The future of the SIM is the eSIM and knowing how to configure it in our mobiles is an essential step that brings us closer to the future in communication.
In this guide we will teach you how to configure the last eSIM compatible mobiles. Consequently, smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z and Samsung Galaxy S20 have been designed with this technology, and compete directly with the iPhone 11, XR and the new iPhone 12.
You will need
– An eSIM profile: Holafly travellers can purchase an eSIM for their favourite destinations from our store.
– A device that supports eSIM.
– An Internet connection via mobile data or Wifi.
How to add an eSIM as a primary line on your Samsung Galaxy
In the beginning eSIM was only allowed to be configured in clocks as an extension of the main line. Devices such as the iPhone with its Apple Watch allowed this type of setting, giving independence to the smartphone’s clock. Something indispensable in cases where we need to go out and leave the phone at home.
Now, the rapid implementation of eSIM in new devices as a main line, has made it possible to take advantage of other benefits offered by this technology, by completely eliminating the need for the SIM in our smartphones, as already happened with the Motorola Razr
Here are the steps you need to take to set up an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Flip, and S20, as your main line.
Time needed: 10 minutes.
Steps to set up a virtual card on a Samsung device.
- Go to Connections
Go to settings > Connections
- Login to SIM Card Manager
Here you will see the SIM cards you have added.
- Select Add Mobile Plan
In this step, your Samsung will look for a plan that is already active with the operator.
- Press Add plan using QR code
You must have received it from the phone provider.
- Read the QR code
Focus it with your camera.
- Add it to
Your phone will find it, agree to add it to the download.
- Activate it on your Samsung phone
Accept power up to activate.
- Verification
Your new eSIM will be added in the SIM Card Manager.
Later, after you have set up the eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy phone and have consumed the data or wish to remove a plan, simply select it and delete it. You can also remove all plans by selecting “Delete all plans” and confirming the process.
Adding an eSIM as a secondary line on your Samsung Galaxy
Before Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold, S20 and Z Flip smartphones, there were already “Watch” and “Watch Active” watches. Both have the peculiarity of having incorporated the ability to connect through eSIM. In this section we will show you how to configure them step by step.
Configuring eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy Watch
Follow these steps to set your Galaxy Watch:
- Install Galaxy Wearable on your mobile
- You must download it from the Samsung store or Play Store.
- Then, bring your Galaxy Smart Watch to your mobile device.
When it is detected, click on “Connect”.- You will be shown a code, it must be the same on both devices.
- Confirm the code to pair them by pressing “OK”.
- Pairing will start, after that press “next” to accept the terms.
- Your phone will start searching for a mobile network in your Galaxy Watch.
- If you can’t find it, go to “Mobile Networks” in the Galaxy Wearable App.
- Select “Use code”.
- Now you can scan your eSIM QR, accept the conditions and click on “Download”.
- Wait until the connection is complete.
- From now on your Galaxy Watch has a separate connection.
Operators worldwide that support eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy
After the launch of eSIM, several manufacturers have started to develop devices that include this technology. However, it is the operator who decides how the virtual SIM works.
As an example, in the United States, the Samsung Galaxy S20 in February 2020 did not receive support for eSIM. Since then, several users were outraged to know that operators like AT&T did not give support in that country. In contrast, in other countries like Mexico if the virtual SIM worked with this operator.
In the following table you will find a list of countries and operators that support activating an eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy as a main line. If you want to see a list that includes other devices, you can do it in mobile phones models that support eSIM.
| Countries | Galaxy Fold | Galaxy Z Flip | Galaxy S20 |
| Spain | Movistar, Orange | Movistar, Orange, Vodafone | Movistar, Orange, Vodafone |
| German | – | 1&1, O2, Telekom, Vodafone | 1&1, O2, Telekom, Vodafone |
| France | Orange | Orange, SFR | Orange, SFR |
| Mexico | – | – | AT&T, Telcel |
| Thailand | AIS | AIS, dtac, TrueMove H | AIS, dtac, TrueMove H |
| Brasil | – | Claro, TIM, Vivo | Claro, TIM, Vivo |
| Vietnam | – | MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone | MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone |
| Russia | – | Tele2 | Tele2 |
To be noted!
If you are buying a new phone and have a decisive factor in activating an eSIM card in it, make sure your operator supports it on Samsung Galaxy devices.
FAQs when configuring eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
No. The iPhone is supported by most carriers, this does not mean that your Galaxy S20 will work. You need to check with your carrier to make sure it is supported.
It is likely that after an upgrade you will be able to enable eSIM support in your operator, as the Samsung Galaxy S20 hardware has this technology built in.
No. To terminate your eSIM service you must contact your operator