S25 ultra (e-sim) randomly switching to "emergency calls only" while traveling

[syedahmedsaad]

Hello everyone,

I recently upgraded from my Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to the new Galaxy S25 Ultra and have been facing a persistent issue with the eSIM. I am using two SIMs (one physical and one eSIM), exactly as I did on my Note 20 Ultra, where everything worked perfectly.

On the S25 Ultra, however, the eSIM randomly switches to “Emergency Calls Only” mode whenever I am traveling. After some time, it reconnects to the network on its own. This happens at completely random locations while on the move, but not when I am stationary — at home or in the office, the eSIM stays connected without issue.

I have already tried the following troubleshooting steps:

• Confirmed with my network operator that eSIM provisioning and backend configuration are correct.

• Installed the latest software update on the device.

• Switched between 5G and LTE preferred network modes.

• Tested both automatic and manual network selection.

• Reset network settings for the eSIM.

• Cleared cache and data for the SIM Toolkit app.

• Run all available diagnostic tests through Samsung Members (all results normal).

Despite all this, the issue persists. It seems to occur when the phone switches between towers (handover) - I sincerely hope this is only a software issue.

I have seen similar reports from other users but no confirmed solution yet. I sincerely hope this is something Samsung can address through a software update.

If anyone has faced this issue or found a resolution, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thank you in advance!

[Noobie]

I mean, there may not be coverage on the area you're on. Try to check the coverage map and see if your area has any service

[syedahmedsaad]

Thank you for the suggestion. The coverage in the area is perfectly fine — I have tested it using a physical SIM from the same operator on another phone, and it works without any coverage loss. This seems to be an issue specific to the eSIM on the S25 Ultra.

[nullandvoid]

Have you tried resetting your mobile connection? Settings, general management, reset. Choose reset mobile network settings.  if you don't want to do it yourself, you can probably have them do it at the carrier store.  You can also try having your carrier reprovision your eSIM.

[syedahmedsaad]

Yes, I had already reset the mobile connection (in general management) as mentioned in my original post.

As far as sim reprovisioning is concerned, I spoke to the network operator support team who say that the configuration is ok at their end. I think I should pay them a visit as well just to reconfirm.

[Robin621k]

I have both a Pixel 10ProXl and a S25U that I switch my eSIM between on a regular basis. It has been my experience that it is not the phone hardware but eSIM itself that is the problem. I have never had as many problems with connections as I have had since I made the switch to eSIM only.

Before I upgraded to the Pixel 10ProXl from my Pixel 9proXl I was physical SIM only and never had any issues. Since the switch, nothing but issues with consistency in data speeds and more importantly battery life. It has been my experience that a physical SIM has been better at the hand off to the different flavors of 5G in NYC on Verizon, between C-Band and mmWave.

I hope this explains at least somewhat of what you are experiencing.

[syedahmedsaad]

Thanks for the response. I understand your point, but I had no such issue using the same e-sim on my previous Note 20 ultra, it worked flawlessly.

It has to do something with the handovers as phone remains camped on to network when I'm stationary (or in a certain area). Only when I drive around, this issue is encountered for a brief random periods.

[Robin621k]

I have never had as many problems as I have had since I made the switch to eSIM only.

If it was just my S25U, I would conclude it was the hardware on my phone, it's not. I have the same problems on my Pixel 10ProXl that is a eSIM only device. Not only do I have connection issues with consistent data speeds that I wasn't experiencing on my S25U when on a physical SIM only, I have found it effects battery life too.

[SavageLife72]

My S22 Ultra does the same thing.