How to Install an eSIM on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy phone is quick and frees you from physical SIM cards—perfect for travel, work, or a secondary line. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add a mobile plan using a QR code or activation code, whether you’re on One UI 5.1, 6.0, or the latest 6.1. We’ll cover Samsung Galaxy S20 through S24, plus Z Flip and Z Fold models, and walk through a straightforward process that typically takes under 3 minutes. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, don’t worry—we’ll point you toward the best UROCOMM alternatives.

Before You Begin: The Most Important Rule for Travel eSIMs

Install the eSIM profile before you leave home, but do not activate the plan until you arrive at your destination.
When you add a travel eSIM to your Galaxy, the profile sits dormant until you manually enable it or the plan’s data package starts. Many UROCOMM eSIM plans start their validity clock the moment they connect to a supported network at your destination. If you activate early while still at home, you might consume days of your plan or, in rare cases, trigger roaming charges. Play it safe: install the eSIM profile using your home Wi-Fi, then wait to turn it on after you land, using the airport or hotel Wi-Fi. This small step can save you from a plan expiring before your trip ends.

Step-by-Step: Add Your UROCOMM eSIM to a Samsung Galaxy

The menu labels shift slightly between One UI 5 and One UI 6, but the core path remains the same across over 30 Galaxy devices that support eSIM, including the S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Note 20, Z Flip, and Z Fold series.

1. Open Settings
   Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.

2. Go to Connections
   Tap Connections. This is your hub for all network-related settings.

3. Enter SIM Manager
   Look for SIM card manager (One UI 5) or SIM manager (One UI 6/6.1). Tap it.

1. Tap “Add mobile plan”
   Your Galaxy will search for available eSIM plans. When prompted, choose how to add the plan. You’ll typically have two options:
2. Add using QR code (scan the QR code UROCOMM sent to your email)

3. Add using activation code (enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually)

4. Scan or Enter the Details

5. If you received a QR code, select Add using QR code and point your camera at the code. Your phone will read it instantly.
6. If you need to enter details manually, select Add using activation code and type in the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided in your UROCOMM order email.

1. Confirm and Download the Profile
   After scanning or entering the code, tap Add or Next. The eSIM profile downloads in about 1–2 minutes. You might see a screen asking you to label the plan—call it “Travel,” “UROCOMM,” or whatever makes sense.

2. Configure the Dual SIM Behaviour (If Needed)
   Once installed, you’ll be taken back to the SIM manager. You’ll now see two plans: your regular SIM and the new eSIM. Make sure your primary SIM is still set for calls and texts (unless you intend to use UROCOMM for everything), and set the eSIM as the preferred line for mobile data. This ensures you don’t accidentally use your home SIM for data while abroad.

1. Activate the Plan Only at Your Destination
   Keep the newly added eSIM toggled OFF until you land. When you arrive and connect to airport or hotel Wi-Fi, return to Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then tap the eSIM you added. Switch it on. If required, enable Data Roaming for that eSIM. Your phone will connect to a local network and the UROCOMM plan validity begins.

Troubleshooting: Common Samsung eSIM Hiccups

Even on One UI 5 and 6, a few snags can pop up. Here’s how to move past them fast.

The eSIM won’t scan or “No SIM found” appears
Make sure you’re scanning the QR code directly from your email on another device or a printed copy. Dim lighting can also confuse the camera—adjust your brightness. If scanning fails twice, fall back to manual entry using the activation code. You’ll find both the code and the SM-DP+ address in your UROCOMM order details. Still stuck? Delete any partial download from SIM manager and try again.

My Samsung Galaxy doesn’t show “Add mobile plan”
Some carrier-branded models or older firmware versions hide the eSIM option. Confirm your device is on at least One UI 4.0 and that it’s not a single-SIM variant sold in specific regions. If the option is missing despite your phone being on the eSIM-compatible list, a quick software update often resolves the issue. Go to Settings > Software update and check for updates. If your Samsung model genuinely lacks eSIM support—common in older A-series or S20 FE devices—you can still get seamless connectivity with a UROCOMM portable WiFi hotspot that works just as well without any SIM fuss.

Activation fails after arrival
First, verify that data roaming is turned on for the UROCOMM eSIM. Without it, many travel plans won’t connect. Next, try manually selecting a network instead of letting the phone pick automatically. Go to the eSIM’s settings, tap Network operators, turn off automatic selection, and pick a listed carrier. If that doesn’t help, power-cycle your phone—a simple reboot resolves most temporary glitches. If problems persist, reach out to us at service@urocomm.com and mention your eSIM ICCID (found in SIM manager).

Can’t make calls or send texts?
Many UROCOMM data-only eSIMs don’t include a phone number for traditional calls or SMS. That’s by design—they’re built for data. You can still use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype. If your plan includes a voice line, confirm you’ve set the eSIM as the default for calls in SIM manager and that you’ve installed the correct UROCOMM profile labelled for voice.

Only one eSIM can be active at a time
Samsung phones can store up to 5 eSIM profiles, but only one eSIM can be active simultaneously alongside your physical SIM (dual SIM dual standby). If you need to switch between multiple travel eSIMs, simply disable the current one in SIM manager and enable the next. No data is deleted, and you can flip back anytime.

FAQ

My Samsung phone is on the compatible list but the steps look different. What should I do?
The path on One UI 5.1 (Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan) and One UI 6.0/6.1 (Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM) differs only in wording. The process underneath is identical. If you’re completely lost, use the Settings search bar and type “eSIM” or “SIM manager.” For the full list of UROCOMM-compatible phones, see our eSIM guides and device lists.

What if I delete my eSIM by accident?
You can re-add it exactly like before, as long as your UROCOMM plan hasn’t expired and the QR code hasn’t been used on a different device. However, re-adding it to the same phone usually works fine. If the code shows as already used, contact service@urocomm.com with your order number and we’ll send a fresh one.

I don’t have a Samsung that supports eSIM. Can I still use UROCOMM abroad?
Absolutely. Grab a UROCOMM portable WiFi device and share a fast, secure connection with all your gadgets. It’s also a great backup if you’re traveling to a region with limited eSIM network support. Read our portable WiFi vs eSIM comparison to pick the right fit.

Ready to Get Connected?

Installing an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy is a one-time setup that takes less than three minutes and saves you from the hunt for a local SIM card. Just remember the golden rule: install the profile before you fly, activate after you land. Browse UROCOMM eSIM plans today, choose your destination, and receive your QR code instantly. If you ever need a hand, our support team is at service@urocomm.com.