How to Activate an eSIM on a Samsung Phone

To activate an eSIM on a Samsung phone, you must first install the profile and then enable the line in your cellular settings. While installation adds the digital SIM to your device, activation is the final step where you turn the eSIM 'ON' to connect to the mobile network. This guide explains how to activate an eSIM on a Samsung phone by choosing the installation method that suits you best: using a carrier app, scanning a QR code, or entering details manually to get you connected in under 5 minutes.

Before You Start: Pre-Installation Checklist for Samsung

Before installing an eSIM on a Samsung phone, review these requirements to ensure a smooth setup.

• Confirm that your Samsung phone supports eSIM. Compatibility depends on the model, region, and software version, so it’s best to check this first.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked. If your device is carrier locked, you won’t be able to use an eSIM from another provider, even if the phone supports eSIM.
• Use a stable Wi-Fi connection and complete the installation before traveling if you are using an international eSIM, so it is ready when you arrive.
• Expect minor menu differences. Depending on your Android version, options like SIM Manager or Add eSIM may appear under different names, but the steps remain the same.

How to Install an eSIM on a Samsung Phone (3 Easy Methods)

Installing an eSIM on a Samsung device means adding the mobile data plan to your phone without activating data yet. Below are three reliable ways to add an eSIM to your Samsung phone. Choose the option that best fits your situation.

Install your eSIM using the provider’s App:

This method uses the provider’s app to add the eSIM directly to your device, without scanning a QR code or entering activation details manually. It’s the best option if you want a fast setup before traveling.

• Download the Holafly app on your phone → Log in with the email associated with your purchase → Go to My eSIMs → Select the eSIM you want to install → Tap the Install and Activate button → Choose the Automatic option → Read the setup instructions and tap Install and Activate again → Continue → Wait a few minutes while your device verifies the eSIM information → After the eSIM is added, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

Install an eSIM on a Samsung using a QR Code

This is the most common way to add an eSIM on Samsung devices and works on all models that support eSIM. It’s a good option if your QR code is available on another device.

• Go to Settings → Tap on Connections → Select SIM Manager → Then on Add eSIM → Tap on Scan QR Code → Finally, Add the eSIM → Your mobile plan will be automatically downloaded.

Manual eSIM Installation on Samsung

Manual installation is useful if you can’t scan a QR code or if the camera doesn’t work. This method allows you to enter the eSIM details directly.

• Go to Settings → Tap on Connections → Select SIM Manager → Select Add eSIM → Tap on Scan QR Code → Select Enter activation code → Type or paste the full activation code (including LPA and the colon ':') This code was sent to your email (these are not links, but rather codes to be entered in the designated space) → Tap on Done → And finally, tap on Add → Your mobile plan will be automatically downloaded. Once the eSIM is downloaded, continue through the next setup screens to finish.

Complete the eSIM Setup on Samsung

After you add an eSIM to your Samsung phone, the device guides you through a short setup process. This step helps you choose how each SIM is used and ensures your eSIM is ready for mobile data.

• When the Add new eSIM? screen appears, tap Add → Edit the SIM name and icon (use a descriptive name you’ll easily recognize later, such as provider or destination) → Tap Done → Confirm the new SIM name and tap Next → Choose your main line as the preferred SIM for calls → Tap Next → Select your main line to send messages and keep it as default → Tap Next → Set the newly named eSIM as the preferred SIM for Mobile data → Tap Done to finish the setup. After adding the eSIM, complete the remaining setup steps shown on your screen.

How to Activate an eSIM on a Samsung Phone

Activating your eSIM on Samsung is the final step to get your line up and running. You only need to enable the eSIM profile and select it for mobile data in your settings. If you are using a travel eSIM, this should only be done once you arrive at your destination to ensure your device connects correctly and your plan starts at the right time.

• Go to Settings → Tap on Connections → Then on SIM Manager → Turn off your personal SIM  to avoid charges from your home country’s carrier → Turn your Travel eSIM ON → Select this New eSIM under Mobile data (it will appear with the name you assigned or as the most recently added eSIM) → Go back to Connections → Tap Mobile networks → Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM to start using mobile data.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your eSIM shows as active but mobile data isn’t working, avoid changing settings immediately. In most cases, this happens because the device is still registering the eSIM with the local network after activation.

• Give your Samsung phone a few minutes to complete the connection before taking action.
• Never delete the eSIM profile to fix a connection issue, as removing it can permanently invalidate the plan.
• If data still doesn’t connect, manually selecting a network can help your Samsung device attach to the correct local carrier.

How to manually select a network on Samsung

If your Samsung eSIM is active and you’ve already arrived at your destination, but mobile data isn’t working, manually selecting a network can help your device connect to the local carrier.

• Go to Settings → Tap on Connections → Select Mobile Networks → Choose Network Operators → Disable Select automatically option and wait for the available operators to load → Then try one by one all the operators listed (each time you select one, wait 30 seconds while it connects to the network)  → Choose the operator with the best signal for you → Test your network.