The Pixel 4a 5G supports eSIM on compatible unlocked models, which makes it a practical phone for adding an iRoamly travel eSIM before a trip. On current Pixel Android menus, the eSIM setup path is usually Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM. Menu names can vary slightly by Android version, carrier firmware, or region, but the Pixel family generally keeps the setup inside Network & internet.
This guide covers both ways to install an iRoamly travel eSIM on a Pixel 4a 5G: scanning the QR code and entering the activation details manually. The QR method is fastest when you can display the iRoamly QR code on another screen. Manual entry is useful if the QR code will not scan, if you are setting up from the same phone, or if you only have the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your iRoamly order.
Preparations Before Setting Up iRoamly eSIM
Connect the Pixel 4a 5G to a stable Wi-Fi network before adding the eSIM.
Make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked and that your Pixel 4a 5G regional/carrier variant supports eSIM.
Keep your iRoamly QR code or manual activation details available from your order email or iRoamly account.
Do not delete the iRoamly eSIM after installation unless iRoamly support tells you to. Travel eSIM profiles usually cannot be reused after removal.
Install the eSIM 1-2 days before travel when possible, but check your plan details first. iRoamly eSIM validity starts from activation; for many travel eSIMs, activation is tied to installation or first connection to a supported destination network, so confirm the exact trigger shown for your purchased plan.
iRoamly plans may be data-only. Voice calls and SMS availability varies by plan, so check the specific plan details before relying on calls or texts.
Method 1: Install the iRoamly eSIM by Scanning a QR Code
Open Settings, then tap Network & internet. You should see the Pixel network settings page with Wi-Fi, mobile network, hotspot, and SIM options.
Tap SIMs. The Pixel should open the SIM management page where your physical SIM or existing mobile line appears.
Tap Add SIM. The phone should show options for adding a physical SIM or setting up an eSIM.
Tap Set up an eSIM. Keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi while Pixel Android prepares the eSIM setup flow.
When the Scan QR code screen appears, scan the iRoamly QR code from another screen or printed copy. Hold the QR code steady inside the scanner until the Pixel reads it.
Review the Download iRoamly eSIM? screen, then tap Download. Wait for the Pixel to download and add the iRoamly eSIM profile.
Method 2: Install the iRoamly eSIM by Manual Entry
Open Settings, then tap Network & internet. This starts from the same Pixel settings page used for QR-code setup.
Tap SIMs. You should return to the Pixel SIM management page.
Tap Add SIM. The Pixel should show the add-SIM setup choices.
Tap Set up an eSIM. When the QR-code scanner opens, look for the manual option such as Enter code manually.
Tap Enter code manually, then enter the activation string from iRoamly. On Pixel Android, manual setup may use one Activation code field. If iRoamly gives you a separate SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code, enter them in the full activation-code format shown by Pixel, commonly LPA:1$SM-DP+ Address$Activation Code. Leave out any placeholder spaces and use only the details from your iRoamly order.
Tap Continue, review the Download iRoamly eSIM? screen, then tap Download. Wait until the eSIM profile finishes downloading.
How to Confirm the iRoamly eSIM Was Installed
Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then look for a new line such as iRoamly Travel. If it appears in the SIM list, the eSIM profile is installed on the Pixel 4a 5G.
Set Up the iRoamly eSIM for Travel Data
In Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the iRoamly Travel eSIM. Turn Use SIM on if it is off, choose it for Mobile data when you are ready to use the travel plan, and enable Roaming if your iRoamly destination instructions require it. Keep calls and SMS on your primary SIM unless your iRoamly plan specifically includes those services.
Troubleshooting
If Add SIM or Set up an eSIM is missing, confirm that your Pixel 4a 5G variant supports eSIM, the phone is unlocked, Android is up to date, and your carrier has not disabled eSIM features.
If the QR code was already used, do not delete and retry repeatedly. Many travel eSIM QR codes can be installed only once. Contact iRoamly support for the correct next step.
If manual entry fails, check every character in the SM-DP+ address and activation code. If Pixel asks for one activation-code string, use the full LPA:1$...$... format provided or implied by the activation details.
If installation stays pending, keep Wi-Fi on, leave the setup screen open for a few minutes, and restart the Pixel if Android prompts you to do so.
If the eSIM installs but mobile data does not work at your destination, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select iRoamly Travel for mobile data, turn on Roaming if required, and check that your primary SIM is not taking over mobile data automatically.
If the iRoamly eSIM shows no service before travel, that can be normal when the plan is not yet connected to a supported destination network. Check your plan activation rules before trying to reinstall.
Conclusion
Once the iRoamly eSIM has been successfully added to your Pixel 4a 5G, it will remain available in your SIM settings until you choose to remove it. That means you can complete the installation ahead of your trip and simply enable the eSIM when you're ready to use your travel plan.
Before relying on the connection, verify that the correct line is selected for mobile data and review any roaming requirements associated with your destination. Keeping the eSIM installed and properly configured in advance can make it easier to start using your travel data when the plan becomes active.