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Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 eSIM Compatible?

Mostly yes — the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra support eSIM in most regions, but several US carrier variants and all mainland-China models ship without it.

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Before buying a travel eSIM

  1. Check your exact model and purchase region, look for Add eSIM in the SIM settings and ask your home carrier to confirm that the handset is unlocked.
  2. Compare your model and purchase region with the table below. A second IMEI can belong to a physical SIM and does not prove eSIM support.
  3. Choose plans for your destination and check coverage, validity and what starts the activation clock. Install over Wi-Fi following the instructions for the plan you bought.

Want to try Wanderly first? Read the free eSIM trial requirements, including account eligibility, supported coverage and the no-charge card check, before claiming.

The Galaxy S21 series was Samsung's first widely eSIM-enabled flagship line, but support depends heavily on where the handset was sold and which carrier branded it. Unlocked international models almost always have it; several US carrier variants had eSIM disabled in firmware at launch.

The fastest way to settle it on your own phone: Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If an "Add eSIM" option appears, the hardware is enabled and ready.

The S21 FE is a separate case — it added eSIM support in most markets, but again not on every carrier variant.

Galaxy S21 eSIM support by variant

ModeleSIM support
Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra (unlocked, international)eSIM + nano-SIM supported
Galaxy S21 series (some US carrier models)eSIM disabled in firmware on certain variants
Galaxy S21 FESupported in most regions; varies by carrier
Galaxy S21 series (mainland China)No eSIM — dual physical SIM instead

Regional caveats and limits

  • Check SIM manager before buying a travel plan — the S21 is the generation where carrier variants differ most.
  • Mainland-China models have no eSIM hardware and cannot be converted.
  • Only one eSIM can be active at a time, alongside one physical nano-SIM.
  • The handset must be carrier-unlocked for a third-party travel eSIM to connect.

How to set up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S21

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
  2. Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
  3. Tap Scan QR code from service provider, or Enter activation code to type the SM-DP+ details.
  4. Rename the new line "Travel" so the two SIMs are easy to tell apart.
  5. In SIM manager set Mobile data to the travel eSIM, leaving Calls and Messages on your home SIM.

Roaming is set per line, so it has to be enabled on the travel eSIM rather than your home number. See how to turn on data roaming for the exact path on iPhone and Android. Moving to a different handset later? Read how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone first. Travel eSIM transfers depend on the plan; contact support before deleting a profile because its QR code may not be reusable.

Once your Samsung Galaxy S21 is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with Ireland eSIM, Iceland eSIM, Spain eSIM, Portugal eSIM, Italy eSIM or Germany eSIM. Browse all destinations.

Sources and verification

Compatibility details were last verified on August 27, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the phone was purchased.

Need help identifying the eSIM hardware? Read what an EID number is and where to find it.

Samsung Support: What is an eSIM and how do I use it?

Frequently asked questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 eSIM compatible?

In most regions yes — the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra all support eSIM. Some US carrier variants and all mainland-China models do not.

How do I check if my S21 has eSIM?

Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If you see "Add eSIM", the phone supports it.

Does the Galaxy S21 FE have eSIM?

Yes in most markets, though support varies by carrier variant — check SIM manager to be sure.

Can the Galaxy S21 use two SIMs at once?

Yes — one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM can be active simultaneously.

My S21 has no Add eSIM option. What now?

You most likely have a carrier variant with eSIM disabled or a China model without the hardware. A physical travel SIM is the alternative.

Once your Samsung Galaxy S21 is confirmed compatible and unlocked, compare travel plans by destination. On phones with Dual SIM, you can keep your home line enabled; your home carrier may charge for calls, texts or roaming.

Browse plans by destination

Compare Samsung Galaxy eSIM support

Check Galaxy S, Z, Note and A-series support before buying a travel plan.

Read: Which Samsung phones have eSIM?

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