If you have a Samsung Galaxy and you're going on a trip, the good news is that almost the entire modern range comes with eSIM out of the box: you just need to scan a QR code and you're good to go. This guide clarifies which Galaxy models support eSIM and how to activate it without getting confused by One UI menus.
Does my Samsung Galaxy have eSIM?
Yes, if your Galaxy is a recent high-end or mid-range model. The entire S series from the S20, the Z foldables, LTE-enabled Watches, and several models from the A series come with an integrated eSIM chip. The quickest way to confirm this: go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and look for the "Add eSIM" option.
If that option appears, your phone is ready. Another quick tip: dial *#06# on the keypad; if in addition to the IMEI you see an EID (a long number), your Galaxy has eSIM. Note that versions sold in some markets (especially dual physical SIM variants in Asia) may not have eSIM even if the model supports it in Europe.
Compatible Galaxy models (S, Z, A, and tablets)
The list is long and grows every year. To keep it clear, here are the most common Galaxy models with eSIM grouped by family, with the detail that the high-end S series has included it as standard for years.
| Family | Models with eSIM |
|---|---|
| S Series | S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and S25 (including Ultra and FE) |
| Z Foldables | Z Fold 2/3/4/5/6 and Z Flip 3/4/5/6 |
| A Series | A54, A55 and selected recent models (see next section) |
| Note | Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra 5G |
| Tablets | Tab S8, Tab S9 and Tab A8 with mobile connectivity |
| Watch | Galaxy Watch 4/5/6/7 LTE version |
If you have one of these, you can install a travel eSIM in a minute without removing your physical SIM. And if you're unsure about your specific model, check our specific guide for the Galaxy S24 and S25 or the general list of eSIM compatible phones.
The A series: where's the catch
The A range is the one that generates the most confusion. Not all Galaxy A models have eSIM: for years, Samsung reserved it for high-end models, and in the A series, it gradually added it to only some models. For example, the A54 and A55 do include it in their European versions, but many entry-level A models (A1x, A2x) are still dual physical SIM without eSIM.
The practical rule: don't rely on the model number, always check in Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If "Add eSIM" does not appear, and you don't see an EID with *#06#, that specific model does not have it, even if another in the same series does. We have a detailed analysis in the Galaxy A series guide.
Tip: If you buy a used Galaxy for travel, ask the seller to dial *#06# and send you a photo. If the EID appears, it has eSIM; if not, you'll need a physical card.
How to activate an eSIM on your Galaxy step-by-step
Activating a travel eSIM on One UI takes only a couple of minutes. You need to be connected to Wi-Fi and have the QR code that you receive by email after purchase at hand.
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
- Tap Add eSIM and then Scan QR code.
- Point the camera at the QR; the profile will download automatically.
- Assign a name (e.g., "Travel") to distinguish it from your main line.
- Upon arrival at your destination, activate that eSIM as your data line and turn on mobile data.
And that's it: the entire process takes about 1 minute. An important tip: install the eSIM before leaving home or from your hotel's Wi-Fi, because downloading the profile requires an internet connection. Scanning the QR code at the destination airport, without data and without Wi-Fi, is the most common mistake and one that leaves many people without connectivity upon landing. You can also save the QR code to your gallery and, if for some reason the camera doesn't read it, One UI allows you to manually enter the activation code from the same "Add eSIM" screen.
If you lose the QR code or want more details with screenshots, check the installation guide for Samsung Galaxy or the general guide on how to install and activate eSIM on Android.
Dual SIM: your usual number and travel data
The great advantage of the Galaxy is that you can keep your physical Spanish SIM active for calls and SMS (receiving bank codes, WhatsApp with your number) and use the travel eSIM only for browsing. This way, you avoid roaming charges of €10-20 per day without changing your number.
In the SIM Card Manager, you choose which line uses data: set the travel eSIM as "mobile data" and leave your Spanish SIM for calls. You can even turn off data for your Spanish line so it doesn't spend anything abroad. In One UI, you can also assign which SIM each app uses or set one line as preferred for calls and another for data, so everything is automated and you don't have to touch the settings every morning.
If you're traveling through several countries on the same trip, instead of installing one eSIM per destination, you should get a regional eSIM that covers your entire itinerary with a single profile; we explain this in the guide on eSIM for multiple countries. It's the most convenient option for routes through Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Common problems and how to solve them
Most failures on a Galaxy are not due to the phone, but to configuration. The most common ones:
- The eSIM doesn't appear: make sure your One UI is updated and you are on Wi-Fi when installing it.
- No data upon arrival: check that the travel eSIM is selected as the data line and activate data roaming on that line.
- No coverage: manually select the operator in Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators.
- QR already used: an eSIM profile can only be installed once; if you delete it, you'll need a new one.
If you still don't have a connection upon landing, check our guide on common eSIM problems. At PuraSim, you have 24/7 Spanish-speaking support to help you out instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 have eSIM?
Yes. All Galaxy S24 models (base, Plus, and Ultra) incorporate eSIM as standard in their European versions, in addition to the physical SIM slot. You can use both simultaneously in dual SIM mode.
How do I know if my Galaxy is eSIM compatible?
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and look for "Add eSIM". If it appears, your phone supports it. You can also dial *#06#: if you see an EID number in addition to the IMEI, you have eSIM.
Do all Samsung Galaxy A models have eSIM?
No. The A series only incorporated it into some models, such as the A54 and A55 in their European versions. Many entry-level Galaxy A models still don't have eSIM, so it's best to check the settings.
Can I keep my Spanish number and the travel eSIM at the same time?
Yes, that's precisely the advantage of dual SIM. You keep your physical SIM for calls and SMS, and set the travel eSIM as your data line. This way, you browse abroad without activating roaming with your operator.
How long does it take to activate an eSIM on a Galaxy?
About 1 minute. You scan the QR code via Wi-Fi, the profile downloads, and it's installed. You'll only need to select it as the data line and activate mobile data when you arrive at your destination.
Conclusion
Virtually any modern Samsung Galaxy (S series from S20, Z foldables, A54/A55, and tablets with connectivity) supports eSIM: you just need to confirm it in the SIM Card Manager and scan a QR code. With a PuraSim travel eSIM installed on your Galaxy, you'll land with data from the very first minute, without changing your number or paying roaming fees.
