Galaxy S10 Guides

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Galaxy S10 SIM card tray

How to use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e?

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use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10eIn most regions, you can use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e if you choose not to use a micro SD card.

The dual-SIM version of Galaxy S10 can work in dual-standby mode.  The two SIM cards share (time sharing) one modem and therefore the dual SIM version of Galaxy S10 does not support dual active mode.

This Galaxy S10 how-to guide explains how to use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, how to enable and use dual SIM always on and how to use SIM card manager to set preferred SIM cards for calls, messages, and mobile data.

Please note, Galaxy S10 5G only supports one SIM card in all regions. So, in this guide, Galaxy S10 refers to Galaxy S10, S10e, and S10+ only.

Who can use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e?

In most regions of Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, Galaxy S10 (except S10 5G) supports two SIM cards (dual SIM version).

You can use two SIM cards concurrently. In some countries, some carriers charge excessively for mobile data if the SIM card can also make calls. Some bundle very limited mobile data with voice plans. In this case, you can use one SIM card for calls, one for mobile data.

Or when traveling, you can use one SIM card issued in your home country and the other one from a local carrier. In this way will not miss important calls and messages without paying excessive roaming voice and data fees.

You can also use one SIM card for work-related communications, and the other for private affairs.

To use two SIM cards on Galaxy S10, you need to have a dual SIM version of Galaxy S10. As mentioned, unless you bought Galaxy S10 in North America, your Galaxy S10 (S10, S10+, and S10e) is very likely the dual SIM version.

How to check whether the Galaxy S10 is a dual SIM version or a single SIM version?

If you are not sure, check the IMEI number in Galaxy S10 Settings —About phone.

As shown in the screenshot below, if there are two IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, it means it is a dual SIM version of Galaxy S10, and you can use two SIM cards.

Also, if the model number has a suffix of /DS as shown in the screenshot, it also indicates it is a dual SIM version of Galaxy S10.

Of course, on the box of Galaxy S10, the dual SIM version is usually stated as Duos.

The limitation of Galaxy S10 dual SIM capabilities

For dual SIM phones, there are two variants: dual standby, and dual active, as explained in this guide.

In a nutshell, dual-SIM dual standby (DSDS) means the two SIM cards share one set of modem and antenna. The time-sharing (similar to virtualization) is implemented in the software, and the user should not notice it when both SIM cards are … Read the rest

Galaxy S10 SIM card guide

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You need to insert a SIM card to Galaxy S10 SIM card tray to use the mobile network (voice, SMS, and mobile data).

In the Galaxy S10 box, a SIM card is not included (although the SIM card tray ejection pin is included). You have to get one from the carrier. Of course, it is not free.

This Galaxy S10 how-to guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S10 SIM card: the size of the SIM card used in Galaxy S10, add or change the SIM card for Galaxy S10, check mobile network connections on Galaxy S10, use the SIM card tray for the single-SIM and dual SIM versions of Galaxy S10.

What is the SIM card size for Galaxy S10?

Galaxy S10 (all 4 models, Galaxy S10, S10e, S10+, and Galaxy S10 5G) requires a nano-SIM card, which is the smallest SIM card currently.

Most phone companies now offer 3-in-1 SIM cards as illustrated below. You can detach the smallest part as a nano-SIM card and use it on Galaxy S10.

After detaching the nano-SIM card, do not throw away plastic parts, which can be used as a SIM card adapter for old devices that may require a micro or even mini-SIM card.

You can use the existing SIM card for Galaxy S10 if you migrated to Galaxy S10 from any of the following phones,

  • Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, and S9 and all their variants (e.g., S9+, S8+, S7 edge, S6 edge, and S6 edge+).
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5,  Note 7 FE, Note 8, and Note 9.
  • Any of Samsung Galaxy A series: Galaxy A3, A5, A7, A8, and A9.
  • Galaxy J3 2017 and later, Galaxy J5 2017 and later, Galaxy J7 and later.
  • iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8 and X (and all variants).
  • Moto X (all generations).
  • Moto Z (all generations)
  • Moto G5, G6, and G7.
  • Moto E4 and E5.
  • Pixel and Pixel XL (all generations).
  • LG G5, G6, G7 (all variants), V10, V20, V30 and V40.
  • Many other phones released after 2016.

If you are not sure whether you can use your existing SIM card on Galaxy S10, please post your phone model in the comments box below. We will try to check it for you.

Due to the size difference, you must use a nano-SIM card on Galaxy S10. The Galaxy S10 SIM card tray was designed for this SIM card size only.

If your old SIM card is a micro SIM card,  and your carrier charges you for changing to the nano-SIM,  you may trim the old SIM card to a nano-SIM card. It is recommended to do it in the handphone shop. They usually use a specialized clipper,  which is more accurate and safer than your scissors.

If your old SIM card is a mini SIM card, you need to check with the handphone shop. Some old mini-SIM cards have larger metal part than a nano-SIM card. If this is the case, then you cannot trim it … Read the rest

Unbox Galaxy S10: understand Galaxy S10 box contents

What is in the Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e box? How to use them?

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After unboxing Galaxy S10 (S10, S10+, or S10e), you need to understand the Galaxy S10 box contents: what is in the Galaxy S10 box? How to use them?

Understanding the items included in the Galaxy S10 box will surely help you use the phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e) properly and effectively.

This Galaxy S10 how-to guide shows you the package contents of the Galaxy S10 box and explains the usage of the items of Galaxy S10 box contents.

The Galaxy S1o box contents are identical for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, except the phone (and the dimensions of the box). In this page, we will use Galaxy S10 to refer to all these 3 Galaxy S10 phones.  You may refer to Galaxy S10 specifications to find the differences among these 3 Galaxy S10 phones.

What are the items of Galaxy S10 box contents?

In different regions, Galaxy S10 distributors may insert some additional promotional items.  But the “standard” box contents are standardized by Samsung.

In almost all regions, you can find these 10 common Galaxy S10 box contents as illustrated in the picture below.

  1. The Galaxy S10 box
  2. The phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S1oe)
  3. A transparent back cover
  4. A USB cable (USB-A to USB-C)
  5. AKG headset (with 3.5mm connector)
  6. Wall charger (travel adapter)
  7. USB connector
  8. SIM card tray ejection pin
  9. Quick start guide
  10. A leaflet of “How to transfer contents to Galaxy S10”

If you miss any items in the Galaxy S10 box, you may check with the seller.

How to use items of Galaxy S10 box contents?

Of course, each item in the Galaxy S10 box is for you to use and enjoy the phone.

#1. The Galaxy S10 box

The box should be sealed by Samsung or a local distributor.

The seal is to indicate this is an unopened package. If it is a pre-owned S10, it should be stated clearly in the box.

#2. The Phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e)

The phone is the main and the most expensive item in the Galaxy S10 box.

In most regions, for Galaxy S10, and S10+, a plastic screen protector has been pasted on the screen already.  It is not the normal protective film.

If you plan to use a screen protector on Galaxy S10, or S10+, you need to know that many tempered glass screen protectors do NOT work with the in-display fingerprint sensor (see this page), therefore Samsung applied this plastic screen protector for you before you can find a compatible screen protector. You may check this guide on how to use Galaxy S10 in-display fingerprint scanner to unlock Galaxy S10.

For Galaxy S10e, the fingerprint is mounted on the power button, and therefore all screen protector should work with the phone. This is the reason why Samsung does not give a screen protector for Galaxy S10e.

All new Galaxy S10 phones should have about 50-60% battery. You can charge the battery after finishing the setup, or charge the battery before using … Read the rest