Samsung eSIM phones – compatible phones and how to activate

A Samsung eSIM works just like any other embedded SIM, which means you can also choose from the most popular providers as long as your Samsung phone is eSIM compatible.

If you’re wondering ‘does Samsung have eSIM’, then you’re in luck, because most devices after the Galaxy S20 support eSIM technology. Samsung smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch series, also feature eSIM support if you have a companion smartphone. 

So, if you want to use an eSIM, Samsung users have tons of options. Let’s see which devices you can use and how to set up eSIM on Samsung.

List of eSIM-compatible Samsung Galaxy phones and smartwatches

Samsung offers a wide range of eSIM-compatible devices, with both smartwatches and smartphones forming a part of this range. Generally, models after Galaxy S20 are compatible with eSIM, but you can find a full list below.

List of eSIM-compatible Samsung Galaxy phones

• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S20+
• Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy 21
• 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 Fold5
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy XCover 7

List of eSIM-compatible Samsung smartwatches

• Samsung Watch
• Samsung Watch Active 2 4G
• Samsung Watch Active 3 4G
• Samsung Gear 3G Classic
• Samsung Gear S3 Frontier (LTE)
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

How to activate eSIM on Samsung phones

Some eSIM Samsung phones come with your eSIM automatically installed. This will be the case if you purchase the phone directly through a provider that supports automatic mobile plan activation. You can check this by contacting the network provider.

However, if you’re wondering how to activate eSIM on Samsung S20 or later, you can follow the steps below to add an eSIM to your Samsung.

1. Choose an eSIM provider and a plan, and purchase the one you want. The provider will send you a QR code.
2. Go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM card manager.
3. Tap Add mobile plan.
4. Tap Add using QR code.
5. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code that the carrier sent.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up the eSIM.

Please note that these instructions work for any Samsung device, such as Samsung S20 FE eSIM setup. However, other Android phones and devices may differ.

How to activate eSIM on Samsung smartwatch

Remember, you can also use eSIM on Samsung smartwatches. Thankfully, when it comes to eSIM activation, Samsung makes it easy.

Here’s how to activate eSIM on Galaxy Watch 4 and other Samsung models:

1. Install Galaxy wearable on your mobile device.
2. Make sure both your Samsung Watch and your phone are ready. When the phone is detected, tap Connect.
3. A code will appear on both devices – check that it’s the same code.
4. Confirm the code by pressing OK, then press next. The devices will start pairing.
5. Your phone will begin to search for a mobile network in your Galaxy Watch. If it encounters a problem, open the Galaxy Wearable app and go to Mobile Networks.
6. Select Use code. Now, scan the eSIM QR code sent by your provider, accept the conditions, and tap Download.
7. Wait for the connection to complete.

And that’s how to add eSIM to Samsung smartwatches!

How to transfer your eSIM to your Samsung phone

If you’ve just purchased a new Samsung device and want to use the eSIM from your old phone, you’ll be glad to know it’s relatively straightforward. 

Here’s what to do:

1. On your new Samsung phone, go to Settings and tap Connections.
2. Click SIM Manager and then Add eSIM.
3. Choose Transfer SIM from another device.
4. Unlock your old device. There will be a pop-up. Press Transfer and type in the confirmation code from the new device.
5. On your new device, click Transfer. Then, on the old device, press Confirm.
6. Wait for the transfer process to complete, then press Done.

When these steps are complete, you’ll need to remove the eSIM from your old device.

How to remove eSIM from your Samsung Galaxy phone

Whether you’re transferring to a new device or simply switching eSIM providers, you’ll need to remove the eSIM from your phone. In fact, removing it after your trip can help you avoid extra charges if you’re no longer using the service.

Here’s how:

1. Open Settings and go to Connections.
2. Press SIM Manager and choose the eSIM you want to remove.
3. Then, press Remove. You may need to enter your password. 
4. Check that the information is correct. Then press Remove to confirm.

Can I use multiple eSIMs with my Samsung Galaxy phone?

Yes, you can use multiple eSIMs with many Samsung phones. In fact, most modern smartphones have dual SIM capabilities, including many of the newer Samsung Galaxy devices. 

Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23 series, and many others have dual-SIM functionality. This means you can use one physical SIM and one eSIM, which can usually support up to five profiles. Note, however, that only one SIM profile can be active at a time.

Network carriers that support eSIM

These days, many providers support eSIM usage. Some have their own eSIM options, while others allow you to choose an international eSIM provider. If you want an eSIM for Samsung, you’re really spoiled for choice!

Here’s where you can get a Samsung eSIM in the USA and beyond.

Europe

• Three
• T-Mobile
• Orange
• Proximus
• Telenet
• O2
• Vodafone
• 1&1
• Telekom
• Cosmote
• MTX Connect
• Movistar
• EE
• Giffgaff
• Lycamobile

North America

• Bell
• Fido
• Freedom
• Koodo
• Lucky Mobile
• Rogers
• Telus
• Virgin
• AT&T
• Movistar
• Telcel
• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Mint Mobile
• Google Fi

Asia

• Ucom
• Three
• Vodafone
• Beeline
• Ooredoo
• M1
• Virgin Mobile

South America

• Claro
• Movistar
• Entel

Africa

• Vodafone
• Airtel
• Orange
• Emtel
• Ooredoo

Oceania

• Vodafone
• Optus
• Telstra
• IT&E
• Spark
• One NZ
• 2Degrees

Please note that these are not complete lists. It’s worth checking out more specifically where you can get an eSIM for Europe or an eSIM for the USA instead.

Also, there are plenty of international eSIM providers that cover a range of destinations with seamless coverage. For example, Holafly is a popular provider for travelers visiting multiple locations.

Alessia Copolla

I’m Alessia Coppola, and I combine my love for writing with a passion for travel and staying connected. Through my work, I guide readers to the best solutions for staying connected while on the move, covering options like eSIMs, SIMs, and pocket Wi-Fi. My goal is to help travelers stay connected easily and seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.