topic Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone in Get Support

Cannot setup esim on new phone

zeromech — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:18:54 GMT

I just got the Samsung S26. I was using an esim on my old phone. During the setup of the phone, it REQUIRES a mobile connection via esim or physical sim before you can do anything with the phone. I purchased an esim in the store, but did not receive a QR code. I have checked junk, spam, and all mails. Reading other issues in the forums, it appears some people may get a QR code but only in the welcome email - I am an existing public mobile customer.

I cannot get past the phone setup to download the Public mobile app and install the esim that way, it is not possible to install applications at this point in the device setup. There is no skip option. I do not have a physical SIM card and do not have access to one at all.

Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone

BKNS27 — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:36:02 GMT

@zeromech

Did you transfer data and apps from you old phone to the new Samsung phone?

Also what carrier did you purchase the eSIM from because PM doesn’t have a physical store.

Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone

zeromech — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:37:52 GMT

No, it is not possible at this stage in the setup. This is on the very first setup screen of the phone. On the welcome screen (first phone power on) I selected Start > Agreed to the licenses > Choose a wifi network > then it is on the "connect to a mobile network" step. There is no skip button, I have tried the tricks with volume up + down + power button, there appears to be no way to continue the device setup without having some sort of SIM installed

Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone

Sansan — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:11:17 GMT

@zeromech yes this is a Samsung requirement for all new phones that you must first set up the phone using a physical SIM card.

You need to borrow one from a friend or family member. If you don't have anyone to borrow one from then you have to buy one.

It doesn't need to be active or from Public Mobile. Any card from any network will can work.

Once you've gown through the setup process including signing into your Samsung and Google account if you choose to, then you can remove the SIM card and using Wi-Fi, download the Public Mobile app and purchase the eSIM.

Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone

Christine17 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:18:18 GMT

I am also having this issue. I even purchased a new eSIM, but without the QR code or the Sim card number, I am unable to pass the network section of my new S26 setup. Borrowing a SIM isn't an option for me as most folks I know have an eSIM now too. I might have to just purchase a physical SIM.

Re: Cannot setup esim on new phone

Jeromeblouin — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:16:28 GMT

Same issue here! I also have a new S26 today. I bought the new eSim but I didn't receive any email! I mean, I can't understand why this process is so weak.