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  • eSIM installation (roaming) with sandboxed G - crashes before it starts

Hi guys,

I'm trying to install eSIM in 4a. In a specific situation, where I'm in other country than the carrier's (and the newly acquired physical SIM is not with me).
So, to avoid being blocked by the carrier due to foreign location, I prepared the operation as follows:

  • VPN (a good one): always ON, the "right location" ON;
  • GPS emulator/spoofer: the "right location" ON, all seem to work properly;
    And of course, the most unwanted stuff I can imagine, which is Google crap - installed:
  • G Play Services
  • G Play Store
  • G Services Framework
    (with permissions: Network, Location where it aplies)

ALSO:

  • "privileged eSIM management: Enabled;
  • No physical SIM in the device;
  • Location: ON;
  • The device is connected to LAN.
  • Airplane mode: ON (then OFF, but with the same result)
  • The OS is up to date, no updates pending etc.

Unfortunately it didn't work. The installation process crashes before it actually starts.
In "Connect to mobile network"
> "Download a SIM instead? / Add a number using eSIM"
> "Download your eSIM" NEXT
> at ..."Checking network info" IT CRASHES [black screen], then goes back to > ""Connect to mobile network" .. "Download a SIM instead?"...

I suppose it may be a problem with Permissions in G apps. But even adding extra permissions (i.e. Pnone, Camera) in Play Services and Play Store doesn't help.

What I did wrong? Can you help me with that? I badly need this stupid eSIM.

Also my question is: What are the minimum necessary permissions for each of 3 Google apps to support eSIM installation.
And, what is the correct status of Airplane mode for installation? ON or OFF?

Thank you

    CircusAround
    It crashes differently, apparently depending on permissions given to G apps. It loops, it fully closes, or gives the screen "SIM manager keeps stopping" [app info / Close app / Show details].

    That's all I can provide as description of the problem....

        ![](CircusAround
        I re-tried with different approach. With all permissions OFF for Google apps (only sensors left).
        I started with scanning QR code and used the execution command on the right (square with arrow).

        It worked, but ended with error msg: Couldn't activate ... Subject code: 8.2.6, Reason: 3.8.

        As on the images. * [ unfortunately it's not possible to upload any images here... So I can't show my 2 screenshots..]

        I tried to reserch the issue, but unfortunately it's all well above my competences.
        I only suppose that it happened due to the fact that SIM was not switched off befor eSIM installation attempt.
        And I wodner if eSIM was installed or not. In the first case I understand that probably a new QR code is needed and a new attempt to install eSIM.
        Now I can see a SIM (not eSIM) on the list, and it's switched OFF. Not clear if the profile has beed downloaded and installed.
        I really don't know what to do with that. I only know, that the operator/carrier should not see that my phone is in another country, in any case. Until eSIM is not installed and working. Then the normal roaming status, after I switch ON that eSIM when ready.

        https://forums.att.com/conversations/more-att-prepaid-discussions/i-cannot-use-my-esim/65baecdfabeda37c5afe0773
        https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/80980694/can-t-activate-esim-reason-code-3-8?hl=en
        https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/wp-content/uploads//SGP.23-v1.6.pdf
        https://forums.att.com/conversations/more-att-prepaid-discussions/i-cannot-use-my-esim/65baecdfabeda37c5afe0773
        https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/esim-error-handling
        https://communaute.sosh.fr/t5/Ma-ligne-Mobile-SIM-PUK/Cannot-activate-esim-in-my-pixel-6/td-p/2620362
        https://communaute.sosh.fr/t5/Livraison-ma-carte-SIM-mes/Probl%C3%A8me-d-activation-eSIM/m-p/2540230#M29464
        And, naturally:
        https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-google-play-configuration
        https://grapheneos.org/usage#esim-support

          Problem SOLVED. Surprisingly.

          I keep my monologue with aim to help ppl with identical or similar problem.

          The eSIM started to work after I allowed the phone to connect to a mobile network. (Location spoofing off, VPN off, GSF ON, then off after full initialization in the roaming network).
          The physical SIM in carrier's home network has been disconnected and deactivated when installation of eSIM started.

          It is supposed that the error msg "Couldn't activate ... Subject code: 8.2.6, Reason: 3.8 ..." was issued only due to lack of connection to the mobile network to initialize the eSIM after successful download and installation.

          Moderator note: Removed some inaccurate claims.

            CircusAround The eSIM started to work after I allowed the phone to connect to a mobile network.

            Thanks for reporting back! This information may well help other users.