Traveller adjusting Android mobile settings beside Zadar’s waterfront.

Croatia eSIM on Android: Samsung and Pixel Setup

NoveSIM | Last updated on: September 30, 2026 | 8 minute read

A Croatia eSIM works on Android only when the exact phone model supports eSIM and is unlocked for use with another provider. Support can vary by model, sales region, firmware and carrier configuration, even within the same handset family.

Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel use different menu paths, while other manufacturers may rename the same controls. Install the profile on reliable WiFi, label it clearly and select it for mobile data after arriving in Croatia.

NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only. They do not provide a Croatian phone number, conventional calls or SMS, but WhatsApp, maps, email and internet calling work through the mobile-data connection.

Quick answer: On Samsung, open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. On Pixel, open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM. Scan the QR code, label the Croatia eSIM, then select it for mobile data and enable roaming on that travel line after arrival. Keep automatic data switching and home-SIM data roaming off.

Top Croatia eSIMs

Check Whether the Android Phone Supports eSIM

Do not rely only on the phone’s marketing name. A model sold in one region can support eSIM while another variant does not. A carrier-supplied version can also have different firmware or restrictions.

  1. Open Settings → About phone and record the exact model number.
  2. Look for an EID in the device information or SIM status page.
  3. Search Settings for Add eSIM, Download SIM or SIM Manager.
  4. Check the manufacturer’s support page for that exact model and sales region.
  5. Confirm with the original operator that the phone is carrier unlocked.

An EID is an identifier associated with eSIM capability, but the complete support and unlocking checks still matter. Dual-SIM controls alone do not prove that the device can download an eSIM.

Prepare before Scanning the QR Code

  • Update Android while reliable WiFi is available.
  • Charge the phone and keep it connected to stable WiFi.
  • Display the QR code on another screen or print it clearly.
  • Keep the manual installation details available as a backup.
  • Read the plan’s activation and validity instructions.
  • Store the QR code privately and do not send it through public channels.

Do not scan the QR code with a spare phone as a test. The profile belongs on the handset that will use it, and a QR code may support only one installation.

Install a Croatia eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Select SIM Manager.
  4. Tap Add eSIM.
  5. Choose the option to scan a QR code.
  6. Scan the NoveSIM code and approve the download.
  7. Wait until the new profile appears in SIM Manager.
  8. Rename it Croatia Data or another clear label.

Samsung menus can vary slightly by One UI version, model and region. If Add eSIM is absent, confirm support for the exact handset rather than searching for a workaround in mobile-network settings.

Install a Croatia eSIM on Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Select SIMs.
  4. Tap Add SIM.
  5. Choose Set up an eSIM.
  6. Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen prompts.
  7. Wait until the downloaded profile appears in the SIM list.
  8. Give it a recognisable Croatia label.

This path follows Google’s current Pixel support guidance, although labels can change with Android updates or carrier configuration. If the phone was purchased through an operator, also verify that it accepts profiles from another provider.

Install on Other Android Manufacturers

Motorola, Xiaomi, Honor and other manufacturers may place the control under Network & internet, Mobile network, SIMs or SIM Manager. Search Settings for “eSIM” if the menu is not obvious.

The general flow remains:

  1. Open the SIM or mobile-network settings.
  2. Choose to add or download an eSIM.
  3. Scan the QR code or enter the manual details.
  4. Approve the profile download.
  5. Confirm that the new line appears before leaving WiFi.
  6. Rename it so it cannot be confused with the physical SIM.

If the manufacturer does not document eSIM for that exact regional model, do not assume a generic Android menu path will add the feature.

Configure the Android Data Line after Arrival

  1. Turn off airplane mode after reaching Croatia.
  2. Open the phone’s SIM settings.
  3. Enable the installed Croatia eSIM.
  4. Select it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.
  5. Enable data roaming for the travel eSIM.
  6. Disable mobile-data switching or automatic fallback to the home SIM.
  7. Keep data roaming off on the home SIM.
  8. Leave network-operator selection automatic.
  9. Wait several minutes for first registration.

For the complete arrival sequence and activation timing, see the Croatia eSIM activation guide.

Samsung Preferred SIM Settings

In Settings → Connections → SIM Manager, Samsung devices can show preferred choices for calls, messages and mobile data. Select the Croatia eSIM for Mobile data.

The NoveSIM line does not supply a conventional voice number, so the home SIM may remain selected for calls and SMS if those services are needed. Check the home provider’s roaming tariff before answering or placing calls. Disable data switching so a weak travel signal does not move data traffic to the home line.

Pixel SIM and Mobile-Data Settings

On Pixel, open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs, select the Croatia eSIM and enable it. Choose it for mobile data and turn roaming on for that line.

Pixel wording can vary by Android version. Review the data preference carefully when both the physical SIM and eSIM are active. The important outcome is that the Croatia profile carries data while automatic switching to the home line is disabled.

Test the Connection without WiFi

  1. Switch WiFi off completely.
  2. Confirm that the Croatia eSIM remains selected for mobile data.
  3. Open a lightweight webpage.
  4. Refresh a map or send a short message through a data app.
  5. Check the eSIM’s data counter if the device provides one.

A signal icon alone does not prove which line carries data. Testing without WiFi and reviewing usage prevents the home SIM from supplying the connection unnoticed.

4G and 5G Settings on Android

Choose a preferred network mode that permits both 5G and 4G when the phone and package support 5G. Do not force 5G-only mode across a route with variable coverage.

A working 4G connection is normal and is sufficient for maps, messaging and booking services. 5G depends on the exact Android model, supported bands, plan, location and partner network. The Croatia 5G guide explains why the phone may switch network generations.

APN Settings on Android

The NoveSIM APN is data.esim. It is often configured automatically. Check it only if the profile registers but mobile data does not work.

Android commonly places APN controls under the selected eSIM’s mobile-network settings. Exact wording differs by manufacturer. Do not use a Hrvatski Telekom, A1 Hrvatska or Telemach Hrvatska retail APN for the NoveSIM profile, and do not create multiple competing entries.

Use the Croatia eSIM APN guide if the field is missing or incorrect.

Dual-SIM Calls, SMS and WhatsApp

WhatsApp and similar apps can remain registered to the existing number while their data passes through the travel eSIM. The NoveSIM profile does not replace that account identity.

The home SIM can remain active for verification SMS on many dual-SIM Android phones. Ordinary calls and texts still follow the home provider’s roaming rates. Keeping the home line active does not make those services free.

Android Troubleshooting without Deleting the eSIM

  1. Turn WiFi off and verify that the travel eSIM is enabled.
  2. Confirm it is the preferred mobile-data line.
  3. Check roaming on the travel eSIM.
  4. Disable automatic switching to the home SIM.
  5. Toggle airplane mode once and wait for registration.
  6. Restart the phone once.
  7. Keep network selection automatic before testing a supported partner manually.
  8. Verify the APN only if data remains unavailable.

Do not reset all network settings as an early step because this can remove saved WiFi, Bluetooth and network preferences. Do not delete the installed eSIM unless NoveSIM support specifically instructs you to do so.

If the phone has service but performance is poor, use the Croatia slow-data troubleshooting guide instead of reinstalling the profile.

Related Articles

FAQ

How do I add a Croatia eSIM to Samsung?

Open Settings, Connections, SIM Manager and Add eSIM, then scan the NoveSIM QR code. Menu availability depends on the exact Samsung model, region and carrier configuration.

How do I add a Croatia eSIM to Google Pixel?

Open Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM and Set up an eSIM, then follow the prompts. Confirm support and unlocking for the exact Pixel model.

Why is Add eSIM missing on my Android phone?

The exact model, sales region, firmware or carrier configuration may not support eSIM. Check the model number and manufacturer documentation rather than assuming every version of the phone is compatible.

Should I delete a Croatia eSIM that will not connect?

No. Confirm the selected data line, roaming, automatic switching, network registration and APN first. Delete only when NoveSIM support explicitly instructs you to do so.

Final Recommendation

Use a Croatia eSIM on Android only after confirming the exact handset model, regional eSIM support and unlocked status. Follow the manufacturer-specific Samsung, Pixel or other Android menu rather than a generic path that may not match the phone.

After arrival, select the eSIM for mobile data, enable roaming on that travel line and disable fallback to the home SIM. Test with WiFi switched off.

Keep automatic network selection as the baseline and preserve the installed profile during troubleshooting. With the correct SIM preference and APN, the Android phone is ready to use travel data across Croatia.

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