How to Install and Use eSIM on Samsung Devices: 2025 Guide

eSIM technology is a game changer for a stable and stress-free Internet connection. This technology connects devices (smartphones, tablets, and even watches) to cell data and the Internet without plastic cards and roaming. A part of Samsung devices already support eSIM technology along with traditional SIM cards. 

Keep reading to know how to activate eSIM on Samsung​, which devices are compatible, and how to choose the best data plan for your trips. 

What’s eSIM and How It Works?

eSIM stands for “embedded SIM”. This technology uses a built-in chip in your smartphone to activate cell data all over the world. Basically, this is an analog of SIM cards with more opportunities:

• Purchase and use several data plans at the same time. Samsung devices support up to 5 plans at the same time. Switch between them when traveling across different countries;
• Avoid roaming charges. Select an eSIM for your international trip to pay for the Internet like a local;
• Use regional plans. Global and regional offers cover several destinations within the same plan. 

Finally, embedded SIM is much more flexible. Buy data for a single day or the whole year, choose from unlimited connected and prepaid offers, etc. See how does eSIM work on Samsung. 

What Samsung Phones Support eSIM​?

Although most smartphones come with built-in chips, there are exceptions. Before purchasing digital data plans, see if your Samsung device is on the list:

• Galaxy S20 (including S20+, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G)
• Galaxy S21 (including s21+ 5G and S21+ Ultra 5G)
• Galaxy S22 (including S22+, S22 Ultra)
• Galaxy S23 (S23+, S23 Ultra, and S23 FE except models from Hong Kong and China)
• Galaxy S24 (S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE)
• Galaxy Note 20 (including Note 20 Ultra 5G)
• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold4
• Galaxy Z Fold5 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold6 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip4
• Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip6 5G
• Galaxy A54 (SCG21, SC-53D, SM-A546B/DS, SM-A546S, SM-A546U1)
• Galaxy A55 5G
• Galaxy A35.

The manufacturer’s country also matters. These 18 models won’t support eSIM if they were produced in South Korea:

1. Galaxy S20.
2. Galaxy S20+ 5G.
3. Galaxy S20 Ultra.
4. Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G.
5. Galaxy S21.
6. Galaxy S21+ 5G.
7. Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
8. Galaxy S22.
9. Galaxy S22+.
10. Galaxy S22 Ultra.
11. Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G.
12. Galaxy Note 20.
13. Galaxy Fold.
14. Galaxy Z Fold2 5G.
15. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
16. Galaxy Z Flip.
17. Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
18. Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

All devices out of the compatibility list don’t support eSIM. If you’re interested, does Samsung A series support eSIM​ – only the A35, A54, and A55 do. Other models from the A series work only with traditional SIM cards. 

How to set up eSIM on Samsung​: Available Methods

Choose and buy embedded SIM data plans online. You don’t need a plastic card anymore. Instead, select a reliable provider, choose the destination, and cell data volume. Later, you’ll know what factors influence the eSIM choice.

After you purchase the plan, your provider will send an email with the activation guide. Alternatively, use the carrier’s official application to receive and install the embedded SIM here. Here’s how to add eSIM to Samsung​.

How to Download eSIM on Samsung​ with a QR Code?

1. Wait for the provider to email you with an activation QR code. 
2. Open your Samsung settings.
3. Navigate to “Connections”, then “SIM card manager”

4. You will see the existing data plans. Below, tap the “Add mobile plan” button. 

5. Choose “Add using a QR code”. The smartphone will open a camera. Scan the code from your email. 
6. The activation will start. It may take some time. Also, make sure you are connected to a stable and fast Wi-Fi network. 
7. The new plan will be added to other SIMs. Give it a name to quickly find it later. 
8. Open the “SIM card manager” again. Tap the “Preferred SIM card”, and choose your new plan. If you’re not going to use it immediately, complete this step later (once you’re at the destination). 
9. Open the “Mobile Networks” section in the settings and turn the roaming on. 

Activation Through the Application

Among other providers, Yesim offers convenient installation via the app. All you need is to authorize and purchase the plan. Then, follow the instructions:

1. Download the application from the Play Market.
2. Once you’re logged in, open the “Help” tab and tap on the “Yesim Installation”. 

3. Click “Install”.

4. Navigate to settings and choose the new data plan in the SIM card manager. 

5. Turn the roaming on through the “Mobile Networks” tab in your settings. 

Once you’re at the destination, the chosen eSIM will activate and connect you to the local cell data. Manage the data usage in the app as well. 

Moving eSIM to Samsung from Other Devices

If your eSIM is already activated, you can move it from one device to another. 

How to Transfer eSIM from Samsung to Samsung​?

Samsung smartphones support instant transfer. You don’t even need to contact your data carrier:

1. Open your Samsung device. Ensure it is compatible with the technology
2. Navigate to the settings and choose “Connections”. Here, open “SIM cards manager” and choose “Add SIM”.
3. Choose the option “Transfer SIM from another device”.
4. Once you pick this option, the pop-up window will be opened on your old device. Tap “Transfer”. 
5. You will need to enter the 6-digit code for verification. You will see the code on your new device. 
6. You will be offered to transfer the phone number/cell data. 
7. At this moment, your old plan will be transferred to the new device. 

Note that you won’t be able to use the plan on the old device. Each eSIM plan supports only one device, if not stated otherwise. 

How to Move eSIM from iPhone to Samsung​?

Beforehand, contact your eSIM carrier and make sure it supports the transfer. Some companies don’t offer these functions. You also need a stable Wi-Fi connection on both phones. 

First, delete the eSIM plan from the iPhone. For this, navigate to the iPhone settings, find the eSIM plan among other SIMs, and remove it. After that, contact your provider and request the new QR code to install the same data plan to your Samsung. Follow basic instructions for the QR code installation. 

Once again, you cannot simply scan an old QR code. Also, you need to make sure your provider supports the transfer. 

Delete Old eSIM Plans on Samsung

Once your plan expires, you need to delete it from the settings manually. This is not a necessary step, but collecting old plans may be inconvenient. Here’s how to delete eSIM on Samsung:

1. Open the settings on your Samsung device. 
2. Navigate to the SIM card manager. 
3. Select the old data plan and tap on it. 
4. Choose the “Remove” option. 

Confirm, and the old plan will be removed. 

Get the Best Deal for Samsung: Factors to Pay Attention To

Embedded SIMs offer multiple destinations, data formats, and durations. To pick the right provider for Samsung, see what to search for:

1. Coverage. Most Samsung devices support either 4G+ or 5G. Search for carriers that offer good speed and coverage in all destinations. 
2. Prepaid and unlimited plans. Choose from pre-paid data packs or buy a more expensive, but not limited Internet connection. 
3. Phone call availability. Decide if you need SMS and phone calls in addition to the Internet. 
4. Pricing in different destinations. While European data plans are relatively cheap, trips to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, may be expensive. Compare pricing models by several companies. 

Finally, read customer reviews about eSIM providers. Search for customers with the same Samsung smartphone as you, as the device also influences the network performance. 

Conclusion

Most Samsung devices, released after 2019, support eSIM data plans. Check the list of compatible phones to see if yours is one of them. If so, purchase and activate eSIM plans online, using clear instructions. You can also transfer existing offers and remove old digital SIMs.