What is an EID Number? Everything You Need To Know

An EID number is your device’s unique identifier for eSIM functionality – essentially a “digital fingerprint” that enables you to activate mobile service without a physical SIM card.

This 32-digit code helps carriers link eSIM profiles to your specific device, making it essential for anyone using modern smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches with eSIM capability.

Key points about EID numbers:

• Required for all eSIM activations
• Found in your device settings
• Enables switching carriers without physical SIMs
• Only exists on eSIM-compatible devices

Let’s explore everything you need to know about EID numbers and how they affect your mobile experience.

What is an EID Number?

An EID (Embedded Identity Document) number is a unique 32-digit identifier permanently embedded in your device’s eSIM chip. Think of it as a serial number that specifically identifies the eSIM component in your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or other connected device.

Unlike physical SIM cards that you can remove and replace, the eSIM is built into your device’s hardware. The EID serves as the digital equivalent of the ICCID number found on traditional SIM cards, but with enhanced security and functionality.

Here’s how the EID compares to other common device identifiers:

Your device’s EID number never changes throughout its lifetime, making it a reliable identifier for carriers and service providers.

Why is the EID Number Important?

The EID number serves several crucial functions in the mobile ecosystem:

eSIM Activation

When you want to activate a mobile plan, your carrier needs your EID number to create and deliver the correct eSIM profile to your device. Without this number, carriers can’t properly provision service to your specific device.

Carrier Switching

One major advantage of eSIM technology is the ability to switch carriers or add additional plans without swapping physical SIM cards. Your EID enables this flexibility by allowing multiple carrier profiles to be provisioned to the same eSIM chip.

This is particularly useful when:

• Traveling internationally
• Adding a second line for business
• Testing different carriers before committing
• Maintaining separate personal and work numbers

Enhanced Security

EID numbers help ensure that only authorized carriers can provision profiles to your device. The encryption and authentication protocols tied to your EID protect against unauthorized access to your mobile services.

Troubleshooting Support

When you contact customer support with cellular connectivity issues, the EID helps representatives quickly identify your device and provision the correct fixes or updates specifically for your eSIM.

How Does the EID Number Work?

The EID is fundamental to how eSIM technology operates. Here’s a simplified explanation of the process:

1. Your device has an embedded eSIM chip with a unique EID number
2. When you sign up for mobile service, you provide this EID to your carrier
3. The carrier creates a custom eSIM profile linked to your EID
4. This profile is securely downloaded to your device
5. Your eSIM is activated with the carrier’s service

The EID facilitates remote provisioning, which means carriers can send eSIM profiles to your device over the internet rather than requiring a physical card exchange.

This system also enables multi-profile management. Your device can store multiple eSIM profiles (the exact number depends on your device model), though typically only one or two can be active simultaneously.

How to Find Your EID Number

Finding your EID number varies slightly depending on your device type and operating system. Here are instructions for the most common platforms:

On iPhone (iOS 12.1 or later):

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down until you see “EID”

On Android (varies by manufacturer):

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Connections or Network & Internet
3. Tap SIM card manager or Mobile network
4. Look for eSIM or SIM card settings
5. Your EID should be listed there

On Samsung Galaxy devices:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager
4. Tap “More” or the three dots menu
5. Select “SIM card info”
6. Find your EID under eSIM information

On Google Pixel devices:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Tap Add carrier or “+” icon
5. Your EID will be displayed at the bottom

If you can’t find your EID in the device settings, check:

• The original packaging
• Documentation that came with your device
• Your device purchase receipt or order confirmation

Common Questions About EID Numbers

Do all devices have an EID number?

No. Only devices with eSIM capability have an EID number. Older devices that use only physical SIM cards won’t have an EID. The technology became common in flagship smartphones around 2018-2019, but many budget phones still don’t include eSIM functionality.

Can my EID number change?

No, your EID number is permanently assigned to your device’s eSIM chip during manufacturing. It cannot be modified, reset, or changed, even if you factory reset your device or change carriers.

Can I use an eSIM without knowing my EID number?

Sometimes. Many carriers now offer QR code activation that doesn’t require you to manually enter your EID. However, in troubleshooting situations or with carriers that don’t support QR activation, you’ll need to provide your EID manually.

Is sharing my EID number safe?

Generally yes. The EID alone cannot be used to access your personal data or connect to your mobile account without additional authentication. However, as with any device identifier, it’s best to only share it with your actual service provider.

What happens to my EID if I trade in my device?

Your EID stays with the device permanently. If you upgrade to a new device, that new device will have its own unique EID number, and you’ll need to transfer your mobile service to it.

Advantages of Using an EID Number

eSIM technology and its associated EID system offer several benefits:

Flexibility and Convenience

You can activate new service plans remotely without visiting a store or waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive in the mail. This is particularly valuable when:

• Traveling internationally and needing local service
• Adding temporary lines for specific purposes
• Testing different carriers before switching

Environmental Benefits

eSIMs eliminate the plastic waste associated with traditional SIM cards. While small individually, billions of SIM cards are produced annually, creating significant plastic waste.

Space Efficiency

Manufacturers can use the space saved by removing the physical SIM tray for other components like larger batteries or additional features.

Enhanced Security

eSIM profiles are more difficult to clone or tamper with than physical SIM cards, providing better protection against SIM swapping and other attacks.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its advantages, eSIM technology and EID usage face some limitations:

Limited Device Compatibility

Though growing rapidly, eSIM support isn’t universal. Many budget phones and devices in developing markets still rely exclusively on physical SIM cards.

Carrier Support Varies

Not all carriers fully support eSIM activation, particularly smaller regional carriers or those in developing markets. Some may require in-store activation or have limited eSIM support options.

Technical Complexity

For less tech-savvy users, the process of activating an eSIM using an EID number can be more complicated than simply inserting a physical card.

Summary

• Your EID number is a 32-digit identifier embedded in your device’s eSIM chip
• It’s essential for activating mobile service on eSIM-enabled devices
• The EID enables carrier switching without physical SIM cards
• You can find your EID in your device settings under SIM or network information
• Only eSIM-compatible devices have EID numbers
• Your EID never changes and remains with your device permanently
• The technology offers flexibility, convenience, and environmental benefits
• Limitations include varying carrier support and device compatibility

As eSIM technology continues to grow in adoption, understanding your EID number and how it works becomes increasingly important for managing your mobile connectivity efficiently.

Thinking of purchasing an eSIM? See our affordable eSIM mobile data plans here.