How to Remove & Add eSIM on Samsung Galaxy S24 / S25 (One UI)
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Overview
This guide covers how to remove an existing eSIM and add a new one on Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 series devices running One UI 6.1 / One UI 7. Samsung manages eSIM through the built-in SIM Manager under Connections settings — the path is slightly different from iPhone but just as straightforward once you know where to look.
Before You Start
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network — eSIM activation requires an internet connection throughout the process.
- Ensure the device is carrier-unlocked. Carrier-locked Samsung devices may block third-party eSIM activation. If unsure, check with the original purchase carrier.
- For Galaxy S25 series: confirm the device is running One UI 7 or later. Go to Settings → Software Update and install any pending updates before proceeding.
- Have the QR code or activation code from the carrier ready. For CommsMobile eSIM swaps, this is issued via the Comms Portal → Services → Advanced → SIM Swap.
Step 1 — Remove the Existing eSIM (if applicable)
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM Manager (on One UI 7 this may appear as SIMs).
- Select the existing eSIM line you want to remove.
- Tap Delete eSIM and confirm when prompted.
- Restart the device before proceeding to add the new eSIM.
Step 2 — Add the New eSIM
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Choose your activation method:
- Scan QR code — Point the camera at the QR code provided by the carrier. This is the most common method.
- Enter Activation Code — Use this if the QR code was sent to the same device (can’t scan your own screen). Paste or type the code from the carrier.
- Search for eSIM — Use this only if the carrier has pushed the profile directly to the device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the eSIM profile. This typically takes 1–3 minutes — stay connected to Wi-Fi throughout.
- When prompted, give the eSIM line a name (e.g. CommsMobile) to distinguish it from other lines.
Step 3 — Set the New eSIM as Active
- Once installed, go back to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
- Confirm the new eSIM line is showing as Active.
- Set the new eSIM as the preferred line for Calls, SMS, and Mobile Data.
- If the device has a physical SIM installed alongside the eSIM (Dual SIM), confirm which line handles which function to avoid conflicts.
- Restart the device and test a call and mobile data connection to confirm the service is working.
Common Issues — Samsung Galaxy Specific
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM not recognised after One UI 7 update | Known bug in One UI 7 where SIM Manager loses eSIM connectivity after a major OS update | Toggle Airplane Mode ON → wait 30 seconds → OFF, then restart. If unresolved, reset network settings via Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings |
| “Couldn’t connect with SIM. Try again later” | SIM Manager service malfunction, often triggered by One UI updates | Clear the cache: Settings → Apps → SIM Manager → Storage → Clear Cache, then restart. If persistent, contact Samsung support — device may need a service centre visit |
| APN settings disappeared after update | Known issue where APNs are wiped after major One UI updates | Manually re-enter APN settings. For CommsMobile services, contact Comms Channel support for the correct APN details |
| “Add eSIM” option not visible in SIM Manager | Device may be carrier-locked, region-locked (e.g. some Asian market variants), or software is out of date | Update to the latest One UI via Settings → Software Update. If option still missing, the device may be carrier-locked — the customer will need to contact their original carrier to unlock |
| eSIM profile download fails or stalls | Weak Wi-Fi, firewall restrictions, or carrier provisioning delay | Switch to a different Wi-Fi network and retry. If the QR code has already been used, it cannot be scanned again — contact Comms Channel support to reissue the eSIM |
| eSIM installed but no service showing | eSIM profile not set as default data line, or service not yet provisioned | Go to SIM Manager and confirm the eSIM is set for Mobile Data. Check the Activity tab in the Comms Portal to confirm the SIM swap order has reached Complete status |
Key Notes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| SIM Manager path | Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (may show as SIMs on One UI 7) |
| S24 software | Runs One UI 6.1 (Android 15). eSIM path is identical to S25 |
| S25 software | Runs One UI 7 (Android 15+). Ensure device is updated before activating eSIM |
| eSIM profiles stored | Galaxy S25 can store up to 8 eSIM profiles but only 1–2 can be active simultaneously depending on region |
| Carrier-locked devices | Samsung devices purchased through a carrier may block eSIM activation — unlock must be requested from the original carrier |
| QR code is one-time use | Once scanned, the QR code cannot be reused. If activation fails, contact Comms Channel support to reissue |
| For CommsMobile eSIM swaps | Initiate the swap via Comms Portal → Services → Advanced → SIM Swap → E-SIM and monitor completion in the Activity tab |
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