Samsung Galaxy eSIM 2026: compatibility and full activation guide

Samsung Galaxy eSIM 2026: compatibility and full activation guide

List of Samsung Galaxy models with eSIM support and step-by-step activation guide. S24, S23, Z Fold, Z Flip, A54: everything you need to activate Samsung eSIM.

Got a Samsung Galaxy and want to know if it supports eSIM? This guide lists every compatible model and walks you through activation step by step.

We already published an iPhone eSIM guide. Here is the Samsung version.

Samsung Galaxy models with eSIM

Galaxy S (flagship)

Model Year eSIM Dual eSIM
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra 2024
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra 2023
Galaxy S23 FE 2023
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra 2022
Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra 2021
Galaxy S21 FE 2022
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra 2020
Galaxy S20 FE 2020 ✅ (region-dependent)

Galaxy Z (foldables)

Model Year eSIM
Galaxy Z Fold 6 2024
Galaxy Z Fold 5 2023
Galaxy Z Fold 4 2022
Galaxy Z Fold 3 2021
Galaxy Z Fold 2 2020
Galaxy Z Flip 6 2024
Galaxy Z Flip 5 2023
Galaxy Z Flip 4 2022
Galaxy Z Flip 3 2021

Galaxy A (mid-range)

Model Year eSIM
Galaxy A55 5G 2024
Galaxy A54 5G 2023
Galaxy A35 5G 2024 ⚠️ Market-dependent
Galaxy A34 5G 2023
Galaxy A15, A25 2024

Note: most entry-level Galaxy A models do not support eSIM.

Not compatible

  • Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e
  • Galaxy Note 10, Note 20
  • Galaxy A (except A54 5G and A55 5G)
  • All Galaxy J
  • Galaxy M

How to check Samsung compatibility

Method 1: Settings

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Connections
  3. Tap SIM card manager
  4. If you see “Add mobile plan” or “Add eSIM” → your phone supports eSIM

Method 2: USSD code

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Dial *#06#
  3. If an EID number appears (in addition to IMEI), you are good

Check my compatibility →

Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy: step by step

Requirements

  • eSIM-capable Samsung Galaxy
  • Stable WiFi
  • QR code from email after purchase
  • Unlocked phone
  • One UI 2.0+ (Android 10+)

Activation flow

Step 1: SettingsConnectionsSIM card manager

Step 2: Tap “Add mobile plan”

Step 3: Choose “Scan carrier QR code”

Step 4: Point the camera at the QR from email

Step 5: Wait for profile download (30 seconds to 2 minutes)

Step 6: Name the plan (e.g. “Japan trip” or “Thailand eSIM”)

Step 7: Set preferences:

  • Calls → physical SIM (your home number)
  • SMS → physical SIM
  • Mobile data → eSIM (travel plan)

Critical step

In SettingsConnectionsMobile networksData roaming: turn ON for the eSIM line.

Without roaming enabled, the eSIM will not work abroad.

Samsung troubleshooting

“Cannot add plan”

Possible causes:

  • Phone carrier-locked → contact your operator
  • Unstable WiFi → switch network
  • QR code already used → contact eSIM provider
  • Old Android → update the phone

QR code not recognized

  • Zoom in the QR in your email
  • Improve lighting
  • Clean the camera lens
  • Try manual activation (below)

Manual activation (no QR)

  1. SIM card managerAdd mobile plan
  2. Choose “Enter activation code”
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from email

No signal after activation

Checklist:

  • Data roaming enabled?
  • ☐ eSIM selected for mobile data?
  • ☐ Airplane mode off after toggling?
  • ☐ Phone restarted?
  • ☐ Network selection automatic?

Samsung vs iPhone for eSIM

Criterion Samsung iPhone
Support from Galaxy S20 (2020) iPhone XS (2018)
Dual eSIM From S23 (2023) From iPhone 13 (2021)
Stored profiles 5–8 8
UI One UI → SIM manager Settings → Cellular
Activation QR or manual QR or manual

Both work well. Samsung’s UI is a bit less intuitive than Apple’s, but activation stays straightforward.

Next steps

Phone compatible? Pick your plan:

  1. Compare eSIM by destination →
  2. Full activation guide (all phones) →
  3. Provider comparison →

Last updated: February 2026. Tested on One UI 6.1 (Android 14).

Written and reviewed by
Valentin Fourier - Digital Nomad
Valentin FourierDigital Nomad

Developer and digital nomad, I lived between Canada and the United States before continuing to explore the world. After struggling with internet connectivity abroad one too many times, I created eSIMPlanet to compare plans clearly and honestly. Every article is carefully written and reviewed to save you time and money.

Last updated : February 2026
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