Samsung Galaxy S20+ eSIM: compatibility and setup

The Samsung Galaxy S20+ can support eSIM, but the answer depends on the exact regional model and software installed on the phone. Samsung lists the Galaxy S20+ in its current eSIM guidance for some markets, while its Japanese SIM compatibility information does not list the S20+ 5G as eSIM-capable. Samsung’s original product information also cautions that eSIM availability varies by country and carrier. Treat the model name alone as a useful starting point, not a guarantee: check for an EID and an eSIM option on your own handset before buying a plan.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S20+ support eSIM?

Sometimes. Samsung’s official support guidance includes the Galaxy S20+ in the eSIM-capable Galaxy S family for supported markets. Samsung’s global launch information for the S20 generation says eSIM availability may vary by country and carrier. That qualification matters especially for an older phone that may have been manufactured for a different market, imported, refurbished or updated with regional firmware.

Samsung’s country-specific information is not identical everywhere. Current UK guidance includes the S20+, whereas Samsung Japan lists S20 5G, S20+ 5G and S20 Ultra 5G among nano-SIM models, not in its eSIM section. Do not infer support from another country’s page or from the “S20+” name alone; check the exact model number and on-device settings.

The Galaxy S20+ family had different market and network configurations. A 5G label, processor, storage capacity or dual-SIM tray does not prove that an eSIM can be added. Firmware and carrier restrictions affect Settings and activation. If no EID or eSIM option appears after an update and restart, a travel plan will not make the feature appear.

Before paying, check the phone in hand. For a used or imported Samsung Galaxy S20+, ask for its full model number, country of sale, unlock status and a view of eSIM settings. Avoid sharing a full EID publicly; it is an identifier for device and carrier support.

What to check before buying an eSIM plan

Use this checklist before purchase:

• [ ] Find the EID. Search Settings for “EID,” or check About phone or Status information. An EID is a useful sign, but also verify that adding a plan is available.
• [ ] Find the eSIM control. In Settings, open Connections, then SIM manager. Look for “Add eSIM,” “Add mobile plan” or a similar option. Labels can vary with One UI version and region.
• [ ] Confirm the exact variant. Note the model number in Settings → About phone and compare it with Samsung’s local support information or ask the seller.
• [ ] Check for a carrier lock. An eSIM from another provider may not work if the phone is locked to its original carrier. Ask the carrier that sold the phone to confirm its unlock status.
• [ ] Install software updates. Update over Wi-Fi, restart and check SIM manager again. An update may change menus, but does not guarantee eSIM support on an unsupported regional model.
• [ ] Check plan conditions. Confirm destination, data allowance, validity, supported networks and when validity begins. A phone number, voice calls and SMS are not included unless the plan says so.
• [ ] Keep internet available for setup. Downloading a profile usually requires an internet connection. Keep access to Wi-Fi or another working data connection until installation is complete.

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Verify your Samsung Galaxy S20+ before purchase

Search Settings for EID. Depending on software, it may appear under About phone → Status information or SIM manager. Then open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and look for an eSIM or mobile-plan option. The EID indicates eSIM hardware; the menu confirms that current software offers an installation path.

These checks answer different questions: the EID identifies eSIM hardware, while the menu shows whether this software build exposes setup. Regional software can affect what appears, so check both and confirm the model number if either result is unclear. Neither check installs or activates a plan.

Check your device’s eSIM compatibility before selecting a plan. If either item is missing, verify the exact model number with Samsung or the seller. Check that the phone is unlocked and ask the intended provider whether that model and market are accepted. A physical SIM tray that holds two cards is not a substitute for these checks, and the presence of two mobile lines does not prove that one can be an eSIM.

Compatibility has several layers: eSIM hardware and software, carrier unlock, plan availability in your destination and local network coverage. Passing one check does not guarantee the others, especially for an imported or carrier-linked Samsung Galaxy S20+.

How to install an eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy S20+

Install over stable Wi-Fi before departure or at your destination if the plan allows it. Read its terms first: downloading a profile, enabling the line and starting validity can be separate events.

1. Prepare the phone. Update Android and One UI, restart and connect to Wi-Fi. Display the QR code on another screen or print it; the phone cannot normally scan a code shown on itself.
2. Open SIM manager. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. Choose Add eSIM, Add mobile plan or the equivalent option shown on your software version.
3. Add the profile. Scan the provider’s QR code, or enter supplied activation details if the phone offers that method. Keep the code private; it may be linked to your plan.
4. Wait for download. Stay online and follow the prompts. If the code appears used, check whether the profile was already added and contact the provider instead of retrying repeatedly.
5. Name the line. Give the new profile a clear label such as “Travel data” so it is easy to distinguish from your usual SIM. Keep the home line available for calls or messages if that is what you need and your carrier terms allow it.
6. Choose mobile data settings. In SIM manager, select the travel eSIM as the mobile-data line when you are ready to use it. If the plan provider instructs you to enable data roaming for that profile, turn it on for the travel eSIM. Roaming settings for the travel profile do not mean you should enable roaming on your regular SIM.
7. Check activation timing. A plan may start during installation, when it first connects or at another time in its terms. Follow the provider’s instructions and confirm that advance installation will not start validity early.

For device-specific menus and screenshots, see the Android eSIM installation instructions. The iOS eSIM installation instructions are also available for people helping a travel companion with an iPhone; the iOS steps do not apply to this Samsung Galaxy S20+.

Using the eSIM for mobile data on a trip

Once you arrive in a destination included in the plan, open SIM manager and make sure the travel eSIM is enabled and selected for mobile data. If the plan requires data roaming, enable roaming for that eSIM. Leave the home SIM assigned to calls or messages only if you want those services and understand your home carrier’s charges. Check which SIM is selected for mobile data before opening apps that use a lot of data.

A few travel situations to plan for:

• Before departure: Confirm destinations and activation rules. Install over Wi-Fi if permitted and keep order details until the profile appears in SIM manager.
• On arrival: Enable the profile, select it for mobile data and allow time for registration. Follow any network-selection instructions; service depends on the plan and local network.
• Crossing a border: A country plan may stop working outside its destination. For a regional plan, check every country on your route.
• Using maps or messaging: Download maps in advance where useful and use messaging or internet calling apps over data. A data-only eSIM does not automatically supply a conventional phone number, voice minutes or SMS.
• Sharing a connection: Check plan terms before relying on hotspot or tethering.
• Returning home: Switch mobile data back to your regular SIM when you no longer need the travel plan. Follow the provider’s instructions before deleting the eSIM; some profiles cannot be reinstalled after removal.

Before a trip, review the final device and plan checklist, then use Kaspersky eSIM Store’s app or website to choose and activate an eSIM with a mobile-data plan for an international destination. Compare the listed destination, data amount, validity and activation conditions with your itinerary. Availability, local coverage and network performance depend on the selected plan and its network partners.

Common problems and what to check

“Add eSIM” is missing. Search Settings for “eSIM” and “EID,” update and restart. If both remain absent, the variant or firmware may not support eSIM. Confirm the model number before purchasing.

The QR code will not scan. Increase brightness on the other display, clean the camera lens and remove glare. Use manual entry only if the provider supplies details and the phone offers that option.

The profile will not download. Check Wi-Fi and complete any browser sign-in required by a public hotspot. Confirm the code is current and has not been used or assigned elsewhere. Contact the provider with the error wording; do not post the code publicly.

The eSIM is installed, but there is no service. Check destination coverage, enable the profile and select it for data. Follow roaming or network-selection instructions, then toggle airplane mode or restart. Allow any stated activation delay.

Signal appears, but apps have no internet. Check the data-line selection, mobile data setting and plan balance or validity. Change APN settings only when the provider supplies values; a signal icon does not confirm which SIM carries data.

The home SIM is using roaming data. Check SIM manager and select the active, covered travel eSIM for data. Review the home SIM’s roaming setting and carrier terms; do not delete a profile as a shortcut.

The handset is locked. A carrier-locked Galaxy S20+ may reject an eSIM from another provider even when its hardware supports eSIM. Contact the original carrier about unlocking and confirm that the unlock is complete before departure. eSIM capability and carrier-unlock status are separate questions.

If the issue continues, note the model number, software version, destination and error. Ask the plan provider about its profile or network, and Samsung or the carrier about device or lock questions. Never share the QR or activation code publicly.

Frequently asked questions

Does every Samsung Galaxy S20+ have eSIM?

No. Samsung’s support information confirms eSIM support for the S20+ in some markets, but the company also documents country and carrier variation. Some country-specific compatibility lists differ. Check your own phone’s EID and SIM manager, then confirm the full model number and market.

Is a 5G Samsung Galaxy S20+ automatically compatible?

No. 5G does not confirm eSIM availability. Check the exact model number and eSIM controls in Settings; variants can differ.

Can I check compatibility without buying a plan?

Yes. Search Settings for an EID and inspect SIM manager for an option to add an eSIM or mobile plan. You can also ask Samsung or the seller to confirm support for the complete model number and sales region. Do this before selecting or paying for a travel plan.

Should I install the eSIM before travelling?

That depends on the plan’s instructions. Advance installation can be convenient when the phone supports it, but the plan may begin its validity during installation or only after a later activation event. Read the conditions and keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi during setup.

Will the travel eSIM replace my main number?

Usually, a travel data eSIM is an additional mobile profile rather than a replacement for your usual number. You choose which SIM handles mobile data and, where supported, calls or messages. The plan may be data-only, so check its terms and your home carrier’s roaming charges.

Can I move the eSIM to another phone later?

Do not assume so. Some profiles are tied to one installation or device, and deleting them may prevent reinstallation. Check the provider’s transfer and reissue policy before removing a working profile or changing phones.

Before you travel: final device check

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Before choosing a trip eSIM, verify that your Samsung Galaxy S20+ shows an EID and an eSIM-add option, confirm that the handset is unlocked, and check that its regional model is supported. Then match the plan to every country on your route and review its data allowance, validity and activation timing. When those checks are complete, use Kaspersky eSIM Store’s app or website to choose, arrange and activate a suitable eSIM plan for mobile data abroad. Keep the setup details accessible and switch mobile data to the travel profile only when you are ready to use it.