eSIMs are gaining fast popularity, with several of the latest iPhones and Android models supporting this new GSM specification. We’ll cover everything you need to know about how to use eSIM with a mobile network, and how to find out if your device is compatible.
What Is an eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM which you can install on your phone as software, removing the need for a physical SIM. For it to work, your phone must have a built-in “eUICC chip.” This chip, embedded by the manufacturer, is programmed with an eSIM ID (EID). It further connects to your carrier using an “eSIM profile,” providing the same voice, text, and data services as a physical SIM.
You can use multiple profiles depending on your phone’s specifications. For example, an eSIM-compatible iPhone allows 8 or more profiles, and the latest Samsung Galaxy devices allow up to 20. However, like actual SIMs, you can’t use more than two active eSIMs at the same time.
Since the eSIM is embedded directly into your phone, you can’t physically remove it from the device. However, just like a swappable SIM card, you can change it to a different network (if it’s not locked, that is). eSIMs are rewritable. That means you can change networks without removing your SIM. However, you will have to erase the existing eSIM profile and activate the new one.
Like mini SIMs, micro SIMs, or nano SIMs, even eSIMs have their standardized physical form factor, called MFF2 (Miniaturized Form Factor 2.)
eSIM vs Physical SIM: What’s the Difference
While both eSIM and physical SIM provide the same functionality, they differ in a number of ways:
- Installation: the physical SIM is removable. That’s not the case with an eSIM as you cannot physically remove it.
- Switching network operators: As your device can store multiple eSIM profiles, it’s easier to switch from one carrier to another. Physical SIMs restrict you to one carrier at a time.
- Ease of use: One can easily switch phones for physical SIM cards. For eSIMs, you will need technical support from your mobile carrier or eSIM provider to change from one device to another.
- Contacts: traditional SIM cards can store contacts. This is not possible with eSIMs. But most users store contacts in the cloud nowadays
Who Can Use eSIM
To understand who can use eSIMs, check the following. As a general rule, you should verify each device’s specifications individually.
What Phones Support eSIM
Since eSIM technology only became mainstream after 2018, any handset models older than that would not be supported. Even for the latest phones as of 2024, many may not have eSIM compatibility. However, many newest iPhone devices in the U.S. have switched to an eSIM only configuration.
To check if your phone supports eSIM, try the following methods:
- iOS: Go to Settings -> Cellular. If an Add eSIM menu is available, you can add eSIMs to your iPhone.
- Android: Dial
*#606#using your phone keypad. You will find an eSIM ID (EID) below the IMEI and Serial numbers (SN.) My OnePlus Android 14 device doesn’t have this, so it doesn’t support eSIMs natively.
Currently, the following devices are having confirmed eSIM support.
- iOS: any iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later series. In fact, iPhone 14 to 16 in the U.S. are dual eSIM which means physical SIM slots have been removed. In China, eSIMs are not supported on iPhones. In other countries, you’ll find one nano-SIM and one eSIM.
- Samsung Galaxy: all devices from Samsung Galaxy S20+ onwards, all Samsung Galaxy Z devices in the “Fold” and “Flip” series
- Oppo: Oppo Find devices X3 Onwards, Oppo Reno 5A, Oppo A55s 5G
- Google Pixel: all models from Google Pixel 3 onwards
Other phone brands including OnePlus, Motorola, and Xiaomi have also launched eSIM compatible models.
Do All Mobile Carriers Offer eSIM?
Apart from the phone device maker, your telecom operator should also support eSIM. In the US, all leading carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless, Truphone, Ubigi, and Visible support eSIM. Globally, a large number of telecom operators in different countries have eSIM support with prominent exceptions being Mainland China, and a few others.
Related: iPhone users, check this detailed guide on how to activate eSIMs on iPhone 14 and later devices.
How to Activate eSIM
If you want to know how to use eSIM on your device, your device compatibility plays a crucial role. If both your device and carrier support eSIMs, use the first method. Otherwise, choose the second method.
Using Remote SIM Provisioning
The great advantage with eSIM is that, unlike in the case of a physical SIM, you don’t need to visit a store or put in a mail order for a new SIM card. Using what’s called “remote SIM provisioning,” network providers can beam details to your eSIM, allowing it to connect to their network.
The steps to activate an eSIM vary slightly depending on the mobile operator and device. In my case, I can use SMS-based activation with my carrier for a quick SIM upgrade to eSIM. All I need to do is give my consent, which will disable the physical SIM and activate the eSIM.
There are other ways to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM. Some telecom operators encourage you to complete the change through their mobile apps, which makes the process straightforward. Alternatively, the mobile operator might provide a QR code containing the eSIM profile that you can scan with your phone.
Related: learn how to change your SIM PIN on Android and iPhones.
2. Using eSIM Adapters
If your Android phone is not eSIM compatible, there’s a workaround. You can order an eSIM adapter, which is like a tiny SIM card that fits into your physical card slot. The eSIM adapter comes with a prepaid data package for a specific country, which you can recharge as needed. This hassle-free method is popular among digital nomads and other travelers.
Before placing your order, make sure your phone is compatible with the eSIM adapter. I checked a popular service called eSIM.me. It diagnosed my device and confirmed they had an adapter for it.
Most of these plans are prepaid. After purchasing one, a QR code is sent via email on your intended delivery date (when you travel to a new country). You simply need to scan the code with your phone to use eSIM services on your device.
Follow the instructions for uploading the eSIM profile on your phone which may require a device reboot. aloSIM is another popular eSIM adapter service that is very popular with travelers.
Advantages of eSIM Cards
Some of the top advantages of eSIM cards are:
- Support for multiple carriers in different countries.
- Switch carriers without having to visit a shop. No paperwork is needed.
- Least likely to get damaged unlike physical SIM cards or SIM card slots.
- You don’t need to worry if your phone gets lost or stolen. The eSIM profile can remotely deactivate your device.
- Protects you from SIM duplication attempts.
Disadvantages of eSIM cards
There are a few disadvantages of eSIM which is slowing its adoption among end users:
- You can’t easily switch your eSIM profile from one phone to another.
- eSIM network issues can be challenging to fix on your own.
- if you have concerns about surveillance and tracking, eSIMs leave behind a larger digital footprint than physical SIMs which are easily removable.
- Makes you vulnerable to SIM swapping scams which were very common during the Coronavirus pandemic.
We have explored how to use eSIM on your device. In addition to mobile phones, smartwatches like Apple Watch Series 3 and above, Samsung Galaxy watches, and many computers also include eSIM technology. Apart from that, other IoT products like cars, smart meters, security systems, etc., can also support eSIM.
A carrier’s both new and existing users can apply for eSIM. On the other hand, more and more phones offer dual SIM functionality these days with one SIM as an eSIM. With eSIMs in place, you can also access Android phones with broken screens.
Image Credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
