Samsung Galaxy S26 & S25 eSIM Guide (2026): Dual SIM, How Many eSIMs & Travel Setup

Quick Answer

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra support eSIM, and so does the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung says the S26 series supports nano-SIM + nano-SIM, nano-SIM + eSIM and dual eSIM, so you can keep your home number on one line and use a travel eSIM for data on the other. To add one: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM, then scan the QR code. Abroad, choose the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn on Data roaming for it. Your phone must not be locked to a carrier.

The Galaxy S26 series went on sale in March 2026, after Samsung presented it at Galaxy Unpacked on 25 February 2026. Many travelers now ask the same questions about it as they did about the S24 and S25: how many eSIMs it holds, whether two can work at the same time, and how to set up a travel eSIM without losing their own number. This guide answers them, with the exact menus in One UI.

Key facts

Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra: Samsung lists nano-SIM + nano-SIM, nano-SIM + eSIM and dual eSIM as supported configurations.
Two lines can be active at the same time (dual SIM). You can store more eSIM profiles than that, but only two lines are in use at once.
Galaxy S25, S24 and S23 series also support eSIM. The menu path is the same in recent versions of One UI.
The phone must be unlocked (not locked to one carrier) to use a travel eSIM from another provider.
A travel eSIM is data-only. Your home SIM keeps your number for calls, SMS and bank codes.
WhatsApp keeps your account and number when you switch mobile data to a travel eSIM.

Galaxy models and eSIM support

Model	eSIM	Two lines at once	Notes
Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra	Yes	Yes (including dual eSIM)	Launched February–March 2026.
Galaxy S25 series	Yes	Yes	Same SIM manager menus.
Galaxy S24 series	Yes	Yes	See our Galaxy S24 eSIM guide.
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip (recent models)	Yes	Yes	Check your exact model on our compatibility page.

Models sold in some countries can differ, so always check your phone's settings: if you see Add eSIM in the SIM manager, your phone supports eSIM.

How to install a travel eSIM on a Galaxy S26 or S25

Connect to Wi-Fi at home, before you travel.
Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider, and scan the QR code from your email. You can also enter the activation code by hand if your provider gives you one.
Give the new line a clear name, such as "Travel", so you can tell the lines apart.
Keep the travel line switched off until you land, so nothing is used before your trip.
At your destination, go to SIM manager → Mobile data and choose the travel eSIM. Then open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming for it.

Keep your home number and avoid roaming charges

In SIM manager, you can choose a different line for calls, messages and mobile data:

Calls and messages: your home SIM, so you can still receive calls and SMS codes.
Mobile data: the travel eSIM, so all apps use the cheap local data.
Data roaming on your home line: keep it off. Some phones have a "Data switching" option that uses the other SIM's data when one has no signal; turn it off abroad so your home plan is not used by accident.

Our guide to receiving bank OTP codes with a travel eSIM explains how SMS codes still reach your home line while you use the eSIM for data.

Troubleshooting

No "Add eSIM" option: your phone model or carrier may not support eSIM, or the phone may be locked to a carrier. Ask your carrier to unlock it.
"Unable to add eSIM" or "code no longer valid": most eSIM QR codes can be used only once. If you scanned it before, check SIM manager first: the eSIM may already be installed. See what to do if your eSIM QR code is not working.
eSIM installed but no internet abroad: check that the travel line is turned on, selected for mobile data, and that Data roaming is on for it. Then switch Airplane mode on and off once.
Slow data: if you use an unlimited plan, you may have used the daily full-speed amount. Speed returns the next day.

Ready to get connected?

Get a travel eSIM for 200+ destinations — instant QR by email, no roaming charges, with a discount applied automatically at checkout.

Browse eSIM plans

Moving to a new Galaxy

When you upgrade to a new Galaxy, your home carrier's eSIM may be transferable with Samsung's eSIM transfer feature, depending on your carrier. A travel eSIM normally cannot be moved between phones: install it on the phone you will travel with. If you change phones before your trip, contact your travel eSIM provider before you install it.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Galaxy S26 support eSIM?

Yes. The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra support eSIM. Samsung lists nano-SIM + nano-SIM, nano-SIM + eSIM and dual eSIM as supported configurations.

Can I use two eSIMs at the same time on the Galaxy S26?

Yes. The S26 series supports dual eSIM, so two eSIM lines can be active at the same time, for example your home number and a travel eSIM.

How many eSIMs can a Galaxy S26 store?

You can store several eSIM profiles, but only two lines can be active at the same time. Samsung does not publish a fixed maximum for stored profiles.

Does the Galaxy S25 support eSIM?

Yes. The Galaxy S25 series supports eSIM and dual SIM, and you add an eSIM in Settings → Connections → SIM manager.

Will WhatsApp still work if I use a travel eSIM for data?

Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not to the line that provides data. Your chats and number stay the same.

Do I need to unlock my Samsung phone to use a travel eSIM?

Yes. If your phone is locked to one carrier, it may refuse an eSIM from another provider. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.

The bottom line

The Galaxy S26 and S25 are excellent travel phones: you can keep your home number on one line and use a travel eSIM for data on the other, with no SIM swapping. Install your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, choose it for mobile data when you land, and keep data roaming off on your home line. Check your phone on our compatibility page, then find your plan on all destinations.