We all know Samsung as one of the giant phone companies, so it is natural that, like many others, they move their devices from traditional SIM cards to embedded SIM cards. This, in comparison, allows us more accessibility and less configuration to use them; we now have eSIM on Samsung Galaxy models!
The future of mobile technology is the eSIM, a virtual SIM card you can install on some Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This guide teaches you how to configure the eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z, and Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and S23.
You will need
– An eSIM data plan from stores like Holafly. Travelers can purchase an eSIM for their favorite destinations from our store.
– A device that supports eSIM.
– An Internet connection via mobile data or WiFi for the set-up process.
Table of contents
What is eSIM on Samsung?
This is the virtual evolution of the traditional physical SIM, but this is just the quick answer. To be able to use them, Samsung, as well as other companies, pre-install a chip in the structure of the phone, and this is the origin of its name-embedded SIM card or eSIM.
As they are already included in our phones, they do not need physical installation. In this way, to activate them, we use a QR code provided by our service provider. Now it is much easier to change data plans when traveling abroad.
Although Samsung’s transition has been slightly slower than other companies, most of their flagship phones now include eSIM. Even in the USA, one of the company’s largest markets, carriers such as T-mobile and other international carriers support the USA eSIM for Samsung.
How does eSIM work on Samsung?
As in other compatible devices, eSIMs work in Samsung phones thanks to the fact that the company includes embedded chips in some of its models. From this, we only need to download and install our service after purchasing it from our local operator or an international store.
It is also possible to find this eSIM technology in smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and even cars! So it is only a matter of time before Samsung includes it in its other technologies and product range.
Which Samsung models have eSIM available?
Before knowing how to configure an eSIM in your phone, the first thing we must confirm is if our device can actually use them. To help you, we will leave you a list of the compatible mobile phones of the company as of today.
Samsung mobile phones compatible with eSIM:
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5g
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
How to activate eSIM on Samsung?
Once you have confirmed that your phone is one of the listed models, then you can proceed to purchase your eSIM and then install it on your phone. For this, we will also help you with some recommendations and steps to follow.
What do you need?
- A Samsung phone compatible with the technology
- Purchase an eSIM from an international or local provider to have an activation QR code.
- Internet connection at the time of virtual eSIM installation
What do you need to do?
You can now set up an eSIM as your main SIM card to access the internet easily when you’re traveling. Here are the steps you need to take to set up a virtual SIM card on a Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z, and Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and S23 as your main SIM.
Time needed:5 minutes
Steps to set up an eSIM on a Samsung device.
- Go to Connections
Go to settings > Connections
- Login to SIM Card Manager
Now you will see the SIM cards already on your device.
- Select Add Mobile Plan
In this step, your Samsung will look for a plan that is already active with the operator.
- Press Add plan using QR code
You must have the QR code from the eSIM provider.
- Read the QR code
Focus it with your camera.
- Add it to your cell phone
Your phone will find it, agree to add it to the download.
- Activate it on your Samsung phone
Accept power up to activate.
- Verification
Your new eSIM will be added to the SIM Card Manager.
(Video) Holafly's eSIM Card - How We Get UNLIMITED DATA While Traveling
How to remove eSIM from Samsung phones?
Once you have used your eSIM and no longer need it, you can return to the SIM card manager and delete it. But you must be sure that you will not need the eSIM again because, in many cases, the provider will mention that QR codes can only be scanned once. For this reason, if you delete it and still need it, you must repurchase the service or contact customer support.
How to transfer embedded SIM card to a new Samsung phone?
This is an option that may vary depending on your eSIM service provider. You must first confirm with them if you can delete the virtual SIM card and then install it again. If yes, we recommend that you have your old phone and your new phone connected to a secure WiFi network for the process.
After this, you must delete the eSIM on your old phone. Many providers will send you an email notification that you have done this. Once you have deleted it, you can perform the installation process on your new phone by following the step-by-step instructions we have mentioned in the same way you installed the eSIM for the first time.
Samsung has mentioned the intention to have a smoother method of transferring the service on some phone models. However, this is still under development.
Travel to the USA without worries!
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Adding a digital SIM card to your Samsung Galaxy Watch
Before Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold, S20, and Z Flip smartphones, there were already Samsung watches that were compatible with eSIM. Let’s learn how to activate an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Configuring a virtual SIM card on the Samsung Galaxy Watch
Follow these steps to set up your Galaxy Watch:
- Install Galaxy Wearable on your mobile.
- You must download it from the Samsung store or Play Store.
- Have both your Samsung Watch and your Samsung phone ready
When it is detected, click on “Connect.”- You will be shown a code. It must be the same on both devices.
- Confirm the code to pair them by pressing “OK”.
- The pairing will start after pressing “next” to accept the terms.
- Your phone will start searching for a mobile network in your Galaxy Watch.
- If you can’t find it, go to “Mobile Networks” in the Galaxy Wearable App.
- Select “Use code.”
- Now you can scan your eSIM QR, accept the conditions, and click on “Download”.
- Wait until the connection is complete.
- From now on, your Galaxy Watch will have a separate connection.
(You may also be interested in how to set up an eSIM on Xiaomi.)
Operators that support eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy
After the launch of eSIM, several manufacturers have started to develop devices that include this technology. However, it is the operator that determines how the virtual SIM works.
In the following table, you will find a list of countries and operators that support activating an eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy.
| Countries | Galaxy Fold | Galaxy Z Flip | Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 series |
| Spain | Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Yoigo | Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Yoigo | Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Yoigo |
| German | 1&1, O2, Telekom, Vodafone | 1&1, O2, Telekom, Vodafone | 1&1, O2, Telekom, Vodafone |
| France | Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Bouygues Telecom | Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Bouygues Telecom | Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Bouygues Telecom |
| USA | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| UK | EE, O2, Three, Vodafone | EE, O2, Three, Vodafone | EE, O2, Three, Vodafone |
| Australia | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone |
| Mexico | AT&T, Telcel, Movistar | AT&T, Telcel, Movistar | AT&T, Telcel, Movistar |
| Thailand | AIS, dtac, TrueMove H | AIS, dtac, TrueMove H | AIS, dtac, TrueMove H |
| Brasil | Claro, TIM, Vivo | Claro, TIM, Vivo | Claro, TIM, Vivo |
| Vietnam | MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone | MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone | MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone |
| Russia | Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Tele2 | Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Tele2 | Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Tele2 |
Remember!
If you are buying a new phone, ensure your mobile provider supports eSIM technology on the Samsung Galaxy.
FAQs when configuring an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy
Does eSIM work on my Samsung Galaxy S20 if my carrier offers it on iPhone?
No. The iPhone is supported by most carriers. This does not mean that your Galaxy S20 will work. You need to check with your carrier to make sure it is supported.
Will my Samsung Galaxy S20 be supported by my carrier’s eSIM in the future?
It is likely that after an upgrade, you will be able to enable eSIM support in your operator, as the Samsung Galaxy S20 hardware has this technology built in.
Does removing a mobile plan mean that I have unlinked my eSIM from my operator?
No. To terminate your eSIM service, you must contact your operator.
How many eSIM can be used in the Samsung s22 ultra?
In this phone model, you can store several eSIM profiles, but you can only use one when using your service and data. This means you can have your physical SIM card and eSIM active simultaneously while the other eSIM profiles are on standby.
You must also consider carrier restrictions; you may only have one eSIM with each carrier due to their policies.
How to activate eSIM on Samsung s21?
As with other compatible Samsung models, the installation requires a QR code from your provider and an internet connection. In this guide, we have given you a step-by-step guide that includes the Samsung s21. The setup will take just minutes, and after that, you will be able to enjoy your contracted plan.
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FAQs
ESIM on Samsung Galaxy: How it works and how to set it up - Holafly? ›
Go to your phone settings and then to "Connections". Verify that you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). When you enter "Connections", look for "SIM card manager" to find your eSIM installation options. Under "eSIMs", select "+ Add eSIM" to start the installation process of your new mobile plan.
How to install Holafly eSIM on Android? ›- Settings. Go to your mobile phone settings and then to "Network & Internet". ...
- New eSIM. In "Network & Internet", click on the "+" icon next to your main mobile plan to add your new plan.
- Add your eSIM. ...
- Scan the QR code. ...
- Download your mobile plan. ...
- Installation confirmation. ...
- Label your new data plan.
Your eSIM data plan begins the moment you activate it on your phone. You must scan a QR code to install your eSIM, however this does not start your data plan going.
How does eSIM work on Samsung Galaxy? ›Your device includes an eSIM which functions as a SIM card. You can use the mobile network after activating the eSIM or installing a nano-SIM card. You can both activate the eSIM and install a nano-SIM card so you can have two phone numbers or service providers for a single device.
How do I use my Holafly eSIM card? ›- Open your email. Find the email where we sent you the Android activation code when you made the purchase. ...
- Open “Settings” on your device. Press "Connections" and enter the "SIM card manager". ...
- Follow the installation steps. Select "Scan QR from service provider", and press "Enter activation code".
So, if the eSIM card does not work, we recommend you check the following: Check that your iPhone is unlocked or that both cellular data plans belong to the same operator. Make sure that the plan is configured and ready to use. Check if your operator supports Dual Sim with eSIM.
How does eSIM get activated? ›To download your eSIM profile on your Android device, you may receive an “activation code” from an eSIM carrier. The activation code is in fact a download link. It is often in the format of a QR code that you will scan with the camera of your phone or tablet to install and activate your eSIM profile on your device.
How do I get my eSIM to work? ›- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & Internet. 2 Images.
- Tap the plus button next to SIMs. ...
- Tap Download a SIM instead at the bottom of your screen. ...
- Tap Next.
- Scan your QR code. ...
- Once your code has been confirmed, tap Done to complete your eSIM activation.
We recommend installing your eSIM no sooner than the day before of the day of your journey. If you activate your eSIM beforehand, you will lose days of usage. Remember that a Holafly eSIM can be activated automatically by connecting to the mobile network.
Does eSIM activate automatically? ›Most eSIMs will only activate at the destination once they connect to a supported network or any of the supported networks. On the other hand, there are eSIMs that will activate instantly as soon as they are installed, regardless of the location.
How do I know if my eSIM is activated? ›
Open the “Settings” app on your Android device. Scroll down and tap the “Network & Internet” or “Connections” option, depending on your device. Look for the “SIM cards” or “Dual SIM & eSIM” option and tap on it. If you see an option for the eSIM that shows “Connected” or “Active,” it means your eSIM is activated.
How do I get an eSIM QR Code? ›To activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code. Then, follow these steps: Open the Camera app and scan your QR code.
Do you need a SIM for an eSIM to work? ›An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM.
Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM Samsung? ›You can set up a Samsung Galaxy Dual SIM device with a combination of: two physical SIMs. a physical SIM and an eSIM. a MicroSD card and an eSIM/physical SIM (except for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip)
How do I add eSIM to my Android? ›- Go to Settings > Connections.
- Tap on SIM card manager.
- Select Add mobile plan.
- Navigate to Other ways to add plans.
- Choose Add using QR code.
- Scan the provided QR code.
- Follow on-screen prompts.
Simply get an 'eSIM.me card' from the eSIM.me website, put it in one of the SIM slots in your Android phone, download the app from the PlayStore - and you are good to go.
Can I activate eSIM on Android phone? ›To activate your eSIM, you need a wireless carrier which provides you an eSIM profile as well as an eSIM data plan. To download your eSIM profile on your Android device, you may receive an “activation code” from an eSIM carrier. The activation code is in fact a download link.
Can I do eSIM on Android? ›Without physically changing a SIM card, this technology enables users to remotely activate and control their mobile network service from an Android device as an eSIM on Android phones. The benefits of eSIM for Android phones prove to be extremely convenient.