The Samsung Galaxy S25 series makes eSIM installation faster than any previous Samsung model. The whole process takes under 3 minutes. Here's the exact step-by-step, with the settings screens named correctly for the S25 UI.
Before You Start — 3 Checks
- Unlocked phone: Settings → About phone → Status information → SIM status. If it says your carrier name (e.g. 'AT&T', 'EE'), your phone may be locked. Contact your carrier to unlock before proceeding.
- eSIM QR code: Check your email after purchase. Also check spam folder. Have it open on a second screen (laptop or another phone/tablet).
- Wi-Fi connection: eSIM profile downloads over the internet. Connect to Wi-Fi before starting.
Samsung Galaxy S25 eSIM Installation — Step by Step
Step 1 — Open Settings
Swipe down from the top of the screen → tap the gear icon → Settings
Step 2 — Tap 'Connections'
In Settings, tap Connections (first option in the list).
Step 3 — Tap 'SIM Manager'
Tap SIM Manager near the top of the Connections screen.
Step 4 — Tap 'Add eSIM'
You'll see your physical SIM listed, and below it an Add eSIM option. Tap it.
💡 If you don't see 'Add eSIM': your phone may be carrier-locked or running a regional firmware without eSIM support. Contact Samsung support.
Step 5 — Tap 'Scan QR code'
On the next screen, tap Scan QR code. Your camera opens.
Step 6 — Scan the QR Code
Hold your S25 camera over the QR code from your purchase email (displayed on a laptop/tablet screen). It scans in 1–3 seconds. If it won't scan, increase brightness on the display showing the QR code.
Step 7 — Confirm Installation
A screen shows the eSIM profile details (provider name). Tap Confirm. The profile downloads — usually 10–30 seconds on a good Wi-Fi connection.
Step 8 — Name Your eSIM
Samsung asks you to name the SIM. Enter your destination: "Japan", "Europe", etc. Tap Done.
Step 9 — Configure Dual SIM Settings
Back in SIM Manager, you'll see both SIMs. Set them correctly:
- Mobile data: Tap Mobile data → select your travel eSIM
- Calls: Keep as your home SIM (so people can call your regular number)
- Messages: Keep as your home SIM (for 2FA codes)
Step 10 — Enable Data Roaming
This is critical and often missed:
- SIM Manager → tap your travel eSIM
- Scroll down → tap Mobile networks
- Toggle Data roaming → ON
Without this step, the eSIM is installed but won't connect to networks abroad.
Activating When You Land
Turn off Airplane Mode after landing. Wait 30–60 seconds. You should see your carrier's name appear in the status bar and signal bars show. If not:
- Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → confirm travel eSIM is set for Mobile data
- Confirm Data roaming is ON for the eSIM
- Try toggling Airplane Mode off and on again to force network search
S25 eSIM Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| QR code scan fails | Try entering activation code manually (check purchase email for text code alternative) |
| "Couldn't add mobile plan" error | Check Wi-Fi connection. Restart phone and try again. Ensure phone is unlocked. |
| eSIM installed but no signal abroad | Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → travel eSIM → Mobile networks → Data roaming ON |
| Wrong SIM using data | SIM Manager → Mobile data → select travel eSIM |
| eSIM not visible after factory reset | Samsung S25 stores eSIM profiles through Samsung account backup. Sign back in to restore. Or re-scan QR code. |
| Battery draining faster with dual SIM | Normal — two radios active. Enable battery saver mode and turn off home SIM data roaming. |
Samsung Galaxy S25 eSIM Capacity
The S25 series supports:
- Up to 5 eSIM profiles stored simultaneously
- 2 SIMs active at once (1 physical + 1 eSIM, or 2 eSIMs on eSIM-only models)
- Quick switching between stored eSIM profiles via SIM Manager
This means you can pre-install eSIMs for multiple upcoming trips and switch between them without re-scanning QR codes.