
Samsung Galaxies do have SIM card options, but not all models support them. The Galaxy S series, for example, has had SIM card support since the Galaxy S III.
Some Samsung Galaxies, like the Galaxy S21, have a dedicated SIM card slot, while others, like the Galaxy Note 20, use a hybrid SIM tray that can accommodate either a second SIM card or a microSD card.
Many Samsung Galaxy models support dual SIM options, allowing users to have two phone numbers or data plans on a single device. This is particularly useful for people who travel frequently or need to separate their personal and work lives.
The Galaxy S21, for instance, supports dual SIM cards, while the Galaxy A52 supports dual SIM cards with 5G connectivity.
For another approach, see: Samsung Tablets Dual Voltage
Samsung Galaxy Models
The Samsung Galaxy models have varying levels of eSIM support. The Samsung S21 supports eSIM technology, but you'll need to install a software update to One UI 4.0 beta to activate it.
If you're considering the Samsung S9, you're out of luck - it doesn't support eSIM technology at all. However, it does have two slots for regular SIM cards.
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra has eSIM implemented, and you can activate the service using a QR code or by entering information manually.
S21
The Samsung S21 is a great option if you're looking for a device that supports eSIM technology. You'll need to install a software update to the beta version of One UI 4.0 to enable this feature.
Activating eSIM on the S21 is a relatively straightforward process. Simply scan the QR code provided by your operator to get started.
The eSIM service can be activated using a QR code, making it easy to switch between plans or add new services to your device. This is a convenient feature that sets the S21 apart from other Samsung models.
To access the eSIM feature, you'll need to have the latest software update installed on your device. Make sure to check for updates regularly to stay connected.
Consider reading: Samsung Galaxy S25 Software Update
S10
The Samsung S10 is a great device, but unfortunately, it doesn't support eSIM technology or a digital SIM card. This means you'll need to stick with a physical nano-SIM.
If you're looking for a model that supports eSIM, you might want to consider a newer Samsung smartphone.
What Is eSIM and Nano SIM?
eSIM is an embedded digital SIM that gives you access to your wireless service provider's mobile data network, just like a nano-SIM card. Using both the nano-SIM card and eSIM at the same time may result in slower data transfer speeds in some areas.
To use an eSIM, you'll need to activate it, which is a relatively straightforward process. Launch the Settings app and tap Connections to get started.
A nano-SIM card is the smallest type of SIM card, used on today's iPhones, and it holds the same amount of data as earlier SIM cards. The nano-SIM card was introduced by Apple after the iPhone 4, and it quickly became the standard for most smartphones.
Most smartphones released since 2014 now support nano-SIM card technology as the standard, making it a widely adopted feature. If you're considering upgrading to a new Samsung Galaxy, you'll likely find that it supports nano-SIM card technology.
Using Dual SIM
Galaxy S22 phones are designed to support dual SIM cards, which can be placed on both the front and back of the dual SIM card tray with the gold-colored contacts facing outwards.
To insert the SIM cards properly, make sure they are placed on the tray with the gold-colored contact facing upwards and are fixed firmly into the tray. If you don't insert the SIM card properly, your phone may not recognize the SIM card.
Galaxy S22 supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles. You can use one or two physical SIM cards only, or one physical card and one eSIM profile.
Here are some popular phones that use a nano-SIM card, which is the type of SIM card supported by Galaxy S22:
- Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S20, S21 and all their variants.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Note 7 FE, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 10 Lite, Note 20, and Note 20 Ultra.
- Any of Samsung Galaxy A series: Galaxy A3, A5, A7, A8, and A9.
- Galaxy J3 2017 and later, Galaxy J5 2017 and later, Galaxy J7 and later.
- iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, X, 11,12, and 13 (and all variants).
- Moto X (all generations).
- Moto Z (all generations)
- Moto G5, G6, G7, G8 and G9, G10, G30, G50, G100, G stylus, G20, G40, G31, G51, G61, and G22 (all variants).
- Moto E4, E5, E6, E7, E20 (all variants).
- Motorola Edge (all variants and generations)
- Pixel and Pixel XL (all generations).
- LG G5, G6, G7, G8, G9 (all variants), V10, V20, V30, V40, V50, and V60.
S20
The Samsung S20 is a great option for those who want to use dual SIM technology. It's available with eSIM, which is a virtual SIM card that you can activate using a QR code or by entering information manually.
One of the benefits of the S20's eSIM is that it takes up less space in the device, allowing for more room for other features. This is a great option for travelers who want to easily switch between different phone plans or networks.
If you're considering the Samsung S20, know that it does support eSIM technology, giving you more flexibility and convenience when it comes to using dual SIM.
Using Dual Apps on a Phone
You can use two SIM cards on your Galaxy S22, which supports both 4G and 5G networks. This means you can have two phone numbers and two separate plans on one device.
The dual SIM version of the Galaxy S22 supports dual 4G, allowing both SIM cards to be registered on 4G networks and use voLTE if both plans support it. You'll also see the voLTE icon in the status bar.
To manage your two SIM cards, go to the SIM card manager in the Connections settings. Here, you can customize the name and icon of each SIM card, assign a default SIM card for calls, messages, and mobile data, increase the availability of the two SIM cards, and enable Dual SIM always on.
You might enjoy: Dual Clock
Some phones that use a nano-SIM card include the Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S20, S21, and all their variants. If your previous phone uses a micro-SIM card, it's not recommended to trim it to a nano-SIM, as this can damage the SIM card.
You can add multiple eSIM profiles on your Galaxy S22, but you're limited by the number of SIM cards supported for your phone. The single SIM version can only support one SIM card, and therefore, you can activate only one eSIM profile or one SIM card on Galaxy S22, not both at the same time.
Here's a list of popular phones that use a nano-SIM card:
- Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S20, S21 and all their variants.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Note 7 FE, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 10 Lite, Note 20, and Note 20 Ultra.
- Any of Samsung Galaxy A series: Galaxy A3, A5, A7, A8, and A9.
- Galaxy J3 2017 and later, Galaxy J5 2017 and later, Galaxy J7 and later.
- iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, X, 11,12, and 13 (and all variants).
- Moto X (all generations).
- Moto Z (all generations)
- Moto G5, G6, G7, G8 and G9, G10, G30, G50, G100, G stylus, G20, G40, G31, G51, G61, and G22 (all variants).
- Moto E4, E5, E6, E7, E20 (all variants).
- Motorola Edge (all variants and generations)
- Pixel and Pixel XL (all generations).
- LG G5, G6, G7, G8, G9 (all variants), V10, V20, V30, V40, V50, and V60.
Samsung Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22 supports two types of SIM cards: physical SIM cards and eSIM. You can use one or two physical SIM cards, or one physical card and one eSIM profile.
If your previous phone uses a micro-SIM card, it's not recommended to trim it to a nano-SIM, and it's better to get a new SIM card from your carrier.
A different take: One Ui 7 Update Samsung Devices
In most regions, the dual SIM version of the Galaxy S22 supports dual 4G, allowing both SIM cards to be registered on 4G networks and use voLTE if both plans support it.
You can manage the roles and functions of two SIM cards on Galaxy S22 in the SIM card manager, which allows you to customize the name and icon of each SIM card, assign a default SIM card for calls, messages, and mobile data, increase the availability of the two SIM cards, and enable Dual SIM always on.
Here are some ways you can use two SIM cards on Galaxy S22:
- Use one or two physical SIM cards only.
- One physical card and one eSIM profile.
- Activate one eSIM profile only.
Keep in mind that the battery drain may be slightly faster when using two SIM cards, potentially shortening battery life by about 5%-15%.
S23
The Samsung S23 is a powerful device that builds upon the features of its predecessor, the Galaxy S22. It has a slot for two regular SIM cards, allowing you to use both a digital SIM card and a physical one at the same time.
You can use both types of SIM cards simultaneously, giving you more flexibility and options for your mobile plan. This is a great feature for those who need to switch between different networks or plans frequently.
Some popular phones that use a nano-SIM card, which is compatible with the S23, include the Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, and S8, as well as the iPhone 5, 6, and 7. These devices can be used with the S23's dual SIM feature.
The S23 also supports eSIM profiles, which can be added manually by scanning a QR code provided by your carrier. This is a convenient feature for those who want to switch between different mobile plans or networks without having to physically change their SIM card.
In contrast to the S22, which cannot transfer eSIM profiles from an old phone, the S23 does not have this limitation. This means you can transfer your eSIM profile directly to the S23 when you upgrade your device.
Additional reading: Samsung Galaxy S25 to Feature 12gb Ram for Base Model
Using S22
The Galaxy S22 supports two types of SIM cards: physical SIM cards and eSIM.
You can use a physical SIM card on Galaxy S22 if it's a nano-SIM card, the smallest SIM card in the market.
If your carrier gives you a 3-in-1 SIM card, you need to detach the smallest part, as shown below.
Some popular phones that use a nano-SIM card include the Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S20, S21, and all their variants.
Galaxy S22 supports both 4G and 5G networks, with the ability to use two SIM cards on 4G networks and one SIM card on 5G networks.
To check the status of the SIM card on Galaxy S22, open Galaxy S22 Settings and tap About phone, then Status information, and finally SIM card status.
You can manage the roles and functions of two SIM cards on Galaxy S22 in the SIM card manager, where you can customize the name and icon of each SIM card, assign a default SIM card for calls, messages, and mobile data, increase the availability of the two SIM cards, and enable Dual SIM always on.
Galaxy S22 currently does not support multiple eSIM profiles concurrently, so you can only activate one eSIM profile at any time on Galaxy S22.
Here are the different ways you can use two SIM cards on Galaxy S22:
- Use one or two physical SIM cards only.
- One physical card and one eSIM profile.
- Activate one eSIM profile only.
Note that using two SIM cards on Galaxy S22 may slightly faster battery drain, depending on mobile signal quality and strength.
Setup and Management
In the SIM card manager page, you can set a default preferred SIM card for calls, SMS, and mobile data.
The default preferred SIM card for calls, SMS, and mobile data is set to SIM card 1.
You can manually choose the SIM card when making calls or sending messages in the Phone app and Messages app.
The default preferred SIM card does not overwrite your manual selection.
To change the default SIM card for mobile data, tap the mobile data field in the SIM card manager page.
You can then choose the default preferred SIM card for mobile data or turn off mobile data for both SIM cards.
Enabling mobile data in Galaxy S22 Settings or quick settings will use the default preferred SIM card.
You need to set up the default SIM card properly before enabling mobile data.
Readers also liked: Set Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Do galaxies have a SIM card?
No, galaxies do not have a SIM card. They are celestial bodies that don't require mobile connectivity, but your Galaxy phone or tablet does, and a SIM card is essential for that.
Featured Images: pexels.com


