Samsung Galaxy S21 & S21 5G eSIM Installation Guide

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Written by James Peterson
Jun 05, 2026 4-min read

For travelers, remote workers, and users who frequently switch mobile plans, eSIM offers a more flexible way to stay connected on Samsung Galaxy devices.

The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 5G both support eSIM functionality, allowing you to activate a mobile plan digitally without additional hardware or complicated setup procedures.

Installing an iRoamly eSIM only takes a few minutes as long as your device is connected to Wi-Fi and your activation details are ready.

In this article, you’ll learn how to install the eSIM using a QR code or activation code, enable the mobile plan, and verify that the network connection is working correctly on your Galaxy S21 series device.

Preparations Before Setting Up iRomly eSIM

Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is recommended)

  • A valid eSIM QR code or activation code provided by your carrier

  • Your Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21 5G powered on and unlocked

  • The device updated to the latest available One UI version for better eSIM compatibility

  • The carrier account activated and eligible for eSIM service

Method 1: Install eSIM Using a QR Code

Step 1: Open SIM Card Manager

  • Open Settings

Settings S21

  • Tap Connections

Connections S21

  • Tap SIM card manager

SIM Card Manager S21

Step 2: Start Adding an eSIM

  • Tap Add mobile plan

Add Mobile Plan S21

The phone will search for available carrier plans.

Step 3: Open the QR Code Scanner

  • Under Other ways to add plans

  • Tap Scan carrier QR code

Scan Carrier QR Code S21

The QR code scanner will open automatically.

Step 4: Scan the Carrier QR Code

  • Position the QR code inside the scanning frame

Place the QR Code S21

  • Wait for the device to recognize the QR code automatically

  • When the mobile plan appears, tap Add

The Galaxy S21 will begin downloading the eSIM profile.

Step 5: Complete Installation

  • Wait for the installation process to finish

  • Tap OK if prompted

  • Tap Done

The installed eSIM profile will now appear in SIM card manager.

Step 6: Enable the eSIM

  • Stay in Settings → Connections → SIM card manager

  • Locate the newly installed mobile plan

  • Tap the switch next to the eSIM to turn it On

If prompted:

  • Tap Restart

The eSIM will activate after the device reboots.

Method 2: Install eSIM Using Manual Activation Code

Step 1: Open SIM Card Manager

  • Open Settings

Settings S21

  • Tap Connections

Connections S21

  • Tap SIM card manager

SIM Card Manager S21

Step 2: Start Adding an eSIM

  • Tap Add mobile plan

Add Mobile Plan S21

The mobile plan setup page will open.

Step 3: Open the QR Code Scanner Page

  • Under Other ways to add plans

  • Tap Scan carrier QR code

Scan Carrier QR Code S21

The QR code scanning screen will appear.

Step 4: Open Manual Code Entry

  • On the QR code scanner screen

  • Tap Enter code instead

Enter Code Instead S21

This option appears below the QR scanning frame.

Step 5: Enter the Activation Code

The phone will open the Add using activation code page.

  • Tap the Activation code field

  • Enter the activation code exactly as provided by your carrier

Enter Activation Code S21

After entering the code:

  • Tap Connect

Connect S21

The Galaxy S21 will contact the carrier server and begin downloading the eSIM profile.

Step 6: Finish Installation

  • Wait for the eSIM profile to install completely

  • Tap Done

The installed eSIM profile will now appear in SIM card manager.

Step 7: Enable the eSIM

  • In SIM card manager, locate the installed eSIM

  • Tap the switch next to the mobile plan to turn it On

  • Tap Restart if prompted

The eSIM will become active after rebooting.

How to Confirm the eSIM Was Successfully Installed

Check SIM Card Manager

  • Open Settings

Settings S21

  • Tap Connections

Connections S21

  • Tap SIM card manager

SIM Card Manager S21

You should see:

  • The carrier name

  • The installed mobile plan

  • The eSIM toggle switched to On

Check Network Signal

Look at the top-right corner of the screen.

You should see:

  • Signal bars

  • Carrier network name

  • LTE, 4G, or 5G indicator

Test Mobile Connectivity

Perform the following checks:

  • Make a phone call

  • Send a text message

  • Open a webpage using mobile data

If all services work normally, the eSIM installation was successful.

Note: Some eSIM plans may not include voice calling support, so this feature might not be available depending on your plan.

Conclusion

Once the setup is complete, your Galaxy S20 Ultra or Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G should be fully configured to use the installed iRoamly eSIM. In most cases, the phone will automatically connect to the network shortly after the activation finishes.

If needed, you can return to the SIM card manager anytime to enable or disable the eSIM, switch preferred data lines, or manage multiple SIM profiles directly from your Samsung device settings.