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How to Activate Your eSIM on Samsung Galaxy | 2026 Guide

You have a Samsung Galaxy and you want to use an eSIM for your next trip, but you don't know where to start. Unlike the iPhone, Samsung devices have slightly different menus depending on the model and One UI version, which can be confusing.

Don't worry. In this guide I'll show you exactly how to activate your eSIM on any compatible Samsung Galaxy, with specific instructions for each device family.

Samsung Galaxy models compatible with eSIM

Before you start, check that your device is on this list:

✅ Galaxy S series (Flagship)

  • Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra (2024)
  • Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra (2023)
  • Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra (2022)
  • Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra (2021)
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (2020)

✅ Galaxy Z series (Foldables)

  • Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3
  • Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3

✅ Galaxy Note series

  • Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra (2020)

✅ Galaxy A series (Selected mid-range)

  • Galaxy A54 5G (2023)
  • Galaxy A55 5G (2024)

❌ NOT compatible models

  • Galaxy S10 and earlier
  • Galaxy A53 and earlier A models
  • Galaxy M series
  • Galaxy J series

How to check quickly? Go to Settings > About phone > Software information. If you see "One UI 5.0" or higher, your device probably supports eSIM.

Before you start: Preparation

What you need:

  • A compatible Samsung Galaxy from the list above
  • Updated One UI (version 4.1 or higher recommended)
  • A stable Wi-Fi connection to download the profile
  • Your NAVEO QR code received by email
  • 5-7 minutes to complete the process

Important:

  • Your Samsung must be unlocked (carrier unlocked)
  • You can use your physical Mexican SIM and the eSIM simultaneously
  • Activate the eSIM before you travel while you have reliable Wi-Fi

Step 1: Connect to a Wi-Fi network

The eSIM needs internet to download from NAVEO's servers.

Suggested screenshot: Quick settings panel with the Wi-Fi icon enabled

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen (twice to see the full panel)
  2. Tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn it on
  3. Select your Wi-Fi network
  4. Enter the password if necessary
  5. Wait until "Connected" appears under the network name

Why Wi-Fi and not mobile data? Using data from your Mexican SIM to activate the eSIM could generate international roaming charges if you're already outside Mexico. Wi-Fi is safer and cheaper.

Step 2: Open the SIM Manager

This is where Samsung's menus differ slightly from the iPhone. Let's go to the right place.

Suggested screenshot: Main Settings menu with "Connections" highlighted

  1. Open the Settings app (gear icon)
  2. Tap Connections (first option on most models)
  3. Look for and tap SIM Manager or SIM card manager

Don't see "SIM Manager"?

  • On One UI 6.0+: It may be called "SIM cards"
  • On One UI 5.0+: It's inside "Connections"
  • On One UI 4.1: It may be under "Connections > More connection settings"

If you can't find this option after searching, your model probably doesn't support eSIM.

Step 3: Tap "Add eSIM"

Now we'll start the installation process for your new eSIM.

Suggested screenshot: SIM Manager screen with the "Add eSIM" button visible

  1. On the SIM Manager screen, you'll see your current physical SIM (Telcel/AT&T/Movistar)
  2. Look for the Add eSIM or Add mobile plan button
  3. Tap this button

A new screen will open with options to add your eSIM.

"Add eSIM" doesn't appear?

  • Verify that your Samsung is on the compatible models list
  • Update your device: Settings > Software update > Download and install
  • Restart your Samsung and try again

Step 4: Select an activation method

Samsung offers several ways to install your eSIM. The most common is the QR code.

Suggested screenshot: Screen with the options "Scan QR code", "Add with activation code", "Transfer from another device"

  1. You'll see options such as:
    • Scan service provider's QR code
    • Add with activation code
    • Transfer from another device (if you already had an eSIM on another Samsung)
  2. Select Scan service provider's QR code

Your Samsung will automatically open the camera to scan the code.

Step 5: Scan the NAVEO QR code

It's time to use the QR code you received by email.

Suggested screenshot: Samsung camera pointed at a QR code with the scanning frame

  1. Open the NAVEO email on your Samsung (or on another device)
  2. Keep the QR code visible and well lit
  3. Point your Samsung's camera at the QR code
  4. Hold the phone steady for 2-3 seconds
  5. The Samsung will automatically recognize the code

Manual alternative if the QR doesn't work:

  1. Tap Enter manually at the bottom
  2. Enter the SM-DP+ Address (server address)
  3. Enter the Activation code
  4. Tap Connect

Both pieces of data are in your NAVEO confirmation email.

Step 6: Confirm the plan download

Your Samsung detected the QR code and will now download the eSIM profile.

Suggested screenshot: Confirmation screen showing plan information with the "Download" button

  1. You'll see a screen with basic plan information:
    • Provider: NAVEO
    • Plan type: Mobile data
  2. Tap Download or Install
  3. Wait 30-90 seconds while the profile downloads

You'll see a progress bar. Don't close the app or turn off your Samsung during this process.

Step 7: Set the name and plan type

After the download, Samsung will ask you to personalize your new eSIM.

Suggested screenshot: Configuration screen with fields for name, icon, and plan type

  1. eSIM name: Type something descriptive like:
    • "NAVEO Europa"
    • "NAVEO USA 15 days"
    • "Japan trip"
  2. Icon: Choose a color or icon that helps you identify it quickly
  3. Plan type: Select Mobile data (or "Data only" if available)
  4. Tap Confirm or Done

Step 8: Select the eSIM for mobile data

Now you decide which SIM your Samsung will use for internet.

Suggested screenshot: SIM Manager screen with options to select the preferred SIM for data

  1. Go back to the SIM Manager
  2. You'll see two active SIMs:
    • Your physical Mexican SIM
    • Your new NAVEO eSIM
  3. In the Preferred SIM section, tap Mobile data
  4. Select your NAVEO eSIM
  5. Confirm your selection

Recommended setup for travelers:

  • Calls: Mexican SIM (receive calls without roaming)
  • SMS: Mexican SIM (receive messages from banks, verifications)
  • Mobile data: NAVEO eSIM (local internet abroad)

Step 9: Turn on data roaming for the eSIM

This step is critical and many users forget it.

Suggested screenshot: eSIM settings with "Data roaming" enabled

  1. In the SIM Manager, tap your NAVEO eSIM
  2. Look for the Data roaming or Roaming data option
  3. Turn on this switch (it should be blue/green)
  4. Confirm if a warning about possible charges appears

Why is this important? Without this option enabled, your Samsung won't use the eSIM when you're outside Mexico, even if you installed it correctly.

Step 10: Verify everything works

Last step: confirm that your eSIM is active and working.

Suggested screenshot: Status bar showing the eSIM name and signal bars

  1. Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi
  2. Look at the status bar at the top:
    • You should see your eSIM's name (e.g., "NAVEO Europa")
    • It should show 4G/LTE/5G signal bars
  3. Open Chrome or Samsung Internet
  4. Try loading any web page
  5. If it loads, your eSIM is working perfectly!

Additional test:

  • Open Google Maps and search for your current location
  • Open WhatsApp and send a test message
  • Try making a video call

If everything works, you're ready to travel.

Differences by Samsung model

Galaxy S24/S23/S22 (One UI 6.0+)

  • More modern, visual menu
  • "Add eSIM" option appears immediately in the SIM Manager
  • Faster process (20-30 second download)
  • Improved 5G support for eSIM

Galaxy Z Fold (Foldables)

  • You can activate the eSIM with the screen open or closed
  • Recommended: activate with the screen open for better visibility
  • The SIM Manager looks different in tablet mode vs phone mode
  • Supports multiple simultaneous eSIMs (up to 5 profiles)

Galaxy Z Flip

  • The external cover screen doesn't show eSIM information
  • You must open the phone to set up the eSIM
  • Once activated, it works the same as other Galaxy models

Galaxy A54/A55 (Mid-range)

  • Identical process to the S series
  • May be slightly slower on the download (40-60 seconds)
  • Some models have simplified menus
  • Verify that you have One UI 5.1 or higher

Models with One UI 4.1 or earlier

  • The menu may be called "SIM cards" instead of "SIM Manager"
  • The eSIM option may be under "More connection settings"
  • Slower process but functional
  • Updating to the latest One UI version is recommended

Troubleshooting common issues

❌ The "Add eSIM" option doesn't appear

Possible causes and solutions:

  1. Model not compatible
    • Check your model against the list at the beginning of this article
    • If it's not on the list, your Samsung doesn't support eSIM
  2. Outdated One UI
    • Go to Settings > Software update
    • Download and install the latest version
    • Restart your Samsung
  3. Carrier blocked eSIM
    • If you bought your Samsung from Telcel/AT&T/Movistar, it may be locked
    • Contact your carrier to unlock the device
    • Or visit an authorized service center

❌ The QR code won't scan

Solutions:

  • Increase the brightness of the screen the QR code is on to 100%
  • Move your Samsung closer or farther away until the camera focuses
  • Clean the rear camera lens
  • Use additional lighting (a lamp or natural light)
  • If nothing works, use the "Enter manually" option

❌ "Error downloading profile"

Solutions:

  • Check your Wi-Fi connection (test with speedtest.net)
  • Turn Wi-Fi off and back on
  • Fully restart your Samsung
  • Try a different Wi-Fi network
  • Contact soporte@naveo.mx to generate a new QR code

❌ The eSIM installed but there's no internet

Step-by-step solutions:

  1. Verify that "Data roaming" is enabled
    • Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Your eSIM > Data roaming
  2. Confirm the eSIM is the preferred SIM for data
    • Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Preferred SIM > Mobile data
  3. Turn on mobile data for the eSIM
    • Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Your eSIM > Turn on
  4. Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi and try again
  5. Restart your Samsung (fully power off and back on)
  6. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off for 10 seconds to reconnect to the network

❌ "Invalid eSIM profile" or "Authentication error"

Likely causes:

  • The QR code expired (valid for 30 days from issuance)
  • You already activated this eSIM on another device
  • The plan was already used or canceled

Solution: Contact soporte@naveo.mx to generate a new QR code. Include your order number for faster service.

❌ Internet speed is very slow

Optimizations:

  1. Change the network mode:
    • Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode
    • Try "4G/LTE only" instead of "5G/LTE/3G/2G"
    • Some networks have better 4G coverage than 5G
  2. Turn on "Mobile data switching":
    • Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Your eSIM
    • Enable "Allow data network switching"
  3. Restart the connection:
    • Turn on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds
    • Turn it off and wait 30 seconds
  4. Check your location:
    • eSIMs work best in urban areas
    • In rural or remote areas, speed may be limited

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my NAVEO eSIM and my Mexican SIM at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. Samsung Galaxy devices support Dual SIM (one physical + one eSIM). Recommended setup:

  • Mexican SIM: For calls and SMS (receive messages from banks, family)
  • NAVEO eSIM: For mobile data (internet, WhatsApp, Maps, social media)

This way you keep your Mexican number active without paying roaming, while using affordable local data abroad.

What happens if my Samsung runs out of battery or I restart it?

Nothing happens. Once activated, the eSIM stays installed on your Samsung permanently. You can turn it off, restart it, or run out of battery—the eSIM will still be there when you turn it back on. It's only deleted if you manually remove it from the SIM Manager.

Can I transfer my eSIM from one Samsung to another?

Not directly. eSIMs are tied to the specific device through its unique identifier (EID). If you switch Samsung devices:

  1. Contact soporte@naveo.mx before changing devices
  2. We'll generate a new QR code for your new Samsung
  3. The remaining plan (if applicable) will be transferred to the new device
  4. Delete the eSIM from the old Samsung after activating it on the new one

My Samsung is from Telcel/AT&T/Movistar. Can I use eSIM?

It depends on whether it's unlocked. Samsung devices sold by Mexican carriers may be locked to use only their services. To verify:

  1. Go to Settings > About phone > Software information
  2. Look for "Network lock status"
  3. If it says "Locked", contact your carrier to unlock it
  4. Telcel, AT&T and Movistar are required to unlock devices after a certain time or when the contract ends

If your Samsung is unlocked, it works perfectly with a NAVEO eSIM.

Does an eSIM use more battery than a physical SIM?

There's no significant difference. The eSIM chip consumes the same energy as a traditional physical SIM. What does affect the battery:

  • Constantly searching for signal in areas with poor coverage
  • Using 5G instead of 4G (consumes more energy)
  • Having multiple SIMs active simultaneously (but the impact is minimal)

Battery-saving tip: If you're in an area with good 4G coverage, switch the network mode to "4G/LTE only" instead of "5G preferred".

Can I use the same eSIM on my Samsung and my Galaxy tablet?

No. Each eSIM is tied to a specific device. If you want data on your Galaxy Tab, you need to buy a separate eSIM for that device. NAVEO offers specific plans for tablets at special prices.

How do I remove my eSIM when my trip ends?

You don't need to remove it. You can simply deactivate it:

  1. Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  2. Tap your NAVEO eSIM
  3. Turn off the main switch

The eSIM will stay installed but inactive. If you travel to the same destination again, just turn the switch back on.

To completely remove it:

  1. Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  2. Tap your NAVEO eSIM
  3. Tap Delete or the trash icon
  4. Confirm the deletion

Your eSIM is activated on your Samsung — where will you travel?

Congratulations! Your NAVEO eSIM is now working perfectly on your Samsung Galaxy. Now you can:

✅ Travel worry-free: Forget about surprise international roaming charges

✅ Keep your Mexican number: Receive important calls and SMS at no extra cost

✅ Use data like a local: Browse, use Maps, WhatsApp and social media at local prices

✅ Share internet: Turn on "Wi-Fi hotspot" or "Mobile Hotspot" to connect your laptop or tablet

  1. Test all functions:
    • Open Google Maps and search for restaurants near your destination
    • Make a test video call on WhatsApp
    • Upload a photo to Instagram to check the speed
  2. Download useful apps before traveling:
    • Maps.me: Offline maps (works without internet)
    • XE Currency: Up-to-date currency converter
    • Google Translate: Camera translator for menus and signs
    • TripIt: Travel itinerary organizer
  3. Set up WhatsApp:
    • You don't need to change anything
    • You'll keep receiving messages on your Mexican number
    • It works perfectly with your eSIM for data
  4. Save emergency contacts:
    • soporte@naveo.mx (responses in less than 2 hours)
    • NAVEO WhatsApp: +52 55 XXXX XXXX
    • Mexican Embassy at your destination

Additional tips for travelers with Samsung:

  • Power saving mode: Turn it on when the battery is low to extend its life
  • Samsung Find: Set up this app to locate your phone if you lose it
  • Samsung Pay: Still works with your Mexican SIM for contactless payments
  • Bixby Routines: Create automatic routines (e.g., "When I arrive in Europe, turn on NAVEO eSIM")

Having trouble or questions? Our support team in Spanish and English is available 24/7 at soporte@naveo.mx. We respond in less than 2 hours and help you resolve any activation or connection issue.

Ready for your next adventure? Explore our plans for more than 190 destinations at mynaveo.com/en#destinos and stay connected wherever your Samsung Galaxy takes you.

Related articles:

About the author: This tutorial was created by the NAVEO technical team, specialists in mobile connectivity for travelers. Updated in January 2026 with the latest One UI 6.1 versions. If you notice any changes in your Samsung's menus or have suggestions, contact us at soporte@naveo.mx.

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