eSIM on Samsung Galaxy: which models take an eSIM, and adding a travel eSIM

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You may not need a travel eSIM: if your UK network already includes your destination, your own line works. If you do want one, check three things: your model is on the list, the phone shows an EID, and it is not locked to a network.

Which Samsung phones support eSIM?

Samsung eSIM support depends on the model and where it was sold. Samsung UK’s list names Galaxy S20 to S26 models, the Z Fold and Z Flip lines, S-series FE models, selected A models, XCover and some tablets (page updated 16 September 2026, Samsung).

Two notes on that page decide whether your phone counts. The first: “Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if your device is listed above.” The second says eSIM service “may vary depending on the country” and on the network.

An A model marked for another region is not a promise for a UK handset. If you bought your phone abroad, the country-of-origin note applies to you.

How to check your Galaxy takes an eSIM

For a Samsung eSIM check, go to Settings → About phone → Status. Samsung UK says the EID is on the phone’s box or there (checked on 26 October 2026, Samsung, page of 22 January 2025). A phone with no EID has no eSIM.

You can also dial *#06#. EE says this is the quickest check and that it “will show an EID” (checked on 26 October 2026, EE). Vodafone says “If you’re shown an EID number, your device supports eSIM” (Vodafone).

Then check the lock. Vodafone says your device “must be network unlocked to use a Vodafone eSIM”, and if it is locked to another provider you contact them to unlock it first. We found no Samsung UK page with a lock-check menu, so we print none. Ask the network that sold the phone.

Add a travel eSIM to a Samsung

To add a Samsung eSIM, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and tap Add eSIM. Then tap Scan QR code and scan the code from your order e-mail (page updated 16 September 2026, Samsung). Do it on Wi-Fi at home, before you fly.

To type the details in, tap Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Enter activation code. The order e-mail carries the code.

Samsung UK’s how-to page of 22 January 2025 names the same menus differently (Samsung). There it is Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile plan → Add using QR code, or Add using activation code. Samsung’s dual SIM page of 8 October 2026 also says SIM card manager. No page ties a label to a software version, so follow the one your phone shows.

Samsung says menus “may vary depending on the device model and software version”. Full steps with the QR and manual routes are in how to install a travel eSIM.

Turn on data roaming

Samsung UK’s page shows one Data Roaming switch, under Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks (page of 5 June 2026, Samsung). It gives no per-SIM step. For two SIMs, the page sends you to its dual SIM guide.

If the switch is greyed out, Samsung says to check that mobile data is on: Settings → Connections → Data usage → Mobile data. More in data roaming settings.

Choose which SIM does what

With two lines, go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager. There you pick a SIM for Calls, Text Messages and Mobile data (page of 8 October 2026, Samsung). The page is about two physical SIMs, so check your own screen.

A travel eSIM from us is data only, so calls and texts stay on your UK number under your UK network’s roaming rules.

Moving to a new Galaxy

Samsung UK calls it eSIM Instant Transfer. On the new phone, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM and tap Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone. You confirm on the old phone with the 6-digit code from the new one (page updated 16 September 2026, Samsung). From an iPhone, the option is Transfer SIM from iPhone.

Only some networks allow it. For the UK, Samsung’s list names O2, Spusu UK and EE. From an iPhone, it names EE alone. The new phone “must be unlocked for the transfer to be successful”.

That moves your UK number. A travel eSIM from us is a separate case: write to us first, before you delete anything. What each UK network says is in transferring an eSIM.

Which phones from other brands take an eSIM is in phones that take an eSIM.

Frequently asked questions