eSIM Setup on GrapheneOS: Activating Your SIM on Australian Carriers
5 min read
eSIM is supported natively on all Pixel devices running GrapheneOS. The activation process is the same as on stock Android — you use your carrier's QR code or activation code, and it works.
All major Australian carriers and most MVNOs support eSIM on Pixel hardware. Here's the full process.
Australian Carrier eSIM Compatibility
All of the following have been confirmed working with GrapheneOS Pixel devices:
- Telstra ✓
- Optus ✓
- Vodafone / TPG ✓
- Boost Mobile (Telstra network) ✓
- Aussie Broadband Mobile ✓
- Moose Mobile ✓
- Woolworths Mobile (Telstra network) ✓
- Aldi Mobile (Telstra network) ✓
- Kogan Mobile (Vodafone network) ✓
- Circles.Life (Optus network) ✓
- Most other MVNOs running on Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone ✓
Activating a New eSIM
- Get your eSIM QR code or activation code from your carrier (via their website, app, or a store visit)
- On your phone: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM
- Choose 'Scan QR code' or 'Enter activation code manually'
- Follow the on-screen prompts — activation usually completes in under 2 minutes
- Set your new eSIM as the default for calls, SMS, and mobile data
You'll need a Wi-Fi connection during eSIM activation — the download process uses the internet, not the cellular network.
Porting Your Number to a New Carrier
Number porting (keeping your existing number and moving to a new carrier) works the same way on GrapheneOS as on any Android phone. Contact your new carrier to initiate the port — they'll provide an eSIM QR code once the port request is approved.
Keep your old SIM active during the port. You'll receive an SMS on your old number to confirm the transfer. The port typically completes within 1–2 hours for prepaid and same-business-day for postpaid.
Using Dual SIM
All Pixel devices support running one eSIM and one physical SIM simultaneously. You can configure per-SIM settings for calls, SMS, and data independently.
Settings → Network & internet → SIMs shows your active SIMs. Tap each to set your preferred SIM for outgoing calls, messages, and mobile data. Some Pixel models support two simultaneous eSIM profiles — check your specific model's specifications.
Privacy Notes on eSIM and Cellular Networks
eSIM ties your cellular identity to your carrier account, the same as a physical SIM. GrapheneOS doesn't change this — your carrier knows which cell towers your device is connecting to, which means they know your approximate location at all times.
GrapheneOS does protect against some cellular-layer attacks: 2G is disabled by default (protecting against IMSI catchers / stingrays that force devices down to 2G), and the baseband is isolated from the application processor via IOMMU on all supported Pixel devices.
If anonymous connectivity is a requirement, that's a separate problem from the OS — it requires anonymous SIM acquisition, which is jurisdiction-specific.
Frequently asked questions
- What if my carrier says the device isn't supported?
- GrapheneOS runs on standard Pixel hardware. Your carrier sees the IMEI as a Google Pixel device. If a carrier representative says it's unsupported, ask them to check the IMEI — it will come back as a Pixel. eSIM compatibility is determined by the hardware, not the OS.
- Can I use two eSIMs at once?
- This depends on the specific Pixel model. Most Pixels support one active eSIM and one physical SIM simultaneously. Some models support switching between multiple stored eSIM profiles, but only one active at a time. Check the specifications for your specific device.
- If I do a factory reset, do I lose my eSIM?
- Yes. A factory reset removes the eSIM profile from the device. Contact your carrier afterwards for a replacement eSIM QR code — this is usually free and can be done through their app or website.
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