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No—the Samsung Galaxy S9+ does not support eSIM natively. Samsung’s specifications identify physical Nano-SIM support, and its current eSIM compatibility information does not list the S9+. Unlocking the phone or installing a software update will not add the eSIM hardware it was not designed with.
Why the Galaxy S9+ cannot use an eSIM
An eSIM is a programmable SIM integrated into a phone. It lets you download a carrier profile instead of inserting a SIM card. To use one, a phone needs compatible hardware and software, and the carrier must support eSIM activation for that device and plan.
Samsung’s launch specifications for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ describe physical Nano-SIM configurations. The U.S. S9+ specification sheet likewise lists Nano-SIM, not eSIM. Samsung’s Galaxy eSIM compatibility information covers newer device families and does not include the S9+.
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Taken together, Samsung’s published specifications and compatibility information do not identify any S9+ variant as eSIM-compatible. A later Android update cannot turn the phone’s physical SIM hardware into a native eSIM system. Nor does carrier unlocking add that capability: unlocking removes network restrictions, but it does not add missing hardware.
#1 Best Overall
- Internal Memory: 64GB 6GB RAM
- 64GB 6GB RAM of Internal Memory
What “dual SIM” means on some S9+ models
Some regional S9+ variants support dual SIM, but that does not mean they have one physical SIM and one eSIM. Samsung described the dual-SIM configuration as two physical Nano-SIMs, or a Nano-SIM plus a microSD card in a hybrid tray. Other versions are single-SIM.
The exact model number and region can affect the SIM tray, supported frequency bands and carrier compatibility. They do not change the central point: Samsung’s published information does not identify an S9+ edition as a native eSIM phone. Two IMEI numbers may indicate dual-SIM capability; they are not proof of eSIM support.
Rank #2
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charger and charging cable that may be generic.
- Fully Unlocked: Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.), both domestically and internationally.
How to check your own phone
- Check for an EID: Open the Phone app and dial
*#06#. On an eSIM-capable device, an EID—a 32-digit eSIM identifier—may appear among the device identifiers. The S9+ is expected to show IMEI information without an EID. See Airalo’s EID guidance. - Check SIM Manager: On Samsung devices that support eSIM, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and look for Add eSIM or, depending on software and region, Add mobile plan. Airalo explains this check in its device compatibility guidance. On the S9+, expect physical-SIM management options rather than an eSIM-add control.
Menu wording can vary by software version and region. These checks are useful confirmation, but no menu change, app installation, factory reset or configuration tweak can create native eSIM hardware.
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Will Airalo, Holafly or another travel eSIM work?
Not as a native installation on the S9+. Travel eSIM providers supply carrier profiles; they cannot bypass the phone’s lack of eSIM capability. Scanning an activation QR code does not make an incompatible phone compatible. Airalo’s compatibility guidance and Holafly’s phone compatibility guidance both require an eSIM-capable device. Use those services on a compatible phone instead, and check its exact model and carrier requirements.
Rank #3
- Product Type - CELLULAR PHONE
- Memory - 128. GB
- Components Included - Adapter
- Item Package Quantity - 1
Practical options
- Keep the S9+ and use a physical Nano-SIM. This is the most straightforward choice. Ask your carrier for a Nano-SIM or buy a local physical SIM when travelling. First check that the phone is unlocked and that its exact model supports the carrier’s bands and current network requirements.
- Use a compatible phone or hotspot for the eSIM. Install the travel plan on that device and share its connection with the S9+ over Wi-Fi. This adds another device to charge and may use more battery, but does not require unsupported modifications.
- Choose an eSIM-compatible replacement phone. Samsung’s current compatibility information includes newer Galaxy families, including the S20 series, subject to model, country and carrier exceptions. Verify the exact regional model before buying.
- Consider an eSIM-to-physical-SIM adapter only with caution. Some products claim to make eSIM profiles available through a physical SIM slot, but that is a third-party workaround, not S9+ eSIM support. Compatibility may depend on the adapter’s hardware and firmware, the S9+ variant, carrier restrictions and companion apps; it may occupy a SIM slot and can be unreliable. The available evidence does not establish a specific adapter as a dependable choice for the S9+.
Check carrier compatibility separately
Being able to insert a physical SIM does not guarantee that the S9+ will work fully on every carrier. Confirm the complete model number—for example, a number in the SM-G965 family—along with the phone’s unlocked status, supported frequency bands and the carrier’s current voice and data requirements, including VoLTE where applicable. Network support changes by country and provider, so check directly with the carrier before buying a SIM or relying on the phone for travel.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support, delivering rich contrast and true-to-life colors, perfect for immersive media consumption.
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