How to Add an eSIM to Your Samsung Galaxy S24

Galaxy S24 can switch networks instantly thanks to its built-in eSIM. With an eSIM, you can activate a local data plan

 Your Galaxy S24 can switch networks instantly thanks to its built-in eSIM. With an eSIM, you can activate a local data plan (for example, a travel package from Airalo) without fumbling for tiny SIM cards. It’s perfect for travelers and tech lovers alike – no need for airport kiosks or SIM swaps. In the U.S., major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all support eSIMs. This guide walks you through adding an eSIM on the S24 step-by-step, covers dual-SIM features, installing an Airalo eSIM, and even converting an old physical SIM into an eSIM. We’ll also compare eSIM vs. traditional SIM (and their pros/cons) so you can see why eSIM is great for life on the move.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Most new phones (like the S24 shown above) have an embedded SIM chip inside, eliminating the need to handle a plastic SIM card. To add an eSIM on your Galaxy S24, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then tap Add eSIM. You’ll be guided to either let the phone detect a plan online or scan a QR code from your carrier. For example, if you buy an eSIM plan (from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or a provider like Airalo), your carrier will give you a QR code or activation code. In SIM manager you can tap Scan QR code and point your phone’s camera at it, and the S24 will download and activate that eSIM profile. Some carriers also let you enter a short activation code manually (in SIM manager, choose Enter activation code). Once added, the eSIM is live on your phone.

Major U.S. carriers fully support this: Samsung notes that AT&T, FirstNet, T-Mobile and Verizon (and many related providers) allow eSIM use. In fact, “eSIMs are widely supported by major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon” in the USA, so you can walk into a store or buy online and activate a plan instantly. Even many prepaid and MVNO providers (Metro by T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, US Cellular, etc.) are on that list. This means your new S24 can join almost any network via eSIM – ideal for travelers landing in a new city or swapping between work and personal numbers.

Step-by-Step: Adding an eSIM on Galaxy S24

1. Open Settings & Find SIM Manager: On your S24, go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.

2. Add the eSIM: Tap Add eSIM. Your phone may say it’s searching for available plans.

3. Follow Prompts: If your carrier’s service is detected, follow the on-screen prompts to install it. Otherwise, choose Scan QR code and scan the QR code you received from your carrier or eSIM provider. The phone will then download the eSIM profile.

4. Confirm Activation: After scanning or auto-installing, your eSIM is activated and ready. You can verify it in SIM manager, where it will appear alongside your physical SIM.

If you prefer, you can also do it the other way round: in SIM manager tap Scan QR code immediately, or pick Enter activation code if your provider gave you one. Either way, once the eSIM is added, it works just like a regular SIM – you’ll see its name in Settings and can enable it in the same menu.

Installing an Airalo eSIM on Your S24

Airalo is a popular global eSIM marketplace for travelers. To use Airalo on the S24, first download the Airalo app from Google Play and log in or create an account. In the app, go to My eSIMs and select the plan you purchased. Then tap View Instructions (or a similar option). You’ll typically see two methods: Direct (or Install) and Manual.

• Direct Install: If available, tap Install eSIM (Airalo will prompt permission). The S24 will automatically download the profile into SIM manager. Wait a few moments and you should see the Airalo plan appear under eSIMs.

• Scan QR Code: If a direct option isn’t available, choose Manual or Scan QR code. The app will show a QR code. Open your phone’s camera or SIM manager and scan that code to activate.

In short, you install an Airalo eSIM by letting its app push the profile to your phone or by scanning the provided QR code. This process is similar to any eSIM activation – as TechRadar notes, you can usually activate travel eSIMs by scanning a QR code or auto-installing via the app. Once installed, use SIM manager to pick the Airalo profile for data or calls as needed.

Dual SIM Features on the Galaxy S24

Yes – the S24 supports dual SIM use. Samsung explains a typical dual SIM setup as one physical SIM in slot SIM1 plus either another physical SIM or an eSIM in slot SIM2. In practice, you can run one carrier on your nano-SIM card and another carrier (or the same carrier) on the eSIM simultaneously. (In the USA model, you usually get one physical SIM tray plus the built-in eSIM.) The phone uses Dual SIM Dual Standby, meaning both lines are active but you pick one for data.

In SIM card manager, you can see both “SIM 1” and your eSIM listed. You can toggle each one on/off and designate a Preferred SIM for calls, texts and mobile data. There’s also an Auto data switching option: if your primary data SIM loses signal, the phone can automatically switch to the other one. This is handy for travelers: for example, use T-Mobile (SIM1) for calls/texts and an eSIM data plan (SIM2) for high-speed data in another country.

Note: The S24 Ultra (and some S24 models in certain regions) can even hold two eSIMs plus a physical SIM (allowing up to 3 numbers stored, 2 active at once). Many users report that the S24 Ultra can run two eSIMs concurrently (e.g. Verizon eSIM + T-Mobile eSIM). However, for most U.S. users, the key point is that one physical SIM + one eSIM can be active together on the S24.

Converting a Physical SIM to an eSIM

Want to ditch your plastic SIM card entirely? The S24 can convert a nano-SIM into an eSIM if your carrier supports it. This “SIM conversion” saves the current number on the eSIM. Samsung’s instructions are straightforward:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.

2. Tap the physical SIM entry (e.g. “SIM 1 – (AT&T)” or similar).

3. Choose Convert to eSIM.

4. Confirm by tapping Convert eSIM in the popup.

After a few moments, your number migrates to the eSIM and the physical SIM slot becomes empty. Your plan is now activated on the eSIM.

Please note: Your carrier must allow conversion. Some carriers (or locked phones) may not offer this option. Always check with the provider first. If conversion isn’t available, you can still remove the SIM and use only eSIM by adding a new plan using the steps above.

Pros and Cons of eSIM on Galaxy S24

• Pros:

  • Travel convenience: You can buy local data plans and install them instantly without hunting for a shop or waiting for a physical SIM delivery. This is a game-changer for traveling in the US or abroad.

  • Space-saving: No need to carry tiny SIM cards or tools. If your phone is lost, your numbers are safely embedded (not left on a stolen card).

  • Dual or multiple plans: Store multiple eSIM profiles (home and travel numbers) on one device. Switch between them in settings without swapping cards.

  • Instant activation: Many eSIM services (like Airalo) let you activate in minutes – scan a QR code at the airport or download via app, and you’re online.

• Cons:

  • Carrier limitations: Not every carrier or plan supports eSIM. Some smaller carriers or prepaid services might only offer physical SIMs. (However, most big U.S. carriers do allow eSIM.)

  • Locked phones: If your Galaxy S24 is locked to a carrier, you might not be able to use eSIM from another provider until it’s unlocked.

  • No physical backup: If you ever need to switch to a non-eSIM device, you can’t just pop out the card – though many carriers can issue a new eSIM. Also, if the phone’s software fails, you lose all eSIM profiles (they’d need to be re-installed).

  • Setup tech-savvy needed: Adding an eSIM involves QR codes and software steps, which might intimidate non-techies. (But luckily, guides like this one make it easier!)

In contrast, a traditional nano-SIM card (as shown above) must be handled carefully. It can be damaged, lost, or require different sizes/adapters. The eSIM removes that hassle.

eSIM vs. Nano-SIM Comparison

Feature	eSIM (Galaxy S24)	Nano-SIM (physical)
Activation	Downloaded via Settings (scan QR or use provider app).	Must insert a physical SIM card in the tray.
Switching Carriers	Easy: download new eSIM profile anytime.	Hard: need a new physical SIM for each carrier.
Number of Profiles	Multiple eSIM profiles can be stored (but 2 active).	Usually only one SIM in use at a time.
Travel Friendly	High – buy/activate from anywhere instantly.	Low – must find/purchase SIM physically.
Risk of Loss/Damage	Low – embedded in phone (can’t be dropped or burnt).	High – small card can be lost or broken.
Phone Lock-In	Only works on supported devices; switching phones needs reinstallation.	Can move SIM to any unlocked phone.

FAQs

Does the Galaxy S24 support eSIM? Yes! All Galaxy S24 models have eSIM capability. In Settings under SIM manager, you’ll see an Add eSIM option. Samsung confirms that the entire S24 family (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra) supports eSIM use.

Does the Samsung S24 have dual SIM? Yes, the S24 supports dual SIM (Dual SIM Dual Standby). This typically means one physical SIM in the tray and one eSIM active at the same time. You can use both lines simultaneously for calls/texts and assign one for data while the other handles calls.

How do I convert my SIM to eSIM? In Settings, navigate to Connections > SIM manager. Tap your physical SIM entry and choose Convert to eSIM. Confirm the conversion. Your number will move from the nano-SIM to an eSIM profile. (Make sure your carrier allows this feature first.)

How do I install an Airalo eSIM on Samsung S24? First, install the Airalo app from Google Play. In the app’s My eSIMs section, select the eSIM plan you bought. Follow the prompts: usually you’ll see an option to Install eSIM directly, or to View Instructions and scan a QR code. Choose the method you have (direct install or QR scan). Grant any permissions, and the S24 will download and activate the Airalo eSIM. Once done, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager to see and activate the new Airalo line.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S24 makes adding a second line or travel data plan easier than ever. By going into Settings and using the SIM card manager, you can install an eSIM from almost any US carrier or global provider like Airalo. You’ll enjoy the freedom to switch networks on the fly and keep your home number active. Remember to enable the right line in your SIM manager for calls or data, and consider converting old SIMs to eSIMs to streamline your life. In short, the S24’s eSIM and dual-SIM features give you flexibility without the fuss of physical cards – a real win for travelers and on-the-go professionals alike.

Sources: Official Samsung guides and carrier info, plus expert travel tech advice, were used to compile these steps.