Mobile connectivity has been evolving at a fast pace in recent years, making it possible to connect anywhere. The question that often arises among consumers is “What is an eSIM?” As more smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other connected devices use eSIM technology, the need for information about how eSIM functions has become inevitable.
As opposed to the conventional SIM card which is required to be installed into the device, an eSIM is embedded directly into the device and it is activated via the internet connection. Hence, there is no necessity to switch the physical SIM card when using a different carrier service.
This article is aimed to introduce the reader with such aspects as the definition of eSIM, its functioning principles, comparison of eSIM to a physical SIM card, benefits and limitations of eSIM, as well as ways to use it.
What Is an eSIM?
The eSIM or Embedded SIM is a digital form of the conventional subscriber identity module card that is used in most portable devices today. The SIM card technology is embedded in the portable device and does not involve inserting the physical SIM card as was traditionally required by users to make a connection with their portable devices.
The eSIM does what the traditional SIM does, connecting your mobile device to the cellular network for use in making calls and sending text messages.
The other name for the eSIM card technology is the electronic SIM card. This is just one of many names for the eSIM. Some people refer to the eSIM technology as an “embedded SIM” or a “digital SIM”.
As opposed to a conventional SIM card, an eSIM does not have to be extracted from and replaced on the device in case you change your mobile plan and/or service provider. Instead, your provider will issue a digital SIM profile and transfer it straight into your device. Typically, all you have to do is scan a QR code or follow the instructions issued by your mobile provider or your eSIM supplier.
Since your SIM card is embedded in your phone, there is no risk of loss or damage associated with it. Additionally, many contemporary cell phones are capable of storing several different profiles of eSIM cards.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: What’s the Difference?
While there’s little difference in terms of their purpose, eSIMs and physical SIM cards vary in terms of how they’re installed, managed, and utilized. Below you can find a list of the most important distinctions.
Installation
A physical SIM card needs to be physically installed into your device via the SIM tray. In case you have purchased a new SIM or would like to change the carrier, you need to uninstall the previous SIM card and install a new one.
An eSIM is already installed in your device. Thus, the only thing that you should do in order to use a new SIM is to download a carrier profile digitally (by scanning a QR code or using the corresponding carrier application).
Switching Carriers
Switching to a different mobile operator becomes much easier with the help of an eSIM. The whole process is completely digitalized, so you don’t have to wait for the delivery of a physical SIM card in order to activate it.
Dual SIM Capability
Most modern-day smartphones support the use of eSIM and SIM card together. It will enable you to maintain separate personal and office numbers or utilize the local plan in case of traveling without discontinuing your current number.
Although there are a few smartphones that have the capability to accommodate two physical SIM cards, smartphones that support eSIM are capable of housing a variety of profiles within one device, although not all at once.
Benefits of Using an eSIM
With an increasing number of mobile carriers and device makers embracing the eSIM technology, users have come to understand that there are many benefits of using the eSIM in comparison to the classic SIM cards.
Immediate Digital Activation
One of the greatest advantages of using the eSIM is that the activation process can be completed online in digital form. You do not have to wait for a SIM card delivery or visit a mobile network store. Once you have purchased the plan, you can simply use a QR code provided by your provider or follow their instructions in order to activate the eSIM right away.
Easy Changing of Mobile Networks
The changing of mobile networks becomes easier due to the eSIM technology. Since there is no physical SIM card involved, the only thing you need to do is download a new carrier profile on your device.
Great for International Travel
It is particularly handy for travelers since there will be no need to purchase a SIM card in the new location. Instead, you can simply purchase and activate the eSIM from home prior to your trip or once you have reached your destination.
More Room Inside the Device
The fact that there is no need for a special card slot means that more room can be left inside the device which will be useful for improving other features of the phone such as battery size or even the quality of its components.
Enhanced Security
Unlike the physical SIM card, the eSIM cannot be detached from the device. Thus, it will be harder for anyone to cut off your phone from the mobile network in case your device gets lost or stolen. When used together with the carrier and device’s security features, eSIMs represent a reliable option for controlling your mobile network.
Multiple eSIM Profiles Supported
Modern smartphones typically support loading multiple eSIM profiles on a single device. Though not all profiles are able to work simultaneously, switching between them takes no effort. This option is especially beneficial for those people who often travel or have multiple numbers/uses of the phone.
Which Devices Support eSIM and How Do You Get Started?
There is currently a wide range of smartphone, tablet, and wearables devices offering eSIM technology. Even though more and more support for eSIM is becoming available, it’s important to note that compatibility could differ based on the type of device, location, and mobile operator.
Apple Devices
One of the companies that started using eSIM early on is Apple. All models of iPhones starting with iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, and new ones such as iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and subsequent generations have eSIM capabilities. There are also certain iPad models with cellular connectivity that support eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy Devices
A number of Samsung Galaxy smartphones provide eSIM capabilities. These models belong to Galaxy S, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Note lines.
Google Pixel Phones
Google phones are known for being compatible with eSIM for several years now. The majority of modern Google Pixel smartphones, starting from Pixel 3 and newer generations, are equipped with the ability to use an eSIM card, and hence make them very popular among travelers and multiple mobile plan users.
Other Supported Models
Apart from Apple, Samsung, and Google, there are other manufacturers that produce devices that are able to use eSIM cards. Among those companies are Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, Sony, etc.
How to Check If Your Device Is Compatible with eSIM
The best option for you would be to check if your device manufacturer provides any information about the capability of using eSIM cards in the device specifications. Alternatively, you can visit the site of your mobile carrier to check whether your device is compatible with eSIM. Another way to find out if your smartphone or tablet can use eSIM cards is through the phone settings menu.
How to Get Started with an eSIM
Getting an eSIM is quite a fast and easy procedure.
1. Select an eSIM Provider
Select a mobile network operator or an eSIM service provider which provides plans suitable for your location or usage needs. Review available plans in terms of their coverage, data amounts, prices, and validity period.
2. Buy an eSIM Plan
After picking a provider, choose and buy the most suitable plan for you. Once the transaction is completed, the activation information will be provided to you by email or via a provider’s mobile application.
3. Scan the QR Code or Download the eSIM Profile
The provider should provide you with a QR code which is supposed to be scanned in your device settings. Besides, some providers enable downloading the profile via their mobile application without a QR code.
4. Activation and Connection
Following the on-screen instructions you install and activate the mobile plan. After the process of activation, your device connects to a network and you are able to call, send text messages and use mobile Internet depending on the purchased plan.
Conclusion
First things first, getting to know what an eSIM is will enable you to take advantage of today’s advanced mobile connectivity options. With this technology, it eliminates the use of the traditional physical SIM card by embedding the SIM card into the phone digitally.
No matter whether you want to switch between mobile network providers, use one number for work purposes and another for personal usage, or travel around the world and be connected at all times, eSIM is a very convenient way to deal with that without having to deal with any physical SIM cards.
As the number of phones and wearables that support eSIM grows, the technology is getting more and more popular.
If your mobile phone and the carrier you use support eSIM technology, you are lucky and can start using it right now.
Key Points
- The term eSIM means Embedded Subscriber Identity Module and refers to an embedded SIM card that is not replaceable because it is built-in directly in the device.
- Another way to call the eSIM is an electronic SIM card, since it represents a piece of technology that is embedded in a device.
- The working principle of an eSIM is similar to that of a regular SIM card, which means that a user will be able to call, message and use mobile data on the mobile network.
- Activation of eSIM can be done with a help of a mobile application, scanning a QR code or loading a carrier profile through the application.
- As opposed to the traditional SIM cards, the embedded SIM is more convenient and allows switching from one mobile network operator to another without changing the SIM card.
- The technology of the embedded SIM is perfect for traveling abroad and enables buying and activation of different mobile plans without the need to change SIM cards.
- Many devices compatible with eSIM feature dual SIM capabilities. Because an eSIM is embedded inside the device, it offers improved durability and security, as it cannot be lost, damaged, or easily removed.
- Almost all contemporary smartphones by Apple, Samsung, Google, and others also include the eSIM technology.
- The process of eSIM activation can be described quite simply, first you need to select an eSIM provider, then buy an eSIM package, and finally download or scan it into your device.
FAQs
Is there any need for me to have an internet connection to make an eSIM work?
Yes, generally speaking, an internet connection (either Wi-Fi or mobile) is required to download and activate the eSIM profile. After that, you will be able to use mobile data just like before.
Can I delete an eSIM in my device?
Yes, you are allowed to delete the eSIM profile from your phone or tablet, although in order to do that, you will first have to contact your carrier and ask for further instructions.
Can I use an eSIM without having a physical SIM card in my phone?
Yes, most of the eSIM-ready phones support only eSIMs, thus not requiring you to have any physical SIM card in your device.
Does an eSIM affect the quality of calls or internet speed?
No, an eSIM offers exactly the same performance as the physical SIM card and therefore does not influence call quality or internet speed.
