The Pixel 4 XL can use an eSIM, which makes it a practical travel phone when you want mobile data without swapping a physical SIM. This guide uses the Pixel-style Android 13 path, where eSIM setup is handled from Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
You can install an iRoamly travel eSIM in two ways: scan the QR code from your iRoamly order, or type the manual activation details if the QR code is not available on another screen. Both methods lead to the same result: an iRoamly eSIM profile added under SIMs, ready to be selected for travel data.
Because Pixel menus can change slightly by Android version and carrier variant, use the exact labels shown on your phone when they are close to the labels below. If your Pixel 4 XL does not show Add SIM or Set up an eSIM, check that the phone is unlocked, eSIM-capable in your region, and connected to Wi-Fi.
Preparations Before Setting Up iRoamly eSIM
Connect the Pixel 4 XL to a stable Wi-Fi network before downloading the eSIM.
Make sure the phone is unlocked and supports eSIM in your region. Some carrier or regional variants may limit eSIM availability.
Keep the iRoamly QR code or manual activation details available from your iRoamly order email or account page.
Install the iRoamly eSIM 1-2 days before travel when possible, but avoid turning on travel data too early if your plan starts when it connects to a supported destination network.
iRoamly eSIM validity starts from activation. For travel plans, check the specific plan details because activation timing can depend on the plan and destination network connection.
Do not delete the iRoamly eSIM after installation unless iRoamly support tells you to. Many travel eSIMs cannot be reinstalled after removal.
iRoamly eSIM plans may not include voice calls or SMS. Voice/SMS support varies by plan, so check your selected plan details before relying on it for calls or texts.
Method 1: Install the iRoamly eSIM by Scanning a QR Code
Open Settings on your Pixel 4 XL, then tap Network & internet. You should see the Pixel network settings page next.
Tap SIMs. You should see the SIM management page.
Tap Add SIM. The Pixel should open the mobile network setup flow.
Tap Set up an eSIM. The Pixel should move to the QR-code screen.
Point the Pixel 4 XL camera at the iRoamly QR code, then wait for the phone to recognize it. You should see a download confirmation for the new eSIM.
Tap Download, then keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi while Android downloads the iRoamly eSIM profile. The screen should show the iRoamly eSIM download confirmation.
Tap Done when the Pixel confirms the eSIM has been downloaded. The iRoamly eSIM should now appear in the Pixel SIMs list.
Method 2: Install the iRoamly eSIM by Manual Entry
Open Settings on your Pixel 4 XL, then tap Network & internet. You should see the same Pixel network settings page used for QR setup.
Tap SIMs. You should see the SIM management page.
Tap Add SIM. The phone should open the mobile network setup flow.
Tap Set up an eSIM. The Pixel should open the QR-code screen.
On the QR-code screen, tap Enter details manually. The Pixel should show the manual activation screen.
Enter the full iRoamly Activation code string exactly as provided, usually in an LPA:1$... format that includes the SM-DP+ server and activation code details, then tap Continue. The phone should validate the details and prepare to download the eSIM.
Tap Download, then keep Wi-Fi connected while the Pixel downloads the iRoamly eSIM profile. The screen should show the same iRoamly download confirmation used in QR setup.
Tap Done when Android confirms the eSIM has been downloaded. The iRoamly eSIM should now appear under SIMs.
How to Confirm the iRoamly eSIM Was Installed
Open Settings, tap Network & internet, then tap SIMs. Look for the new iRoamly eSIM or travel eSIM profile in the SIM list.
Tap the iRoamly eSIM profile and make sure Use SIM is turned on. The profile page should show options such as mobile data, roaming, and carrier settings for that eSIM.
Set Up the iRoamly eSIM for Travel Data
Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then tap your iRoamly eSIM. Make sure Use SIM is on so the Pixel can use the travel eSIM when you arrive.
Return to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap Mobile data, then select the iRoamly eSIM when you want the Pixel 4 XL to use iRoamly for cellular data. If you keep your primary SIM active, avoid unwanted automatic switching before travel.
On the iRoamly eSIM settings page, turn on Roaming if your iRoamly plan or destination instructions require it. The phone should keep the iRoamly eSIM ready for data service on supported networks.
Troubleshooting
If Add SIM or Set up an eSIM is missing, update Android, connect to Wi-Fi, confirm the Pixel 4 XL is unlocked, and check whether your regional or carrier variant supports eSIM.
If the QR code says it has already been used, do not delete the eSIM. Contact iRoamly support with your order details because many eSIM QR codes are single-use.
If manual entry fails, recheck every character in the full Activation code string. Do not add spaces unless they are shown in the iRoamly instructions.
If the eSIM is stuck on activation pending, wait until you are in the destination country or connected to a supported network if your plan activates that way.
If there is no data after arrival, confirm Use SIM is on for the iRoamly eSIM, choose it for Mobile data, enable Roaming if required, and restart the phone.
If your primary SIM keeps taking data, return to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and set mobile data to the iRoamly eSIM manually.
Conclusion
Installing the iRoamly eSIM on your Pixel 4 XL only adds the profile to the device; it does not necessarily mean the travel plan will begin working immediately. Depending on your specific plan, activation may occur when the eSIM first connects to a supported network rather than at the moment of installation.
For that reason, it's often a good idea to keep the profile installed and ready while reviewing your plan's activation conditions before departure. Once you're in a covered destination and ready to use the service, the eSIM can connect according to the plan's requirements without needing to be downloaded again.