When you use an eSIM or SIM profile on your Chromebook, you can connect to the internet without a Wi-Fi connection over mobile data.
What you need
Your Chromebook needs to have eSIM capabilities or a physical slot for a SIM card. To set up an eSIM, your Chromebook must run on version 92 or later. Check that your Chromebook’s software is up to date.
Use an eSIM for mobile data
- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
.
- Under “Network,” confirm that Mobile data is turned on.
- Select Mobile data.
- Under “eSIM,” select the network you want to connect to.
Use a SIM card for mobile data
- Insert your SIM card into the card reader.
- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
.
- Under “Network,” confirm that Mobile data is turned on.
- Select Mobile data.
- Under “SIM,” select the network you want to connect to.
- If your SIM card isn’t activated yet, select Activate and follow the on-screen instructions.
Tip: If your SIM card carrier isn’t supported or your SIM card isn’t connected to a data plan, you’ll need to contact your carrier to complete setup.
Manage eSIM & SIM profiles
Set up a new eSIM profile- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
.
- Under “Network,” confirm that Mobile data is turned on.
- Select Mobile data
Add cellular
.
- To add a cellular network, you must be connected to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- When a QR code scanning screen appears, select Use camera to scan QR code.
- To scan, hold the QR code provided by your carrier up to your Chromebook’s camera.
- If you received a QR code by email, on your phone, open the email. To scan, hold your phone up to your Chromebook’s camera.
- The activation code will automatically load.
- If the activation code doesn’t automatically load, type it in manually.
- Select Next.
- It may take a few minutes for the eSIM profile to be installed.
- When you get the message “Profile has been added successfully,” select Done.
Tip: You can add up to 5 eSIM profiles.
Rename a SIM profile
Important: You can only rename a profile when you’re signed in to your Chromebook. SIM profile names must be no more than 20 characters and can’t contain emojis.
- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
Mobile data.
- Select the profile you want to rename.
- At the top right, select Menu
.
- To rename the profile, select Rename Profile.
- Type in the new name and select Done.
Remove a SIM profile
Important: Some eSIM profiles can only be installed on one device. If you remove the eSIM profile from its current device, you may not be able to use it again and may need to contact your provider for assistance.
- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
Mobile data.
- Select the profile you want to remove.
- At the top right, select Menu
.
- To remove the profile, select Remove Profile
Remove.
Switch between mobile networks
- At the bottom right, select the time
Settings
Mobile data.
- Select the profile you want to switch to.
Fix problems with mobile network setup
- Check your connection: Before you set up an eSIM profile, make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- “Error detecting code”: If this error appears, try these options:
- Make sure your camera is clean and there isn’t anything covering it.
- Try to enter the activation code manually.
- If none of these options work, contact your carrier for technical support.
- “Couldn’t install eSIM profile”: If this error appears, this may indicate that the user profile you tried to set up was set up previously and can’t be reinstalled. Contact your carrier for technical support.
- Issues other than the above: Try to turn your Chromebook off and on.