Traveller installing a Germany eSIM at a German train station

How to Install a Germany eSIM: iPhone and Android Setup Guide

NoveSIM | Last updated on: July 25, 2026 | 9 minute read

Installing a Germany eSIM allows you to prepare mobile internet before your trip without replacing your physical SIM card. The eSIM profile is downloaded digitally to a compatible iPhone or Android phone using the QR code or installation details supplied after purchase.

For the easiest setup, install the Germany eSIM while you are still at home and connected to reliable WiFi. Keep the profile installed, then enable it for mobile data after arriving in Germany.

NoveSIM travel eSIM plans are data-only. They do not include a German phone number, traditional calls or SMS, but you can continue using WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, FaceTime and other internet communication services through mobile data.

Quick answer: Connect your compatible unlocked phone to WiFi, open the SIM or mobile network settings, choose Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your NoveSIM order. After arriving in Germany, turn the eSIM on, select it for mobile data, enable Data Roaming on the eSIM and keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM.

Top Germany eSIMs

Can You Install a Germany eSIM on Your Phone?

You can install a Germany eSIM when your phone supports eSIM technology and is not restricted to one mobile operator.

Before purchasing or installing the profile, confirm that:

  • Your exact phone model supports eSIM.
  • The device is carrier-unlocked.
  • The phone has an available eSIM profile slot.
  • The operating system is up to date.
  • You have access to reliable WiFi during installation.

Compatibility can vary between regional versions of the same phone. Check the exact model number instead of relying only on the commercial device name.

What Do You Need Before Installation?

Prepare the following before starting:

  • An eSIM-compatible and unlocked smartphone.
  • Your NoveSIM Germany eSIM QR code or manual installation details.
  • A stable WiFi connection.
  • Access to the email or NoveSIM account containing the installation information.
  • A second screen on which to display the QR code, unless your phone supports opening or holding the code directly from an email.

Do not share your QR code publicly. It is linked to your eSIM profile and should be treated as private installation information.

When Should You Install a Germany eSIM?

Install the eSIM before departure while you still have reliable internet and time to check the settings. This avoids depending on airport, station or hotel WiFi after arriving in Germany.

Installation and activation are related but separate steps. Installation downloads the eSIM profile to your phone. Using the plan begins according to the activation rules of the selected product, normally when the eSIM connects to a supported destination network. Always review the plan details supplied with your order.

After installation, keep the profile on the phone and wait until arrival before selecting it for mobile data.

Where Can You Find the Germany eSIM QR Code?

After completing your order, your QR code, quick activation link and installation information are sent to the email address used during checkout. The details may also be available in your NoveSIM account.

If the email is not visible:

  • Check the spam, junk and promotions folders.
  • Confirm that the checkout email address was entered correctly.
  • Open your NoveSIM account and review the relevant order.
  • Contact support before attempting to purchase the same plan again.

How to Install a Germany eSIM on iPhone

  1. Connect the iPhone to reliable WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
  4. Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular.
  5. Select Use QR Code.
  6. Scan the QR code supplied with your NoveSIM order.
  7. Follow the onscreen instructions to add the mobile plan.
  8. Label the new line Germany or NoveSIM.
  9. Keep your primary SIM selected for calls and SMS if required.
  10. Wait until arrival before selecting the Germany eSIM for mobile data.

On supported recent iOS versions, you may also be able to press and hold a QR code received in an email or browser and choose Add eSIM. The available option depends on the iPhone model, iOS version and how the installation information was delivered.

For more device-specific details, see the Germany eSIM for iPhone setup guide.

How to Install a Germany eSIM on Android

Android menu names vary by manufacturer and software version. Look for options such as SIM Manager, Network & Internet, Mobile Network, Add eSIM or Download SIM.

  1. Connect the Android phone to reliable WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Open the SIM, connection or mobile network section.
  4. Select Add eSIM, Add SIM or Download SIM.
  5. Choose the option to scan a QR code.
  6. Scan the QR code supplied with your NoveSIM order.
  7. Approve the download and complete the installation.
  8. Label the profile Germany or NoveSIM.
  9. Keep the profile installed until your trip.

For compatibility checks and additional Android settings, read the Germany eSIM for Android guide.

How to Install a Germany eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

  1. Connect the Samsung phone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Connections.
  4. Tap SIM Manager.
  5. Select Add eSIM.
  6. Choose Scan QR Code.
  7. Scan the Germany eSIM QR code.
  8. Follow the prompts and label the profile clearly.

If Add eSIM is missing, confirm that the exact Samsung model and regional version support eSIM, update the software and check whether the device is carrier-locked.

How to Install a Germany eSIM on Google Pixel

  1. Connect the Pixel phone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Network & Internet.
  4. Tap SIMs.
  5. Select Add SIM.
  6. Choose the option to set up or download an eSIM.
  7. Scan the Germany eSIM QR code.
  8. Complete the installation and label the profile.

The wording can differ slightly between Pixel models and Android versions, but the eSIM option remains within the SIM or mobile network settings.

How to Install the eSIM Manually

Use manual installation only when the QR code cannot be scanned and manual details were included with your order.

  1. Open the option to add an eSIM in your phone settings.
  2. Select Enter Details Manually, Enter Activation Code or the equivalent option.
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as supplied.
  4. Do not add spaces or change capitalisation unless the instructions require it.
  5. Confirm the download and label the new eSIM profile.

Do not use activation information from another order or device. Each profile must be installed with the details supplied for that specific eSIM.

How to Activate the Germany eSIM After Arrival

After arriving in Germany:

  1. Turn Airplane Mode off.
  2. Open the SIM or mobile network settings.
  3. Enable the Germany eSIM line.
  4. Select the Germany eSIM for mobile data.
  5. Enable Data Roaming on the Germany eSIM.
  6. Disable Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
  7. Disable automatic mobile data switching.
  8. Keep network selection on automatic.
  9. Turn WiFi off and test the mobile connection.

The phone may need a few minutes to register on a supported German network. If it does not connect immediately, wait briefly before changing settings.

Recommended Germany eSIM Settings

Setting Germany eSIM Primary SIM
Line status Enabled after arrival Optional
Mobile data Selected Not selected
Data Roaming Enabled Disabled
Calls and SMS Not included Use when required
Automatic data switching Disabled
Network selection Automatic Default

Can You Keep Your Main SIM Active?

Yes. Many compatible phones support Dual SIM operation, allowing the physical SIM or another eSIM to remain active while the Germany eSIM provides mobile data.

Your primary SIM can remain available for:

  • Calls to your regular number.
  • SMS verification codes.
  • Bank and account authentication messages.
  • Messaging accounts connected to your existing number.

Your home operator may charge for calls, SMS or roaming activity. Disable data roaming on the primary SIM and review its roaming prices before travelling.

Do You Need to Change the APN?

The APN is normally configured automatically. If the Germany eSIM shows signal but mobile data does not work, check the settings supplied with your order.

Field Value
Name NoveSIM
APN data.esim
Username Leave empty
Password Leave empty

Save and select the APN if you entered it manually, then restart the phone or toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds and off again.

Why Is the Germany eSIM Not Connecting?

If installation was completed but mobile internet is unavailable, check:

  • The Germany eSIM is enabled.
  • The eSIM is selected for mobile data.
  • Data Roaming is enabled on the eSIM.
  • Data Roaming is disabled on the primary SIM.
  • The APN matches the supplied instructions.
  • The phone is in Germany and can see a supported network.
  • The plan is active and still has available data.
  • Automatic network selection is enabled.

Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, turn it off and restart the phone if necessary. The complete Germany eSIM troubleshooting guide covers additional no-service and no-internet checks.

Do Not Delete the eSIM During Troubleshooting

Do not remove the installed eSIM unless NoveSIM support specifically instructs you to do so. Many QR codes are intended for one installation, and deleting the profile may prevent it from being downloaded again.

Take screenshots of any error message and contact support with your order information if the profile cannot be installed or activated.

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FAQ

Should I install my Germany eSIM before travelling?

Yes. Install it before departure while connected to reliable WiFi, then select it for mobile data and enable Data Roaming after arriving in Germany.

Can I install a Germany eSIM without a QR code?

Yes, when manual installation details are supplied. Enter the provided SM-DP+ address and activation code through the manual eSIM setup option on your phone.

Does installing the eSIM activate the data plan?

Installation downloads the profile to your phone. The exact activation point depends on the selected plan, so review the activation information supplied with your order.

Do I need Data Roaming enabled in Germany?

Yes. Enable Data Roaming on the Germany travel eSIM, but keep it disabled on your primary SIM if you want to avoid home-operator data roaming charges.

Can I keep my regular SIM active?

Yes, on compatible Dual SIM phones. Use the Germany eSIM for mobile data and keep the primary SIM available for calls or SMS when needed.

What should I do if the QR code does not work?

Check that the phone is compatible, unlocked and connected to WiFi. Confirm that the QR code has not already been installed, try the supplied manual details if available and contact NoveSIM support before deleting any profile.

Final Recommendation

Install your Germany eSIM before departure on a compatible unlocked phone while connected to reliable WiFi. Keep the QR code private, label the profile clearly and leave it installed until your trip.

After arriving in Germany, enable the eSIM, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM and keep data roaming disabled on your primary SIM.

Correct preparation allows you to use maps, train applications, hotel bookings, messaging and other online travel services shortly after arrival without searching for a physical German SIM card.

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