How to Set Up eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S25 & S26 (Step-by-Step)

Quick answer: On most Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and newer), go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, then scan your QR code. The process takes under 5 minutes. Some carrier-locked or regional variants do not support eSIM — check your model first.

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Which Samsung phones support eSIM?

Important exceptions:

• Galaxy S20 FE does not support eSIM
• Carrier-locked phones (purchased through a carrier on contract) may have eSIM disabled even if the hardware supports it
• Some regional variants (particularly models sold in certain Asian and Latin American markets) ship without eSIM functionality

Check your specific device in our eSIM compatible phones guide.

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How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26

These steps work for the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The process is nearly identical on S21–S24.

Step 1: Connect to WiFi

You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Connect to WiFi before starting.

Step 2: Open SIM manager

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.

On some Samsung models, this may be labeled SIM card manager instead.

Step 3: Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM (or Add mobile plan).

Your phone will display options:

• Scan QR code from service provider — this is the method you want
• Add using activation code — use this if you have a text code instead of a QR image

Step 4: Scan the QR code

Point your camera at the QR code you received from your eSIM provider. The QR code is typically delivered by email after purchase.

If you received the QR code on the same phone you are setting up, you cannot scan it directly. Instead:

• Open the QR code on another device (laptop, tablet, another phone) and scan from there
• Or tap Enter activation code manually and paste the code string from the email

Step 5: Download the eSIM profile

After scanning, your phone will connect to the carrier server and download the profile. This takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

You will see a confirmation screen showing the carrier name and plan details. Tap Confirm or Add.

Step 6: Label the eSIM

Samsung lets you label each SIM. Name it something clear like “Travel Japan” or “EU Data” so you can identify it later.

Step 7: Configure data settings

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and set:

• Preferred SIM for data: Select your travel eSIM
• Preferred SIM for calls: Keep your home SIM (so people can still reach you)
• Preferred SIM for texts: Keep your home SIM

This gives you local data through the eSIM while maintaining calls and texts on your home number.

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How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S20–S24

The process is the same as above with minor UI differences:

• S24 series: Identical to S25/S26
• S23 series: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
• S22 series: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan
• S21 series: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan
• S20 series: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan

On older One UI versions (3.x and earlier), the menu labels may differ slightly. Look for anything mentioning “SIM manager,” “SIM card manager,” or “mobile plan.”

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How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold

The Z Flip and Z Fold series (Flip 3–6, Fold 3–6) use the same steps as the S series:

Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code

One Z Flip-specific note: you can scan the QR code with the phone unfolded (main screen) but not from the cover screen.

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How to switch between eSIM profiles on Samsung

You can store multiple eSIM profiles on Samsung phones but only have one active at a time (in addition to your physical SIM).

To switch:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager
2. You will see all installed SIMs listed
3. Tap the eSIM profile you want to activate
4. Toggle it on
5. Set it as the preferred SIM for data

To deactivate an eSIM without deleting it, toggle it off in the same menu. The profile stays installed for future use.

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How to use dual SIM on Samsung (eSIM + physical SIM)

Samsung phones with eSIM support run dual SIM dual standby (DSDS). This means both SIMs are active simultaneously:

• Physical SIM (SIM 1): Your home carrier — handles calls and texts
• eSIM (SIM 2): Your travel data plan — handles mobile data

Both SIMs share the same modem, so you cannot use data on both simultaneously. But you can receive a call on your home SIM while using data on the eSIM — the phone switches automatically.

Setting up dual SIM:

1. Keep your physical SIM in the tray
2. Install the eSIM via the steps above
3. In SIM manager, assign:
   • Data: eSIM
   • Calls: Physical SIM
   • Messages: Physical SIM
4. Done. Your phone now uses local data and keeps your home number reachable.

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How to enter an eSIM activation code manually on Samsung

If you cannot scan the QR code (for example, the code is on the same phone), enter it manually:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
2. Tap Enter activation code (or Enter code manually)
3. Paste the activation code from your email — it looks like: LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ACTIVATION-CODE-HERE
4. Tap Connect or Add
5. The profile will download as normal

You can copy this code from your email by long-pressing it and selecting Copy.

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Troubleshooting Samsung eSIM issues

”Add eSIM” option is missing

Causes:

• Your phone is carrier-locked and the carrier has disabled eSIM
• Your Samsung model is a regional variant without eSIM hardware
• Your software is outdated

Solutions:

• Contact your carrier and ask them to unlock eSIM functionality
• Check your model number in Settings > About phone > Model number and verify it supports eSIM for your region
• Update your phone: Settings > Software update > Download and install

eSIM download fails

Causes:

• Weak or unstable WiFi connection
• The QR code has already been used (most codes are single-use)
• Carrier server is temporarily down

Solutions:

• Switch to a different WiFi network
• Contact your eSIM provider for a new QR code if the original was already scanned
• Wait 10–15 minutes and try again

eSIM is installed but no data connection

Causes:

• The eSIM is not set as the preferred data SIM
• The eSIM profile is not toggled on
• You are not in the coverage area for the eSIM plan
• APN settings need manual configuration (rare with travel eSIMs)

Solutions:

1. Go to SIM manager and confirm the eSIM is toggled on
2. Set the eSIM as the preferred SIM for data
3. Toggle airplane mode on and off to force a network reconnect
4. Restart your phone
5. If the plan has not been activated yet (some plans activate on first use in the destination country), wait until you arrive

eSIM works but speeds are very slow

Causes:

• You have exceeded your data allowance and are being throttled
• You are connected to a congested tower
• Your phone is still routing data through your home SIM

Solutions:

• Check data usage in Settings > Connections > Data usage
• Verify the eSIM is set as the data SIM (not your home SIM)
• Move to a different location to connect to a less congested tower
• Toggle airplane mode on/off

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How to delete an eSIM from Samsung

When your trip is over:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager
2. Tap the eSIM profile you want to remove
3. Tap Remove (or Delete)
4. Confirm

The profile is permanently deleted. If you need it again, you will need a new QR code. For this reason, if you plan to revisit the same destination, consider just toggling the eSIM off instead of deleting it — some eSIM profiles can be reactivated.

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Samsung eSIM FAQ

Can I have more than one eSIM on my Samsung phone?

Yes. Samsung phones running One UI 5 and later can store multiple eSIM profiles. Only one eSIM profile can be active at a time alongside your physical SIM.

Does Samsung support eSIM transfer between phones?

Samsung does not currently support direct eSIM transfer between devices (unlike iPhone’s eSIM Quick Transfer). You will need a new QR code from your provider when switching Samsung phones.

Will installing an eSIM void my warranty?

No. eSIM is an official, supported feature of Samsung phones. Using it does not affect your warranty.

Can I use eSIM on a carrier-locked Samsung phone?

It depends on the carrier. Some carriers lock eSIM functionality even after the physical SIM is unlocked. Contact your carrier to confirm eSIM is enabled on your specific device.

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Related

• How to Activate Your eSIM — General Guide
• eSIM-Compatible Devices
• How eSIM Works
• How to Choose an eSIM Plan
• Browse eSIM Plans by Destination