Editor’s Note: Roami is the brand behind this guide. All compatibility information is based on Samsung’s official documentation, GSMA standards, and our team’s device testing in 2026. We aim to provide clear, accurate guidance so you can confidently determine if your Samsung phone supports eSIM.
Samsung eSIM Quick Answer – Does Your Galaxy Support It?
The short answer: If you own a Galaxy S21 or newer (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25), yes — your phone supports eSIM in all regions, including the US. Older and cheaper models are a case-by-case story.
Why this matters: eSIM lets you add a plan without a physical SIM card, so travelers can buy a local data plan before leaving home and activate it the moment they land.
Still not sure? Grab a free trial eSIM — it takes 2 minutes and confirms your phone is ready without spending a penny.
How to Identify Your Samsung: Model Number, CSC, and Chipset
Samsung is the trickiest Android brand for eSIM because the same phone name behaves differently by region. Three things determine whether your Galaxy has eSIM: the model number suffix, the CSC code, and the chipset (Exynos vs Snapdragon).
Step 1: Find your model number
Go to Settings > About Phone > Model Number. You’ll see something like SM-S918B or SM-S918U.
Step 2: Decode the model number suffix
| Suffix | Meaning | eSIM Support |
|---|---|---|
| SM-S9xxB, SM-S9xxE | International / Global (Exynos) | ✅ Yes (S20 and newer) |
| SM-S9xxU, SM-S9xxU1 | USA (Snapdragon) | ⚠️ S20 no, S21+ yes |
| SM-S9xxW | Canada | ⚠️ Mixed — check with *#06# |
| SM-S9xx0 | China / Hong Kong | ❌ No eSIM (China models) |
| SM-S9xxN | Korea | ✅ Yes (most models) |
| SC-xx | Japan (Docomo) | ❌ Often disabled |
| SM-AxxE, SM-AxxB | International A-series | ⚠️ Only A54/A55/A35 have eSIM |
| SM-AxxU | USA A-series | ❌ No eSIM on any US A-series |
Step 3: Check your CSC code
The CSC (Customer Service Code) tells you which region’s firmware your phone runs:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
- Scroll to Service Provider SW Ver.
- Read the last three letters of the CSC:
| CSC Code | Region | eSIM Support |
|---|---|---|
| XAA, XAR | USA (unlocked) | ✅ Yes (S21+) |
| TMB, VZW, ATT, SPR | USA carrier | ⚠️ S21+ yes on T-Mobile/Verizon; AT&T may restrict |
| EUX, EUY, BTU, DBT | Europe / UK / Germany | ✅ Yes |
| INS, INU | India | ✅ Yes |
| CHC, CHN | China | ❌ No eSIM |
| KOO, KTC, SKC | Korea | ✅ Yes |
| DCM, SBM, KDI | Japan | ❌ Often disabled |
Step 4: Exynos vs Snapdragon — why it decides your S20
The chipset is the single biggest factor on older flagships:
- Exynos (international) S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, and Note 20 Ultra — have eSIM, enabled by the One UI 3.1 update.
- Snapdragon (US) S20 and Note 20 Ultra — no eSIM, and no fix: Samsung disabled it in firmware, so even “unlocked” US models lack it.
- S21 and newer — both Exynos and Snapdragon versions support eSIM, so the chipset no longer matters.
The bottom line: a model ending in U (US) on an S20 = no eSIM. A model ending in B or E (international) = eSIM available. A China model (0 or CSC CHC) = no eSIM, no fix.
For a comparable Android alternative, see our Google Pixel eSIM compatibility guide.
Samsung Quick Decision Flow
| Your Samsung Model | eSIM Support | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, or S25 (any variant) | ✅ Yes | Activate away — see the activation note below. |
| Galaxy S20 (international/Exynos) | ✅ Yes (after One UI 3.1) | Update software, then dial *#06#. |
| Galaxy S20 (US/Snapdragon) | ❌ No | Physical SIM only. |
| Galaxy A54, A55, or A35 | ✅ Yes | The few A-series models with eSIM. |
| Galaxy A15, A16, A32, A53, or older A series | ❌ No | Physical SIM only. |
| Galaxy Z Fold2+ / Z Flip3+ | ✅ Yes (most regions) | Check carrier-locked versions carefully. |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Exynos) | ✅ Yes | After One UI 3.1. |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (US) | ❌ No | No eSIM. |
| Galaxy S10 or older / Note 10 or older | ❌ No | Too old. |
Want to test without buying? Try a free trial eSIM first.
Complete Samsung eSIM Compatibility Table
| Series | Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S25 | S25, S25+, S25 Ultra | ✅ Yes (all regions) | Full support |
| S24 | S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE | ✅ Yes (all regions) | Full support; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra eSIM support confirmed |
| S23 | S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE | ✅ Yes (all regions) | Full support |
| S22 | S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | ✅ Yes (all regions) | Samsung S22 Ultra eSIM works globally |
| S21 | S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE | ✅ Yes (all regions) | First US models with full eSIM |
| S20 | S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (Exynos) | ✅ Yes (global only) | One UI 3.1+ required |
| S20 | S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (US Snapdragon) | ❌ No | Disabled by Samsung |
| S20 FE | S20 FE (all regions) | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| S10 | S10, S10+, S10e, S10 5G | ⚠️ Limited | Rare international Exynos models |
| S9 / Note 9 | S9, S9+, Note 9 | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| A series (newer) | A54, A55, A35 | ✅ Yes | Samsung A35 eSIM and Samsung A54 eSIM supported |
| A series (older) | A15, A16, A32, A33, A51, A52, A53, A71, A72, A73 | ❌ No | Lack eSIM hardware |
| Z Fold | Z Fold2–Fold7 | ✅ Yes (most) | International and US unlocked |
| Z Flip | Z Flip3–Flip7 | ✅ Yes (most) | Same as Fold series |
| Note 20 | Note 20, Note 20 Ultra (Exynos) | ✅ Yes | International only |
| Note 20 | Note 20, Note 20 Ultra (US) | ❌ No | Snapdragon models lack eSIM |
S Series, A Series, and Z Series in Detail
Galaxy S21 through S25 (full support)
Every flagship from the S21 generation onward supports eSIM on both chipsets — 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 S25 series. The Ultra models in particular (Samsung S22 Ultra eSIM, Samsung S23 Ultra eSIM, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra eSIM support) work globally and with every major travel eSIM provider (Roami, Airalo, Holafly, and US carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi).
Galaxy S20 (partial — the Exynos/Snapdragon split)
The S20 series is the first Galaxy with eSIM hardware, but only international Exynos units got the software. Update an international S20 to One UI 3.1 (Android 11) or later, then dial *#06# to confirm the EID. US Snapdragon models and the S20 FE have no eSIM at all.
Galaxy A series (mostly no)
The A series is the most confusing: nearly all models lack eSIM, but Samsung added it to a few higher-tier models starting in 2024. Galaxy A54, A55, and A35 support eSIM; the A15, A16, A32, A33, A51, A52, A52s, A53, A71, A72, A73, A12, A22, and A13 do not. Note that 5G does not imply eSIM — the A15 5G and A16 5G have 5G but no eSIM.
Galaxy Z series (foldables)
Most foldables from the Z Fold2 and Z Flip3 onward support eSIM — the Fold2 through Fold7 and Flip3 through Flip7. International and US-unlocked units are reliable; carrier-locked US models may have it disabled. Foldables also support dual SIM (one physical + one eSIM, or dual eSIM on newer models).
Galaxy Note series
The Note 20 Ultra in its international Exynos form supports eSIM after One UI 3.1; the US Snapdragon version and the Note 10/Note 9 do not.
Galaxy S-Series: eSIM and Dual SIM at a Glance
The S-series table above tells you whether a phone has eSIM. This one adds the second question people actually ask: can it run two lines at once? “Dual SIM” on Samsung means two of the following three things, depending on the model.
| Generation | eSIM | eSIM + physical SIM (DSDS) | Two eSIMs at once |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra / S24 FE | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (S23 and later) |
| Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ eSIM + one physical only |
| Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra / S21 FE | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ eSIM + one physical only |
| Galaxy S20 (Exynos, global) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Galaxy S20 (US Snapdragon) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Galaxy S20 FE | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Exynos) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (US) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
The practical upshot: on an S21 or S22 you can keep your home physical SIM and add one travel eSIM. From the S23 onward you can go further — keep two eSIMs and no physical SIM at all, which is handy if your home carrier is already eSIM-only.
Galaxy A-Series: The Full eSIM List
Samsung’s A-series is its biggest seller, so it’s the line we get asked about most. Here’s the full run-down, newest to oldest, so you can stop guessing:
| Model | eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A56 / A36 (2025) | ✅ Yes | Newer A-series models with eSIM |
| Galaxy A55 (2024) | ✅ Yes | International units |
| Galaxy A54 (2023) | ✅ Yes | International units |
| Galaxy A35 (2024) | ✅ Yes | International units |
| Galaxy A34 (2023) | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| Galaxy A53 / A52 / A52s | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| Galaxy A33 / A32 | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| Galaxy A26 / A25 / A16 / A15 | ❌ No | No eSIM (5G doesn’t help) |
| Galaxy A73 / A72 / A71 | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
| Galaxy A14 / A13 / A12 | ❌ No | No eSIM hardware |
Two things to remember. First, 5G does not mean eSIM — the A15 5G, A16 5G, and A25 are 5G phones with no eSIM. Second, even the A-series models that do have eSIM only have it on international units; the US variants of the A54 and A55 can be locked down. Always dial *#06# before you buy.
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip: eSIM at a Glance
Samsung’s foldables are the most reliably eSIM-capable non-S phones. Here’s the full picture:
| Model | eSIM | Dual SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Z Fold7 / Z Flip7 (2025) | ✅ | ✅ Dual eSIM |
| Z Fold6 / Z Flip6 (2024) | ✅ | ✅ Dual eSIM |
| Z Fold5 / Z Flip5 (2023) | ✅ | ✅ Dual eSIM |
| Z Fold4 / Z Flip4 (2022) | ✅ | ✅ eSIM + physical |
| Z Fold3 / Z Flip3 (2021) | ✅ | ✅ eSIM + physical |
| Z Fold2 (2020) | ✅ | ✅ eSIM + physical |
| Original Fold (2019) / first-gen Z Flip | ⚠️ | Unreliable — don’t count on it |
International and US-unlocked foldables are reliable; the main trap is carrier-locked US models, where AT&T in particular has been known to strip or hide the eSIM menu. If you’re buying a used Fold or Flip for travel, factory-unlocked is the safe choice.
Exynos vs Snapdragon: The Full Story
If you’ve read that “only Exynos Samsung phones support eSIM,” that’s half true — and only for phones from 2020. Here’s the complete history:
- Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra (2020): the one generation where the chipset decides. International Exynos models got eSIM through the One UI 3.1 (Android 11) update; US Snapdragon models never did, and there is no fix — the hardware is present but Samsung disabled it in firmware.
- Galaxy S21 and S22 (2021–2022): both chipsets support eSIM. The US used Snapdragon, Europe used Exynos, and both work fine.
- Galaxy S23 (2023): Samsung moved the entire S23 line to Snapdragon worldwide — every S23 has eSIM, no Exynos variant exists to worry about.
- Galaxy S24 (2024): the split returned — Exynos 2400 in Europe for the S24 and S24+, Snapdragon in the US and on the S24 Ultra — and once again, both support eSIM.
- Galaxy S25 (2025): all Snapdragon 8 Elite worldwide, all with eSIM.
The rule of thumb: the chipset only matters for the S20 and Note 20 Ultra. For anything newer, ignore the Exynos-vs-Snapdragon debate entirely and look at the model number suffix and CSC code instead.
CSC Codes Explained: What They Are and How to Find Yours
What a CSC actually is
The CSC (Customer Service Code) is a three-letter tag baked into Samsung’s firmware that tells the phone which region and carrier it was built for. It controls more than eSIM — it also gates which bands are enabled, which bloatware is preloaded, and which carrier features appear. For eSIM, the CSC is the switch that hides or shows the “Add eSIM” menu.
How to find your CSC (two ways)
- Via Settings: open Settings > About Phone > Software Information, then look at the Service Provider SW Ver line. It typically reads something like
XAA/XAA/XAA— the last three letters are your CSC. - Via the dialer: type
*#1234#and read the “CSC” line (this shows the firmware build rather than the active region, but it’s a useful cross-check).
Common CSCs and what they mean for eSIM
| Region | Common CSC codes | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| USA (unlocked) | XAA, XAR | ✅ Yes (S21+) |
| USA (carrier) | TMB (T-Mobile), VZW (Verizon), ATT (AT&T), SPR (Sprint), TMK (Metro) | ⚠️ T-Mobile/Verizon yes on S21+; AT&T most restrictive |
| UK | BTU (unlocked), EVR (EE), O2U (O2), VOD (Vodafone), H3G (Three) | ✅ Yes |
| Europe | EUX, EUY, DBT (Germany), ITV (Italy), XEF (France), PHE (Spain), NEE (Nordics) | ✅ Yes |
| India | INS, INU | ✅ Yes |
| Korea | KOO, KTC, SKC, LUC | ✅ Yes |
| China / Hong Kong | CHC, CHN (mainland), TGY (Hong Kong) | ❌ Mainland no; Hong Kong usually yes |
| Japan | DCM (Docomo), SBM (SoftBank), KDI (au) | ❌ Often disabled |
| Australia / Singapore / Taiwan | XSA, XSP, BRI | ✅ Yes |
A word of warning: there’s no safe, supported way to change your CSC to “unlock” eSIM on a China or US-carrier model. The guides that tell you to flash a different CSC risk tripping Samsung’s Knox security and can brick the phone. If your CSC doesn’t support eSIM, a physical SIM is the realistic fallback.
Dual SIM on Samsung (Short Version)
Most eSIM-capable Galaxies run DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) — one physical nano-SIM plus one eSIM at once, with your choice of which line handles calls, texts, and data. Newer models (S23 and later) also support dual eSIM. The full setup walkthrough lives on the dual-SIM explainer — the principle is identical across platforms. On the fence about eSIM versus a physical SIM? See our eSIM vs physical SIM comparison.
eSIM + physical vs dual eSIM: which Samsung does what
- eSIM + one physical SIM (DSDS): every eSIM-capable Galaxy from the S20 onward. This is the traveler’s sweet spot — keep your home number on the physical SIM and add a travel eSIM for data.
- Two eSIMs at once (dual eSIM): the S23 and newer, plus the Fold5/Flip5 and later. No physical card needed at all.
- One phone number per line: Samsung doesn’t let you clone one number onto two SIMs. Each line needs its own number.
To pick which SIM handles data, calls, and texts, open Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager and set the “Primary SIM” for each function.
Activating eSIM on Your Samsung
After you’ve confirmed support, open Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM, scan the QR code from your provider, and turn on Data Roaming when you travel. The menu path is the same across recent One UI versions:
| One UI Version | Path to “Add eSIM” |
|---|---|
| One UI 6.0+ (Android 14+) | Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM |
| One UI 5.0–5.1 (Android 13) | Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM |
| One UI 4.0–4.1 (Android 12) | Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM (may be under “Mobile networks”) |
| One UI 3.1 (Android 11) | Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM (S20 international only) |
For the complete step-by-step (QR, manual entry, and the carrier app), see our how to activate an eSIM guide.
Pro Tip: install your eSIM on stable Wi-Fi before you leave home — the profile sits inactive until you turn on Data Roaming on arrival.
Switching phones later? Most travel eSIMs are one-time installs — see our guide to transferring an eSIM.
How to Activate an eSIM on Your Samsung: Step by Step
Here’s the Samsung-specific flow, from buying the plan to first signal:
- Confirm support first. Dial
*#06#and look for a 32-digit EID. No EID = stop here; your phone can’t do eSIM. - Buy your plan and find the QR code. Start with a free Roami eSIM trial so it costs nothing to test. Your provider emails you a QR code (and usually an SM-DP+ address plus activation code for manual entry).
- Connect to Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet, so do this before you leave home or on hotel Wi-Fi — not on the plane.
- Open the menu. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code. Point the camera at the code. If scanning fails, choose “Enter details manually” and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
- Label and set the plan. Name it something like “Roami Europe,” then confirm which SIM handles data. Set your primary SIM for calls/texts to your home line if you want to keep receiving them.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line under SIM Card Manager > [your eSIM] > Data Roaming — this is the step most people forget, and it’s why “no signal” happens on arrival.
- Test it. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off, then open a browser. Most Samsung phones connect in 1–3 minutes.
If the “Add eSIM” button is missing or grayed out, jump to the troubleshooting table below.
5G and eSIM on Samsung
From the S21 onward, every Galaxy (and the international Exynos S20) supports 5G on eSIM, with no performance difference versus a physical SIM. If 5G won’t connect, check Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode is set to 5G/LTE/3G/2G auto, confirm your plan includes 5G (some travel eSIMs are LTE-only), and restart. Remember: 5G does not mean eSIM — the A15 5G and A16 5G have 5G but no eSIM.
Troubleshooting eSIM on Samsung
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No “Add eSIM” option | US S20, carrier lock, or China CSC | Check Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Lock Status; if it’s a US S20 or China model there’s no fix. |
| “Your carrier does not support this feature” | Carrier-locked phone, US S20, or China CSC | Confirm the model number and lock status as above. |
| “Add eSIM” is grayed out | Carrier firmware restriction (AT&T is the usual culprit) | Contact your carrier, or buy an unlocked phone. |
| No EID but you’re sure the model supports it | Software update or CSC mismatch | Install updates, then re-check the CSC code. |
| eSIM profile downloads but no signal | Data Roaming off, or APN missing | Turn on Data Roaming; check the APN with your provider. |
For the full error-by-error reference (including the complete APN table), see the eSIM Deep Troubleshooting Guide 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung eSIM
Does the Galaxy S21 series support eSIM? Yes — the S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, and S21 FE all support eSIM in all regions.
Does the Galaxy S22 Ultra support eSIM? Yes, globally, including US carrier versions.
Does the Galaxy S23 support eSIM? Yes — the entire S23 series has full eSIM support.
Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra support eSIM?
Yes — dial *#06# to see its EID.
Does the Galaxy S20 FE support eSIM? No. Unlike the rest of the S20 family, the S20 FE has no eSIM hardware in any region.
Does the Galaxy A15 / A16 / A32 support eSIM? No. These models lack eSIM hardware and are physical-SIM-only — even the 5G versions.
Does the Galaxy A35 / A54 support eSIM? Yes. The A35 and A54 are among the few A-series models with eSIM (on international units).
Do Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip devices support eSIM?
Yes for most models from the Z Fold2 and Z Flip3 onward — confirm with *#06#.
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 S21/S22/S23/S24/S25 models (including FE and Ultra), the international Exynos S20, the A54/A55/A35, the Z Fold2+/Flip3+, and the international Note 20 Ultra.
How do I check if my Samsung is carrier-locked? Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Lock Status — “Network Locked” means carrier-locked; request an unlock from your carrier.
What does “eSIM not supported in your country” mean? Your CSC (region code) doesn’t support eSIM — common on China and US carrier models. There’s no easy fix.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time? Yes, on every eSIM-capable Galaxy (DSDS). Keep your home number on the physical SIM and use the eSIM for travel data.
Can I use two eSIMs at once on my Samsung? Yes, on the S23 and newer and the Fold5/Flip5 and later. Older models are eSIM + one physical SIM only.
How many eSIM profiles can I store? Most Samsung phones can store several eSIM profiles (often 5 or more), but only one or two can be active at a time depending on the model.
Why does my S20 show eSIM in settings but it’s grayed out? You almost certainly have a US Snapdragon S20. Samsung disabled eSIM on those models in firmware, and no update or setting re-enables it.
Can I change my CSC to enable eSIM? Not safely. Changing CSC requires flashing firmware, which trips Knox and can brick the phone. If your CSC doesn’t support eSIM, use a physical SIM.
👉 Planning to travel with your Samsung? See eSIM for the USA or eSIM for Japan.
Test with a Free eSIM
If your Samsung shows an EID after dialing *#06#, try a free trial eSIM to confirm everything works before buying a paid plan.
Based on Samsung official documentation, GSMA standards, and carrier information. Updated: August 2026.