What is Dual SIM and eSIM for Samsung Galaxy?
Dual SIM means that there are two SIM slots within the device - a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Like a traditional SIM card, the eSIM stores data that's needed for your device to use the EE network.
Unlike a SIM card, an eSIM is downloaded onto your device.
You can use an eSIM with your Samsung Galaxy devices (including S20, S21, Z Flip, Note)
These phones are also 'Dual SIM'. They have two SIM slots meaning that you can have two numbers and two different plans on the same phone.
If your device is unlocked, you can also use a dual SIM phone to:
- use foreign SIM and your own SIM at the same time if you're travelling abroad
- use the same phone for two different numbers on separate networks, for example a work and personal number
Set up an eSIM on your Samsung
You will need an internet connection to set up your eSIM.
If you’ve been sent a paper QR code, scan it and the information stored in it will allow us to add the eSIM to your phone safely and securely.
To set up your eSIM line with a QR code:
- go into Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and then select Add Mobile Plan
- select Add using QR code and take a picture of the QR code on the eSIM pack (your camera will automatically open) - confirm by pressing Register > OK
- if this is a second SIM for your phone, you'll have the option to assign a name and icon for each number on your phone, and choose what numbers/plans are used for your data and voice messages
If you can't scan the QR code
You can manually add the information contained within the QR code if you can't scan it.
When the Add mobile plan screen is open, select Add using activation code.
The activation code is a single sequence of:
- LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$
- the unique 32-digit activation code found on your eSIM pack
- $$
For example, if your activation code is ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890, you'll need to enter
LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890$$
If you’ve ordered an eSIM for a SIM only plan with us, you’ll be able to download your eSIM from EE. Simply follow the instructions in your confirmation email. If you’re using the EE app, make sure you’re using the latest version and update it if not.
Setting up your phone if you're using two SIMs
You can set up a Samsung Galaxy Dual SIM device with a combination of:
- two physical SIMs
- a physical SIM and an eSIM
- a MicroSD card and an eSIM/physical SIM (except for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip)
Each SIM has a different number. If your device is unlocked you can also:
- have two SIMs on different networks (for example for a work number)
- insert a local SIM if you're travelling abroad
Managing what number to use for calls, messages, data, voice and apps
If you're using two SIMs you can set up which SIM your phone should use for:
- making and receiving calls
- data
- voice features
- messages
- apps
Calls
To choose what lines/numbers are used for calls, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line / Mobile Data.
The phone will warn you if you attempt to make a call from the “non-preferred” SIM.
You cannot have 2 active calls at the same time, for example if you were on the phone and received a call to your other number, that incoming call would go to voicemail.
You can set calls to be forwarded from one line to another.
Data, voice and messages
To choose what SIMs and phone plans are used by default for data, voice and messages go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
Messaging apps
“Dual Messenger” can create a duplicate application for each number, for messaging applications like Skype or WhatsApp. The option can be found in Settings > Advanced features > Dual messenger.