The days of fumbling with tiny physical SIM cards are numbered. There’s a new technology on the block that’s set to revolutionize the way we connect our mobile devices – eSIM.
If you’ve bought a flagship phone in the last few years, chances are it’s eSIM compatible. But what exactly is an eSIM? How does it work? And what are the benefits compared to traditional SIM cards?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eSIM technology. By the end, you’ll understand:
- What an eSIM is and how it differs from a physical SIM card
- The key advantages of using an eSIM
- Which phones and carriers support eSIM technology
- How to set up and manage an eSIM on your device
- Answers to common questions about eSIMs
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast eager to try out this cutting-edge technology, or simply curious about the future of mobile connectivity, this guide has you covered.
Let’s dive in!
Contents
What is an eSIM?
First, let’s clarify what a SIM card is. SIM stands for subscriber identity module. It’s a small, removable chip that’s used in phones and other mobile devices to store information related to your cellular network and user identity.
The SIM allows your device to authenticate with and connect to your carrier’s mobile network. It also stores some user data like contacts and SMS messages, though most of that is now backed up to the cloud or your phone’s internal storage.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, serves the same essential purpose as a traditional SIM card. The key difference is that an eSIM is a small chip permanently embedded inside your phone, rather than a removable card.
So instead of having to fiddle with a physical SIM card when you want to change carriers or plans, you can provision an eSIM completely digitally. It’s all done through software.
The information an eSIM contains is rewritable, meaning you can change your mobile operator or plan without having to swap out a physical SIM card. You can even store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device (more on that later).
From a user perspective, an eSIM functions identically to a regular SIM card. Your phone still has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number that identifies the device itself. And the eSIM stores an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number that identifies you as the subscriber.
The major shift is in how mobile subscriptions are provisioned and managed. With eSIM, it’s all digital – no more trips to the store for a physical SIM or waiting for one to arrive in the mail. Theoretically, you can switch carriers or sign up for a new plan in just a few taps.
Key benefits of eSIM
So why bother with embedded SIMs? What problems do they solve compared to physical SIM cards we’ve been using for decades? Here are some of the main advantages:
1. Easier to set up and switch carriers
The process of changing carriers or adding a new plan is much simpler with an eSIM. There’s no need to order a physical SIM card, wait for it to arrive, and then go through the hassle of swapping it into your phone.
With an eSIM, you simply scan a QR code or have your phone read an activation code provided by the carrier to instantly download the necessary eSIM profile. Or in some cases, your carrier can remotely activate your eSIM without you having to do anything.
This makes it far easier to switch carriers if you find a better deal, or quickly add a local data plan when traveling abroad. The convenience factor is huge.
2. Enables dual-SIM functionality
Having dual SIM functionality is incredibly useful for people who want to keep their work and personal numbers separate, or frequent travelers who often buy local SIM cards.
With an eSIM, dual-SIM doesn’t require a phone with two physical SIM slots. Your phone can have a traditional SIM slot and eSIM support, or in some cases, support for multiple eSIM profiles (the iPhone 13 and 14 can store at least 8).
So you could have two active phone numbers – one via the physical SIM and one via eSIM. Or two or more active eSIMs. Typically you can only use one for data at a time, but you can receive calls and texts on both numbers simultaneously.
The Google Pixel 6, for example, supports one physical SIM and one eSIM profile on consumer models. On the 6 Pro bought through Google Fi, you can store multiple eSIM profiles enabled and swap between them as needed.
3. More durable and waterproof
Admittedly, damaging a SIM card isn’t something most people worry about on a regular basis. But physical SIM cards can be fragile.
If the card itself gets damaged, or if the SIM tray mechanism jams or breaks off, you can temporarily lose cellular service until you get a replacement.
With the eSIM chip being soldered right to the phone’s motherboard, there are no external contacts or moving parts to deal with. One less thing to break or malfunction.
Having the eSIM chip integrated into the phone hardware itself also allows for better waterproofing and durability. There’s no SIM tray slot providing an ingress point for liquid or dust to get inside your phone. It’s a small advantage, but an advantage nonetheless.
4. Saves space inside phones
Smartphone manufacturers are always looking for ways to free up precious space inside their devices. A few millimeters here and there can allow for a bigger battery, better camera hardware, or other features.
While a nano SIM card is tiny, it still takes up space. And that’s not factoring in the SIM tray mechanism.
An eSIM chip, by contrast, is a fraction of the size. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset used in many flagship Android phones, for instance, has a built-in eSIM chip that measures just 6mm x 5mm.
By doing away with the physical SIM card slot entirely, phone makers can use that extra space for other components, or to make devices slightly thinner.
5. More secure than physical SIMs
Traditional SIM cards are relatively secure, but they’re still vulnerable to hacking and cloning attacks. A stolen phone could allow a thief to remove the SIM card and access the user’s mobile account.
An eSIM offers enhanced security in a few ways:
First, the eSIM chip itself uses state-of-the-art authentication and encryption to communicate with carrier networks. This makes the eSIM highly resistant to tampering or cloning.
Second, because the eSIM is physically soldered to the phone’s motherboard, it can’t be stolen and used in another device like a physical SIM card could.
Lastly, the eSIM provisioning process adds an extra layer of security. Instead of a physical card that could theoretically be intercepted, eSIM profiles are downloaded digitally with unique, one-time activation codes.
While no security is bulletproof, the eSIM architecture does make it significantly harder for bad actors to compromise the mobile network.
Which phones support eSIM?
At this point, you might be wondering if your current phone works with eSIM. Here’s a quick rundown of which major phones support the technology:
iPhones:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models
- iPhone 13 and 13 Pro models
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max (US models are eSIM only)
Samsung Galaxy phones:
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, and S20 FE
- Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4
- Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4
- Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
Google Pixel phones:
- Pixel 4, 4XL
- Pixel 4a, 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro
Other Android phones with eSIM:
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro
- Motorola Razr (2019)
- Nuu Mobile X5
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Rakuten Mini
- Huawei Mate 40 Pro
This isn’t an exhaustive list – most flagship devices from the last couple years support eSIM technology. But as a general rule, an eSIM is still more common in high-end phones vs budget models.
It’s also important to note that just because a phone supports eSIM, doesn’t necessarily mean you can use the eSIM functionality with your carrier. You’ll need to check if your mobile operator supports eSIM activation for your device.
Setting up an eSIM
The exact process for setting up an eSIM varies slightly between iOS and Android. Let’s take a look at how it works on each platform.
Activating an eSIM on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Use your iPhone camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
- If you’re asked to enter a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the code provided by your carrier.
Your iPhone will activate the new plan, and you should see it listed under Cellular Plans in Settings. Easy!
Activating an eSIM on Android (using a Pixel 6 as an example):
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Tap Network & Internet > Mobile network > Download a SIM instead.
- Choose “Add using a QR code” and scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
- Enter the activation code, if prompted.
- Tap Activate.
The new eSIM profile should now be active. On Pixel phones, you can quickly switch between your physical SIM and eSIM by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Use SIM.
It’s worth noting that not all carriers have adopted eSIM yet. And some may require you to visit a store or contact customer service to get set up, rather than just downloading a profile on your own.
Managing eSIM profiles
One of the most useful aspects of eSIM is the ability to store multiple profiles on a single device. An iPhone 14 Pro, for example, can store at least eight or more eSIM profiles, while Pixel phones typically allow one eSIM and one physical SIM.
This is hugely convenient for frequent travelers. Instead of fussing with physical SIM cards as you cross borders, you can simply download a local eSIM profile for data when you land, while still maintaining your primary line.
On iPhone, you manage eSIM profiles by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans. Here you can see all your stored profiles, label them, and choose which ones are active. You can also delete old profiles you no longer need.
Android’s implementation varies slightly between phone models. On a Pixel 6, for example, you can store multiple profiles but only use one at a time. The Samsung Galaxy S23 allows you to store multiple profiles and use two simultaneously (one for calls/texts, one for data).
Regardless of which device you have, the core benefit is the same. With eSIM, you can much more easily manage multiple active lines and switch between them as needed. No more SIM card juggling or having to carry a second phone just for international trips.
FAQs about eSIM
To wrap up, let’s quickly address some of the most common questions people have about eSIM technology.
Is my eSIM tied to a specific carrier?
No – just like a physical SIM card, an eSIM can be provisioned with a profile from any carrier that supports the eSIM standard. You’re not locked into a single carrier just because your phone has an eSIM.
Do I have to pay an extra fee to use eSIM?
This depends on your carrier. Some may charge a small fee for eSIM activation or a replacement eSIM profile. But in most cases, there shouldn’t be any additional charge for using eSIM over a physical SIM card. Your regular plan fees still apply, of course.
Can I transfer my physical SIM to eSIM?
In many cases, yes. If your current carrier supports eSIM, you should be able to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM profile. The exact steps vary between carriers, but it usually involves scanning a QR code or inputting an activation code on your device.
What happens if my phone is lost or stolen?
The process for dealing with a lost or stolen device is basically the same for eSIM as it is for physical SIM cards. You should immediately contact your carrier to report the device missing and have them suspend service.
One advantage of eSIM in this scenario is that the eSIM profile can’t be removed and put into another phone like a physical card could.
Will eSIM work with my smartwatch?
It depends on the smartwatch model. The Apple Watch Series 3 and later (cellular models) support eSIM. On the Android side, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro and Google Pixel Watch include eSIM functionality.
With an eSIM-enabled smartwatch, you can leave your phone at home and still make and receive calls, send and receive messages, and use mobile data. The eSIM in your watch shares the same number as your phone.
Can I still use Wi-Fi calling with eSIM?
Yes – eSIM is fully compatible with Wi-Fi calling. As long as your carrier and phone both support Wi-Fi calling, it will work no matter what type of SIM you’re using.
Can I remove my eSIM if I need to?
Not in the same way you could remove a physical SIM card. The eSIM chip itself is soldered directly to your phone’s motherboard.
However, you can easily delete an eSIM profile if you need to free up space or want to sell your phone. This effectively “removes” the eSIM as it will no longer be associated with a cellular plan.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about eSIM technology. As we’ve seen, eSIM:
- Is more convenient to set up and use compared to a physical SIM
- Enables dual-SIM functionality without the need for two physical cards
- Improves the durability and waterproofing of phones
- Frees up space inside phones for other components
- Offers enhanced security compared to physical SIMs
While the adoption of eSIM has been gradual, it’s clear this technology is the future of mobile connectivity. As more carriers add support and more phone makers include eSIM alongside or in place of traditional SIM card slots, it’s likely to become the default standard.
If you have a compatible phone, it’s definitely worth investigating whether your carrier supports eSIM. The convenience and flexibility make it a great option, especially for frequent travelers or anyone who regularly swaps between multiple lines.
Just remember that while eSIM is great in many ways, it’s not yet supported by every carrier worldwide. If you travel to a country where eSIM isn’t yet common, you may still need to occasionally use a traditional SIM card.
But for most people, most of the time? eSIM offers an effortless, versatile, and secure way to connect. If you’ve been looking for a reason to finally ditch that fiddly physical SIM card, eSIM might just be the perfect solution.
So go forth and embrace the eSIM revolution! Your phone (and your frequent flier miles) will thank you. 💪📱
