How to install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy (and other Android phones)

Samsung Galaxy phones from the S20 (2020) onwards, all Z Fold / Z Flip models and recent A-series (A54, A55, A35 and newer) support eSIM. The phone must be carrier-unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi for the download. The steps below are for One UI 5/6/7; Google Pixel and other Android phones are almost identical.

Step 1 — Add the eSIM

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs).
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Choose Scan QR code and point the camera at the code shown on another screen, or tap Enter activation code and paste the full LPA:1$… string from your installation page.
4. Tap Add / Confirm. Downloading takes 10–60 seconds.

Scanning the QR code from the same phone is not possible with the camera. Use the activation-code option instead — copy it from your installation page and paste it.

Step 2 — Configure the line

• In SIM manager, give the eSIM a name ("Travel") and keep it off until you travel, or on if you want to test that it registers (it will not consume validity until it connects abroad).
• Under Preferred SIMs, set Mobile data to the travel eSIM and keep Calls / Messages on your regular SIM.
• Open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks, select the travel eSIM and turn on Data roaming. Without this the eSIM will show signal but no internet.
• Turn data roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges.

Step 3 — When you land

Switch the travel eSIM on (if it was off), confirm mobile data uses it, and wait a moment for it to register. If it does not connect within a minute, toggle Airplane mode. You can also force the network: Mobile networks → Network operators → Search networks and pick one of the partner networks listed on your plan.

APN settings

Travel eSIMs configure the APN automatically. If your plan page shows an APN, add it under Mobile networks → Access Point Names → Add (name and APN only, leave the rest blank) and select it.

Common problems

• "Couldn't download the SIM profile" — unstable Wi-Fi or a carrier-locked phone. Retry on a different Wi-Fi; ask your operator about unlocking.
• "This SIM profile has already been downloaded" — an eSIM can be installed once. If you deleted it, contact support with your order reference.
• Signal but no data — 95% of cases: data roaming is off on the travel eSIM or mobile data is still assigned to the home SIM.
• Battery drain — with two active lines the phone searches two networks. Turn the home SIM off while abroad if you do not need calls.

Other Android brands

Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Download a SIM instead. Xiaomi / Oppo / OnePlus / Motorola: Settings → Mobile network / SIM cards → Add eSIM. The roaming and data-assignment steps are the same.