I didn’t put too much thought into switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM until doing so, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From simple setup to better security, there are several reasons I’m happy with this change.
1. Better Security
Although I use several iPhone security features, adding extra layers of protection is always a good idea. Someone can easily swap physical SIM cards, making it possible for them to use my number for malicious purposes.
Though it’s still possible for someone to swap numbers on an eSIM, they’d have to pass some other leaps and hurdles. For example, they’d have to enter my device’s passcode.
eSIMs also have very good encryption. Thanks to all of these layers, I feel more at ease knowing that my device and identity are better protected.
2. I Don’t Need to Worry About My Physical SIM Being Damaged
I’ve had some pretty bad incidents in the past, where my physical SIM card has been damaged. For example, I used one of my old iPhones in a heavy rainstorm, and water seeped into the SIM card port.
I also used the same SIM card when upgrading my phone, which sometimes involved having to cut it and make the card smaller. I always had the fear that I’d accidentally snip off something important. Moreover, I sometimes had to open the port, due to experiencing the “No SIM Card Detected” issue.
It’s literally impossible to physically damage an eSIM, as it’s digital, so this worry has now been completely eradicated.
3. I Can Add Multiple SIMs to the Same Device
I enjoy traveling frequently, which means I need to think about essentials, like how to get mobile data abroad. This isn’t a problem in Europe, as I can use the same data on my normal plan throughout the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. However, it becomes an issue when visiting the U.S. and other countries.
In the past, I’d either have to top up my SIM card or physically use another one. I never liked doing the latter, as I was worried about losing my main SIM.
However, I can add multiple eSIMs to the same smartphone. Aside from no longer needing to change my cards physically, I also don’t need to visit a local store. So, I can get on with my adventures and focus on other things.
4. Simpler Setup Than a Physical SIM
Activating an eSIM on my iPhone was amazingly straightforward. On the day of my new network subscription, I received an email with a QR code. I just had to scan this with my camera.
Within a few minutes, my new eSIM was up and running. Minus a few initial hiccups, I’ve experienced no problems using my device. Even if you’re not an Apple user, setting up an eSIM is also easy on Android.
When setting up my eSIM, my mobile network also canceled my old subscription so that I could use the same number. You’ll need to check whether yours will do the same, but it’s a nice bonus if it will.
5. More Cost Effective When Traveling
I typically don’t spend as much money on mobile data when abroad as I used to since changing to an eSIM. Part of this is because I signed up for a plan where I’m covered in more than 50 countries.
Even without this, eSIMs can be very cost effective. I’ve noticed that many have pretty affordable plans, so you can stay connected while on the road without any issues.
Though you can get around many countries using just Wi-Fi, this is not universal. I suggest looking at different eSIM plans before traveling or having an ordinary phone subscription that covers multiple countries.
I’m amazed that it took me so long to make the switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM, as it’s made my life so much easier. Traveling is less stressful, I don’t have to worry about physical damage to my SIM card, and I don’t get the “No SIM Card Detected” error. If you need to control your data, you can stop some apps from using more data on Android.
Image credit: Unsplash.
