Samsung eSIM: Supported Galaxy Models and How to Install

Short answer: most Galaxy S phones from the S20 onward, every Z Fold and Z Flip, the S23 FE and later FE models, and some A-series phones support eSIM. The S20 FE and S21 FE do not. Regional variants matter: some A-series models only have eSIM in Europe, North America or Korea. Check Settings, Connections, SIM manager for an “Add eSIM” option.

Which Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM?

Samsung’s own eSIM page for the UAE market (checked October 2026) lists these as supported:

Series	Supported models	Notes
Galaxy S	S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21 series, S22 series, S23 series, S24 series, S25 series (including S25 Edge), S26 series	No regional limits listed by Samsung, but see the origin note below
Galaxy Z	Fold and Flip from the original Galaxy Fold and Z Flip through the Fold8 and Flip8 generation (including Flip 7 FE)	Some older US and Hong Kong Fold 2 units are reported as incompatible by third parties
Galaxy FE	S23 FE, S24 FE, S25 FE, S26 FE	Earlier FE phones, including the S20 FE and S21 FE, are not on the list
Galaxy A	A55, A56, A57, A37	Listed without a regional limit
Galaxy A (limited)	A54 (Europe, North America, Korea, Japan); A35 and A36 (Europe, North America, Korea); A16, A17, A26, A27 (North America only)	A25 5G and A23 5G are Japan only
Xcover	Xcover7, Xcover7 Pro, Xcover6 Pro	North America only
Tablets	Tab S9 through S11 families and FE versions, Tab Active5	Wi-Fi-only tablets do not support eSIM

The list varies by country of purchase. Samsung itself says a listed device may still lack eSIM depending on its country of origin. Third-party lists also report that phones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and many sold in South Korea, have no eSIM. Treat this table as a guide, then confirm on the phone.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE support eSIM?

No. The S20 FE (4G and 5G) is not on Samsung’s supported list, and other compatibility lists also mark it as not compatible. Samsung’s FE line only gained eSIM with the S23 FE. If you have an S20 FE or S21 FE and need a second line, use a physical nano-SIM or a dual-SIM setup instead. The regular Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra do support eSIM.

How can I check if my Samsung has eSIM?

Use any of these, from the quickest:

1. SIM manager. Open Settings, Connections, SIM manager. If you see Add eSIM, the phone supports it.
2. Dial the EID code. Open the dialer and type *#06#. If the screen shows an EID (a 32-digit number), the hardware has an eSIM chip.
3. Settings, About phone, Status information. Look for EID.
4. Samsung’s specs page for your exact model number, under Network, SIM: “Embedded SIM” (eSIM) should be listed.

You can also run our device compatibility checker or browse the full compatible devices list.

Also check that the phone is carrier-unlocked. A locked Galaxy may accept the eSIM profile but refuse to connect abroad.

How do I install a travel eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy?

You need the QR code from your purchase email and a Wi-Fi connection. The steps below are for One UI (One UI 6 and later). Menu names can differ slightly between versions.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections, then SIM manager.
3. Tap Add eSIM.
4. Tap Scan QR code. Point the camera at the QR code on another screen or a printout.
5. If you only have text codes, choose Enter activation code and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
6. Confirm the download. The profile is installed in about 30 to 60 seconds.
7. Rename the plan (for example “Japan trip”) so you can tell it from your home SIM.
8. In SIM manager, under Mobile data, select the travel eSIM when you arrive.
9. Turn on Data roaming for the travel eSIM line (Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Data roaming).

For screenshots and country tips, see How to install eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy and the general guide, How to install eSIM.

If you are looking for “esim в самсунг” in Russian, the steps are the same: Настройки, Подключения, Диспетчер SIM-карт, Добавить eSIM.

What are the best practices for travelling with a Samsung eSIM?

• Install before you fly. Do it on home Wi-Fi. The plan usually starts when it connects to a network in your destination.
• Keep your home SIM in. Switch Mobile data to the travel eSIM and keep calls and SMS on the home SIM if you want. Turn off mobile data on the home SIM to avoid roaming charges.
• Check your plan. Plans on simsimsim are data only. Most plans let you share data through hotspot.
• Top up. On most plans you can top up the same eSIM instead of buying a new one.
• Pick a country plan. See all destinations at countries.

Why is my Samsung eSIM not working?

Symptom	What to try
No “Add eSIM” option	Your regional variant may not support eSIM. Check the specs for your model number.
QR code will not scan	Increase screen brightness, move the camera back, or enter the code manually. See QR code not working.
“Can’t add eSIM” or error	Connect to stable Wi-Fi, restart the phone, retry. The QR code is usually single use, so a half-installed profile may need the sender’s help.
Installed, but no data	Select the eSIM for Mobile data and turn on Data roaming. Wait a few minutes after landing.
Signal but no internet	Check APN settings. See APN settings.
Still stuck	Follow eSIM not connecting.

Are there other brands you should look at?

If your family also uses other phones, see our guides for Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei and Apple Watch.

FAQ

Do all Samsung phones have eSIM?

No. Support begins with the Galaxy S20 series and some A and FE models. Budget models, older phones, and some regional variants have no eSIM.

Does the Galaxy S20 FE support eSIM?

No. The S20 FE is not on Samsung’s supported list. The FE line only added eSIM with the S23 FE.

Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM together on a Galaxy?

Yes, on supported models. You can keep your home physical SIM and add a travel eSIM. The phone can use one SIM for mobile data at a time.

How many eSIMs can a Samsung hold?

Samsung does not state a number on its support page, and the limit differs by model. Several profiles can be stored on most recent models, and a limited number can be active at once. Check your phone’s SIM manager.

Do I need to remove the eSIM after the trip?

No. You can leave it, switch it off, or delete it in SIM manager. If a plan allows top-ups, keep it for your next trip.

Is my phone’s eSIM locked to a country?

No, but a carrier-locked Galaxy can refuse a profile from another provider. Unlock it first.

What if I did not install the eSIM?

You can activate it within 180 days of purchase. If you never install it, refunds are available for 180 days; if you installed but did not activate it, for 30 days.