How to Set Up eSIM on Galaxy S20

Setting up an eSIM on a Galaxy S20 feels harder than it is. In this guide, I'll walk you through the exact menu path, how to scan the UROCOMM QR code, and the one timing mistake that catches first-time users. You'll learn how to install the profile at home, activate it after landing, and keep your home number working for calls and texts.

A quick heads-up before you start: Samsung sold several Galaxy S20 variants. Unlocked international S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra usually support eSIM. Some carrier-locked US models hide the eSIM menu even though the hardware can do it. AT&T's support pages list model numbers G981U, G986U, and G988U as eSIM-capable after a software update. If you don't see "Add mobile plan" after updating, jump to the troubleshooting section.

What you'll need

• A UROCOMM eSIM. If you're headed to the US, the USA unlimited eSIM is a good starting point. Landing in Tokyo with a pile of luggage? The Japan unlimited eSIM follows the same setup path.
• Wi-Fi for the initial profile download.
• Your physical SIM to keep your home number active.

Install the profile, wait to activate

Here's the part people get wrong. The Galaxy S20 lets you install an eSIM profile without turning the plan on. That's exactly what you want to do before you leave. UROCOMM's support team recommends installing the profile on Wi-Fi at home, then keeping the eSIM toggled off until you land. Flip it on early and the plan may start its validity countdown while you're still packing.

1. Buy the plan and find the QR code. After checkout, UROCOMM emails you a QR code and manual activation details. Check spam if it isn't in your inbox within a few minutes.
   

2. Connect to Wi-Fi. The profile download needs a stable internet connection. Home Wi-Fi or a hotel network works.
   

3. Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. This is the main menu for dual-SIM controls.
   

4. Tap Add mobile plan. Your phone may ask whether to add an eSIM from a QR code or search for a carrier. Choose the QR code option.
   

5. Scan the QR code. Point the camera at the code from the UROCOMM email. Hold steady for a few seconds. The profile downloads automatically.
   

6. If the QR code won't scan, use manual entry. Tap "Enter details manually" and type in the SM-DP+ Address and activation code from your UROCOMM email. This fixes most scanning problems.
   

7. Name the plan. Call it "UROCOMM Travel" or your destination like "Japan trip." You'll see this name in your SIM card manager.
   

8. Set your primary SIM for calls and data. In SIM card manager, keep your physical SIM selected for Calls and Texts. Under Mobile data, select the UROCOMM eSIM. This lets you keep your home number while data runs through the travel plan.
   

9. Turn the eSIM off until you land. Go back to SIM card manager, tap the UROCOMM eSIM, and toggle it off. Leave it off. This is the step that protects your plan's validity.
   

That's the full installation path. Most steps take under 30 seconds once you know where to look.

Turn it on after you land

Land at Narita, Haneda, LAX, wherever. While you're still on airport Wi-Fi or right after you turn off airplane mode:

1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
2. Tap the UROCOMM eSIM and toggle it on.
3. Turn on Data roaming for the eSIM. UROCOMM's travel eSIMs need this to attach to a partner network. Without it, you may see signal bars but no data.
4. Wait 1–2 minutes. In a busy airport, give it up to 10 minutes before you change any settings. Activation usually completes quickly, but sometimes the local network takes a few extra minutes to register a first-time visitor.

Troubleshooting

"Add mobile plan" doesn't show up. Check Settings > Software update > Download and install. A Galaxy S20 still on Android 10 or One UI 2.1 may not expose the eSIM menu. If you have a carrier-locked US Galaxy S20 and the menu is still missing, your carrier may not have enabled it. A portable WiFi hotspot can cover your trip if the phone won't play along. Also, if you have another Samsung model, the path may differ slightly—see How to Install eSIM on Samsung Galaxy Phones.

QR code won't scan. Clean the camera lens and turn your screen brightness all the way up. Go into manual entry and type the details instead. UROCOMM sends both methods for exactly this reason.

Installed, but no data after landing. Check three things: the eSIM is toggled on, data roaming is on for that eSIM, and mobile data is set to the UROCOMM eSIM. Then restart the phone. Give it 5–10 minutes. If it still doesn't work, contact service@urocomm.com.

You deleted the eSIM by accident. Do not try to reuse the same QR code. UROCOMM QR codes are typically single-use. Email service@urocomm.com to ask whether your profile can be reissued before you buy a new plan.

Plan expired before you left. You probably toggled the eSIM on at home. The plan may have connected to a supported network and started the countdown. Next time, install at home, activate after landing. If you're already in this spot, support can advise whether a top-up is possible—see How to Top Up Your UROCOMM eSIM Data Plan.

FAQ

Does the Galaxy S20 support eSIM?
Depends on the model and carrier. Unlocked international S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra generally support eSIM. Some US carrier-locked variants hide it. Quick check: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and look for "Add mobile plan."

When should I activate my UROCOMM eSIM?
Install the profile before you travel on Wi-Fi. Activate the plan after you arrive at your destination. Activating early can start the validity period and leave you with fewer days on your trip.

Can I keep my home number while using the travel eSIM?
Yes. Put your physical SIM in the slot and set it as the preferred line for Calls and Texts. Set the UROCOMM eSIM as the preferred line for Mobile data. The two work at the same time.

What to do next

Pick your UROCOMM eSIM before you leave. If your trip is to the US, start with the USA unlimited eSIM. Japan-bound? Use the Japan unlimited eSIM. Headed elsewhere? Browse all UROCOMM eSIM plans. Install the profile at home, keep it toggled off, and turn it on after you land. If anything hangs, email service@urocomm.com.