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How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, Scan QR code. Here is every step in One UI, plus the three Samsung settings that decide whether it works abroad.

Updated September 27, 2026 · SimVala editorial

First: does your Galaxy have eSIM?

Most Galaxy phones from the S21 on do, but regional versions vary a lot. Pick your model:

eSIM checker

Pick your phone

Supports eSIM

Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Models sold in Hong Kong and mainland China have no eSIM.

One more check: make sure the phone is unlocked, or it may refuse other providers' eSIMs.

Browse eSIMs Install guide

Not listed, or want to be certain? Dial *#06#, or open Settings, About. If you see an EID, the phone has an eSIM chip.

Before you start

An unlocked GalaxyA carrier-locked phone can refuse other providers' eSIMs. Ask your carrier if unsure.
Up-to-date softwareSettings, Software update. Some models, like US Galaxy S21s, only got eSIM through an update.
Wi-FiThe plan downloads once, so install at home before you fly.
Your QR codeIt appears in your SimVala dashboard once your order is ready.

Install it: three ways

Pick whichever fits. They all end with the same eSIM in SIM manager.

Pick your method

The usual way. Open your QR code on a second screen, like a laptop, and scan it with your Galaxy.

  1. 1Open SIM managerSettings, then Connections, then SIM manager.
  2. 2Tap Add eSIMYour Galaxy may search for plans first. Skip that and choose to scan a code.
  3. 3Tap Scan QR codeSamsung sometimes words it Scan QR code from service provider.
  4. 4Scan your codePoint the camera at the QR code in your SimVala dashboard, then follow the prompts to add the plan.
  5. 5Name it and set it for dataRename it Travel in SIM manager, then set it as the mobile data SIM under Primary SIM.

The three Samsung settings that matter

Samsung gives you more control than most phones. Set these three and you are done.

1. Primary SIM

SIM manager, Primary SIM. Choose which SIM handles calls, messages, and mobile data.

  • Calls: Home
  • Messages: Home
  • Mobile data: Travel

2. Auto data switch

Also in SIM manager. When on, your Galaxy uses the other SIM for data if the chosen one cannot connect. Abroad, that other SIM is your home line, so a weak signal could quietly start roaming charges. Turn it off while you travel. Some US models do not show this option at all.

3. Data roaming

Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming. On dual SIM Galaxies you set it for each SIM.

  • Travel eSIM: roaming on
  • Home SIM: roaming off

Most travel eSIMs connect as a roaming line, and that roaming is what you paid for. The charges come from roaming on the home SIM.

How many eSIMs can a Galaxy hold?

More than you will ever need. Samsung says Galaxy phones can download up to 20 eSIM profiles, fewer if the profiles are large, because they share the chip's memory.

How many can be active at once depends on the model. Many run one eSIM next to a SIM card, and some newer Galaxies can run two eSIMs together. Switching between saved ones takes a tap in SIM manager.

Keep old travel eSIMs switched off rather than removing them while they still have data. Once removed, most cannot be added again.

If something goes wrong

The Galaxy problems people hit most, and the fix for each.

Add eSIM is missing from SIM manager

Your model or its regional version may lack eSIM (Hong Kong and mainland China Galaxies often do), or a carrier lock hides it. Update the software, then check your model in the checker above.

The camera will not read the QR code

Show the code bigger on another screen, raise the brightness, and hold steady. Or tap Enter activation code and paste the code.

It says the plan cannot be added or the code was used

Most codes install once. Look in SIM manager: if a new eSIM is listed, it already worked. If not, join stable Wi-Fi, restart, and try again, or contact support with your order details.

No service after landing

In SIM manager, make sure the Travel eSIM is switched on. Turn on Data roaming for it, then toggle airplane mode. Still nothing? Mobile networks, Network operators, and pick a local network.

Data keeps using my Home SIM

Primary SIM, Mobile data: choose Travel. Then turn off Auto data switch.

The eSIM is on but data is slow

Try switching the Home SIM off for a while, since using both at once can slow data in some areas.

More problems? Open the full eSIM troubleshooter.

After your trip

In SIM manager, switch the Travel eSIM off and set Mobile data back to Home. When the plan is used up or expired, tap the eSIM and remove it.

Sources

Menu names checked against Samsung support on 2026-09-27. They can differ slightly by One UI version and country.

Keep reading

Samsung eSIM questions

How do I add an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy?+

Open Settings, tap Connections, then SIM manager, then Add eSIM. Choose Scan QR code and scan the code from your provider. Then set the eSIM for mobile data under Primary SIM.

Where is SIM manager on Samsung?+

Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager. You can also search Settings for SIM manager or eSIM.

Which Samsung phones support eSIM?+

Galaxy S21 and newer, the Z Fold and Z Flip foldables, and some A series models in certain regions. Models sold in Hong Kong and mainland China lack eSIM up to the S25. Use the checker on this page for your exact model.

What is Auto data switch on Samsung?+

It makes your Galaxy use the other SIM for data when your chosen one cannot connect. Abroad, that other SIM is usually your home line, which can mean roaming charges, so turn it off while travelling.

Where is data roaming on Samsung?+

Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming. Turn it on for the travel eSIM and keep it off for your home SIM.

How many eSIMs can a Samsung phone hold?+

Samsung says Galaxy phones can download up to 20 eSIM profiles, fewer if the profiles are large. How many can be active at once depends on the model.

Can I enter the eSIM code manually on Samsung?+

Yes. In SIM manager, tap Add eSIM, then on the scanning screen tap Enter activation code and paste the full code.

Why is Add eSIM missing on my Galaxy?+

Your model or its regional version may lack eSIM, or it may be locked to a carrier. Update the software and check the model in our checker.

Will adding an eSIM slow down my Galaxy?+

Samsung notes that using a SIM card and an eSIM at the same time may slow data in some areas. If speeds drop abroad, try switching your home SIM off.

Get your eSIM, then scan

Pick your destination, pay in crypto, and your QR code is waiting in your dashboard. No card, no email, no ID.

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