How to install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy
Menu names change with the version of Android and One UI, so here's the path with its variations, and what to do when the eSIM installs but won't connect.
Before you start
- Check the model. Not every Galaxy supports eSIM, and some variants of the same model differ depending on the country where it was sold. Look yours up in our compatibility checker.
- It isn't locked to a network. A locked phone won't accept an eSIM from another provider.
- Do it on Wi-Fi, before you travel. Installing needs a connection, doesn't use any of the plan's data and doesn't start the days: those begin when you connect to a network at your destination.
Does your model have eSIM? Galaxy A06 · Galaxy A15 · Galaxy A16 · Galaxy A35 · Galaxy A36 · Galaxy A55 · Galaxy A56 · Galaxy S24 · Galaxy S25
Install the eSIM
- Open your purchase email on another screen, with the QR code showing.
- On the Galaxy, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. On older versions the menu is called SIM card manager.
- Tap Add eSIM (or “Add mobile plan”).
- Choose Scan QR code from service provider and point the camera at the QR code.
- If the phone asks for a confirmation code, it's in the same email.
- When it's done, give the line a name: the country you're visiting works well.
Can't scan? The same email has the details to type in by hand: the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code. In the Add eSIM menu, look for the option to enter the activation code manually.
Dual SIM: keeping your own number
The Glowi eSIM is data only: your usual SIM stays in, with your number for calls and texts, and WhatsApp carries on as normal because it runs over data.
In Settings → Connections → SIM manager, under the preferred SIM settings:
- Mobile data: choose the eSIM line.
- Calls and Messages: leave them on your usual line.
- Data roaming: in Connections → Mobile networks, turn it on with the eSIM selected. Without it, it won't connect outside your home country.
- If you want to make sure your home data isn't being used, turn off mobile data on that line while you travel.
More for your trip: WhatsApp with the eSIM, calls and dual SIM, data roaming and what to check if it won’t connect on arrival.
The APN: the step people forget on Android
On some Android phones you have to type the APN in by hand or it won't connect, even with the eSIM installed correctly.
The APN for your destination is written on the country page and in the delivery email. To set it: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access Point Names, with the eSIM line selected, and add a new one with that name. Leave the other fields as they are.
Common problems and what to do
The Add eSIM option doesn't appear
That model or variant may not support it. Check it in the compatibility checker; if it isn't listed there either, write to us before you buy.
It installs but there's no internet
Three things, in order: data roaming turned on for that line, the eSIM selected for mobile data, and the APN typed in by hand.
“Invalid QR code” or “already used”
The QR code works for one installation only. If you've already scanned it on another phone, it won't work on a second one.
I've deleted the eSIM from my phone
In general it can't be reinstalled. Write to us through the contact page with your order code and we'll look into it.
Where can I see how much data I have left?
In My eSIM, with the email address you used to buy. The operator reports usage with a delay, so it isn't a real-time counter.
Don't have your eSIM yet?
Choose a destination and a plan: it's delivered instantly by email, with the QR code and instructions.