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What is an eSIM and how does it work in 2024?
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card available in most modern phones. Once activated, it allows you to access an alternative mobile data plan from a provider, without using your primary SIM card. In this article, we walk you through everything you need to know about the eSIM.
August 28, 2024
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What is an eSIM card?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card within your phone: it’s software, not hardware. An eSIM connects you to a mobile network, supports internet roaming, and lets you make calls and text on any plan you choose.
It’s accessible remotely, meaning there’s no physical SIM card you need to swap around in order to access the benefits of your eSIM.
It’s important to know that:
- Not all cell phones are eSIM compatible
- The eSIM works thanks to a microchip installed on your cell phone
- The main difference between an eSIM and SIM cards is that an eSIM is virtual and is not stuck to one provider.
An eSIM card stores numbers and data plans so you can connect to the internet, make calls, and text without the use of a physical card. Some eSIMs even let you have up to eight different profiles depending on your cell phone model.
eSIM technology can also be found in various wearable devices such as home appliances, cars, or other gadgets that stay connected to the internet.
How does an eSIM card work?
An eSIM integrates directly into your device’s hardware, eliminating the need for a separate, physical card. You can then switch service carriers or plans using an app, scanning a QR code, or accessing a menu within your device’s settings.
It acts as a flexible way to use SIM technology without the inconvenience of opening up your phone and sliding a new card in the physical SIM card slot—making it the perfect option for travelers!
What are the differences between eSIM cards and a SIM card?
The main difference between an eSIM and a SIM card is that the eSIM is completely virtual. To use it, you don’t need a physical chip like a traditional SIM card, but you do need a compatible cell phone. In most cases, only the last-gen devices and smartphones support an eSIM.
| Feature | eSIM | SIM Card |
| Security | More secure because the data is embedded, eliminating the possibility of physical tampering | Standard security, but can be physically tampered, removed, and lost! |
| Convenience | Highly convenient, allowing you to activate and switch plans remotely through software | Needs to be manually inserted or replaced to switch between plans, which can be inconvenient—especially when you’re on the go! |
| Availability | Increasingly available across devices, including most modern smartphones | Used for most devices globally |
Keep in mind that it’s also possible to convert your traditional SIM card to an eSIM to reap the benefits of better security and convenience shared above.
What can you do with an eSIM?
A lot! An eSIM is especially handy because of the various features it provides. Specifically, eSIMs enable you to:
- Access data roaming
- Provide network authentication
- Activate mobile plans remotely
- Store multiple profiles
What are the benefits of an eSIM?
eSIMs have plenty of benefits, take a look:
- Lower roaming charges while traveling
- Secure information storage on the Cloud
- Many eSIMs can be conveniently purchased from an online store
- Makes for simpler data plan activation and switching through carriers
- Eliminates the need for buying physical cards and discarding old ones, thereby reducing plastic waste
- Some eSIMs can support more than one phone number meaning you can set up a personal and work profile on a single phone
- You can buy bundles with coverage in full regions like a data eSIM Asia or Europe eSIM
- Depending on the carrier, eSIMs can give you unlimited mobile data for only $6 USD. This is much cheaper than traditional SIMS often costing up to $15 USD per megabyte when roaming internationally.
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What are the disadvantages of eSIMs?
While eSIMs eliminates the need for traditional SIM cards and makes data plan switching easier, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some of the disadvantages of eSIMs include:
- Your phone must be eSIM compatible, a feature of relatively newer devices
- Some eSIMs don’t include phone calls and text messages. Only local carriers with eSIMs and some international providers include these features.
Talking of carriers, let’s explore some of the best ones out there.
What are the best eSIM carriers and providers in 2024?
Many network carriers now offer an eSIM. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular carriers and their most popular eSIM offering.
| Carriers | Region | Main features |
| eSIM with AT&T | North America and Global | Access to different data plans and the chance to use an eSIM on Android, iOS, and other devices. |
| eSIM card with T-Mobile | North America and Global | This carrier offers different data plans and features that are only available to its users. It also includes an app and roaming services for travelers. |
| eSIM with Verizon | Global | Different data packages and a wide variety of compatible mobiles. It also includes roaming services worldwide. |
| eSIM with Vodafone | Mainly in Europe | Vodafone offers virtual SIM card service on Apple and Android devices while also offering a huge variety of data plans that include roaming for an extra fee. |
| eSIM card with Orange | Europe and Global | Easily change your SIM card for an eSIM, and these are all compatible in terms of data packages, roaming, and other major features. |
| eSIM with O2 | Europe and Global | Different data plans and features for travelers and locals |
There are also solely eSIM providers on the market. eSIM providers often provide a lot more cost-effective eSIM plans, and tend to be more targeted toward shorter term plans—which a great for travelers!
Which phones are eSIM compatible?
Out of the big league phone manufacturers, almost all iPhones support the installation and activation of eSIMs. Most of Android’s recent devices also support these virtual SIM cards. Unsure if your phone has the functionality?
You can check if your phone is eSIM compatible through its settings.
Some of these eSIM-compatible models include:
iPhones
- iPhone 14
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11 – iPhone 15
Androids
- Huawei P40 – Huawei Pura 70 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S20 – S24
- Galaxy Z Fold2 5G – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
Google Pixels
- Google Pixel 3 – Google Pixel 8
Realizing that your phone isn’t eSIM compatible? Take a look at our eSIM-supported phones list and start sweet talking a loved one—maybe you’ve still got time before your birthday!
eSIMs compatibility with other devices
It’s pretty easy to see why eSIMs are a good option for your phone. But, just how compatible are these virtual SIM cards with other devices? Let’s take a look at two other widely-used devices— laptops and smartwatches.
Are eSIMs compatible with laptops?
Yes! eSIMs are compatible with certain laptops, especially newer models. Take a look at our list of eSIM compatible laptops. Many of today’s laptops are built with mobile connectivity in mind and have built-in eSIM functionality as a standard feature.
Are eSIMs compatible with smartwatches?
Today, there are plenty of smartwatches compatible with eSIMs. However, eSIMs in smartwatches still face two major challenges. First, because they are so small and have tiny batteries, GSM connectivity with 4G drains batteries real fast.
It’s not surprising that a watch with bluetooth connection can be worn for weeks without recharging, whereas a smartwatch with an eSIM needs to be charged daily. Fingers crossed this will change soon!
How to set up an eSIM
Here’s how you can go about setting up an eSIM in your cell phone.
1. Check compatibility
First up, check to see if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology! It’s only newer devices that run this software.
2. Get an eSIM activation code
Setting up your virtual SIM card can be done at home following a process that is almost as simple as taking a selfie: just aim your mobile phone camera at the 2-D barcode (or BIDI code) supplied by the eSIM provider to capture the configuration that will be transferred to your virtual card.
3. Open your device settings
Depending on your phone model and whether you use an Android or iOS phone, you can complete the configuration process by following a series of steps.
This includes choosing whether you want to use the eSIM for calls and data or only data. You can also choose whether your digital SIM will work as a single line or with another eSIM profile or conventional SIM card.
4. Find a cellular or mobile network, and you’re good to go!
From there, you should be good to go. Your eSIM is now able to access your provider’s network. You can start enjoying your eSIM as though you would if it were your SIM card—perhaps more!
Virtual SIM: Instructions for iOS and Android
If you have an eSIM and need to configure it, you can follow these eSIM instructions for iOS and how to set up eSIM in Samsung.
Can you transfer SIM cards to eSIM cards?
Yes, you can! This will vary depending on the company you are using, as some companies may send a QR code with the eSIM, while others require you to visit a store to activate your new eSIM card. But, it is possible.
Does my physical SIM stop working after eSIM installation?
Not necessarily. When using an eSIM, the second SIM card will keep working the same as before. This might vary from one carrier to another, so it’s always important to ask for this information from your eSIM provider before making the switch.
Can I transfer an eSIM from one phone to another?
Yes! To transfer your eSIM from one phone to another, follow these steps:
- Ensure compatibility and check that your new phone supports an eSIM, and contact your carrier for an eSIM installation QR code
- Deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and ensure your data is topped up or you’re connected to WiFi
- Activate your eSIM on your new phone with the help of an eSIM manager
- You’re good to go!
How many eSIMs can be used in a phone?
The number of eSIMs that can be used on a phone depends on your particular phone model. Some phones, such as Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8A, and iPhone 8 and higher support dual eSIM functionalities, meaning you can have two eSIM profiles on one phone.
Wrapping up everything you need to know on eSIM cards for 2024
eSIM technology makes it easy to activate and switch through data plans for your mobile device, or even smartwatch and laptop. They’re cheaper and more convenient than their traditional SIM counterparts, making eSIMS the perfect option for anyone reluctant to fumble around with easy-to-lose cards or expensive data packages.
The best part? You can expect eSIMs to become more prominent as companies continue adopting this virtual SIM technology in newer phone models.
To top it all off, most of the major providers support eSIMs, meaning you can easily switch through data plans wherever you are in the world. It’s safe to say that eSIM technology is traveling the world—the question is: are you going with it?
