• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
    • About Galaxy S20 Guides
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • New Features
    • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
    • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
    • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
    • Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21
    • How to use single take camera mode on Galaxy S20?
    • What is Galaxy S20 Hybrid Optic Zoom and Super Resolution Zoom?
    • How to customize icon shape on Galaxy S20 and S10?
    • Top 10 differences among Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
    • Top 5 new features of Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
    • 5 worst features of Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
  • How-to
    • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
      • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
      • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
      • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
    • Meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20
      • How to customize notification icon style in Galaxy S20 status bar?
      • How to enable and use Galaxy S20 developer options?
      • How to use and force Galaxy S20 dark mode?
      • A Complete Guide Of Galaxy S20 Assistant Menu
    • How to use and manage SIM card on Galaxy S20?
      • Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21
      • How to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20?
      • Master Mobile Networks Settings on Galaxy S20
      • How to customize Galaxy S20 ringtone quickly without using any third-party apps?
    • How to charge Galaxy S20 battery?
      • What is fast charging, super-fast charging, fast wireless charging and fast wireless charging 2.0?
      • How to use and customize power mode on Galaxy S20?
      • How to set battery limit for Wireless PowerShare on Galaxy S20, Note 10, and S10?
    • How to unlock Galaxy S20 when you forget the password or PIN (without resetting the phone)?
      • How to hide password on Galaxy S20 when typing it to boost security of your phone?
      • How to confirm PIN without tapping OK on Galaxy S20 (and other Galaxy phones)?
      • How to unlock Galaxy S20 to Home screen directly (without swiping on Galaxy S20 lock screen) with face recognition?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 face recognition (face unlock)?
      • How to manage location services on Galaxy S20 to protect your privacy?
    • Unbox Galaxy S20: Understand Items in Galaxy S20 Box
      • How to use Galaxy S20 recovery mode?
      • How to power on, power off, and restart Galaxy S20?
      • How to enter, use, and exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?
      • How to migrate data to Galaxy S20 from Android and iOS devices?
    • Galaxy S20 layout
      • How to customize and use Galaxy S20 Quick Settings?
      • How to easily take a screenshot on Galaxy S20 without using any third-party apps?
      • How to remap and use Galaxy S20 Side key?
      • The Ultimate Guide of Galaxy S20 Touchscreen Gestures
      • How to adjust volume for media, ringtones, notifications and alarm tones on Galaxy S20?
    • How to use and customize Galaxy S20 lock screen?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 always-on display (AOD) effectively?
      • Master Galaxy S20 lock screen settings
      • Use advanced features of Galaxy S20 wallpapers on the lock screen and home screen
      • How to use faceWidgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and Always-on display screen?
      • How to use app shortcuts on Galaxy S20 lock screen?
      • How to use in-display fingerprint reader to unlock Galaxy S20?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 navigation gestures?
      • How to use and customize Galaxy S20 navigation buttons?
      • How to use the Galaxy S20 Recents screen on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra?
    • Master Galaxy S20 Home screen
      • How to hide Samsung Daily (Bixby Home) on Galaxy S20?
      • How to lock the Galaxy S20 Home screen layout to prevent unintentional changes?
      • How to customize icon shape on Galaxy S20 and S10?
      • Use Galaxy S20 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S20 Home screen
  • Camera
    • How to use, manage and master Galaxy S20 camera modes?
    • How to use 5 different shooting methods for Galaxy S20 camera?
    • How to avoid mirrored photos (selfies) on Galaxy S20?
    • What is Galaxy S20 Hybrid Optic Zoom and Super Resolution Zoom?
    • How to use different camera lens to zoom in and zoom out on Galaxy S20?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 camera app?
    • Understand and use Galaxy S20 Camera Settings
    • How to take burst shot photos with Galaxy S20 burst mode like a pro?
    • How to use single take camera mode on Galaxy S20?
  • User Manuals
  • Accessories
    • Galaxy S20 LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover)
    • How to use Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover (S View cover)?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 LED back cover?
    • How to use SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C on Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and S8?
Galaxy S20 Guides

Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides

Everything about Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra

Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21

Last updated on: March 31, 2021 · First published on: March 11, 2020 2 Comments

Galaxy S20 eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra have eSIM support in most regions.  But your carrier may not support eSIM on Galaxy S20.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains what eSIM is, the advantages of using eSIM on Galaxy S20, how to check eSIM support on Galaxy S20, how to add eSIM Profiles on Galaxy S20, and how to use eSIM on Galaxy S20 together with physical SIM cards.

Galaxy S21 also supports eSIM. This guide also applies to Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

You may check this guide on how to use the SIM card tray and the physical SIM cards on Galaxy S20, and this guide on how to use SIM cards on Galaxy S21.

Table of Contents hide
1. What is eSIM?
2. Advantages of using eSIM on Galaxy S20
3. The requirements of using eSIM on Galaxy S20
4. Does Galaxy S20 support eSIM? How to check whether your Galaxy S20 supports eSIM?
5. How to activate and use eSIM on Galaxy S20?
6. Can I use two eSIM profiles simultaneously on Galaxy S20?
7. Can I use eSIM together with a physical SIM card?
8. Will my single SIM version Galaxy S20 become dual SIM? And dual-SIM version Galaxy S20 become triple-SIM?

What is eSIM?

Traditionally, you need to get a SIM card from your phone company to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and use mobile data.

The SIM card is your ID. It is unique in the whole global mobile networks. The mobile operators use the SIM card to identify the company issued the card, whether this card can connect to their network or not, and what resources (mobile plan) you can use if you can connect to the network.

As the SIM card is unique, you have to get the physical card from the carrier. When you change carrier, you cannot use the old SIM card, and you have to get a new SIM card from the new carrier.

The process can be painful. Sometimes, you have to visit a physical store and queue there for one or two hours for the tiny SIM card. Or sometimes, you have to wait a few days before it is delivered to your mailbox.

It is even more painful or some frequent travellers who prefer using a local SIM card (to avoid exacerbate roaming charges). Every time, when you reach the destination airport, you have to walk around the airport to get a local SIM card. In some countries, the SIM card sold in airports is usually not good for value.

eSIM, embedded-SIM (or more officially, embedded universal integrated circuit card, eUICC), was proposed to tackle this issue (and other provisioning issues). The standard is maintained by GSMA.

In a nutshell, eSIM is embedded storage for SIM cards in your phone. You can save each SIM card info as a Profile.

And, you can save multiple Profiles on it. GSMA does not limit the maximum Profiles you can save on one device. It is only limited by the storage capacity and the size of each Profile.

You can delete or add Profiles, which are [rovided by carriers. But you cannot modify the Profiles.

You can imagine the eSIM actually is a bag of SIM cards. You can choose which to use.

Again, eSIM standards do not limit the number of Profiles to be activated simultaneously. It is up to the hardware manufacture to decide.

Currently, all phones with eSIM support only allow you to use one eSIM Profile at any time, although you are free to switch to any of them at any time.

Advantages of using eSIM on Galaxy S20

The advantages of using eSIM on Galaxy S20 include:

  • You can save multiple SIM cards (Profiles) on the phone (although you can only use one at one time). You may not need to swap SIM cards when travelling.
  • For the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20,  you can save the slot 2 of the SIM card tray for micro SD card.  You can now use two SIM cards and one micro SD card simultaneously.  Without eSIM, you cannot use a micro SD card when using two SIM card because the hybrid SIM card tray (see Galaxy S20 layout) only has two slots.
  • It usually saves a lot of time when you need a new plan.

Please note, most carriers still charge you SIM card fees and activation fees for eSIM, although there is no physical card involved.

You may check this guide on how to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20.

The requirements of using eSIM on Galaxy S20

To use eSIM on Galaxy S20, you need to meet the following requirements

  1. Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra with eSIM support (read on).
  2. Your carrier supports eSIM.
  3. Your carrier supports eSIM for Galaxy S20
  4. Your carrier supports eSIM for the mobile plan you are using.

Some carriers support eSIM, but for iPhones only.  So, you need to check requirement #3 as well to make sure they also support eSIM on Galaxy S20.

Apple has a list of carriers with eSIM support. Please note some carriers on the list only support eSIM on iPhone.

Currently, 3 major phones  have eSIM support:

  • iPhone (iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR,  and iPhone 11)
  • Google Pixel (Pixel/Pixel XL 2, 3, 3a, and 4)
  • Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and S20 Ultra (read on)
  • Galaxy Z Flip
  • Motorola  Razr.

Besides, some carriers may only offer eSIM on selected plans, not all plans.

Does Galaxy S20 support eSIM? How to check whether your Galaxy S20 supports eSIM?

eSIM requires special hardware AND software.

All Galaxy S20 phones  (S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra) have the required hardware built-in.

But in a few regions, and in a few carrier models, the eSIM support was disabled. For this reason, we did not include eSIM support as a top 5 new features of Galaxy S20.

So, Galaxy S20 is eSIM-capable. But it may be disabled in the firmware by a few distributors or carriers.

In most regions, Galaxy S20 supports eSIM.

You can quickly check whether your Galaxy S20 supports eSIM in Galaxy S20 Settings

In Galaxy S20 Settings, tap Connections.  In the Connections pane, as shown below, tap SIM card manager.

Galaxy S20 SIM card manager: eSIM support check eSIM on Galaxy S20 and eSIM support

As shown above, in the SIM card manager page, if you can find the eSIMs section, it means your Galaxy S20 supports eSIM.

How to activate and use eSIM on Galaxy S20?

If your Galaxy S20 phone has eSIM support, as shown above, it is activated automatically.

What you need to do is to get a Profile (just like a SIM card) from your carrier.

Normally,  eSIM provisioning is done in one of the following ways:

  • Subscribe online.
  • Scan a QR code.
  • manually type the activation code.
  • Use a carrier’s mobile app.

For example, on Galaxy S20, if you tap Add mobile plan, as shown earlier, it will scan the provisioning servers to see whether there are any direct offers.

As shown below,  you can also choose to scan a QR code, or manually input the provisioning URL and the activation code.

use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and eSIM< support on Galaxy S20

Can I use two eSIM profiles simultaneously on Galaxy S20?

No, currently, none of the phones in the market supports two eSIM profiles simultaneously.

Galaxy S20 is not an exception.

This is NOT the limitation of eSIM standards. It is simply the limitation imposed by manufacturers (and carriers).

But you can save multiple eSIM Profiles.

Can I use eSIM together with a physical SIM card?

Yes, you can use eSIM together with a physical SIM card.

For the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20, both can be active concurrently. Of course, only of them can be connected to the 5G network.

For the single SIM version of Galaxy S20 (like those sold in the USA), only one of them (either the physical  SIM card or one eSIM Profile) can be activated. You can switch between two. But only one is connected to the mobile network.

Will my single SIM version Galaxy S20 become dual SIM? And dual-SIM version Galaxy S20 become triple-SIM?

No, eSIM can save additional Profiles. But the total number of SIM cards and Profiles can be used concurrently is imposed in the firmware.

For the single SIM version of Galaxy S20, you can still connect to one mobile network at any time, regardless of the number of eSIM Profiles you have in your phone. You can use either the physical SIM card or one eSIM Profile.

Similarly,  for the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20, you can have up to two mobile network connections.  It can be up to two physical SIM cards, or one physical SIM card + one eSIM Profile.

You may check Galaxy S20 SIM card guide for details.

Do you have any questions on eSIM support on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra? Can you use eSIM on Galaxy S20 now?

If you have any questions on using eSIM on Galaxy S20 Side key on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will help you get the answer.

If you have any questions on Galaxy S20, you may check other Galaxy S20 guides:

  • Galaxy S20 new features guides.
  • Galaxy S20 how-to guides.
  • Galaxy S20 camera guides.
  • Galaxy S20 accessories guides.
  • Official Galaxy S20 user manual in your local language.

You can also join us on our  Facebook page. 

Filed Under: How to guides Tagged With: dual SIM, eSIM on Galaxy S20, eSIM support, Galaxy S20 layout, Galaxy S20 Settings, micro SD card, mobile data, mobile network, SIM card, SIM card manager, SIM card tray, single SIM

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kym says

    July 4, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    On the Galaxy S20 Plus can you copy the information from a Nano SIM onto the eSIM thus doing away with the need to have the Nano SIM installed.

    Reply
    • simon says

      July 4, 2020 at 11:32 am

      No, you cannot. Only your carrier can provision eSIM profiles.


      -- Our Facebook page || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Chromecast Guides || Moto E Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S22 Guides --

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed

RSS Galaxy S22 Guides

  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings
  • The complete guide to Home Screen panels on Galaxy S22
  • How to Use Galaxy S22 Home Screen Edit Mode?
  • Lockdown Mode On Galaxy S22: The Definite Guide

RSS Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone Guide Pro

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level
  • How to manage Galaxy Buds Live in Galaxy Wearable App?
  • How to use touch control on Galaxy Buds Live?

RSS Chromecast Guides

  • Meaning of LED light on voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV
  • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
  • Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd Gen
  • What are supported systems for Chromecast Audio companion device?
  • What are the 3 compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio? and why it matters?
  • Chromecast Audio Guides
  • How to use Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast?
  • Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring
  • How to rename Chromecast?
  • Chromecast How-to Guide

RSS Moto G Guides

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

RSS Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone Guide Pro

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level
  • How to manage Galaxy Buds Live in Galaxy Wearable App?
  • How to use touch control on Galaxy Buds Live?

RSS Chromecast Guides

  • Meaning of LED light on voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV
  • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
  • Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd Gen
  • What are supported systems for Chromecast Audio companion device?
  • What are the 3 compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio? and why it matters?
  • Chromecast Audio Guides
  • How to use Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast?
  • Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring
  • How to rename Chromecast?
  • Chromecast How-to Guide

RSS Moto G Guides

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

Copyright © 2023 · Galaxy S20 Guides@GadgetGuideOnline.com · Powered by WordPress with Genesis Framework · Hosted by PTRhosting
Samsung Galaxy S20 how-to guides, user manuals, tips and tricks for Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra owners.
Disclaimer: Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ (S20 Plus) and Galaxy S20 Ultra are trademarks of Samsung. Android is a trademark of Google. This website is NOT affiliated with Samsung or Google in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.
Galaxy S20 Guides@GadgetGuideOnline is a member site of GadgetGuideOnline.com : Guides for your Gadgets.

Add Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides to your Homescreen!

Add