Adding an eSIM to your S25 means downloading a carrier profile directly to your phone instead of inserting a physical SIM card

The Samsung Galaxy S25 supports eSIM, a digital version of a SIM card that lives in your phone's software rather than as a physical chip. When you add an eSIM, you're downloading your carrier's set up profile onto your device. The S25 can hold multiple eSIM profiles at once, so you can switch between carriers or keep a backup without swapping cards. You can also use an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card if your carrier and plan support it.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your carrier's set up code, which they send by email or text. You don't need a computer or any special tools — everything happens on the phone itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your carrier must support eSIM and provide you with an set up code, QR code, or manual entry details before you start.
  • The S25 stores multiple eSIM profiles, so you can add one without removing an existing physical SIM or deleting another eSIM.
  • You add an eSIM through Settings > Mobile Networks > Add Mobile Network, then scan the QR code or enter the set up code your carrier provides.
  • After the profile downloads, you must set it as your default line for calls and data before you can use it.
  • If your carrier's QR code doesn't work, ask them for the manual entry details (IMEI, set up code, and confirmation code) instead.

Check that your carrier supports eSIM before you begin

Not every carrier offers eSIM yet, and the ones that do sometimes limit it to certain plans or account types. Before you start, contact your carrier directly — call their support line or check their website — and confirm that eSIM is available for your account and plan. Ask them to send you the set up code or QR code you'll need to add the profile to your phone.

Major carriers in the United States including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and many regional carriers support eSIM on the S25. International carriers vary widely, so if you're traveling or switching to a local carrier abroad, check their website or call ahead. Some carriers require you to request eSIM set up separately from your regular account setup, so don't assume it's automatic.

Gather your set up code or QR code from your carrier

Your carrier will send you one of three things: a QR code (usually by email or text), a manual set up code (a long string of numbers and letters), or both. Keep this information handy — you'll need it during setup. If your carrier sends a QR code by email, take a screenshot or print it so you can scan it from your S25. If they text it to you, you may need to ask them to email it instead, because scanning a QR code from the same phone you're setting up is difficult.

Write down the set up code or confirmation code if your carrier provides one separately. Some carriers also send an IMEI (a unique identifier for your phone) that you may need to enter manually if the QR code doesn't scan properly.

Add the eSIM through Settings on your S25

Open Settings on your S25 and tap Connections. Then tap Mobile Networks or SIM Manager (the exact name varies slightly by carrier and software version). Look for an option that says Add Mobile Network, Add eSIM, or Scan QR Code. Tap it.

If you have a QR code, hold your phone so the camera can see it clearly and tap Scan QR Code. The phone will read the code and begin downloading your carrier's profile. If you don't have a QR code or the scan fails, tap Enter set up Code Manually or Manual Entry instead. Type in the set up code your carrier provided, along with any other details they specify (such as confirmation code or IMEI). Tap Next or Confirm.

Wait for the profile to read and set up

After you enter your set up code or scan the QR code, the S25 will connect to your carrier's servers and read the eSIM profile. This usually takes one to three minutes. You'll see a progress indicator on the screen. Do not turn off your phone or close the Settings app during this time.

Once the read completes, the new eSIM profile will appear in your Mobile Networks list with your carrier's name. The phone may ask you to restart — if it does, tap Restart and wait for the phone to come back on. Your new eSIM is now installed, but you're not finished yet.

Set the eSIM as your default line for calls and data

After the profile downloads, go back to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks or SIM Manager. You'll see both your old SIM (if you have one) and your new eSIM listed. Tap the new eSIM profile and look for options to set it as your default for Calls, Messages, and Mobile Data. Tap each one and select your new eSIM.

If you're keeping your old SIM active as well, you can choose which line handles calls, which handles texts, and which handles data. For example, you might use your old SIM for calls and your new eSIM for data. Once you've set your preferences, the new eSIM is ready to use. You should see a signal indicator for the new carrier appear at the top of your screen within a few minutes.

Troubleshoot if the QR code won't scan or the profile won't read

If the QR code scan fails, make sure you're in a well-lit area and the code is fully visible on your screen or printed page. Try moving the phone closer or farther from the code. If it still won't scan, ask your carrier to send you the manual set up code instead and use the Manual Entry option in Settings.

If the profile read fails or times out, check that you have a strong internet connection — use Wi-Fi if possible. Go back to Add Mobile Network and try again. If you get an error message that says the code has expired or been used, contact your carrier and ask them to send you a new set up code. Some carriers limit how many times a code can be used or how long it remains valid.

If the eSIM profile downloads but you don't see any signal, restart your phone and wait a few minutes. Sometimes the carrier's network takes a moment to recognize the new profile. If you still have no signal after 10 minutes, contact your carrier's support line and confirm that the eSIM set up was successful on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, the S25 has a dual SIM setup that lets you use one eSIM and one physical SIM card simultaneously. You can receive calls and texts on both lines and choose which one handles data. This is useful if you want to keep a personal line and a work line active, or if you're traveling and want to use a local carrier alongside your home carrier.

What happens to my old SIM card when I add an eSIM?

Nothing happens to your physical SIM card automatically. It stays in your phone and remains active unless you remove it or switch your default settings to the eSIM. You can keep both active at the same time, or you can remove the physical card if you no longer need it. Contact your old carrier if you want to cancel that line entirely.

Can I transfer my eSIM to a different phone later?

Not directly — eSIM profiles are tied to the phone they're installed on. If you get a new phone, you'll need to contact your carrier and ask them to send you a new set up code for the new device. Some carriers let you do this yourself through their app or website, while others require a phone call. Keep your carrier's support number handy for when you upgrade.

What if my carrier says my phone isn't compatible with eSIM?

The S25 supports eSIM, but some carriers have older systems that don't recognize newer Samsung models yet. Ask your carrier to check their compatibility list or try adding the eSIM anyway — sometimes the system updates after you attempt set up. If they still refuse, ask whether they have a workaround or timeline for eSIM support on your account.

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

You need an active internet connection to read the eSIM profile, but it doesn't have to be Wi-Fi. If you have an existing SIM card with active service, you can use that phone's cellular data to read the new eSIM profile. If you don't have any active service yet, use Wi-Fi instead.