diff --git a/soc/atmel/sam/common/Kconfig b/soc/atmel/sam/common/Kconfig
index 760288ce486..e6c4e2744d1 100644
--- a/soc/atmel/sam/common/Kconfig
+++ b/soc/atmel/sam/common/Kconfig
@@ -32,6 +32,18 @@ config SOC_ATMEL_SAM_EXT_MAINCK
 
 	  Says n here will use the internal fast RC oscillator running at 12 MHz.
 
+config SOC_ATMEL_SAM_EXT_MAINCK_BYPASS
+	bool "Use bypass mode for external crystal oscillator"
+	depends on SOC_ATMEL_SAM_EXT_MAINCK
+	help
+	  When bypass mode is enabled, the external crystal oscillator is bypassed,
+	  and the main clock is directly driven by an external clock signal.
+
+	  Says y here if you want to use an external clock signal directly instead
+	  of the crystal oscillator.
+
+	  Says n here to use the external crystal oscillator normally.
+
 menu "PLL A"
 
 config SOC_ATMEL_SAM_PLLA_MULA
diff --git a/soc/atmel/sam/samx7x/soc.c b/soc/atmel/sam/samx7x/soc.c
index 72360cc1411..60586491710 100644
--- a/soc/atmel/sam/samx7x/soc.c
+++ b/soc/atmel/sam/samx7x/soc.c
@@ -57,7 +57,9 @@ static ALWAYS_INLINE void clock_init(void)
 		 * this optimization is not deemed
 		 * critical now.
 		 */
-		soc_pmc_switch_mainck_to_xtal(false, 0xff);
+		bool bypass = IS_ENABLED(CONFIG_SOC_ATMEL_SAM_EXT_MAINCK_BYPASS);
+
+		soc_pmc_switch_mainck_to_xtal(bypass, 0xff);
 	}
 
 	/*