Setting Up an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy
Updated: October 2026
On a Samsung, the eSIM is added through SIM manager and takes a few minutes. This guide follows the One UI interface; menu names can differ slightly from model to model.
Which Galaxy models support eSIM?
- S series: Galaxy S20 and every flagship since
- Z series: Every generation of the Z Flip and Z Fold
- Note series: Note 20 and later
- A series: Only some recent models (such as the A54, A55 and later); it varies by region
The definitive check: open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and look for "Add eSIM". If it is there, your phone supports eSIM. If it is not, your model has no eSIM, and a software update will not add it.
The phone must be unlocked. A Galaxy bought outright is; one bought on a carrier contract may be locked until the contract is paid off, in which case your carrier can unlock it.
Setup: by QR code
- Open the QR code on a computer screen, or print it.
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
- Choose "Scan QR code" and point the camera at the code.
- Confirm with "Add"; once the install finishes, the eSIM is listed in SIM manager as a new line.
- Rename the line, "Peregrin Europe" for example, so it does not get mixed up with your physical SIM.
If the QR code is only on your phone: take a screenshot and use the gallery icon on the scanning screen to read it from the image (One UI 5 and later).
Travel settings (the critical part)
Before you board, go back to SIM manager:
- Set the eSIM as the preferred SIM for Mobile data.
- Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → for the eSIM line, Data roaming: ON (abroad, the eSIM works as a roaming line; this does not cost extra).
- For your home SIM, Data roaming: OFF; leave the line on so calls and texts keep arriving.
When you land, the phone connects to the local network by itself; if it does not, switch Airplane mode on and off.
Common problems
- "Add eSIM" is missing: Your model does not support eSIM (the check above is definitive).
- The QR code will not scan: Avoid glare and turn up the screen brightness; if that fails, read it from the gallery instead.
- No data: Check in two separate places that the eSIM is selected as the mobile data SIM and that its data roaming is on; nine problems out of ten come down to these two settings.
Ready?
Find your destination in the list of destinations; if you are new to eSIM, read What is an eSIM? first. If the phone will not connect, the two settings to check first are the opening step of eSIM not working?.