How to Install an eSIM on Samsung Phones?

If you’re traveling and want mobile data without swapping physical SIM cards, installing an eSIM on a Samsung phone is one of the fastest upgrades you can make. The good news: on most modern Samsung devices, it takes just a couple of minutes—if you follow the right steps.

This guide covers:

How to install an eSIM on Samsung using a QR code
What to check before you start
Common issues (and quick fixes)

Before you install: quick checklist

Make sure these are true first:

Your Samsung phone supports eSIM (not every model/region does).
Your phone is unlocked (not restricted to one carrier).
You have a stable Wi-Fi connection during installation.
You have your eSIM QR code (or activation details).
Your phone is updated to the latest software version.

Tip: If you bought a travel eSIM, you can usually install it before your trip and activate it when you land.

Method 1: Install eSIM on Samsung using a QR code (recommended)

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager
4. Tap Add eSIM
5. Choose Scan QR code
6. Scan the QR code from your email/another screen
7. Follow the on-screen steps and confirm installation

When it’s done, you should see your new eSIM plan listed in SIM manager.

Method 2: Add eSIM manually (if QR scanning fails)

If the QR doesn’t scan or your setup requires manual entry:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM
2. Choose Enter activation code (wording may vary by One UI version)
3. Paste the activation details provided by your eSIM provider
4. Confirm and finish setup

After installation: the 3 settings that matter (so it actually works)

Choose the eSIM for Mobile Data

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager

Set Mobile data = your new eSIM

2. Turn Data Roaming ON for the eSIM (when traveling)

This sounds scary, but it’s normal for travel eSIMs (it enables the data route on partner networks).

Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming → ON

3. Keep your primary SIM for calls/SMS (optional)

If your eSIM is data-only, you can still keep your main SIM for:

Phone calls
SMS

WhatsApp on your usual number (works via internet)

How to confirm your eSIM is active

You see signal bars / carrier name for the eSIM (or it shows as connected)
Mobile data works when you open a website
In SIM manager, your eSIM shows as “On” / enabled

Common problems (and quick fixes) eSIM option missing on Samsung

Your model/region might not support eSIM
Update software
Check if your device is carrier-locked

eSIM installed but no internet

Make sure Mobile data is set to the eSIM
Toggle Airplane mode ON/OFF
Check APN settings

Some providers require auto APN; if the APN menu is missing on certain Xiaomi/Samsung builds, re-adding the eSIM often refreshes it.

QR code doesn’t work

Check brightness/clean screen
Try manual entry
Ask the provider for a refreshed QR/activation details

Pro tip: install before traveling, activate after landing

he best workflow is:

Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi
Arrive at destination
Switch mobile data to the travel eSIM
Enjoy data immediately

Need travel data that works right after you land? Browse eSIM plans for your destination here: https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my main number when using a travel eSIM on Samsung?

Yes. If your travel eSIM is data-only, your primary SIM can stay active for calls/SMS, while apps like WhatsApp keep working through internet.

Should I turn on data roaming for an eSIM?

Yes for travel eSIMs. It enables data on partner networks abroad. You can keep roaming OFF on your primary SIM to avoid charges.

Can I install an eSIM before my trip?

Yes—install on Wi-Fi at home, then switch mobile data to the eSIM after you land.

Why can’t I see “Add eSIM” on my Samsung?

Your specific model or region may not support eSIM, or the phone could be carrier-locked. A software update can also help.