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How to Install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy eSIM setup through the SIM manager: scanning the QR code, entering an activation code, picking the data SIM, roaming and APN settings.

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Samsung puts eSIM management in SIM manager. These steps are written for One UI 5, 6 and 7; older versions call the same screen "SIM card manager".

Which Galaxy phones support eSIM

Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Note 20 series, every Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold, and a number of recent A-series models. eSIM support on Samsung is regional — some variants sold in particular markets ship without it, even where the same model number has it elsewhere. Dial *#06#: if an EID is listed, your handset has eSIM.

Before you start

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Confirm the phone is carrier-unlocked.
  • Have the QR code on a second screen, or the activation code ready to type.

Install with the QR code

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
  2. Tap Add eSIM.
  3. Tap Scan QR code from service provider.
  4. Point the camera at the code and tap Add when the plan is detected.
  5. Wait for the download — one to three minutes. Stay on Wi-Fi and leave the screen on.
  6. Tap Done when the plan appears in SIM manager.

On One UI 4 and earlier the path is Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile plan → Add using QR code.

Install with an activation code

  1. Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
  2. Tap Enter activation code (some versions: "Enter code from service provider").
  3. Type or paste the full code from your delivery page, including the LPA:1$ prefix.
  4. Tap Connect and wait.

Configure your lines

  1. Still in SIM manager, tap the new eSIM and give it a name you will recognise, such as "Travel".
  2. Make sure its toggle is on.
  3. Under Preferred SIM, set Mobile data to the eSIM.
  4. Leave Calls and Text messages on your existing SIM, so your usual number keeps working.

Turn on data roaming

  1. Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
  2. Turn Data roaming on. On dual-SIM Galaxy phones this screen lets you choose which SIM the setting applies to — turn it on for the eSIM.

Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks, which One UI reports as roaming. Without this, you will see bars and no data. It does not cost extra — the plan is prepaid.

Turn roaming off for your home SIM at the same time.

APN settings, if needed

  1. Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access Point Names.
  2. Check the SIM selector at the top is set to the eSIM.
  3. Tap Add, put the APN from your delivery page in both the Name and APN fields, and leave the rest alone.
  4. Save from the three-dot menu and select the new APN.
  5. Toggle airplane mode on and off.

Troubleshooting

  • "Add eSIM" is missing from SIM manager: your regional variant has no eSIM hardware, or One UI needs updating. Check Settings → Software update.
  • Download fails: confirm you are on Wi-Fi and that the code has not already been used — each eSIM installs once.
  • No Service: airplane mode for 30 seconds. Then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators → turn off Select automatically and choose the operator named on your delivery page.
  • Signal but no data: data roaming is off, or Preferred SIM → Mobile data is still your home SIM.
  • Battery-saver interference: Samsung's power modes can restrict background data. Set the phone to standard performance while you get the connection established.

Never delete or erase the eSIM to fix a problem. An eSIM profile can only be downloaded once. Removing it from your phone destroys it permanently, and it cannot be reinstalled or replaced. If something is not working, work through the troubleshooting steps below or contact us — leave the profile where it is.

Contact support with your order number if none of this helps.