How to setup eSIM on Samsung Devices
Louisa Jacobson
February 18, 2024 22:02
eSIM Guide
How to Check if Your Samsung Phone Supports eSIM #
Setting up a Samsung eSIM is relatively easy and is often more convenient than using a secondary physical SIM card. Of course, you must first know if your phone is unlocked and if you can use an eSIM.This article will review how to set up eSIM on Samsung phones. First, we'll cover the initial steps of checking whether your phone is compatible.
Go to the Settings menu.
Tap About Phone and Status.
Alternatively, search for IMEI in the search bar at the top. It should take you to the Status menu.
Select IMEI information. If there’s an option called IMEI (eSIM), your phone supports eSIM functionality.
Samsung eSIM Phones #
Although this method isn’t complicated, it might just be easier to refer to this list of Samsung eSIM phones:
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and 20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy Fold and Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 and Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Flip3, Flip3 5G Fold
don'tisn'tthere'sIn short, most flagship Galaxy phones from the last 2-3 years support eSIM. If you don’t see your phone model on this list, it likely doesn't have eSIM functionality. However, you can use the method above to double-check.
How to Check if Your Samsung Phone is Network Locked #
The next important step is to check whether your Samsung is network-locked. Granted, this isn't always necessary to set up eSIM, but having a locked phone limits your options for an eSIM provider.
Here's how to check if your phone is network-locked:
Turn your phone off and remove your current SIM card.
Insert a physical SIM card from a different carrier. If possible, borrow one from a friend or family member for this check, as you won't need to keep it.
Turn the phone back on. Your phone is still locked if you get a dialog prompt telling you to enter an unlock code.
However, this might not happen. If it doesn’t, try making a call on your phone. An unlocked phone can call on the new SIM card, whereas a locked one won't.
An alternative method is to call your current carrier and ask them. They might be unable to tell you over the phone, so you could also try visiting a physical store if you have one nearby.
Finally, some Samsung phones let you dial a code in the dialer to check. Type in *#7465625#
If it works, 3 bits of information will pop up on the screen:
Network lock
Subset lock
SP lock
Providing these all show as Off, your phone is unlocked. If not, you'll probably need to get a code from either your carrier or the service provider.
Getting Your Samsung Unlocked #
An unlocked phone means you can set up eSIM from a different provider. While this isn't necessary, it gives you more options for plans.
You can usually get your phone unlocked when your original plan term ends. This will often be 24 or 36 months, but it'll say in your contract. You'll need a code from your carrier to unlock your phone once your contract ends. Give them a call or go to a store, and they should be able to do it for you.
How to Set Up an eSIM Card on Samsung #
Setting up a Samsung eSIM is pretty simple. Below, we'll show the steps for getting an eSIM Samsung S21 plan, but the process is the same for a Samsung S20 eSIM and above.
isn'tFind a plan that suits your needs. This isn’t related to setting up a Samsung S20 eSIM, but you'llhem need one ready when you begin.
Open the Settings menu and tap Connections.
Select SIM Card Manager. You might need to verify.
Tap Add Mobile Plan. Your phone might scan for currently active plans.
it'sSelect Add Plan Using the QR Code. The eSIM plan you bought will come with one; whether it’s physical or digital doesn't matter.
This will open your phone's camera, so point it at the QR code.
Once it recognizes the code, you'll be prompted to download the plan. Then, follow the steps to activate it.
It's noted that you need an internet connection to set up eSIM in this way. It’s easiest to do this over Wi-Fi, as it'll prevent your phone from trying to set primary and secondary SIM cards while registering the eSIM.
Also, this method sets your Samsung eSIM up as your primary number. However, you can use it as a dual SIM instead, provided you change the relevant settings.
Go to Settings, Mobile Data, Default Voice Line, and Mobile Data for calls. You can set one SIM as your default, meaning your phone will warn you if you try to make a call from the other.
Go to Settings, Connections, and SIM Card Manager for everything else. You can set the necessary defaults here.
You have a Samsung eSIM as your secondary SIM, valid for work, as you can have both numbers on the same phone. Similarly, you might find it helpful when traveling, as you can set up international phone plans.
Why Use Roamify on Samsung Phones? #
Roamify eSIMs are tailored to traveling worldwide, giving you an average of 80% off on roaming charges!
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Related eSIM destination plans
Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in How to setup eSIM on Samsung Devices?
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Japan?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Japan and Thailand?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.