How to Add an eSIM to Your Samsung Galaxy S25

Adding an eSIM to your S25 takes about five minutes and requires only your carrier's activation code

The Samsung Galaxy S25 supports eSIM, which means you can activate a wireless plan without a physical SIM card. To add an eSIM, you'll need an activation code from your carrier — usually a QR code or a string of numbers — and access to Wi-Fi or an existing cellular connection. The process happens entirely in your phone's Settings app under Mobile Networks.

You can have multiple eSIMs on your S25 at once, though only one can be active at a time. This is useful if you travel, switch carriers, or want to keep a backup plan. Physical SIM cards still work on the S25 if you prefer them, and you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously.

Key Takeaways

You need an activation code from your carrier — either a QR code or a numeric code — before you start the eSIM setup process.
The S25 must be connected to Wi-Fi or have an active cellular connection to download and install the eSIM.
The entire setup takes place in Settings > Mobile Networks > SIMs and takes about five minutes from start to finish.
You can store multiple eSIMs on your phone and switch between them, but only one can be active for calls and data at any given time.

Getting your activation code from your carrier

Before you open Settings on your S25, contact your carrier and request an eSIM activation code. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional and prepaid carriers offer eSIM. Ask specifically for the activation code — some carriers call it a QR code, others call it a numeric code or an activation string.

The carrier will send this code to you by email, text, or display it on their website after you've purchased a plan. If you're switching from another phone, the carrier can generate a new code for your S25. Keep this code handy — you'll need it during setup. If your carrier sends a QR code, make sure you can display it on another device (a computer or tablet) so you can scan it with your S25.

Steps to add an eSIM using a QR code

Open Settings on your S25 and go to Connections > Mobile Networks > SIMs. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan." The phone will ask whether you want to scan a QR code or enter details manually. Choose "Scan QR Code."

Point your S25's camera at the QR code your carrier provided. The phone will recognize it automatically and begin downloading your eSIM profile. This requires an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection — if you don't have either, the download will fail. Once the download completes, the phone will ask you to confirm the carrier name and plan details. Tap "Activate" to finish. Your eSIM is now active and ready to use.

Steps to add an eSIM using a numeric code

If your carrier gave you a numeric activation code instead of a QR code, open Settings and go to Connections > Mobile Networks > SIMs. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan," then choose "Enter Details Manually" or "Enter Activation Code."

Type or paste the numeric code your carrier provided into the field. The S25 will verify the code and begin downloading your eSIM profile. This also requires Wi-Fi or an existing cellular connection. Once the download finishes, confirm the carrier details and tap "Activate." Your eSIM will be ready to use within a few seconds.

What to do if the download fails

If your S25 cannot download the eSIM profile, the most common cause is a weak or missing internet connection. Make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi network or that you have an active cellular connection on another line. If you're using a physical SIM on the same phone, that connection should work for the eSIM download.

If the connection is strong and the download still fails, try restarting your phone and attempting the process again. If the error persists, contact your carrier — they may need to resend the activation code or troubleshoot on their end. Some carriers have a time limit on activation codes, so confirm with them that yours hasn't expired.

Managing multiple eSIMs on your S25

Your S25 can store up to 10 eSIMs at once. To add a second eSIM, repeat the same process: go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > SIMs and tap "Add eSIM." You'll see all your stored eSIMs listed in this menu, and you can switch between them by tapping the one you want to use.

Only one eSIM can be active for calls, texts, and data at a time. When you switch to a different eSIM, the previous one becomes inactive. If you have a physical SIM card in your S25, you can use it alongside one active eSIM — both can work simultaneously for calls and data. To remove an eSIM you no longer need, go to the same menu, find the eSIM, and select "Delete" or "Remove."

Using eSIM while traveling

One of the main reasons people use eSIM is to switch carriers while traveling without waiting for a physical SIM card. When you arrive in another country, you can purchase a local eSIM from a carrier or an eSIM provider like Airalo or Truphone, scan the QR code, and activate it immediately. Your S25 will connect to the local network within minutes.

To switch back to your home carrier's eSIM, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > SIMs and tap your home eSIM to reactivate it. Your data and settings remain unchanged. This is much faster than buying and installing a physical SIM card, and you don't have to worry about losing your original SIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time on the S25?

Yes. Your S25 has one physical SIM slot and can store multiple eSIMs. You can use one eSIM and one physical SIM simultaneously, and both will receive calls, texts, and data. This is called dual SIM mode. You cannot use two physical SIM cards at the same time.

What happens if I lose my phone after adding an eSIM?

Contact your carrier immediately and ask them to deactivate the eSIM on your lost phone. They can then send you a new activation code for a replacement device. The eSIM is tied to your carrier account, not to the phone itself, so your carrier can move it to a new phone once the old one is deactivated.

Do I need Wi-Fi to add an eSIM, or can I use mobile data?

You need either Wi-Fi or an active cellular connection. If you're setting up your first eSIM and have no existing connection, use Wi-Fi. If you already have a physical SIM or another active eSIM in the phone, you can use that cellular connection to download the new eSIM profile.

Can I transfer my eSIM from another phone to the S25?

No, you cannot transfer an eSIM directly. Instead, contact your carrier and ask them to generate a new activation code for your S25. They will deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and provide a fresh code for the new one. This takes a few minutes and is usually done over the phone or through the carrier's website.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.