How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy: 2026 guide for S20 through S25

Samsung Galaxy phones have supported eSIM since the Galaxy S20. The install flow is slightly different from iPhone — here's the 2026 version.

Which Galaxy phones support eSIM?

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra and newer (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series — all support eSIM)
• Galaxy Z Fold 2 and newer (Fold 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Galaxy Z Flip and newer
• Note 20 / 20 Ultra
• Older Galaxy phones (S10, Note 10, A-series before A55): physical SIM only

Tip: if you bought your Galaxy through a US carrier (Verizon, AT&T), the eSIM may be carrier-locked. Settings → Connections → SIM Manager — if you don't see "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan", call your carrier to unlock.

Install steps (Galaxy S22 and newer, One UI 5+)

1. Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
2. Tap "Add eSIM"
3. Choose "Scan QR code from service provider"
4. Point the camera at the QR (from your eSIM purchase email, opened on another device)
5. Tap "Add" — the eSIM downloads
6. You can rename it ("Japan", "Travel", etc.)
7. Tap the new eSIM to enable it
8. Set Mobile data → choose the new eSIM
9. Toggle "Data roaming" ON for the new eSIM

Older Galaxy (S20-S21, One UI 3-4)

The menu path is slightly different:

1. Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → eSIM
2. Tap "Add mobile plan"
3. "Scan carrier QR code"
4. Continue with the same install flow

Common issues

"Couldn't add eSIM": Re-download. If the QR was scanned before, contact your eSIM provider for a fresh activation code.

QR not recognized: Use "Enter activation code manually" — paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your purchase email.

eSIM installed but no signal: Toggle Data Roaming ON (Settings → SIM Manager → tap the eSIM → Data roaming).

Dual SIM on Galaxy

Galaxy phones support 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM simultaneously (the S25 supports 2 eSIMs). Configure each line:

• Default for calls — your home number
• Default for SMS — your home number
• Mobile data — travel eSIM

This way you receive calls and SMS at home for free, but use the cheap travel eSIM for all data.

Buying your first eSIM? Browse plans here →