The Google Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL landed with Android 17 and, like the Pixel 10 before them, US models ship eSIM-only — no SIM tray. For travel that's a feature, not a limitation: it means getting local data abroad is a two-minute software step instead of a hunt for a SIM shop at arrivals.
This guide walks through setting up a travel eSIM on your Pixel 11, from before you fly to landing connected.
Your Pixel 11 is eSIM-only (in the US)
US Pixel 11 units have no physical SIM slot at all. Everything — your home carrier line and any travel data plan — runs as an eSIM profile. The Pixel 11 supports two eSIM profiles active at once (carrier permitting), which is exactly what you want for travel: home number stays reachable, local data runs alongside it.
Pixel 11 units bought outside the US may still include a nano-SIM slot, but the eSIM travel setup below works the same either way.
Before you fly: install the plan at home
The single best habit for eSIM travel is to install before departure, on your home Wi-Fi:
- 1Buy a plan for your destination
- 2You'll get a QR code or a direct-install link
- 3On the Pixel 11: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download a SIM instead?
- 4Scan the QR code or tap the install link
- 5When prompted, label it ("Japan", "Europe", "Travel") so you can find it fast
- 6Leave it turned off for now — you don't want it using data before you land
Installing at home means that when you touch down, connecting is just a toggle. No airport Wi-Fi scramble.
When you land: three taps to connect
- 1Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
- 2Select your travel eSIM and turn it on
- 3Set it as your Mobile data line, and turn Roaming on for that profile (this is normal for travel eSIMs and does not incur carrier roaming charges — it just lets the eSIM use the local partner network)
Keep your home eSIM on for calls and texts if you like; just make sure the travel eSIM is the one handling data.
Set the APN if data doesn't start
Most travel eSIMs configure automatically. If you have signal but no data after a few minutes:
- 1Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → *(your travel eSIM)* → Access Point Names
- 2Add the APN from your plan's activation email
- 3Save, then toggle airplane mode off and on
That resolves the large majority of "connected but no internet" cases.
Dual eSIM: home number + travel data together
The Pixel 11's dual-eSIM support is the quiet hero of travel setup. Configure it like this:
- Home eSIM: calls and texts on, data off
- Travel eSIM: data on
You stay reachable on your normal number while paying local-plan prices for data. Switch the data line anytime in SIMs settings — no physical swap, nothing to lose.
Buying without the Play Store app
You don't need any app to use a travel eSIM on your Pixel 11. Wanderly's entire flow — buy, receive the QR code, install — works through the website in a browser. That's handy if you'd rather not install anything, or ran into any Play Store hiccups: the eSIM installs straight from Android's own settings once you scan the code.
Get your Pixel 11 connected with Wanderly
Wanderly plans install on the Pixel 11 in about two minutes, cover 200+ countries, and start at $1.99 — no physical SIM, no roaming bill. New to it? Grab 500MB free as a first-time user to test the whole flow, and use WELCOME25 for 25% off your first plan. Pick your destination →