How to use eSIM on Samsung devices?

Many people are turning from physical SIM cards to digital ones. The reason behind this is that eSIMs eliminate the need to swap SIM cards and allow using multiple phone lines. This is particularly groundbreaking for people who travel a lot, have multiple phone lines, or simply find changing physical SIM cards bothersome.

Although not all manufacturers provide extensive eSIM support, Samsung was a leading player in implementing eSIM technology, dating back to 2016. With further efforts to expand its eSIM compatibility, Samsung now offers a wide selection of mobile phones compatible with eSIMs.

In this article, you will discover which Samsung devices support electronic SIMs and which can't. By the time you finish this read, you will know how to activate an eSIM and see if your Samsung device supports it.

How to activate eSIM on Samsung phones?

1. Pick a trustworthy eSIM provider (We recommend Saily as the #1 eSIM for international travel)
2. Select your destination and data plan
3. Download the app or use a QR code to set up eSIM on your phone
4. Activate your plan before heading for a trip – make sure you have a stable internet connection

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What is eSIM on Samsung devices?

In layman’s terms, an eSIM on Samsung devices lets you activate a cellular plan through a carrier with minimal effort in the device's settings. This means you can manage several lines and swap carriers easily using an eSIM, all without ever leaving the phone's interface.

Many of Samsung's latest models now have eSIM technology, making them an excellent choice for consumers who travel a lot, need numerous lines, or want to save up on mobile data plans.

An eSIM can increase your phone's functionality and make maintaining cell service easier. Your Samsung smartphone's settings menu is where you may adjust the ability to carry numerous phone numbers and service plans. This is great for managing multiple phone numbers locally and in different countries. In addition, you don’t have to use two different phones to take personal and professional calls separately.

Besides, you can save the trouble and expense of getting local SIM cards when traveling and use the eSIM's capacity to keep several profiles instead.

How to set up and activate eSIM on Samsung: step-by-step guide

• Check your internet connection. Before starting, make sure your phone is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Navigate to SIM settings. Open the "Settings" app on your Samsung device, go to "Connections," and then select "SIM Card Manager."
• Add an eSIM. Tap on "Add Mobile Plan" to activate an eSIM. If your carrier has provided a QR code for eSIM activation, you will need to use that next.
• Scan the QR Code. Choose the "Add Plan Using QR Code" option. This will activate your camera, and then you can scan the QR code your carrier provided.
• Install the eSIM. After scanning the QR code, follow the prompts. This last step downloads and activates your mobile plan on the eSIM.
• Verify activation. Once the setup is complete, your new eSIM should be listed in the "SIM Card Manager" section. Depending on your preference, configure it as your primary or secondary line.

This process may vary slightly depending on your Samsung model and the Android OS version. If you encounter any issues or your phone does not have the "Add Mobile Plan" option, you should contact your carrier or Samsung's customer support directly for device-specific guidance.

Reasons to use eSIM for your Samsung phone

You can enjoy numerous benefits once you start using reliable eSIMs on your Samsung device. The advantages of an eSIM spark bright, especially for travelers.

eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, meaning you can ditch carrying several SIM cards around you during travel. Additionally, eSIMs allow digital activation and switching of plans, whereas regular SIMs require physical exchange.

Furthermore, acquiring a physical SIM card often requires additional effort. You need to visit a store in person or purchase a card from street vendors. This can be costly for travelers and, in some cases, lead to scams.

On top of that, regular SIM cards are limited to a single profile, whereas eSIMs can store multiple carrier profiles, improving flexible mobile data options for you. Using an eSIM, you can determine how much data you may need and purchase a plan accordingly.

Lastly, eSIMs offer a flexible and seamless mobile experience. If you run out of data, you can purchase a new plan with a few clicks and continue exploring the world. That’s why if you own a Samsung device and seek to simplify and secure your connectivity, an eSIM is a great option.

Samsung phone models that support eSIMs

Samsung's eSIM feature allows users to manage multiple phone lines hassle-free. Since the manufacturer has significantly contributed to the growth of the eSIM market, most of their devices are compatible with eSIMs.

Activating cellular service without inserting a SIM card is incredibly convenient. This simplifies switching providers and plans. Below, you will find a list of the most common Samsung models compatible with this technology after thorough research conducted.

1. Samsung Galaxy S20 series. In some regions, the Galaxy S20 and S20+ were among the first mobile phones to allow eSIM cards. They support dual SIM support, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds of physical SIMs and eSIM cards. With their high-resolution camera, big AMOLED Infinity-O display, and strong CPU, these smartphones are still a valid choice, especially if you are looking for a user experience at a relatively affordable market price.
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 series. The three models of the Galaxy S21 series —S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra- continue to build up on the S20 series. Compatibility with eSIMs is no exception. All Samsung Galaxy S21 phones have dual SIM capability, just like the previous series. Better camera systems and S Pen compatibility are only two examples of the upgraded functionality offered by this particular series.
3. Samsung Galaxy S22 series. Recently launched, the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra support eSIMs altogether. On top of featuring dual SIM compatibility, these newer versions have better hardware and cameras, as well as longer battery life. These smartphones are an excellent choice if you appreciate the features of the S20 series, but desire boosted performance.
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series. The innovative Samsung folding phones come with the ability to use an electronic SIM card. Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 are a few more instances. These models provide new possibilities for multitasking and transform mobile productivity with their larger, foldable displays.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series. The original Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and the third-generation Z Flip are compatible with eSIM cards. These phones are a contemporary spin on the traditional flip phone. The Flip series has a smaller cover, main display, and substandard camera features compared to the Fold series.
6. Galaxy Note20 Series. Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, two versions designed for hardcore users who find the S Pen handy, both come with eSIM. Pros and artists were the target audience for the Ultra model's upgraded camera setup and bright AMOLED display.
7. Samsung Galaxy A Series. One unusual thing about the Galaxy A54 5G is that it’s one of the models in the A series that supports eSIM. With its reasonable price on the market, you can enjoy premium features like longer battery life and a good UX without breaking the budget. Although it’s not from the Galaxy S range, this phone is certainly the best of the A series.

Which Samsung phones don’t support eSIM?

This is a shortlist of the Samsung phone models that don’t work with eSIMs. Previous generations, cheaper phones, or regional varieties are usually the ones that aren't eligible for this technology.

• Samsung Galaxy A Series. Except for the A45 5G model, eSIM is incompatible with most Galaxy phones released in the A series. Samsung Galaxy A50, A51, and A52, as well as A14 and A24 models, unfortunately, don’t have eSIM card capability. This may be due to Samsung's policy of feature segmentation across product lines since it targets different price points and user demands.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE Fan Editions. Neither of these models supports eSIMs. The lack of eSIM capabilities in these models can be explained by their budget-friendly design to compete with flagship models.
• Regional variants. The Galaxy S20, S21, Note 20 series, and other Samsung phones do not support eSIM in some US and South Korean versions. This is usually because Samsung has made market-specific decisions or due to carrier constraints.
• Samsung's earlier flagship models. Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+ or Note Lite, and Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e, S10 Lite, and S10+, as well as the other earlier models in the S series, are all in this category. Most of these models only work with older nano-SIM cards and don’t support eSIM cards.

We often see this functionality in newer or more expensive smartphones. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that recently released devices come with this feature. Samsung’s eSIM compatibility highly varies where you are located as well.

How to check if your Samsung phone supports eSIM?

You can easily check whether your Samsung eSIM phone supports eSIMs. Here are some ways to find out if your device is compatible with this technology:

• Go to your device's "Settings" and hit "About Phone." Then, find the "Status" and tap on it. Here, you should see a menu item that says "IMEI information." If you notice an option labeled "IMEI (eSIM)," your device is compatible with eSIM functionality.
• You can choose "Settings" again, then hit "Connections" and tap the "SIM card manager" button. Here, you should see an option that says "Add eSIM." With it, you can confirm whether your phone supports eSIM.
• Another option is to contact your carrier. They can tell if your device model is compatible with eSIM services and offer you assistance.
• The eSIM card is a standard feature on most modern high-end Galaxy phones. As mentioned in our list, the Galaxy S20 series and several Note and Z models support this feature. So, if you have one of these models, your device will likely have eSIM compatibility.

Although there are several ways to check eSIM compatibility, the Samsung model and version of Android you're running are influential in enabling eSIM services. Your location is an important consideration because of the distinct regional marketing strategies. You can contact an official channel, such as your carrier or Samsung's customer service, in order to double-check this information.

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