Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

How to activate an eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy S23 series

Activate eSIM on your Galaxy S23 and enjoy the freedom of having multiple mobile numbers.
By
August 28, 2023

If you have recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S23, you may have heard about eSIM and its benefits. eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital SIM built into your phone and can be activated without requiring a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can have multiple phone numbers and plans on a single device, making it an attractive option for travelers or people who want to separate work and personal phone numbers. This article will guide you through activating eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy S23.

QUICK ANSWER

To activate your eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy S23, navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and select Add mobile plan. If you have a QR code from your service provider, scan it to complete the process.


KEY SECTIONS

How to activate an eSIM on the Galaxy S23 series

All Galaxy S23 series phones include an eSIM which functions as a SIM card. You can use the mobile network after activating the eSIM. To activate an eSIM, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Go into Connections.
  3. Tap on SIM card manager.
  4. Select Add mobile plan.
  5. Scan the QR code you received from your carrier.

How to convert your SIM to eSIM on the Galaxy S23 series

If you already have a physical SIM card, it may also be possible to convert it into an eSIM. Just be wary that not all carriers support this feature. If yours does, follow the next steps to convert your physical SIM into an eSIM.

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Go into Connections.
  3. Tap on SIM card manager.
  4. Select the SIM you want to convert.
  5. Pick Convert to eSIM.
  6. Confirm the decision by tapping on Convert eSIM.

Afterward, you may have to log in with your mobile carrier’s account and follow the on-screen instructions. Once complete, the physical SIM on your phone will be converted to an eSIM, and you can go about your business.


FAQs

Galaxy S23 owners may use up to two physical SIMs or one eSIM & one physical SIM at the same time. Considering one eSIM allows you to have multiple phone numbers, you only need one.

Yes, all of the following Samsung Galaxy devices support eSIM:

  • Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 4 / Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3 / Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold
  • Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra

No, your eSIM will automatically be retained upon a factory reset of a Samsung phone, including the Galaxy S23, without the need to activate it again.