Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra eSIM: compatibility and setup

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra supports eSIM according to Samsung’s product information and current Galaxy support guidance. You can add a digital SIM profile without inserting another physical card, then select it for mobile data while travelling. There is one important qualification: eSIM availability on this model can depend on the country where the phone was sold, its exact model and firmware, and carrier support. Check the handset itself before buying a travel plan.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra eSIM at a glance

Does the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra support eSIM?

Yes. Samsung lists Galaxy S20 Ultra among the eSIM-capable devices in the Galaxy S20 family. Samsung’s launch information also states that eSIM support is available on Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra, while noting that availability may vary by country and carrier. Samsung’s current support instructions describe adding a profile through SIM manager with a QR code or a supported carrier discovery process.

That is a model-family answer, not a guarantee for every handset sold under the same name. Imported, carrier-branded or differently configured versions may not show the same SIM options. Carrier support can also determine whether the service can be activated. Do not infer eSIM support from the 5G label or physical SIM tray alone.

Check for an EID and Add eSIM in Settings. An EID identifies the embedded SIM hardware, but the available add-eSIM flow is the practical confirmation. If an item is missing, ask Samsung or the seller to verify the exact model and market before purchase.

Why regional and carrier versions matter

Samsung cautions that settings vary by model, software and provider, and eSIM may be unavailable in some countries of origin. A carrier lock is separate from eSIM capability: even a phone with an eSIM menu needs an eligible plan and must be unlocked for the intended service. For an imported or second-hand phone, check the exact model code and lock status with the seller or carrier.

Use the following as a pre-purchase checklist:

• [ ] Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and look for Add eSIM.
• [ ] Search Settings for EID, then check About phone → Status information if needed.
• [ ] Note the model code shown under About phone and ask the seller or Samsung support about that exact code and country of sale.
• [ ] Confirm that the phone is not locked to a carrier and that the plan supports eSIM on this device.
• [ ] Check that Android and carrier settings are up to date and that you can connect to Wi-Fi during installation.
• [ ] Review the travel plan’s country coverage, data allowance, validity period, activation timing and any restrictions.

Find the EID and confirm the eSIM menu

Check these items before purchase, while you still have time to contact the seller or carrier:

1. Open Settings and tap Connections.
2. Tap SIM manager. Look for Add eSIM. If it is present, open it far enough to see the available setup choices; you do not need to scan a QR code just to confirm that the menu exists.
3. To look for the EID, return to Settings → About phone → Status information and find EID. On some software versions, searching Settings for “EID” or “SIM status” is faster. Labels and menu placement can vary.
4. If the EID is not shown in that screen, check the dialler by entering *#06#. If the phone supports and exposes eSIM identifiers, the EID may appear with the IMEI details. Do not share these identifiers publicly; they are device identifiers, not a compatibility code to post online.
5. If neither EID nor Add eSIM appears, install available system updates and restart once, then check again. If the options remain absent, do not assume that a factory reset will add eSIM capability. Ask Samsung or the seller about the exact model and regional version.

An EID alone does not guarantee that every plan or carrier will work: you still need an available add-eSIM option, an unlocked handset and a compatible provider. Menu wording can vary, so search Settings before deciding a feature is absent.

Before installing a travel eSIM

Before setup, connect to Wi-Fi and have the plan details ready. A code shown on the phone cannot normally be scanned by its camera; use another screen or manual details if offered.

Confirm these details in the plan information:

• The destination, or every stop on a multi-country route, is covered.
• Data allowance and validity suit the trip; check whether validity starts at purchase, installation, activation or first connection.
• The plan includes the services you need. Many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a regular number, calls or SMS.
• The phone is compatible and unlocked; note any APN or roaming instructions.
• Check when to install and switch on the profile. Do not delete it during troubleshooting unless support advises you to.

Kaspersky eSIM Store is an app and website for choosing, arranging and activating an eSIM with a mobile-data plan for an international trip. Review the destination, allowance, validity and activation terms before choosing a plan.

How to install and activate an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

Wording varies with Android, One UI and carrier software. The usual path is Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Keep Wi-Fi on and follow the plan provider’s instructions.

Install by QR code

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
2. Choose Scan QR code. If prompted, allow the camera to scan the code supplied for your plan.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and add the mobile plan. Keep the phone online until the profile has finished downloading.
4. If the QR code is on the phone you are setting up, show it on a second device or print it. If the provider supplied manual details and your phone offers Enter activation code, use those details exactly as provided.
5. When the profile is added, review its label in SIM manager. Rename it something recognisable, such as “Travel data”, if the phone offers that option.
6. Restart if requested. Samsung’s general setup guidance may ask you to restart so the profile is applied.

Keep the QR or activation code private. It may be single-use, so do not delete a downloaded profile and retry the same code without provider advice. If installation fails, save the error message and contact the provider.

Add a plan through a carrier option

Some carriers offer discovery or push activation. In SIM manager, tap Add eSIM and follow the carrier prompt if available. The phone may search for a plan or display a ready notification. This option depends on provider, country and software, and may not be offered for a QR-based travel plan.

For Samsung’s general Android steps, see the Android eSIM installation instructions. If you are helping someone with an iPhone, the corresponding iOS eSIM installation instructions cover that platform. Follow the instructions attached to your own plan as well, since providers can use different activation methods.

Turn on the profile at the right time

After installation, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and enable the travel profile when appropriate. Select it as the preferred SIM for Mobile data. The menu may show the profile name or a SIM number. Under Settings → Connections → Mobile networks, enable Data roaming for that eSIM only if its provider requires it. Check roaming on your home SIM as well if you want to avoid unexpected charges.

A profile can be installed before its validity starts. Check whether the plan clock begins at purchase, installation, activation or first network connection. At your destination, allow several minutes for registration, then test a webpage and check your data balance through the provider if available.

Using the eSIM for mobile data while travelling

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra may keep a home SIM available while the travel eSIM handles data, depending on the version. A data eSIM does not replace your regular number; access depends on local coverage and plan terms.

Scenario 1: Keep your home number available

Select the travel eSIM for data and keep the home SIM for calls or messages if needed. Check roaming charges and automatic data switching; some versions have separate defaults for calls, texts and data.

Scenario 2: Prepare before departure

If permitted, install over Wi-Fi before flying and leave it off until the instructed time. After landing, enable it, choose data and switch on roaming only if required. Check when validity begins.

Scenario 3: Multi-country trip

Check that each country is included. Download maps over Wi-Fi and limit updates, backups and video; check plan terms before using hotspot.

Check compatibility before you choose

Check your device and confirm the result on your own phone. The model-family listing is a useful starting point; the EID, Add eSIM menu, model code and unlock status are the practical checks for this handset.

Troubleshooting common eSIM problems

“Add eSIM” is missing

Search Settings for SIM manager and EID, confirm the model code, update and restart. For an imported or carrier-branded phone, ask Samsung or the seller whether eSIM is enabled for that version. A reset will not reliably change regional support.

The QR code will not scan or the profile will not download

Use stable Wi-Fi and show the full code without glare on a second screen. Confirm it is unused and intended for this plan. Enter manual details carefully if offered. If an error suggests the code was used, contact the provider before deleting a profile or retrying.

The eSIM is installed but there is no signal

Confirm the profile is on, the destination is covered and the plan is active. Toggle airplane mode, restart once and use automatic network selection unless the provider names a network. Enable roaming for that eSIM if required.

There is a signal, but mobile data does not work

Confirm the travel eSIM is selected for Mobile data, the plan is active and data remains. Follow provider APN instructions only if given. Turn Wi-Fi off to test a webpage; if it fails, note the destination, signal and error for support.

Data is being used by the wrong SIM

Choose the travel eSIM in SIM manager → Mobile data. Review automatic data switching and roaming for both profiles, confirming the profile name rather than relying on SIM numbering.

The phone reports that it is locked or the plan is unsupported

Contact the selling carrier about unlocking and the plan provider about compatibility. A reset or network-band change will not remove a carrier lock.

Can’t remove or transfer a profile?

Profiles can be device-bound or restricted from transfer. Deleting one may not cancel the plan and can make its code unusable. Check with the provider first; disable it in SIM manager if you only need to pause it.

Frequently asked questions

Is eSIM built into every Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra?

Samsung lists the model as eSIM-capable but says country and carrier matter. Check Add eSIM and the EID, especially on imported phones.

Can I use a physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?

It may be possible, but combinations depend on the exact version and carrier. Check SIM manager; if supported, select the travel eSIM for data and leave the home line for other functions.

Does a travel eSIM give me a phone number?

Many travel plans are data-only. Calls and SMS are included only when stated; internet messaging and voice apps use data.

Should I install the eSIM before the trip?

Often yes, over Wi-Fi. Check when validity starts and whether the profile should stay off until arrival; follow the provider’s timing.

Do I need to turn on data roaming?

Some do and some do not. Follow the plan’s instructions and confirm the travel eSIM is selected for data.

What if I cannot find an EID?

Check About phone → Status information, Settings search or *#06#. If both EID and Add eSIM are absent after an update and restart, ask Samsung or the seller about the exact model before purchase.

Final device check and eSIM for your trip

Before you choose a plan, verify that your Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra shows an EID and Add eSIM, confirm that the phone is unlocked, and check that the plan supports the handset and destination. Then compare the data allowance, validity and activation rules with your itinerary. Keep installation details available and use Wi-Fi to add the profile; select it for data when ready.

Kaspersky eSIM Store’s app and website let you choose, arrange and activate an eSIM with a mobile-data plan for an international trip. Check your device and plan details first, then prepare the eSIM before travel if its instructions allow. If the menu or activation result differs from these steps, use the exact model code and error details when contacting Samsung, the seller or the plan provider.