing APN.
Verify:
- The Taiwan eSIM is selected for mobile data.
- The APN is data.esim.
- Data Roaming is enabled.
- Automatic switching is disabled.
- WiFi is turned off during testing.
Should You Select a Network Manually?
Keep network selection on Automatic in most cases. The eSIM should connect to an included partner network.
Manual network selection should normally be used only when automatic registration fails and customer support provides specific guidance. Not every visible Taiwanese network is necessarily included in the plan.
Can You Transfer the eSIM to Another Android Phone?
Travel eSIM profiles generally cannot be moved freely between devices. The QR code may be single-use and tied to the first successful installation.
Install the plan on the Android phone you intend to use during the trip. Do not delete it or attempt a transfer without contacting support.
Can You Top Up the Same Taiwan eSIM?
NoveSIM plans cannot normally be topped up or extended on the same QR code. When the allowance or validity expires, purchase a new eSIM and install its new profile.
You need WiFi or another working internet connection for installation. Arrange the replacement before your existing plan runs out.
Can Android Phones Store Multiple eSIM Profiles?
Many compatible Android phones can store several eSIM profiles, although the number that can remain active simultaneously depends on the model.
Label each profile clearly and disable plans that are not currently needed. Do not delete a profile until you are certain it will not be used again.
Common Android Menu Differences
| Feature | Samsung | Google Pixel |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM menu | Connections → SIM Manager | Network & Internet → SIMs |
| Add eSIM | Add eSIM | Add SIM or Set Up an eSIM |
| Mobile data selection | SIM Manager | SIMs |
| APN | Mobile Networks → Access Point Names | SIMs → Access Point Names |
| Hotspot | Mobile Hotspot and Tethering | Hotspot & Tethering |
Software updates can rename or move these options, but the general configuration remains the same.
Related Articles
- Best eSIM for Taiwan
- Taiwan eSIM for iPhone
- How to Install an eSIM for Taiwan
- Does My Phone Support eSIM in Taiwan?
- Mobile Internet in Taiwan
FAQ
Can I use a Taiwan eSIM on an Android phone?
Yes, provided the exact model supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Check for an EID by dialling *#06# and look for an Add eSIM option in the settings.
Should I install the Taiwan eSIM before travelling?
Yes. Install it using stable WiFi before departure, then select it for mobile data and enable Data Roaming after arriving in Taiwan.
Why must Data Roaming be enabled?
The travel eSIM connects through supported partner networks, so roaming must be enabled on the eSIM profile for mobile data to work.
Can I keep my normal SIM active?
Yes. Use your regular SIM for calls and SMS while assigning mobile data to the Taiwan eSIM. Keep roaming disabled on the home SIM.
What APN should I use on Android?
Use data.esim when manual APN configuration is required. Leave the username and password empty.
Why can I not find the Add eSIM menu?
Your model, regional variant or carrier software may not support eSIM. Check for an EID and verify the exact device specification.
Can I delete and reinstall the eSIM?
Do not delete it during troubleshooting. Some QR codes are single-use and may not work again after removal.
Does the Taiwan eSIM include a local phone number?
NoveSIM plans are data-only and do not include a Taiwanese number, standard calls or SMS.
Final Recommendation
A Taiwan eSIM is an excellent mobile data option for a compatible Android phone. Before purchasing, check for an EID, confirm that the exact regional model supports eSIM and make sure the device is unlocked.
Install the profile before departure on stable WiFi. After arriving, enable the Taiwan eSIM, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming and disable automatic switching. Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM to avoid accidental charges.
If mobile data does not work, check the selected data SIM, roaming setting and APN before taking further action. Do not delete the profile. With the correct Android configuration, the Taiwan eSIM can provide convenient internet for navigation, communication and travel throughout the country.



