Samsung Galaxy S21+ eSIM: compatibility, setup and travel use

Can Samsung Galaxy S21+ use an eSIM? The accurate answer is conditional: some regional versions support it, while others do not. Samsung’s current regional support information lists Galaxy S21+ among Galaxy phones with eSIM support. Samsung’s U.S. product information says that the Galaxy S21 series does not currently support eSIM in the United States. The retail name alone is therefore not enough to certify the phone in your hand.

For Samsung Galaxy S21+, consider eSIM support confirmed only when the phone shows an EID and/or an Add eSIM option, and when the selected plan is available for your destination. An imported handset, carrier edition or different firmware can behave differently from a phone sold where the function is enabled.

Quick answer: does Samsung Galaxy S21+ support eSIM?

Yes, Samsung Galaxy S21+ can support eSIM on compatible regional configurations. In such a configuration, an embedded SIM profile can be downloaded to the phone without using a second physical nano-SIM. Samsung’s Australian, Indian, German and other regional materials list Galaxy S21+ as an eSIM-capable model. Its U.S. support information gives a different regional answer and says the Galaxy S21 series does not currently support eSIM in the U.S.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile. For a trip, it can provide mobile internet without a physical travel SIM and can let you keep your regular SIM in the phone. A data-only travel eSIM normally does not provide a local telephone number, ordinary voice calls or SMS unless the plan expressly includes them. Internet calling and messaging apps can use the active data connection, but their behavior still depends on the app, account and destination.

Samsung Galaxy S21+ eSIM facts at a glance

The decisive evidence is on the particular handset, not in a generic list.

Why the regional version matters

Two phones with the same family name can have different eSIM behavior. Samsung may ship different modem configurations, carrier software or feature provisioning in different markets. A carrier edition can also restrict activation even if an international version is listed as compatible. A network-unlocked phone is not automatically an eSIM phone, and an eSIM-capable phone may still be unable to use a particular carrier or travel plan.

Regional Samsung support pages include Galaxy S21+ in eSIM lists, while Samsung U.S. information excludes eSIM for the S21 series in the U.S. Treat the sales region as a specification. For an imported or carrier-supplied phone, check the model code and unlock status.

<a id="kesim-device-compatibility"></a>Compatibility checks

Use this checklist before selecting a travel eSIM for Samsung Galaxy S21+:

• Confirm that the phone is Samsung Galaxy S21+, not a similarly named Galaxy model.
• Check the exact model code under Settings → About phone.
• Look for Add eSIM in Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
• Look for EID under Settings → About phone → Status information.
• Confirm that the phone is not carrier-locked for the intended service.
• Connect to reliable Wi‑Fi for installation.
• Check that the plan covers every country or region on your route.
• Read the plan’s traffic amount, validity period, activation event and roaming requirement.
• Keep the QR code or activation details private and available during setup.

If both Add eSIM and EID are absent, pause the purchase and verify the regional configuration with Samsung or the seller. If the phone passes but the plan is uncertain, confirm the plan conditions with the service that issued it. A QR code cannot overcome an unsupported handset or a carrier lock.

Find the EID

The EID is an identifier for the embedded SIM. It is not the IMEI, serial number or physical SIM number. On Samsung Galaxy S21+, open Settings, tap About phone, then Status information and look for EID. Samsung support information also notes that the EID may be printed on the packaging. Menu wording can vary.

If the EID is not visible, open SIM manager and tap Add eSIM if available, then check Status information again. Do not replace an absent EID with an IMEI. Share the EID only through a trusted activation or support flow.

Check Add eSIM

Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager. A compatible configuration may show Add eSIM, Add mobile plan or equivalent wording. Open it only to confirm that it exists; do not scan a plan as a test. If it is missing, greyed out or errors, note the model code and sales region before asking for help.

An on-device check is stronger than a retailer description, but the profile still needs a plan covering the destination. Check your device before continuing.

Prepare for installation

Before you start, charge Samsung Galaxy S21+, connect it to stable Wi‑Fi and keep the QR code or activation details ready. Know the destination and travel dates and decide whether your regular SIM should remain the default for calls and messages. Do not scan a code repeatedly: some profiles are single-use.

Check when the plan begins: installation, activation and the start of data usage may be separate events. A plan may be installed before departure and left switched off until arrival, but its validity rules control whether that is appropriate.

For broader guidance, see the Android eSIM installation instructions and the iOS eSIM installation instructions.

How to install and activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S21+

One UI labels can differ by market and software version. Follow the closest matching option and stop if the phone says eSIM is unavailable.

1. Confirm the phone

Open SIM manager and verify that Add eSIM is present. Check the EID and confirm that the phone is unlocked for the intended service.

2. Connect to Wi‑Fi

Connect Samsung Galaxy S21+ to reliable Wi‑Fi. Keep the phone awake while the profile is downloaded.

3. Open the eSIM menu

Open Settings. Tap Connections. Tap SIM manager. Tap Add eSIM or the equivalent Add mobile plan command.

4. Scan the QR code

Choose Scan QR code when the issuing service supplied one. If the code is on another screen, show the whole code. If it is on the same phone, use the issuer’s supported manual or in-app flow.

5. Enter an activation code if offered

Some services provide manual activation details. Choose the manual entry option and type only the values supplied with the plan. Never invent an SM-DP+ address, confirmation code or activation code.

6. Download the profile

Review the plan label and approve the download. Wait for confirmation that the eSIM was added. Do not delete a partially installed profile until support advises you; deletion can require a new code.

7. Name and select the line

Give the profile a clear name such as Travel data or the destination. In SIM manager, select the travel eSIM for mobile data. If it is a data-only plan, keep your regular SIM as the preferred line for calls and messages when you want to retain them.

8. Complete activation

Turn on the eSIM. If the plan requires data roaming, enable it for the travel profile. Allow a few minutes for network registration. The timing depends on the device, plan, local network and destination.

Confirm that the travel profile is enabled and selected for mobile data, then test a webpage. A pre-installed plan may not connect before its destination or activation conditions are met.

Use the eSIM for mobile internet while travelling

The clearest travel setup separates the line that keeps your number from the line used for data. Install on Wi‑Fi if permitted, leave the travel line off or unselected for data until needed, and check your primary carrier’s roaming conditions.

On arrival, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager, turn on the travel eSIM and select it under Mobile data. Keep the primary SIM for calls and messages if required, enable roaming for the travel profile only when instructed, and turn off automatic data switching. Test a webpage before relying on maps or bookings.

Scenario: install before departure

At home, verify EID and Add eSIM, then use Kaspersky eSIM Store to choose a destination and suitable plan for mobile internet. Review its conditions and install on Wi‑Fi if permitted. On landing, enable the travel line and select it for data. This can reduce dependence on airport Wi‑Fi, but does not guarantee coverage.

Scenario: activate after arrival

If you did not install in advance, connect to trusted Wi‑Fi or use a working primary line. In Kaspersky eSIM Store, select the destination and complete the plan flow, then use the supplied QR code or manual method in SIM manager. Wait for registration and check the data line.

Kaspersky eSIM Store is an app and website where users can choose, arrange and activate an eSIM with a suitable plan for mobile internet on a foreign trip. It is not a mobile operator, network owner or mobile-internet provider. Coverage, traffic, validity, activation and refund conditions belong to the selected plan and should be checked before purchase.

Common problems and checks

Add eSIM is missing

Check the model code, sales region and Settings → Connections → SIM manager. Look for EID under About phone → Status information. If both signs are absent, Samsung Galaxy S21+ may be an unsupported configuration. Contact Samsung or the seller before buying.

EID is not shown

Open Add eSIM once, if available, then check Status information again. Restart and install official updates if offered. If EID remains absent, ask Samsung or the seller to confirm the configuration. Do not use the IMEI as a substitute.

QR code will not scan

Increase display brightness, clean the lens and hold the phone steady. Use the complete code and verify the intended plan. If it is expired or already used, contact the issuing service. Use manual activation only with supplied details.

Profile will not download

Reconnect to stable Wi‑Fi, check automatic date and time, leave Airplane mode and retry once. If the error returns, record it and contact the eSIM issuer. Do not delete the profile before asking whether it can be restored.

Profile is installed but there is no data

In SIM manager, confirm that the eSIM is on and selected for mobile data. Turn on mobile data, check the destination and enable roaming for the eSIM if required. Turn off automatic data switching, restart and check traffic and validity.

The wrong SIM handles calls or data

Review Preferred SIMs in SIM manager. Select the primary SIM for calls and messages and the travel eSIM for mobile data when intended. A data-only eSIM does not supply ordinary voice or SMS service.

Data is slow or stops

Check traffic and validity, move to a stronger-signal location and briefly toggle Airplane mode. Confirm the profile and destination. Speed depends on the plan, local network, signal, supported bands and regional restrictions. Contact the issuing service with the steps completed.

FAQ

Is Samsung Galaxy S21+ eSIM-compatible?

Some regional versions are. Samsung lists Galaxy S21+ in current eSIM support information for several markets, while Samsung U.S. information says eSIM is not currently supported on the S21 series there. Confirm EID and Add eSIM on your own phone before purchase.

Does 5G prove eSIM support?

No. 5G is a network capability. It does not prove that eSIM is enabled in a particular market or carrier version. Check model code, EID and SIM manager.

Can a physical SIM and eSIM be used together?

Often, yes, on a compatible dual-SIM configuration, but active combinations and preferred-line settings depend on the model, software and service provider. Confirm the choices shown on Samsung Galaxy S21+.

Is data roaming required?

Possibly. Some travel eSIM plans require data roaming because the eSIM connects to a partner network outside its home market. Enable roaming for the travel profile only when its instructions require it.

Can the eSIM be used for calls and SMS?

Not unless the selected plan expressly includes those services. Many travel eSIMs are intended for mobile internet only. Internet calling and messaging apps can use data, while ordinary calls and SMS remain associated with a supported line.

Final device check before choosing a trip eSIM

Before you pay for a plan, verify all of the following on Samsung Galaxy S21+:

• The device name and exact model code match the phone you will carry.
• EID is visible, or Add eSIM opens in Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
• The device is not carrier-locked in a way that blocks the intended service.
• The plan covers every country or region on your route.
• You understand traffic, validity, activation timing and any roaming requirement.
• You know which SIM will handle mobile data, calls and messages.
• You have Wi‑Fi for installation and a support route if activation fails.

If these checks are clear, use Kaspersky eSIM Store to choose a destination and an eSIM plan for mobile internet during the trip, then install and activate it on the compatible phone. If one item is unclear, verify it before purchase. Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a capable eSIM device in supported markets, but regional and carrier versions can differ even when the retail name looks identical.