eSIMs for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra: All you need to know

Are the Samsung S21 and S21 Ultra phones eSIM compatible?

Yes! The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra (including S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G) all support digital eSIM technology, which lets you activate a mobile plan without a physical SIM card.

But there's a catch: eSIM availability depends on your region and carrier. While Samsung supports the feature on the Galaxy S21 series, some network providers disable it. Before making the switch, check with your carrier to ensure eSIM technology is supported in your country and on your specific device model.

To see if an eSIM will work on your phone, check out the list of eSIM-compatible devices.

Which eSIM is best for your Samsung Galaxy S21?

The best option for your Samsung S21 eSIM setup depends on how you plan to use your device.

For use within your country

If you want a hassle-free digital SIM experience at home, your best bet is to go with a local carrier. Many major network providers now support the feature, making it easy to switch mobile plans without dealing with physical SIM cards.

Here’s why using a local eSIM makes sense:

• It offers reliable coverage within the country.

• Installation is easy via QR codes or carrier apps.

• You can change your mobile plan without changing the physical SIM.

Most major carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the US support the use of an eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy S21 models. The same applies to Vodafone, EE, and Three in Europe.

For international use

If you travel a lot, using an eSIM service like Saily is a smarter choice. Saily offers:

• Affordable international mobile data plans you can manage directly from your device.

• Wide network coverage in multiple countries.

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What do you need to check before installing an eSIM on your Samsung s21?

Before installing an S21 eSIM, make sure your phone meets these key requirements.

1. Your Samsung S21 must be unlocked

First, you need a phone that’s not carrier locked. Some network providers restrict devices to their own SIMs, so you’ll need to check if your phone is unlocked:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "Mobile networks."

2. Look for the "Network operators" option.

3. If you can select different networks, your phone is unlocked.

If it’s locked, contact your network provider to request an unlock. Mind that some carriers may ask you to pay off your device or complete your contract before unlocking.

2. Install the latest software update

Outdated software can cause issues during the installation process. Before you start, make sure your phone is up to date:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Software update."

2. Tap "Download and install."

3. Ensure a stable internet connection

To install an eSIM on Samsung S21, make sure it’s connected to a stable mobile data or Wi-Fi network. Without it, your phone won’t be able to download the eSIM profile.

How to activate an eSIM on a Samsung S21

It only takes minutes to install and activate an eSIM on your Samsung S21. Your provider will give you a QR code to scan — usually via email or through its app.

To use the QR code, follow these steps:

1. Open "Settings" on your Samsung S21.

2. Go to "Connections" > "SIM card manager."

3. Tap "Add mobile plan."

4. Select "Scan carrier QR code." 

5. Point your camera at the QR code and scan it.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the eSIM activation.

7. Restart your phone if necessary.

If your carrier provides an activation code instead of a QR code, follow these steps:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "SIM card manager."

2. Tap "Add mobile plan."

3. Tap "Enter details manually."

4. Enter the activation details that your carrier provided.

5. Confirm the activation.

Learn more on how to install an eSIM on Android.

How to start using an eSIM on a Samsung 21

After activating your eSIM on the Samsung S21, follow these steps to get it up and running:

1. Turn on the eSIM under "Mobile network" settings.

2. Enable mobile data to connect to your carrier's network.

3. Activate data roaming if you're traveling. (To avoid roaming charges on your primary SIM, turn it off in your SIM settings.)

How to delete an eSIM on a Samsung S21

If you need to remove an eSIM mobile plan from your phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "SIM card manager."

2. Select the profile you want to remove.

3. Tap "Remove" or "Delete."

4. Confirm the removal.

If you delete an eSIM and need it again later, you’ll have to rescan the QR code or manually enter the activation details to reactivate it.

Troubleshooting: eSIM not working on Samsung S21

If your eSIM isn’t working on your Samsung S21, try these fixes:

• Check for software updates. Make sure you’re running the latest OS version. Outdated software can cause eSIM activation issues.

• Confirm activation with your carrier. Some carriers require additional activation steps. Contact your provider to confirm your eSIM is active.

• Delete and reinstall the eSIM profile. If the connection isn’t working, remove the eSIM profile and set it up again. Follow the removal steps above, then scan the QR code or enter the details manually.

• Restart your device. Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix connectivity issues.

• Reset network settings. If nothing else works, reset your network preferences by going to "Settings" > "General management" > "Reset."