Samsung added eSIM support to its flagship Galaxy lineup starting with the Galaxy S20 in 2020. Since then, every Galaxy S series, Z Fold, and Z Flip model has included eSIM capability. The situation is more complicated than Apple because Samsung eSIM availability depends on the chipset (Snapdragon vs Exynos), the region of purchase, and whether the device was sold through a carrier.
This guide lists every Samsung device with eSIM support and explains the regional and carrier-specific gotchas you need to know.
Which Samsung devices support eSIM?
| Model | eSIM | eSIM Only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S Series | |||
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S25+ | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S25 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S24+ | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S24 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S24 FE | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S23+ | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S23 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S23 FE | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S22 Ultra | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S22+ | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S22 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S21+ 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S21 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S20+ 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S20 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy S20 FE | No | No | |
| Galaxy Z Series (Foldables) | |||
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 6 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (2024) | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Fold 2 | No | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip (original) | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Fold (original) | No | No | |
| Galaxy A Series | |||
| Galaxy A55 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy A54 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy A35 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy A34 5G | No | No | |
| Galaxy A25 5G | No | No | |
| Galaxy A15 5G | No | No | |
| Galaxy Note Series | |||
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Note 20 5G | Yes | No | |
| Galaxy Note 20 (LTE) | No | No | |
| Galaxy Watch | |||
| Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 7 (2024) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch FE (2024) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (2023) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 6 (2023) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (2022) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 5 (2022) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (2021) | Yes | Yes | |
| Galaxy Watch 4 (2021) | Yes | Yes | |
What you need to know before buying
Exynos vs Snapdragon: eSIM Works on Both, but Behavior Differs
Samsung sells two versions of many Galaxy phones: one with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (primarily for the US, South Korea, and select markets) and one with Samsung's own Exynos chipset (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America). Both chipset variants support eSIM on the S21 and newer models. However, eSIM activation behavior can differ between the two.
Snapdragon models sold through US carriers sometimes have eSIM functionality disabled or restricted by carrier firmware. Exynos models sold unlocked in Europe generally have eSIM enabled out of the box. Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung unified the US and global experience around Snapdragon, and with the S25 series, all regions use Snapdragon 8 Elite.
If you have an older model, check whether eSIM appears in your Settings > Connections > SIM manager menu. If the option is missing, a carrier firmware update or an unlocked firmware flash may be required.
US Carrier-Sold Samsung Phones May Have eSIM Disabled
Many Samsung Galaxy phones sold through US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) ship with eSIM functionality disabled or hidden in the settings. This is a carrier firmware restriction, not a hardware limitation. The eSIM chip is physically present, but the carrier's software blocks access to it.
To resolve this, you typically need to contact your carrier and request eSIM activation, or flash the unlocked Samsung firmware (model number ending in U1 instead of U). Flashing unlocked firmware is straightforward using Samsung's Odin tool but will void your carrier warranty. Alternatively, purchasing the unlocked version directly from Samsung.com or Best Buy Unlocked avoids this issue entirely.
As of 2026, most US carriers have improved eSIM support on Samsung devices, but it remains inconsistent on older models like the S20 and S21 series.
China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Samsung Models Lack eSIM
Samsung Galaxy phones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan typically do not include eSIM functionality. These regional variants use dual physical nano-SIM trays instead. This applies to all Galaxy S, Z Fold, and Z Flip models sold in these markets.
The hardware does not contain an eSIM chip, so no software update or firmware change can enable it. If you purchased your Samsung phone in one of these regions and need eSIM for travel, you will need to use a physical SIM card instead. Check your model number in Settings > About Phone.
Models with region codes like CHC (China), TGY (Hong Kong), or BRI (Taiwan) typically lack eSIM.
Galaxy FE Models: Only the S23 FE and S24 FE Support eSIM
Samsung's Fan Edition (FE) phones are popular budget-friendly alternatives to the flagship models, but eSIM support is limited. The Galaxy S20 FE, S21 FE, and earlier FE models do not support eSIM at all. Samsung first added eSIM to the FE line with the Galaxy S23 FE in 2023, and continued with the S24 FE.
If you own an S20 FE or S21 FE, you are limited to physical SIM cards only. Before purchasing a travel eSIM, confirm your specific FE model supports it by checking Settings > Connections > SIM manager for an "Add eSIM" option.
Galaxy Watch eSIM Does Not Work with Travel eSIM Providers
Like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch cellular models use eSIM for carrier number sharing. This means the watch mirrors your phone's cellular plan rather than operating independently. You cannot install a travel eSIM QR code directly onto a Galaxy Watch.
The eSIM on Galaxy Watch is provisioned through your carrier's app or Samsung's wearable app, and it requires your carrier to support Galaxy Watch pairing. If you need connectivity on your Galaxy Watch while traveling internationally, you will need to use your home carrier's international roaming plan or rely on the watch being connected to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Additionally, Galaxy Watch cellular eSIM only works when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone, not with other Android phones or iPhones.
Samsung eSIM Setup Differs from iPhone
On Samsung Galaxy phones, eSIM setup is located in Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. This is different from Apple's Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM path, which can confuse users switching between ecosystems. Samsung also uses its own eSIM activation flow that may require scanning a QR code, entering an activation code manually, or using Samsung's built-in carrier discovery.
Some travel eSIM providers offer direct installation through their Android apps, which bypasses the QR code process entirely. If you do not see the "Add eSIM" option in SIM manager, your device may have eSIM disabled by carrier firmware, or your model may not support eSIM in your region.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my Samsung phone supports eSIM?
Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If you see an "Add eSIM" option, your device supports eSIM. If SIM manager only shows your physical SIM with no eSIM option, your model either does not support eSIM or has it disabled by carrier firmware. You can also dial *#06# to display your device's IMEI numbers; if an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears, the eSIM hardware is present.
Which Samsung Galaxy phones are eSIM-only (no SIM tray)?
As of 2026, Samsung has not released any eSIM-only phones. Every Samsung Galaxy device with eSIM also includes a physical nano-SIM tray. This differs from Apple, which removed the SIM tray from US iPhone 14 and later models. Samsung continues to offer both physical SIM and eSIM on all its phones.
Can I use dual SIM on Samsung with one physical SIM and one eSIM?
Yes. Every Samsung Galaxy phone with eSIM runs 2 active lines, so your nano-SIM handles calls and texts while the eSIM carries data. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager to pick which of the 2 lines takes calls, texts and mobile data. Each choice is independent, so you can route data abroad without touching your home number.
Does the Galaxy S21 FE support eSIM?
No. The Galaxy S21 FE does not have eSIM support. Samsung first added eSIM to the FE (Fan Edition) line with the Galaxy S23 FE in 2023. If you have an S20 FE or S21 FE, you will need to use a physical SIM card for any travel connectivity.
Why is eSIM missing from my US carrier Samsung phone?
US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) sometimes disable eSIM in the firmware on Samsung devices they sell. The eSIM chip is physically present but hidden in settings. Contact your carrier to request eSIM activation, or consider flashing Samsung's unlocked firmware (U1 variant) using Odin. Buying the unlocked model directly from Samsung.com avoids this issue.
Can I install a travel eSIM on my Samsung Galaxy Watch?
No. Galaxy Watch eSIM uses carrier number sharing, so the watch mirrors your phone's plan instead of carrying its own. Travel eSIM providers do not install directly on any of the 9 LTE Galaxy Watch models listed above. While traveling, use your home carrier's roaming plan, keep the watch paired to your phone over Bluetooth, or connect it to Wi-Fi.
Do Samsung tablets support eSIM?
Select Samsung Galaxy Tab models with 5G or LTE cellular connectivity support eSIM, including the Galaxy Tab S9 5G series and Galaxy Tab S8 5G series. Wi-Fi-only tablet models do not have cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM. Check your specific tablet model's specifications on Samsung's website to confirm eSIM support, as availability varies by region.
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