You have arrived at your destination, activated your travel eSIM, and can see signal bars on your Google Pixel 10. However, your data connection is extremely slow or not working at all because the phone has connected to a weak roaming partner instead of the best available local network.
You open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, hoping to switch carriers manually, only to discover that the "Automatically select network" option is grayed out and manual network selection is unavailable.
The good news is that this problem is usually caused by a temporary software issue, carrier restrictions, or eSIM profile settings and can often be fixed in just a few minutes.
Quick Answer
A grayed-out manual network selection menu on the Google Pixel 10 is usually caused by one of the following:
• The eSIM provider restricts network selection to approved partner networks.
• Cached data in the Carrier Services app is causing a network registration issue.
• A conflict exists between your travel eSIM and your primary SIM.
• Android has temporarily failed to refresh network permissions after connecting abroad.
In most cases, clearing Carrier Services data, temporarily disabling your home SIM, and resetting network settings will restore manual network selection.
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Why Is Manual Network Selection Disabled?
1. Your eSIM Provider Restricts Network Switching
Some travel eSIM providers only allow connections to specific partner networks in certain countries. When this happens, Android may disable manual network selection because the profile itself does not permit switching to other carriers.
2. Carrier Services Cached Old Network Information
Google Pixel phones use the Carrier Services app to manage carrier configurations and network registration. After crossing borders or switching eSIMs, outdated cached information can sometimes prevent the network settings from refreshing properly.
3. Dual-SIM Conflicts
If your primary home SIM remains active while your travel eSIM is trying to register on a foreign network, Android may occasionally fail to refresh network permissions correctly, resulting in a temporarily grayed-out menu.
4. Temporary Modem Registration Glitch
Sometimes the cellular modem simply becomes stuck during network registration. A reboot or network reset is often enough to resolve the issue.
How to Fix Google Pixel 10 Manual Network Selection Greyed Out
Work through the steps below in order.
Step 1: Clear Carrier Services Data
Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Select See all apps.
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select Show system.
Scroll down and open Carrier Services.
Tap Storage & cache.
Select Clear storage or Clear data.
Restart your phone.
This forces Android to download fresh carrier configuration data.
Step 2: Disable Your Home SIM Temporarily
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
Select your primary home SIM.
Turn Use SIM off.
Leave only your travel eSIM enabled.
This removes any possibility of a temporary dual-SIM conflict.
Step 3: Use Airplane Mode
Turn on Airplane mode.
Wait for 60 seconds.
Turn Airplane mode off.
Return to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
Open your travel eSIM settings and check whether Automatically select network is now available.
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Step 4: Reset Network Settings
If the menu is still grayed out:
Connect to Wi-Fi.
Open Settings.
Go to System > Reset options.
Tap Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi or Reset network settings.
Confirm the reset.
Note: This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, but it will not delete your installed eSIM profiles.
Step 5: Restart Your Pixel 10
Turn the phone off completely for 30 seconds and then power it back on.
Return to:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Your Travel eSIM
If the Automatically select network switch is available:
Turn it off.
Wait for the network scan to finish.
Choose your preferred local carrier from the list.
If Manual Network Selection Is Still Disabled
If none of the steps above work, the restriction may be coming directly from the eSIM provider.
Contact your provider and ask:
• Does this eSIM allow manual network selection?
• Which local partner networks are supported in this country?
• Are there any roaming restrictions on this plan?
Some low-cost travel eSIMs intentionally lock users to specific partner networks to reduce operating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will automatic network selection drain my battery?
Automatic network selection can use slightly more battery in areas with poor coverage because the phone may periodically search for a stronger network. However, the impact is usually modest under normal conditions.
Will resetting network settings delete my eSIM?
No. Resetting network settings does not normally remove installed eSIM profiles. It only clears network-related settings such as saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings.
Can an app unlock the grayed-out menu?
No. Third-party apps cannot override carrier restrictions or Android system permissions that control network selection.
Should I remove and reinstall my eSIM?
Only as a last resort and only if your provider confirms that you can easily reinstall the eSIM profile. Deleting an eSIM without a backup activation method could leave you without mobile data.
Final Verdict
A grayed-out manual network selection menu on the Google Pixel 10 is usually caused by carrier restrictions, outdated carrier configuration data, or a temporary network registration issue.
In most cases, the problem can be fixed by:
• Clearing Carrier Services data.
• Temporarily disabling your home SIM.
• Using Airplane mode to force a new network registration.
• Resetting network settings.
• Restarting the device.
Once manual network selection is restored, you can choose the strongest available local carrier and enjoy faster, more reliable mobile data while travelling.