The Pixel 11 series is still eSIM-only in the US, just in case you forgot

Ben Schoon | Aug 12 2026 - 1:30 pm PT

After ditching physical SIM card support on last year’s Pixel 10 series, here’s a quick reminder that the Pixel 11 series in the US is still eSIM-only.

The adoption of eSIM has been accelerating in recent years despite some obvious growing pains, but Google has been rather confident in the tech, going all-in on the tech with the Pixel phones it sells in the US. Like the Pixel 10 series, Pixel 11 is eSIM-only in the United States, meaning you won’t be able to use a physical SIM card at all. You can use two eSIMs at the same time and store up to eight on the device.

Most carriers do support a quick and easy move over to eSIM, while others will require a bit more effort. In any case, the majority of cellular carriers in the States will support Pixel 11 devices. After all, Apple made this switch a few years ago, effectively forcing the entire industry’s hand when it comes to eSIM adoption and support.

The updated setup process also found on Pixel 11 also includes better eSIM transfer.

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There are two exceptions to the eSIM rule. In other regions, Google’s new phones still include a physical SIM slot. This is largely a US-only matter. But, even in the US, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold does still support a physical SIM card alongside eSIM support.