How to set up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
Step-by-step guide to installing a travel eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy phone: check support, scan the QR code, pick the data SIM and turn on roaming.
On a Samsung Galaxy, a travel eSIM installs from Settings > Connections > SIM manager in about two minutes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi. When you land, set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM and turn on data roaming.
1. Check that your Galaxy supports eSIM
Most Samsung flagships from the last few years support eSIM:
Galaxy S20 and newer (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series)
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, from the Fold 2 and Flip onward
Galaxy Note 20
Some recent Galaxy A models, such as the A35, A54 and A55, depending on the country
Two quick checks:
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager . If you see Add eSIM , your phone supports it.
The phone must be unlocked, or locked to a carrier that allows other eSIMs.
Some models sold in certain countries have eSIM switched off. See our supported devices page for the full list.
2. Install the eSIM
Connect to Wi-Fi.
Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM .
Tap Scan QR code from service provider and scan the QR code from your ViraSIM email, app or My eSIMs page. You can also tap Enter activation code and paste the code instead.
Confirm when the phone asks to add the plan.
Rename the eSIM to something clear, like "Travel".
The exact menu names vary a little between One UI versions, but they all live in SIM manager.
3. Set which SIM does what
In SIM manager , under Preferred SIM card :
Setting Choose
Calls Your home SIM
Text messages Your home SIM
Mobile data Travel eSIM
Turn off Auto data switching . Otherwise your phone may fall back to your home SIM's data and run up roaming charges.
4. When you land
Make sure the Travel eSIM is switched on in SIM manager.
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming . Travel eSIMs connect as roaming, so this switch must be on.
Keep your home SIM's data roaming off. On Samsung, the roaming setting applies to the data SIM, so check that data is set to the Travel eSIM.
Wait up to a minute for the network to show in the status bar.
Troubleshooting
No service: turn Airplane mode on and off. Under Mobile networks > Network operators , turn off automatic selection and choose a network listed on your plan page.
Connected but no internet: check the Access Point Name. Under Mobile networks > Access Point Names , the APN from your eSIM details should be selected. Most eSIMs set this automatically.
The QR code won't scan: increase the screen brightness of the device showing it, or use the activation code instead.
After your trip
You can switch the eSIM off in SIM manager and keep it for a top-up next time. Don't delete it until your plan has ended. A deleted eSIM usually can't be reinstalled.