eSIM Basics
What is an eSIM: Everything You Need To Know
Jun
What is an eSIM? Right now, eSIM tech is changing how we use our mobile devices.
Imagine for a moment that your current SIM card allowed you to:
- Store multiple phone numbers
- Multiple data plans that helps you to avoid global roaming charges
All without every having to remove your SIM card (say good-bye to using toothpicks or needles to get your SIM card out).
That’s what we’re heading into with eSIM technology.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM card (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is a chip that is built into the motherboard of the latest mobile devices and offers instant connectivity to multiple carrier providers with a just a few taps.
It allows you to store multiple digital profiles (these are your new phone numbers and data plans).
How an eSIM Works
While behind the scenes, it’s quite complicated but from a customer’s perspective, it’s as simple as downloading an eSIM profile, activating it via a QR code and then you’re ready to go.
It works exactly the same way as a traditional SIM card would work.
Devices with eSIM Technology
Many top phones now use eSIMs. iPhones from the iPhone 14 and Galaxy phones are examples. Google Pixel and Motorola phones also can use eSIM. This tech is becoming more common in new phones.
Advantages of Using an eSIM
Embracing eSIM technology brings many benefits. It makes staying connected easy and improves your mobile use. One key advantage is not needing a physical SIM. This makes things simpler.
Built-In Technology
Having an eSIM inside your iPhone or Motorola means no more changing SIM cards. It’s all built in. This makes it easy to start and use. No more hunting for a tiny card to swap.
Flexible Data Plans
eSIMs make picking data plans easy. You can choose what works best for you, from where you are to how much you want to spend. It gives you the power to pick what’s right for you.
Global Coverage
Having an eSIM opens the door to the world. You can find data plans in over 200 places. This means you can stay connected no matter where you go for work or fun.
Store Multiple eSIMs
You can keep lots of eSIMs on one device. This is super handy for managing different lines. It’s perfect for separating work from personal calls or for any other needs.
Keep Your Primary Number
You can keep using your main number with an eSIM. It lets you chat or text as usual while using a different eSIM for data. This is great for staying in touch.
No Surprise Roaming Fees
One top eSIM perk is not getting hit by high roaming charges. You can pick up local eSIMs as you travel. This saves you money and worry about big bills.
Studying Abroad
Educational trips become easier with eSIMs for students. They can keep their home number and get a local plan. This way, talking to family and friends is smooth no matter where they are.
Travelling for Work
For work trips, eSIMs are very handy. They help you switch plans without fuss. This means staying connected worldwide without worrying about roaming fees or changing physical SIM cards.
Using Data At Home
People at home can also enjoy eSIMs. If your regular network is unreliable or you just need data for a short time, an eSIM is perfect. It’s a reliable and affordable way to get data when you need it.
Working Remotely
For digital nomads and remote work, eSIMs are a game-changer. They let you work from anywhere. Enjoy your work with a reliable internet connection, thanks to local eSIM networks, ditching the old SIM card headaches.
Setting Up and Activating an eSIM
Setting up your new eSIM is easy. First, check if your is neither locked nor tied to a certain network. Then, make sure it works with an eSIM. You can find out by looking up the specs online.
Step 1: Purchase your eSIM package (see our eSIM options here.)
Step 2: You’ll receive an email containing a QR code which contains your new eSIM profile.
Step 3: When you’re ready to use your data (if you’re travelling you’d activate your eSIM before you travel) simply activate your QR code.
Step 4: Your eSIM will activate and you can start using data. Please note that you can also switch back to your old SIM at any time.
Some eSIM Compatible Carriers and Devices
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is getting more popular with smartphones, especially with big phone brands. It’s a key for easy connection between different gadgets as the Internet of Things grows.
Apple Devices
Here is the requested table of Apple iPhone and other device models:
| iPhones | iPads | Apple Watches |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS | iPad Pro (2018 and onwards) | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| iPhone XS Max | iPad Air | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| iPhone 11 | iPad | Apple Watch Series 5 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | Apple Watch SE | |
| iPhone SE (2020) | ||
| iPhone 12 Mini | ||
| iPhone 12 | ||
| iPhone 12 Pro | ||
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | ||
| iPhone 13 mini | ||
| iPhone 13 | ||
| iPhone 13 Pro | ||
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | ||
| iPhone SE (2022) | ||
| iPhone 14 | ||
| iPhone 14 Plus | ||
| iPhone 14 Pro | ||
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | ||
| iPhone 15 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy Devices
Here is the requested table of Samsung Galaxy smartphone models:
| Galaxy Z Series | Galaxy S Series | Galaxy Note Series |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Flip | Galaxy S20 | Galaxy Note 20 |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5G | Galaxy S20+ 5G | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G |
| Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Galaxy S20 Ultra | |
| Galaxy Z Flip4 | Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G | |
| Galaxy Z Flip5 | Galaxy S21 | |
| Galaxy Fold | Galaxy S21+ 5G | |
| Galaxy Z Fold2 5G | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | |
| Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Galaxy S22 | |
| Galaxy Z Fold4 | Galaxy S22+ | |
| Galaxy Z Fold5 | Galaxy S22 Ultra | |
| Galaxy S23 | ||
| Galaxy S23+ | ||
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | ||
| Galaxy A54 |
Google Pixel Phones
Here is the requested table of Google Pixel smartphone models:
| Pixel Models |
|---|
| Pixel 3 |
| Pixel 3a |
| Pixel 4 |
| Pixel 4a |
| Pixel 5 |
| Pixel 6 |
| Pixel 6a |
| Pixel 6 Pro |
| Pixel 7 |
| Pixel 7 Pro |
Limitations of eSIM Technology
The aim of eSIM technology is to make changing carriers and plans easier. But, not all carriers fully support it yet. Some carriers need you to go to their store or get codes by mail to activate an eSIM. This makes the idea of switching from anywhere less effective.
Many Apple iPhones in the US have switched to eSIM. They don’t have a physical card slot anymore. However, most Android phones and global iPhone models still have a SIM tray. This is for areas where the eSIM support is not yet available. So, even if your device supports eSIM, you might still need a physical SIM in some places.
The Future of eSIM Adoption
More carriers are getting support>. New phones now only take support>-only. This will slowly make eSIM the usual way, leaving sims support esim> behind. It’s because eSIM lets you use one phone for all jobs. And you can move between support esim> and plans easily, just a traditional sim>, without the physical cards.
eSIMs keep your main number for calls and texts and use a physical sim card> for internet. This means you can keep work and personal life separate on a single device. Also, changing support esim> or data plans is simple, a traditional sim>, but with no need to switch physical SIMs.
As eSIM tech grows, it will become the normal way to connect with any carrier or phone. Having many lines on smartphone for work> and swapping between support esim>, offers great flexibility. This is good for everyone, from personal to business use.
Conclusion
In our connected world, eSIM technology is leading the way in mobile connections. Phones support eSIM, like the iPhone SE. They let you use two phone numbers on one phone. This is done using apps on the phone.
The eSIM gives us more choice and makes swapping between networks easy. This is especially true when using an iPhone with iOS. You don’t have to visit a store to switch SIMs anymore.
The eSIM is making life easier for many of us. It gets rid of the need for physical SIM cards. You can now start your mobile plan without leaving home.
More and more companies are seeing the benefits of eSIM. They are adding it to their devices. Soon, it will be common to find eSIMs in things like tablets and smartwatches. This change will make connecting easier than ever.
These improvements mean our devices will be more flexible than before. They’ll be always ready to connect, without the need for a tiny card. In a digital world, the eSIM is quickly becoming a must-have.
