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To activate an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, then follow the route your carrier provides: automatic setup, a QR code, an activation code, or a supported transfer. First confirm that your exact phone model and regional version, carrier, and plan support eSIM; availability varies by country and carrier.
Before you begin, check compatibility and activation details
Samsung cautions that eSIM service may vary by country and carrier. Confirm with your carrier that your exact Galaxy model and regional variant are eligible, that your plan can be provisioned as an eSIM, and which setup method the carrier supports. A model name alone may not establish compatibility.
- Ask the carrier whether it supports automatic setup, a QR code, an activation code, or transfer for your device and plan.
- Have the carrier-provided QR code or activation details ready if required.
- If you plan to use Samsung’s Instant Transfer, check that the new phone is unlocked; Samsung Canada says an unlocked new device is required for that transfer.
Menu wording and available features can differ by Galaxy model, software version, and region. Samsung’s Canada support guide and UK carrier compatibility guidance provide region-specific information, not a worldwide compatibility guarantee.
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- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM, then follow the activation route your carrier supports.
This is Samsung’s common current path in its Canada and UK support guidance. If the option is absent, check the exact model and regional variant with Samsung and ask your carrier to confirm eligibility and its supported activation method.
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Choose the activation method your carrier supports
Automatic setup
If your carrier has made the plan available for your phone, tap Add eSIM and follow the on-screen prompts. Samsung says the plan may download and activate automatically. This option appears only when supported by the carrier and device.
Scan a carrier QR code
Request an eSIM QR code from your carrier. In SIM manager, tap Add eSIM > Scan QR code and scan the code. Samsung says the profile will download and activate. If the scan is rejected or no profile downloads, confirm with the carrier that the code is valid for your exact device and plan.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Enter an activation code
If your carrier provides a manual activation code, open the activation-code option in the Add eSIM or QR setup flow and enter the details exactly as provided. The precise label can vary; use the carrier’s instructions if it differs from the on-screen wording.
Transfer an existing eSIM
On supported phone and carrier combinations, Samsung provides an eSIM transfer option to move a profile from another Galaxy or Android phone. Follow the prompts on both devices if requested. Transfer availability is not universal, and Samsung Canada’s Instant Transfer guidance requires the new device to be unlocked.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What to do if eSIM activation does not work
There is no single troubleshooting sequence established for every Galaxy model and carrier. Start with the checks that determine whether the setup can work, then use the carrier’s current recovery steps for its activation method.
- Confirm the regional model supports eSIM and that the carrier supports eSIM for that model and plan.
- Verify that the QR code or activation code came from the carrier and is intended for this activation.
- Check whether the carrier requires a particular activation location or its own app or instructions.
- If a setup option is missing, ask Samsung about the model and regional variant, and ask the carrier which methods it supports.
Carrier-specific conditions should not be treated as general Samsung rules. For example, Verizon says some non-Verizon prepaid bring-your-own-device phones do not support its eSIM activation, and its cited setup requires Verizon coverage. Verizon advises travelers to activate before leaving coverage. Those restrictions apply to Verizon’s process; check your own carrier’s instructions.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Removing an eSIM profile does not cancel the plan
Removing an activated plan from the phone deletes its eSIM profile from that device; it does not terminate the carrier contract. To cancel service, contact the carrier. Samsung UK explains this distinction in its Galaxy eSIM guide.
Quick Recap
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Sources and regional guidance
- Samsung Canada: Transitioning from a SIM card to an eSIM (updated September 29, 2026).
- Samsung UK: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers (updated September 16, 2026).
- Samsung US: Dual SIM Phones — How to Configure pSIM and eSIM Devices.
- Samsung UK: How to use an eSIM with your Galaxy phone.
- Verizon: Samsung Devices — Download and Activate an eSIM.
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