Connecting your Google Pixel to a mobile network in Australia offers modern flexibility - the traditional physical SIM card, a digital eSIM, or even both where you can install them simultaneously. Explore more about choosing the best SIM card for you here. With Pixel, the choice is truly yours as it's designed to suit your lifestyle. Read on to see how you can set up your SIM and get connected, making the most of your Pixel's capabilities.

When you get your SIM card, remove the nano SIM from the larger SIM frame. You’ll need to pop the nano SIM into your phone, so switch your device off first. To get into your phone, use the SIM pin that came with your Google Pixel and press it into the tiny hole at the very left on the bottom edge of your phone. The SIM card tray will spring out. Place your SIM card in the tray so the angled corners are aligned and gently side the tray back into your phone. Now you can power your Pixel back to life and follow the instructions on the phone to get started.

Sorting out an eSIM is equally easy. There’s no actual card, so the whole process is done-in-one online. All you need is an internet connection, your Pixel IMEI number (which identifies your device) and EID number (which is the identification number for your eSIM). You can find them by:

• Heading to the Settings app on your phone.

• Tap Device Information for your IMEI.

• Go back, then hit SIM status, and there’s your EID.

You can also find these numbers in the SIM card tray or at the box your Pixel came in. Check out more about Pixel identification numbers here. There are just a few more steps to complete before you’re sorted:

• Open Settings on your phone and tap Network & internet.

• Then hit SIMs, and Add SIM.

• When the ‘Connect to mobile network’ screen appears, tap ‘Set up an eSIM’.

• Once your camera flicks up the ‘Scan QR code from carrier’ screen, take a pic of your cell network’s QR code. Alternatively, you can upload a picture of the QR code instead, or click the troubleshooting link to type in the code your telco gave you.

• You’ll need to enter in your IMEI and EID numbers to connect with your eSIM provider.

Step 1: Tap 'Set up an eSIM' under the 'Connect to mobile network' setting

Step 2: Scan your cell network’s QR code with your Pixel phone

Once you’ve set up your physical SIM or eSIM, check your cell information has been added by going to Settings, then tapping Network & Internet, and SIMs. Make sure the toggle next to your mobile carrier’s name is coloured on. If your network needs extra info, you may need to tap Access Points Names (APN) in your Settings and follow further instructions there.

Your Google Pixel can support two SIMs at the same time as a dual SIM set up – either a nano SIM and an eSIM, or if you’re using model Pixel 7 or later¹, two eSIMs. This dual SIM party lets you switch between SIMs for different tasks, like making calls, texts, and streaming data. You can even choose to have one SIM from one network and the other SIM from another network, and which SIM to use for certain functions, making it easy to separate business hours and after hours.

Dual SIM is useful when your signal is a bit patchy, or if you want to have one cell plan with one provider, and a data plan with another. Plus, it’s a top trick for travelling overseas with - just pop in a local nano SIM or connect an eSIM to the local carrier for better data rates, while still maintaining access to your usual SIM.

Adding a second eSIM for dual SIM use is just as easy as setting up a single eSIM:

• Go to your phone Settings, tap Network & internet.

• Tap SIMs, then Add a SIM. 

• Scan the QR code your new provider has given you. 

• Once you’re set up, you’ll see both carriers’ information under SIMs in your Settings.

From here, you’ll need to set a main SIM for calls, texts, and mobile data use. To pick the carrier for these functions, open Settings, tap Network & internet, then SIMs. Under ‘Primary SIM’, tap ‘Calls’ and choose a provider.

You can switch or change your primary SIM whenever you want, like when one provider offers great network coverage over the other, or as soon as you hop off the plane in Bali. To do this, go to your phone’s Settings, tap Network & internet, tap SIMs, and under ‘Primary SIM’, choose the carrier you want. You can then personalise your primary SIM for calls, texts, and data.

To get the best data access, turn on ‘Automatic data switching’ under SIMs in Network & internet within the Settings app. This will automatically switch your SIM to the best mobile connection at any time no matter what your primary SIM settings are, so you don’t have to think about it if you’re going bush.

If you want to switch between SIMs for calling, select ‘Ask every time’ under your SIMs settings. You can also choose which SIM or phone number you’d like to use for individual contacts, which is a handy way to make sure you always call your boss from your work SIM.

If you’ve chosen ‘Ask every time’ for calls under ‘Primary SIM’, a screen with ‘Choose SIM for this call’ will pop up when you make a call. Pick ‘Remember this setting’ before clicking on the carrier you’d like to use, and you’ll never worry about charging personal calls to your work plan again.

Dual SIM and eSIM choices mean you’re no longer limited to one plan or connection. Google Pixel phones give you the flexibility and support to switch providers whenever you like, putting you in control. Discover more things to know about SIM set up on your Google Pixel phone.