Samsung Galaxy eSIM: S/A/Z Series Guide

Quick Answer: Which Samsung Phones Support eSIM?

Samsung started adding eSIM support with the Galaxy S20 (global versions), and from the S21 series onward, all flagship Galaxy phones support eSIM in every region – including the US.

However, the situation is much more complex for older and mid-range models. This guide covers every major Samsung line: S series, A series, Z series (foldables), and Note series.

• Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 series: ✅ Full eSIM support – all regions, including US carrier models.
• Galaxy S20 series: ✅ Yes – but only international Exynos versions; US Snapdragon models do NOT support eSIM.
• Galaxy S10 and older: ❌ No eSIM (with very rare international exceptions).
• Galaxy A series: ❌ No eSIM for most older models (A15, A16, A32, etc.). Only newer A54, A55, A35 have eSIM.
• Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series (Fold2/3/4/5/6/7, Flip3/4/5/6/7): ✅ Yes – most foldables support eSIM (check region).
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: ✅ Yes – international Exynos version only; US Snapdragon no.

The easiest way to know for sure: dial *#06# on your Samsung phone. If you see a 32-digit EID, your phone is eSIM-ready.

📊 Complete Samsung eSIM Compatibility Table (S / A / Z / Note)

🔍 How to Verify eSIM on Any Samsung Phone

Method 1: Dial *#06# (Most Reliable)

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial *#06# and press call.
3. Look for a 32-digit EID (Embedded Identity Document). If present, your device has eSIM hardware.
4. If you only see IMEI numbers (IMEI1, IMEI2), eSIM is not available.

This method works for samsung esim activation check on any model.

Method 2: Check Settings Menu

• Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager.
• If you see “Add eSIM” or “Download eSIM”, your phone supports eSIM.
• If those options are missing, eSIM is disabled or not present.

Method 3: Software Update Check

For some models (like S20 international), eSIM was added via One UI 3.1 (Android 11). Ensure you’re on the latest version:

• Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

📲 How to Activate eSIM on Supported Samsung Phones

Once you’ve confirmed that your samsung phones with esim includes your model, activation is straightforward:

1. Purchase an eSIM plan (for travel or daily use).
2. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM carrier (or enter activation code manually).
4. Follow on-screen instructions to download the profile.
5. Set your eSIM as default for calls, SMS, or mobile data.
6. Turn on Data Roaming when traveling.

If you don’t see “Add eSIM”, your device may have eSIM disabled by carrier firmware – even if hardware exists.

🔄 Dual SIM on Samsung: Physical SIM + eSIM

Most eSIM-capable Samsung phones support DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby):

• You can use one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM simultaneously.
• Both numbers stay active – calls and texts can be received on either line.
• You choose which SIM handles mobile data.

This is especially useful for:

• Travel – keep home SIM active while using local data eSIM.
• Work/personal – separate numbers on one phone.
• Testing carriers – try a free eSIM without removing your main SIM.

Newer models (S23 and later) also support dual eSIM (two active eSIMs, no physical SIM) – but the physical+eSIM combo is most common.

🌍 Regional Differences: Why Some Samsung Phones Lack eSIM

Samsung’s eSIM support varies by region due to carrier demands and firmware choices.

United States

• S21 and newer – full eSIM support on all carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and unlocked).
• S20 series – eSIM disabled on all US Snapdragon models. This includes carrier and “unlocked” US versions.
• Note 20 Ultra US – no eSIM.
• Z Fold/Flip US carrier models – sometimes eSIM is locked; factory unlocked versions are safer.

International / Global (Exynos)

• Most international models (Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa) support eSIM from S20 onward.
• Exynos versions of S20, Note 20 Ultra, and older flagships have eSIM enabled via software updates.

Canada

• Mixed support. Some Canadian S20 models gained eSIM after updates; newer S-series work.

China / Hong Kong

• Samsung does not enable eSIM on phones sold in mainland China (regulatory reasons). Hong Kong models often work.

Japan

• Japanese carrier variants (Docomo, au, SoftBank) frequently disable eSIM – similar to Pixel situation.

Bottom line: For guaranteed eSIM, buy a Galaxy S21 or newer from any region, or an unlocked international S20 (Exynos).

📱 Deep Dive: Samsung S Series eSIM Support

Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22, S21 (Full Support)

All flagship models from the S21 generation onward fully support eSIM. This includes the S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, the S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, the S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, the S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, and the latest S25 series. For the Ultra models specifically, the samsung s22 ultra esim and samsung s23 ultra esim work globally, and samsung galaxy s24 ultra esim support is confirmed.

These phones are among the best samsung esim compatible phones for travelers because they work with every major eSIM provider (Airalo, Holafly, etc.) and US carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi.

Galaxy S20 (Partial Support)

The S20 series is the first Samsung phone with eSIM hardware – but only international Exynos versions received the software enablement. If you own an international S20 (Exynos), update to One UI 3.1 (Android 11) or later, then use *#06# to confirm EID. US Snapdragon models and the S20 FE have no eSIM at all.

Galaxy S10 and Older

Most S10 models do not support eSIM. A very small number of international Exynos S10 variants (SM-G973F) may show an EID after updates, but this is rare. For practical purposes, the Galaxy S10 series is not eSIM-compatible. S9 and earlier have no eSIM hardware.

📱 Deep Dive: Samsung A Series eSIM Support

The A series is complicated – most models lack eSIM entirely, but a few newer ones include it.

A Series Models WITHOUT eSIM (Most Common)

The following models do not have eSIM hardware or firmware support: Galaxy A15, A16, A32, A33, A51, A52, A52s, A53, A71, A72, A73, as well as the A12, A22, and A13. If you’re wondering does samsung a15 have esim – the answer is no. Similarly, samsung a16 esim and samsung a32 esim are not available. These budget models rely solely on physical SIM cards.

A Series Models WITH eSIM (Newer)

Starting in 2024, Samsung added eSIM to select higher-tier A series phones:

• Galaxy A54 – supports eSIM (5G model).
• Galaxy A55 – supports eSIM (successor to A54).
• Galaxy A35 – supports eSIM (budget-friendly but includes eSIM).
• Galaxy A56 (expected 2026) – likely will support eSIM.

For these, dial *#06# to confirm EID. Even if an A series phone has eSIM hardware, some carrier-locked versions may disable it – unlocked versions are safest.

A Series 5G and eSIM

Some users search for terms like samsung a15 5g esim or samsung galaxy a15 5g esim – these phones have 5G but still lack eSIM. Samsung galaxy a16 5g esim also does not exist. 5G capability does not imply eSIM support.

📱 Deep Dive: Samsung Z Series (Foldables) eSIM Support

Most Samsung foldables from the Z Fold2 and Z Flip3 onward support eSIM. This includes the Z Fold2, Fold3, Fold4, Fold5, Fold6, Fold7, as well as the Z Flip3, Flip4, Flip5, Flip6, and Flip7. International and US unlocked versions work reliably. Carrier-locked US models (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) may have eSIM disabled. Always buy factory unlocked for guaranteed samsung phones with esim functionality.

Foldables also support dual SIM: one physical SIM + one eSIM, or dual eSIM (on newer models).

📱 Deep Dive: Samsung Note Series eSIM Support

• Note 20 Ultra (international Exynos) – supports eSIM after One UI 3.1 update.
• Note 20 Ultra (US Snapdragon) – no eSIM.
• Note 10 and Note 9 – no eSIM hardware.

🌐 Carrier Compatibility for Samsung eSIM

The following eSIM providers work on most samsung esim compatible phones (S21+ and international S20):

If you searched for “holafly compatible phones”, any Samsung with eSIM (S21+, international S20, Z Fold/Flip) works.

🛠️ Troubleshooting: eSIM Not Working on Samsung

Problem 1: No “Add eSIM” option in Settings

• Your phone may be a US S20 or carrier-locked model with eSIM disabled. No fix – use physical SIM.
• Update software: Settings > Software Update.
• If still missing, eSIM is not available.

Problem 2: “EID not found” after dialing *#06#

• Hardware eSIM is absent or disabled. Common on US S20, Note 20 US, older A series.
• No solution – consider upgrading to S21 or newer.

Problem 3: eSIM activation fails with “Invalid QR code”

• QR may be expired. Request a new one from provider.
• Try entering activation code manually.
• Ensure your phone is on the samsung esim compatible phones list.

Problem 4: “Carrier lock” error when adding eSIM

• Your Samsung is SIM-locked to a carrier. Contact carrier for unlock.
• Some carriers (e.g., Verizon) allow eSIM even on locked phones; others do not.

Problem 5: eSIM profile downloads but no signal

• Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line.
• Check APN settings – some eSIM providers require manual APN entry.
• Restart phone.

Need more advanced help? For deeper troubleshooting (including dual‑eSIM issues on other platforms), see our eSIM Deep Troubleshooting Guide 2026 and iPhone Dual eSIM Not Working? 12 Fixes – the core principles apply across devices.

📶 5G and eSIM on Samsung

Starting with the Galaxy S21, every subsequent generation – including the S22, S23, S24, and S25 – fully supports 5G connectivity on eSIM. The international Exynos version of the S20 also supports 5G on eSIM. There is no performance difference between using a physical SIM and an eSIM for 5G.

🔁 Transferring eSIM to a New Samsung Phone

Most travel eSIMs are one-time install – you cannot transfer them. For postpaid carrier eSIMs (Verizon, T-Mobile, Google Fi):

1. On old phone: delete eSIM profile (Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > tap eSIM > Remove).
2. On new phone: go to Add eSIM and scan the original QR code or use carrier app.
3. For Google Fi: simply install the Fi app on new phone and sign in.

Always check your eSIM provider’s transfer policy before switching devices.

Moving between iPhone and Android? See our dedicated guide: How to Transfer eSIM Between iPhone and Android.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy S21 series support eSIM?

Yes. All models in the S21 family – including the S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, and S21 FE – support eSIM in all regions.

Does the Galaxy S22 Ultra support eSIM?

Yes. The S22 Ultra works globally with eSIM, including US carrier versions.

Does the Galaxy S23 support eSIM?

Yes. The entire S23 series (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE) has full eSIM support.

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra support eSIM?

Yes. The S24 Ultra includes standard eSIM functionality – dial *#06# to see its EID.

Does the Galaxy A15 support eSIM?

No. The A15 does not have eSIM hardware. It is a physical‑SIM‑only device.

Does the Galaxy A16 support eSIM?

No. Like the A15, the A16 lacks eSIM capability.

Does the Galaxy A32 support eSIM?

No. The A32 does not support eSIM – you must use a physical SIM.

Does the Galaxy A35 support eSIM?

Yes. The A35 is one of the few A‑series models with eSIM.

Does the Galaxy A54 support eSIM?

Yes. The A54 (5G model) supports eSIM.

Do Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip devices support eSIM?

Yes for most models from the Z Fold2 and Z Flip3 onward. Check with *#06# to confirm.

Does the Note 20 Ultra support eSIM?

Only the international Exynos version. US Snapdragon models do not.

Which Samsung phones are definitely eSIM compatible?

All Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 series (including FE and Ultra models). The international Exynos version of the S20. The Galaxy A54, A55, and A35. The Galaxy Z Fold2 and newer, and Z Flip3 and newer. The international Note 20 Ultra.

For a complete samsung esim phones list, see our full compatibility guide.

🆓 Test with a Free eSIM

If your Samsung shows an EID after dialing *#06#, you can try a free trial eSIM to confirm everything works before buying a paid plan.

👉 Claim your free eSIM

🔗 Related Pages

• Full list of eSIM compatible phones (2026)
• Google Pixel eSIM compatibility
• iPhone eSIM compatibility guide
• Moto G Power eSIM compatibility