Performing Umrah is a spiritual journey of a lifetime. Whether you are navigating the scrolls of the Nusuk app, coordination with your tour group in Makkah, or video calling family back home from Madinah, staying connected is no longer a luxury-it is a necessity.
For Samsung Galaxy users, the transition to digital SIM technology (eSIM) has made it easier than ever to get online without hunting for physical SIM kiosks at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. By choosing a digital data plan, you can skip the queues and keep your home SIM card active for important SMS alerts from your bank while using high-speed 5G data for everything else.
In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to install an eSIM on your Samsung device, ensuring you have reliable access to local networks like STC, Mobily, and Zain the moment you land.
Why Use an eSIM for Your Umrah Journey?
Traditional roaming packages from UK, US, or European carriers are often prohibitively expensive. Conversely, buying a local physical SIM card requires waiting in long lines and handling tiny pieces of plastic that are easily lost.
When you browse our eSIM plans, you get an instant eSIM QR code delivered by email. These are data-only plans, meaning you keep your original phone number for WhatsApp and iMessage while utilizing local 5G speeds. If you are traveling via stopover hubs, such as Istanbul or Dubai, our plans also cover networks like Türk Telekom and Turkcell in Turkey, or Etisalat and Du in the UAE.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you start the installation, ensure your Samsung Galaxy device meets these three requirements:
- eSIM Compatibility: Most Galaxy S-series (S20 and newer), Note 20, and Z Flip/Fold models support eSIM.
- Carrier Unlocked: Your phone must not be locked to a specific mobile provider in your home country.
- Stable Wi-Fi: You need a solid internet connection to download the eSIM profile. We recommend doing this at home or in your hotel before heading to the Masjid al-Haram.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s One UI interface makes the installation process straightforward. Follow these steps to get your Saudi Arabia eSIM ready.
1. Locate Your Activation QR Code
Once you purchase your plan from Umrah eSIM, check your email. You will receive a unique QR code. It is helpful to display this code on another device (like a laptop or a family member's phone) or print it out so your Samsung camera can scan it.
2. Open SIM Manager
Navigate to Settings on your Samsung Galaxy. Tap on Connections, and then select SIM manager.
3. Add eSIM
Tap on Add eSIM. Your phone will give you the option to "Scan QR code from service provider." Point your camera at the QR code provided in your email.
4. Confirm Download
A pop-up will appear asking to "Add" or "Download" the new cellular plan. Confirm the selection. It may take a minute or two for the phone to register the digital profile.
5. Label Your Plans
To avoid confusion, name your new plan "Umrah" or "Saudi Data." This helps you distinguish it from your "Primary" home SIM. You can do this by tapping on the new eSIM entry within the SIM manager and selecting "Name."
Activating Your Data at the Destination
One of the best features of our service is that the validity of your plan only starts when your phone connects to a supported network at your destination. You can install the plan in London or New York, and it will remain "dormant" until you reach Saudi Arabia.
When you land in Jeddah, Medina, or even during a layover in Egypt (connecting to Orange or Etisalat), follow these steps to go live:
- Go back to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Under Preferred SIMs, tap on Mobile data and select your Umrah eSIM.
- Ensure Data roaming is turned ON for the eSIM profile. Navigate to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and toggle Data Roaming to the on position. This is required for the eSIM to bridge to local 5G networks like STC, Mobily, or Zain.
Personal Hotspot and Tethering
If you are traveling as a family, you may want to share your data. Samsung Galaxy phones fully support personal hotspots with our eSIMs. Simply turn on "Mobile Hotspot" in your settings, and your family members can connect their devices to your 5G data stream.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you don't see a 5G signal immediately upon arrival:
- Restart your phone: This forces the device to re-scan for local towers.
- Manual Network Selection: If the auto-connection is slow, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators and manually select STC, Mobily, or Zain.
- Check APN Settings: Most Samsung phones update the Access Point Name (APN) automatically, but if your data isn't working, check the installation email for specific APN details.
If you encounter any issues, we offer 24/7 live chat support to assist pilgrims at any hour of the day or night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my WhatsApp number while using the Umrah eSIM? Yes. Because the eSIM is data-only, it does not change your phone's internal settings for apps. You can continue using your UK, US, or Asian WhatsApp number to stay in touch with your Umrah group while using the 5G data from the eSIM.
What happens if I travel to multiple countries? If your plan covers multiple regions, your Samsung Galaxy will automatically switch carriers. For example, if you fly via Istanbul, your phone will connect to Türk Telekom or Turkcell, and then automatically switch to STC or Mobily when you land in Saudi Arabia.
When should I buy and install my eSIM? We recommend purchasing your eSIM a few days before departure. Since the validity only starts upon the first connection to a network in Saudi Arabia (or another covered region), there is no risk in installing it onto your Samsung Galaxy while you are still at home.