Yes.Samsung lists the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra as eSIM phones. The catch: Samsung says eSIM may not work on phones from some countries of origin, and it doesn't list the S21 FE. Check yours in 30 seconds below.
Does the Galaxy S21 have eSIM? Samsung's support pages say the S21 series takes a physical SIM and an eSIM, if your mobile network supports it. Here's what Samsung says, how to check your own phone and how to add a travel eSIM.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 support eSIM?
Yes. Here's what Samsung's own pages say, checked in November 2026.
What Samsung says about the S21 series
- eSIM supported: Samsung lists "Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra" among the Galaxy devices that support eSIM (Samsung Singapore: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers, Samsung Canada, Samsung Australia).
- SIM and eSIM: Samsung UK says S21 phones support eSIM "if these are supported by your mobile network". Dual SIM can be two physical SIMs, or one physical SIM and an eSIM (Samsung UK: How do I install a SIM card in my Galaxy S21?).
- Carrier: the same page says eSIMs are provided by your mobile network provider, so ask your carrier if you're unsure.
Which S21 models don't support eSIM?
Samsung's eSIM pages carry this warning: "Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if your device is listed above." Samsung doesn't say which countries. Some guides say S21 phones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao have no eSIM, but we couldn't find that list on a Samsung page. Samsung's Hong Kong eSIM page doesn't list the S21 at all. So treat it as likely, not confirmed, and check your own phone.
The Galaxy S21 FE isn't on the Samsung eSIM lists we checked, so we can't confirm eSIM on it. Test it with the steps below.
So, is the Galaxy S21 eSIM compatible?
Yes, for the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra that Samsung sells in most countries. If you bought yours in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macao, imported it, or have an S21 FE, check before you buy a travel eSIM.
Galaxy S21 eSIM at a glance
- eSIM: yes on the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra, but it depends on the country of origin.
- SIM setup: a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two physical SIMs.
- S21 FE: not on the Samsung eSIM lists we checked.
- Carrier rules: your mobile network needs to support eSIM, and your phone must not be locked to another carrier.
Looking for another phone? See our list of eSIM supported devices. You can also check whether the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 supports eSIM.
How to check if your Galaxy S21 has eSIM
1. Look for Add eSIM in SIM manager
- Open Settings and tap Connections.
- Tap SIM manager.
- If you see Add eSIM, your phone supports eSIM.
That's the path Samsung gives for adding an eSIM (Samsung: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers). Menu names can differ a little with your software version.
2. Look for the EID
Samsung says the EID is on the phone's box, or under Settings > About phone > Status information (Samsung Hong Kong: Galaxy eSIM). If your phone shows an EID, it has an eSIM chip. More about what an EID number is and other ways to check eSIM compatibility.
3. Check that your phone isn't carrier-locked
If you bought your S21 on a contract, ask your carrier whether it's unlocked. Here's how to unlock your phone.
How to add an eSIM on the Galaxy S21
Samsung gives these steps (Samsung: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers):
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Scan QR code and scan the code from your carrier or eSIM provider.
- No QR code? Under Scan QR code, tap Enter activation code and type the code.
Keep the QR code until the eSIM works. Stuck? See our eSIM install guide or what to do when your eSIM won't activate.
Using a travel eSIM on your Galaxy S21
A travel eSIM gives your S21 mobile data abroad without swapping SIM cards. Your home SIM can stay in its slot for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. Here's how to set up and manage two lines, and how to prepare your phone for international travel.
Traveling to Europe, the USA or Canada? These are data-only plans. Check that your phone has Add eSIM in SIM manager and is unlocked before you buy.
Data-only eSIMs · Europe · USA · Canada · See all destinations
Other Samsung Galaxy models
Using another Galaxy? Check our guides for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S23.
FAQs
Does the Samsung S21 have eSIM?
Yes. Samsung lists the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra as eSIM devices. Support can depend on the country the phone was made for.
Can the Galaxy S21 use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Samsung UK says dual SIM can be one physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two physical SIMs.
Does the S21 Ultra have eSIM?
Yes. Samsung lists the S21 Ultra with the S21 and S21+. The same country-of-origin warning applies.
Does the Galaxy S21 FE have eSIM?
We can't confirm it. Samsung's eSIM lists we checked name the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra, not the S21 FE. Look for Add eSIM in Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
Does a Hong Kong or China Galaxy S21 have eSIM?
It may not. Samsung warns that eSIM may not be supported depending on the country of origin. Check for Add eSIM in SIM manager.
Can I use my Galaxy S21 abroad with a travel eSIM?
Yes, if it has eSIM and is unlocked. Add the travel eSIM for data and keep your home SIM for calls and texts.
