Setting Up eSIM on Samsung Galaxy Phones: Complete 2025 Guide

Which Samsung Galaxy Phones Support eSIM in 2025?

Samsung began rolling out eSIM widely with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. By 2025, the list is massive:

• Galaxy S20 / S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 / S25 series (all models)
• Galaxy Z Fold3/4/5/6 and Z Flip3/4/5/6
• Galaxy A35, A54, A55, A56 (2024–2025 models)
• Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S10 series
• Galaxy Watch 6/7/Ultra (cellular models)

Even many carrier-locked US models now support eSIM — a huge improvement over 2022–2023.

Method 1: Add eSIM via QR Code (Most Popular)

This is how 99% of travel eSIM providers (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, Ubigi, etc.) work.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager (or “SIM card manager” on older One UI)
4. Tap the + or Add eSIM
5. Choose Scan QR code or “Add using QR code”
6. Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM provider
7. Tap Download → confirm → wait 30–90 seconds
8. Label the plan (e.g., “Thailand 2025” or “Europe Roaming”)
9. Tap Done

Your eSIM is now installed and ready to activate when you land.

Method 2: Convert Physical SIM to eSIM (Samsung’s Magic Trick)

Many carriers worldwide now let you convert your current physical SIM to eSIM in under a minute — no store visit required.

1. Insert your physical SIM card
2. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager
3. Tap the active physical SIM
4. Look for “Convert to eSIM” (appears only if your carrier supports it)
5. Follow the prompts → your physical SIM is instantly digitized
6. Remove the plastic card — you now have a free SIM tray!

Works on Galaxy S23 and newer in most countries (US carriers added full support in 2024–2025).

Method 3: Manual Activation Code

Some providers give a long text code instead of a QR.

1. Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM
2. Select Enter activation code
3. Paste or type the code (usually starts with LPA:1$)
4. Tap Connect

What’s New in One UI 7 (Android 15 / Galaxy S25 Series)

Samsung redesigned the eSIM experience in One UI 7:

• Path changed to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Add eSIM
• New animated QR scanner with better low-light detection
• eSIM profiles show live data usage graphs inside SIM manager
• Quick toggle to switch data between physical SIM and eSIM from the notification shade

Essential Post-Installation Settings

Enable Data Roaming (Critical for Travel eSIMs)

Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming → ON

Set eSIM as Default for Mobile Data

SIM manager → tap your eSIM → Turn on “Use this SIM for mobile data”

Perfect Dual-SIM Travel Setup

Most travelers use:

• Home physical SIM → Calls + SMS (no roaming charges)
• Travel eSIM → Mobile data only (cheap or unlimited data)

Samsung makes this automatic — just toggle the data switch in SIM manager.

Troubleshooting: Fix Every Common Problem

• “Add eSIM” is grayed out? Your phone is carrier-locked or eSIM disabled by carrier. Contact them or buy unlocked.
• QR code won’t scan? Increase brightness, use another phone to display the QR, or enter the activation code manually.
• “Unable to download profile”? Connect to strong Wi-Fi, restart phone, disable VPN, try again.
• eSIM not connecting abroad? Enable Data Roaming + go to Mobile networks → Network operators → Search manually and select a local partner network.
• Using two eSIMs at once? Most 2024–2025 Galaxies allow one active eSIM + one physical SIM, or two eSIMs with one active at a time.

Pro Tips Only Samsung Users Get

• You can store 10–20 eSIM profiles depending on model (perfect for frequent travelers)
• Delete old eSIMs instantly: SIM manager → tap profile → Delete
• Use Smart Switch when upgrading (S24 → S25) — it transfers eSIMs automatically
• Samsung tablets (Tab S9/S10) use the exact same steps
• Galaxy Watch cellular models can share the same eSIM profile as your phone (One Number feature)