How to Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy (2026 Guide)
Installing an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy takes about three minutes, and once it's done you'll land at your destination already connected — no airport SIM kiosks, no roaming bill. This guide walks you through adding, activating and configuring a travel eSIM on Galaxy S, Z Fold/Flip and A-series phones, and fixes the errors people run into most.
Short version: buy a plan, get a QR code by email, then open Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM, scan the code, and set it as your data line. The detailed walkthrough is below.
Before you start: what you need
- An eSIM-compatible, unlocked Galaxy phone (see the model list below, or check our device compatibility guide).
- A Wi-Fi connection — you install the eSIM at home before you travel.
- Your eSIM QR code. When you buy an EzSim data plan it arrives by email within minutes.
Tip: install the eSIM before you leave home. It sits dormant and only starts using data once you connect to a network at your destination, so you're online the moment you land.
Which Samsung phones support eSIM?
Most flagship and mid-range Galaxy phones from the last few years support eSIM. Here's a quick reference for the popular lines:
| Galaxy series | eSIM support |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S — S20 and newer (S20/S21/S22/S23/S24/S25) | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold & Z Flip — all generations | Yes |
| Galaxy Note 20 series | Yes |
| Galaxy A — select models (e.g. A54/A55; varies by region) | Sometimes |
| US carrier-locked Galaxy phones | Blocked until unlocked |
Two caveats. First, some US carrier versions and certain regional variants ship without eSIM even when the global model has it — availability depends on where the phone was sold. Second, a carrier-locked phone can't use a third-party travel eSIM at all. If you're unsure, dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, your phone has an eSIM chip.
Step-by-step: install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings and tap Connections.
- Tap SIM manager (called "SIM card manager" on some One UI versions).
- Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider.
- Point the camera at the QR code from your EzSim email. Viewing the code on the same phone? Tap Enter code manually and paste the activation string instead.
- Tap Add and wait a few seconds for the plan to download.
- Give the line a clear name like "Travel" so you can tell it apart from your main number.
When you arrive: turn it on
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager and select your Travel eSIM.
- Toggle the line On.
- Under Mobile data, choose the travel eSIM as your data line.
- Turn on Data roaming for the travel line — this is required. It lets the eSIM connect to the local network; you still won't pay roaming fees because the plan is prepaid local data.
Within a minute or two you should see a local carrier name in your status bar and be online.
Common problems and fixes
My QR code won't scan
Raise the brightness on the screen you're scanning from, or use Enter code manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your EzSim email.
No signal after landing
Confirm Data roaming is on for the travel line, then toggle Airplane Mode off and on to force a fresh network search. Still nothing? Pick the network manually in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators.
"Add eSIM" is missing from SIM manager
Your model or regional variant may not include eSIM, or the phone is carrier-locked. Dial *#06# to check for an EID; if there isn't one, use a physical SIM instead. Learn the difference in our eSIM vs SIM vs roaming guide.
iPhone instead of Samsung?
The steps are similar but the menus differ. Follow our step-by-step guide to installing an eSIM on iPhone instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a Samsung eSIM before I travel?
Yes, and you should. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; it activates automatically once you connect to a network at your destination, so there's no data used in the meantime.
Will the eSIM replace my normal SIM?
No. Your Galaxy runs both together. Keep your physical SIM or primary line for calls and texts on your usual number, and use the travel eSIM for data.
How do I know if my Samsung supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# — if an EID number shows up, your phone has an eSIM. You can also check Settings → Connections → SIM manager for an "Add eSIM" option. Carrier-locked phones need unlocking first.
Does installing an eSIM use my data allowance?
No. You install over Wi-Fi, and the plan's data only starts counting once the eSIM connects to a network at your destination.
Ready to go?
Pick your destination and you'll have a QR code in minutes. Browse EzSim eSIM plans by country — heading to Japan or the United States? Grab a plan and install it before you fly. New to eSIMs? Start with what is an eSIM. For official device details, Samsung also lists eSIM support on its Samsung support site, and the GSMA maintains background on the eSIM standard.