Just received the Pre order for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and as the title says it doesn't have E-Sim functionality out the box.
I spoke to two Samsung Customer service representatives and they don't have a clue. I got so fed up trying to explain that I simply can't scan the QR code and enable the E-Sim that I'm going to return the phone as I need a dual sim device for personal and business needs.
I am aware that the Fold 2 had exactly same issue but it got enabled via a software update but I can't hang around for a software update to be sent out as I need to active lines.
Very poor product support by Samsung and it has soured my experience with them. They should release all their devices with e-sim support from the start and not rely on software updates further down the line.
if you are in the US, then eSIM is not supported yet.
when I contacted Samsung, they said T-Mobile USA (my carrier) needs to enable it. If i ask T-Mobile , they say that Samsung needs to release a firmware update.
I don't know who to believe.
It is extremely frurstating
mr_stoosh said:
Just received the Pre order for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and as the title says it doesn't have E-Sim functionality out the box.
I spoke to two Samsung Customer service representatives and they don't have a clue. I got so fed up trying to explain that I simply can't scan the QR code and enable the E-Sim that I'm going to return the phone as I need a dual sim device for personal and business needs.
I am aware that the Fold 2 had exactly same issue but it got enabled via a software update but I can't hang around for a software update to be sent out as I need to active lines.
Very poor product support by Samsung and it has soured my experience with them. They should release all their devices with e-sim support from the start and not rely on software updates further down the line.
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I wouldn't be so quick to blame Samsung - my understanding is that the lack of e-SIM support (or any kind of dual-SIM capability) in North America is being driven by the carriers. We're making progress though - at least now we can easily buy unlocked phones (or imported dual-SIM phones) which was nearly impossible not that long ago.
jtOttawa said:
I wouldn't be so quick to blame Samsung - my understanding is that the lack of e-SIM support (or any kind of dual-SIM capability) in North America is being driven by the carriers. We're making progress though - at least now we can easily buy unlocked phones (or imported dual-SIM phones) which was nearly impossible not that long ago.
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I'm based in the UK and was informed prior to ordering the phone by a Samsung customer service representative that the phone would be e-sim ready.
There is quite a demand for e-sims in this country and we have a fair few phones that offer the service out of the box.
Just a little annoyed that Samsung couldn't get this service up and running on the device prior to release.
Nevertheless not my problem any more as I have initiated a return and will be looking to buy something else.
Just a side note, other US modes in the S20 series do not have the eSIM enabled either, and those hasn't been released yesterday. The only Samsung phone that seems to have eSIM enabled in US is the Fold. Bottom line is, don't count on this feature. Kinda hope to find a viable workaround on XDA or other forums. The eSIM is the main reason i don't hit that "buy" button on this phone just yet, i'd really like to have an eSIM capability on my next device (not for a day to day use, but for traveling purposes).
but here in germany it is normal, that every samsung phone that has esim also have it enabled.
maik005 said:
but here in germany it is normal, that every samsung phone that has esim also have it enabled.
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Pay the most (per cost of living) and get the least.
'MERICA!
maik005 said:
but here in germany it is normal, that every samsung phone that has esim also have it enabled.
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But that means that your s20 fe 5g has esim?
Mine, from Spain, has no esim support and I also would like to have it.
Thanks.
manolito1998 said:
But that means that your s20 fe 5g has esim?
Mine, from Spain, has no esim support and I also would like to have it.
Thanks.
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No.
Because there is no S20 FE (5G) with eSIM support.
Sorry for bringing alive a zombie thread.
Do we know if the s20 FE will have esim support via software updates?
YYZviaYUL said:
Sorry for bringing alive a zombie thread.
Do we know if the s20 FE will have esim support via software updates?
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According to this (https://piunikaweb.com/2021/01/29/w...sim-support-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-in-u-s/), nope, and it will never have it in US. Now they say S21 may eventually get it. Bottom line is - forget about it.
Question 1. Is the bootloader unlockable on the UW version if purchased from google.com
Question 2. Will the 4a 5g (non UW version) still be fully supported on Verizon. **I don't care about 5g at this point in time
In other words... What I'm really trying to find out is if Verizon will "force" me into buying the UW version and refuse to activate the non UW version
Yes, Verizon's version will have the UW band and they will make you buy that one if you want that feature on it. No the bootloader is LOCKED.
https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/veri...pixel-4a-5g-again-reveals-the-millimeter-wave
My understanding though is that any unlocked pixel will work on Verizon but will not have the above-mentioned 5G UW support. Based on reading on previous devices like the One Plus 6 and higher you will have to take an extra step or 2 to get VZW to certify the device but it will work.
I have said goodbye to Verizon after 15+ years in October. I was convinced that they had the best coverage but I just couldn't continue to pay anymore. I should have switched years ago. I have Google Fi and have ZERO regrets. Not only do I have a bootloader unlocked device, if you act soon you can get the deals mentioned in the other parts of this forum if you want to switch.
*My Shameless plug and referral link to receive $20 Fi credit!
I have the unlocked model working on Verizon. Nothing special needed. Just put in your sim and off you go. I didn’t order the Verizon version because I don’t need that extra 5g band at this point.
I just got Google Fi deal 4a 5g which doesn't have UW. eSIM for my personal Fi, physical for my work Verizon sim, dual standby works wonder. Don't care about 5G anyway.
I am really interested in getting the S21 Ultra but need a dual sim phone for my work number. Speaking with Samsung support, the only version of the S21 Ultra that is dual sim and has the Snapdragon 888 is the Chinese version. Looking online I can find some online that ship to Canada.
What should I know before buying a Chinese Samsung phone. I have read that I need to manually install google play services. Is there anything else?
It's the Sm-g9980. It's a snapdragon dual sim.
I have the note 20 equivalent. Biggest issue seems to be getting updates. We are the forgotten model. Still on android 10.
ekerbuddyeker said:
It's the Sm-g9980. It's a snapdragon dual sim.
I have the note 20 equivalent. Biggest issue seems to be getting updates. We are the forgotten model. Still on android 10.
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If I flash a different ROM, would I lose dual sim?
Go through the forums on note 20 ultra. I am sure you will find there's little or no option for that.
Samsung Pay might not work.
So, after many frustrating hours on the phone with different Samsung agents who insisted that the US S21 Ultra supports eSIM (but couldn't get it to work), one agent finally admitted that eSIM is not enabled "as of now". This is despite the fact that Samsung expressly promised eSIM functionality on their US website:
"Does Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G support eSIM?
Yes, you can use an electronic SIM, known as eSIM, with Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The eSIM allows you to activate a mobile network plan right on your phone, so you can switch data plans or add an overseas phone number without the physical Nano SIM."
https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/#!
As of this post, the above Q&A is still on Samsung's US website. Isn't this blatant fraud? Where can I file a complaint?
While I am still within the return window, simply getting a refund isn't good enough as I already paid money to my carrier to convert my physical SIM into an eSIM in anticipation of being able to use it with my S 21 Ultra.
Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.
jeremyvbk said:
Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
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That logic doesn't make sense when it comes to the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung's website. Also my eSIM is from an international carrier and not a US carrier, and it works on my previous Samsung device (bought in Asia).
jeremyvbk said:
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.
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They changed it a few days after the launch. The previous Q&A was as shown in my quote above. I scrolled through the website carefully (including reading the endnotes) and there was no such caveat previously.
Also, I am new to the US and was not aware of this issue previously. I have used Samsung devices in Asia for many years and never had this issue. I'm not sure why US customers put up with this blatant fraud if it is happening each time.
draykin said:
That logic doesn't make sense when it comes to the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung's website. Also my eSIM is from an international carrier and not a US carrier, and it works on my previous Samsung device (bought in Asia).
They changed it a few days after the launch. The previous Q&A was as shown in my quote above. I scrolled through the website carefully (including reading the endnotes) and there was no such caveat previously.
Also, I am new to the US and was not aware of this issue previously. I have used Samsung devices in Asia for many years and never had this issue. I'm not sure why US customers put up with this blatant fraud if it is happening each time.
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Because the unlocked version has to work with those carriers, and having esim support turned on could lead to more issues than what is currently out there. Samsung has disabled it so you don't have droves of people going to carriers saying service doesn't work when the carriers haven't supported the phones for eSim. Because those carriers will send you right back to Samsung for warranty exchanges. Costing Samsung money.
The phones do support eSim. It is no different than the phones disabling bands depending on csc. Also the US unlocked versions apply the csc based on the carrier, also why the eSim is disabled. Its not fraud. The information isn't fraud
jeremyvbk said:
Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.
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Click to collapse
Does it mean s21 ultra supports esim?
works on mine - Vodafone UK - been with an esim since s20 and now also on s21
makes no difference really to being on a sim or e-sim
jacklivehere said:
Does it mean s21 ultra supports esim?
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All of the phones support it but have it disabled on purpose because the carriers do not support it. Its like the S21 supports N71 and band 71 but on ATT CSC those bands are disabled.
jeremyvbk said:
All of the phones support it but have it disabled on purpose because the carriers do not support it. Its like the S21 supports N71 and band 71 but on ATT CSC those bands are disabled.
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The Samsung website quoted above only says s21 and s21 plus doesn't support esim. Doesn't say about s21 ultra
jacklivehere said:
The Samsung website quoted above only says s21 and s21 plus doesn't support esim. Doesn't say about s21 ultra
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They are saying you can't use them in the US. The devices have the hardware already included in the devices. They are disabled. The same with the Ultra, as it has been the same for the last years worth of phones
Same in canada. Its been a coming soon with an update feature for years now. Another small thing I miss about my pixel.
I wonder if this is why i can not get my s21 U to take an upgraded T mobile sim. I have been trying since Friday to get the Upgraded network sim from T mobile to install on my phone. I had been on sprint and since the merger last year my sprint connections had been getting progressively worse as the year went on - dropped calls and phone going into roaming mode at home for example, I had a note 10+ i traded in for the s21U and about 3 weeks ago was able to ditch the old sprint sim for the new t mobile one on the note and what a difference ! So anyway, i have been into a t mobile store a couple time and they could not get the t mobile sim to activate, and called sprint a couple times to try and activate it and they could not either but was finally able to active a sprint sim which i dont want. They had said that my s21 was not for some reason compatible with the new t mobile sim. I got the 512gb S21 ultra unlocked direct from samsung.
Disabled esim...
Is it because Samsung is weak compared to Apple or Google? Can't stand up to US carriers?
They can't say it is not compatible with carriers when Apple already went through the motions and is not compatible with all the carriers. They could have used this excuse two phones ago but for us to be having this discussion now is uncalled for. I'm returning this crap now until Samsung stops committing this fraud on its customers and gets its act together.
thdaddy34 said:
They can't say it is not compatible with carriers when Apple already went through the motions and is not compatible with all the carriers. They could have used this excuse two phones ago but for us to be having this discussion now is uncalled for. I'm returning this crap now until Samsung stops committing this fraud on its customers and gets its act together.
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Agreed!
NasTraDooMis said:
I wonder if this is why i can not get my s21 U to take an upgraded T mobile sim. I have been trying since Friday to get the Upgraded network sim from T mobile to install on my phone. I had been on sprint and since the merger last year my sprint connections had been getting progressively worse as the year went on - dropped calls and phone going into roaming mode at home for example, I had a note 10+ i traded in for the s21U and about 3 weeks ago was able to ditch the old sprint sim for the new t mobile one on the note and what a difference ! So anyway, i have been into a t mobile store a couple time and they could not get the t mobile sim to activate, and called sprint a couple times to try and activate it and they could not either but was finally able to active a sprint sim which i dont want. They had said that my s21 was not for some reason compatible with the new t mobile sim. I got the 512gb S21 ultra unlocked direct from samsung.
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My S21 Ultra works fine with the T-Mobile R15 SIM. To be fair, though, I think I might have activated it on my iPhone 12 Pro Max first and then just dropped it in the S21 Ultra. I don't remember now. But it should work.
It pays off to do some research before dropping a stack of cash on a smartphone. All this fuss over eSIM. Carrier's in the US don't want to give their subscribers the option to switch Service Provider's, they lose money. Same reason no Dual-Sim devices are offered by US Carriers. Samsung could lean on them to enable eSIM but for whatever reason they won't. Simple solution, buy a Non-US S21 Ultra Dual Nano-SIM device.
Hi, in Russia e-sim it works perfectly on all operators( carriers). Its very strange why in US you have this problem.
varcor said:
It pays off to do some research before dropping a stack of cash on a smartphone. All this fuss over eSIM. Carrier's in the US don't want to give their subscribers the option to switch Service Provider's, they lose money. Same reason no Dual-Sim devices are offered by US Carriers. Samsung could lean on them to enable eSIM but for whatever reason they won't. Simple solution, buy a Non-US S21 Ultra Dual Nano-SIM device.
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It's true except for the fact that if you want 5G in the US, the non-US dual sim samsung devices don't have the appropriate bands for it. So you get dual sim but no US 5G.
I confirm esim working in S21 Ultra Snapdragon SM-G998U1 in Android 12 Colombia Bogota but keep in mind that in Colombia the esim only works with movistar
Hi guys,
All the online shops say WILL NOT WORK ON VERIZON on their g973f model listings, but some of the reviews say it's fine. Plus I've heard elsewhere that that's true, but I wanted to come here to confirm.
Will a Verizon sim work in a g973f?
I'm about to pull the trigger on purchasing one, and I would very much like to root, so I'm avoiding snapdragon.
Thanks!