How do I install an eSIM on my Samsung Galaxy device?

Before installing, make sure:

Your device is eSIM compatible and network unlocked. See "What devices support eSIM?" + "How do I check if my Android device supports eSIM?".
You have a stable connection, preferably Wi-Fi. You need to download the eSIM properly to your device, and a stable internet connection is a must.

How do I know if I'm using the new Airalo or the public Airalo?

If the app asks you to set up your device once and buy packages, you are using the new Airalo. Simply open the Packages tab (formerly "My eSIMs") to complete setup, and after that, whenever you buy a new package for your desired destination, it will be added to that same device automatically—no new eSIM needed.
If the app shows individual eSIM installation instructions for each purchase and the My eSIMs tab instead of Packages, you are likely using the public Airalo.

If you're using the new Airalo

With the new Airalo, you do not need to install a new eSIM for every trip. You set up your Android device once, then buy packages for different destinations. You can find the setup instructions in our New Airalo - Setup Guide and FAQs.

If you're using the public Airalo

The instructions below apply to the public Airalo, where you install an eSIM for each purchase.

Where can I find the eSIM installation instructions in the Airalo app?

You can find all the instructions to install your eSIM by doing the following.

Open the Airalo app.
Go to My eSIMs and select your eSIM.
Tap View details
Go to the section Ready to use your eSIM?
Select Install or share.

To view the manual installation instructions and QR code, select Share and more, or start the installation directly by clicking on Start installation.

Why can't I find the installation instructions after I install my eSIM?

When Airalo detects your eSIM is installed, the instructions to add the eSIM may no longer be visible in the app — you will see the "How to connect" section instead so you can connect to a network and use your eSIM.

If you need to reference the installation instructions for any reason, you can reference the installation instructions PDF attached to your order confirmation or eSIM delivered email.

How to install an eSIM directly on a Samsung Galaxy device?

Open the Airalo app
Go to My eSIMs and select your eSIM
Select View Details
Scroll down to find Ready to use your eSIM → Install your eSIM.
Tap Install or share
Tap Start installation
Allow the eSIM to activate if asked. If additional steps appear on your screen, simply follow the instructions shown.
Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate
After completing these steps, you’ll see a confirmation that your eSIM is successfully installed.
Slide to Continue
A pop-up may appear asking you to enable data roaming for your eSIM (if required). If it does, enable it and Slide to continue.
Another pop-up will ask if you’re already at your destination.
- If you are in the destination country, tap Get Connected to check the steps to connect to your network.
- If you haven’t arrived yet, tap Connect Later.

Most eSIM validity periods start only when the eSIM connects to a mobile network in its coverage area, so installing early usually won’t cause you to lose days of your data plan. In some rare cases, validity may begin at installation, so it’s a good idea to check eSIM's validity policy by selecting Package details before or after purchase.

How to install an eSIM manually on a Samsung Galaxy device

Open Settings
Select Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
Select Scan QR code (this may appear as Scan QR code from service provider on some devices)
Select Enter activation code
Enter the activation code from your eSIM details in the Airalo app
Select Done, then select Add
Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate
Follow any additional steps to finish setting up your eSIM.
Next, you'll set up your eSIM by following the steps in the How to Connect section.

How to install an eSIM via QR code on a Samsung Galaxy device?

Open Settings
Select Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
Select Scan QR code (this may appear as Scan QR code from service provider on some devices)
Scan the QR code from your eSIM details in the Airalo app
Select Add
Allow the eSIM to activate if asked; if additional steps appear on your screen, simply follow the instructions shown.
Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
Next, you'll set up your eSIM by following the steps in the How to Connect section.

How do I connect my Samsung Galaxy to mobile data with an eSIM?

You can find the connection settings by opening the same eSIM in the Airalo app after installing it. Navigate to My eSIMs → Select your eSIM → View details → Ready to use your eSIM → Connect to a network → How to connect. There, you'll find the exact steps you need to follow, but read on for a quick summary.

In the destination country:

Open Settings > Connections
Tap SIM manager
Select Mobile data and select your eSIM
Enable Data roaming if needed (check your eSIM connection instructions in the app)
Update your APN settings if needed (also found in your eSIM connectivity instructions)
Select your new eSIM for calls and SMS (if your package includes calls and texts).

Why do I see Calls and SMS options for my eSIM? Android and Samsung devices show the Calls and SMS selectors for every eSIM you add, including data-only eSIMs. They appear because of the device, not because your package supports them. Selecting a data-only Airalo eSIM for Calls or SMS does not give it voice or SMS capability, and it does not give you a phone number. If your package is data-only, select the Airalo eSIM for Mobile data only.

Check your primary line: turning off Data roaming on your primary line stops data charges, but calls and voicemail can still reach it. If your primary line stays active abroad, your carrier may charge you for calls and voicemail, depending on your carrier's roaming terms. To prevent this, see How can I avoid roaming charges when I use Airalo?

After you follow the above steps, your eSIM should automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

Understanding your eSIM status: Installed vs. In Use

You can track your setup progress directly in the Airalo app by going to My eSIMs, selecting your eSIM, and tapping View details. Depending on your setup stage, you may see one of these statuses:

Installed: The eSIM profile has been successfully downloaded and configured on your device.
In Use: The eSIM has successfully connected to a mobile network and initiated a data session.

Note: In most cases, you can see these status updates in the app. However, please note that status visibility may vary depending on your specific eSIM.

If you do not see a status, do not worry—simply check if your eSIM appears in your device’s Settings. If it is there, head over to the "How to connect" section in the app / and follow the steps to get connected at your destination.

If you still have questions about installing and activating an eSIM, please contact us via chat in the app or on the website by clicking the chat bubble.