How to Add an eSIM to the Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 supports eSIM natively, meaning you can activate a digital SIM directly on the device without needing a physical card. Whether you're adding a second line, switching carriers, or setting up international data, the process is built into One UI and takes only a few minutes once you have the right information from your carrier.

What Is an eSIM and Why It Matters on the S25

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable chip soldered into the phone's motherboard. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, you download a carrier profile — essentially a digital credential — that activates your number and data plan on the device.

The Galaxy S25 supports both a physical nano-SIM slot and one or more eSIM profiles simultaneously, which means you can run dual SIM functionality without a second physical card. This is especially useful for separating personal and work lines, or keeping a local data SIM active while traveling abroad.

What You Need Before You Start

Before opening settings, make sure you have:

• An eSIM-compatible plan from your carrier. Not every plan tier supports eSIM activation — check with your provider first.
• An activation QR code or confirmation code from your carrier, delivered via email or their app.
• A stable Wi-Fi or data connection for downloading the profile.
• An unlocked device, or a device locked to the carrier you're activating. A carrier-locked S25 will typically reject eSIM profiles from other networks.

Step-by-Step: Adding an eSIM to the Galaxy S25

Method 1: Scan a QR Code

This is the most common activation method offered by carriers. 📱

1. Open Settings on your Galaxy S25.
2. Tap Connections, then SIM Manager.
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
4. Select Scan QR code from service provider.
5. Point the camera at the QR code provided by your carrier.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and download the profile.
7. Once installed, toggle the eSIM active under SIM Manager.

Method 2: Enter an Activation Code Manually

If your carrier sent a numeric or alphanumeric code instead of a QR code:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
3. Tap Enter activation code (below the camera viewfinder).
4. Type or paste the code exactly as provided.
5. Confirm and complete the download.

Method 3: Through Your Carrier's App

Several major carriers — including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon — allow eSIM activation entirely within their mobile apps. The flow varies by carrier, but generally:

1. Open the carrier app and navigate to Account → Manage Devices or Activate eSIM.
2. Follow the in-app prompts.
3. The app communicates directly with the device to push the profile without a QR code.

This method is often the smoothest option if you're already a customer switching from a physical SIM.

Managing Dual SIM After Activation

Once your eSIM is active, the SIM Manager screen becomes your control center. From here you can:

You can store multiple eSIM profiles on the S25 but only activate a limited number simultaneously — typically one eSIM active at a time alongside a physical SIM, though this can vary by region and carrier configuration.

Common Issues and What Affects the Process 🔧

Several variables determine how smoothly eSIM setup goes:

• Carrier support: Some regional or budget carriers haven't fully deployed eSIM infrastructure, even if they technically support it on paper. Activation errors often trace back to the carrier's backend, not the phone.
• Device lock status: An S25 purchased through a carrier may be locked and reject foreign eSIM profiles until unlocked — usually after meeting contractual requirements.
• One UI version: Samsung periodically updates the SIM Manager interface. The exact menu labels may differ slightly depending on your current software version.
• Region variants: The S25 sold in certain markets (notably some Asia-Pacific regions) ships without eSIM functionality enabled due to local regulatory requirements, even though the hardware may support it.
• Profile transfer vs. new activation: If you're moving an existing number from a physical SIM or another phone to an eSIM on the S25, the carrier must first enable an eSIM transfer — this is a separate step that some carriers call "SIM swap" or "eSIM migration."

Deleting or Switching eSIM Profiles

If you need to remove a profile — for example, before selling the device or switching carriers — go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager, tap the eSIM profile, and select Delete eSIM. Note that deleted eSIM profiles cannot be restored from the phone — you'd need to request a new activation from your carrier.

Some carriers also limit how many times a profile can be transferred or reactivated, so it's worth confirming their policy before deleting.

How straightforward this process is in practice depends heavily on factors that vary by user: which carrier you're on, whether your device is unlocked, which country you purchased it in, and whether you're activating a new line versus transferring an existing one. The S25 hardware handles eSIM without issue — the variables that matter are almost always on the carrier and account side of the equation.