An eSIM is an embedded SIM card which is embedded directly into a device’s mainboard instead of the physical SIM card with an integrated circuit that is inserted into your phone’s SIM card tray. The term SIM means “Subscriber Identity Module”, and the eSIM is just an “embedded” version, which is what the “e” means.
How Does The eSIM Work?
The eSIM is an embedded chip that can be reprogrammed and allows data to be downloaded directly onto your device without the need for a physical SIM card. eSIMs function very much like the traditional physical SIM card by identifying and connecting you to your mobile network, except this is all done digitally with the eSIM and there’s no need for a plastic SIM card. eSIM is an industry standard and on course to replace the physical SIM card soon.
With the eSIM, you can activate a SIM plan from your mobile network without the need for a physical SIM card, which means there is no waiting to receive your new SIM card through the post or visit a store.
How Many eSIMs Can Be Added to a Device and Activate Simultaneously?
The eSIM has no physical limitations to how many plans you can activate on your device. For example, with the physical SIM, the number of trays available on your device limits how many plans you can have. The number of eSIMs you can store and have active at the same time will heavily depend on your device manufacturer and storage size.
For example, with your Apple iPhone or iOS devices, you can install five or more eSIMs and have 2 active at the same time. Android devices from Samsung, Google, Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Honor, and OnePlus allow five or more like Apple iPhones, but the number of allowed eSIM installations and active at the same time will vary.
Which Mobile Phones Support eSIM?
The eSIM is a game changer but is not as widely used as the physical PVC SIM card. They are mostly found on high-end premium phones from various manufacturers but are still featured alongside the physical SIM card which means most phones support both.
There are few newer devices that have exclusive support for eSIM, meaning there is no place for a physical SIM at all. For example, the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max devices sold in the United States rely solely on eSIM technology and have no physical SIM slots but models sold outside of the US continue to offer support for both.
Apple iPhone
Almost all Apple iPhones from the XS model support eSIMs. All iPhone models before the XS do not have this support.
Android
Android phones from Google, Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus and others, support eSIMs. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, A35, S21, S22, S23, S24 and Z Fold/Flip 3, 4, 5 and 6 models, Google Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 and Fold series support eSIM.
Benefits of an eSIM
The eSIM offers so much more than being just a digital SIM card. Not having to deal with physical SIM cards makes life on the go convenient, secure and very easy if you tend to travel or change network providers frequently.
- The Cost of an eSIM international data plan is 70% cheaper than your network will charge if roaming is not included with your plan.
- Improved security since your eSIM cannot be physically swapped
- Switch mobile networks easier and faster. Just scan a QR code and no need to wait for SIM delivery.
- No risk of SIM card damage or loss
- You can use 5 or more eSIMs, on a device with more than one active at the same time depending on your device manufacturer.
- You can use your eSim alongside a physical SiM with no issues at all.
- Switch between data plans when needed by turning eSIMs on or off, instead of removing and inserting physical SIMs.
- Buy and Install eSIM for continents or multi-country use. Eg eSIM for countries in Europe, Asia or the Americas.
- eSIM data is stored digitally on your device so there’s no need to remove and insert multiple SIMs.
- Store more eSIMs for countries you visit often. No need for multiple SIM cards.
- Keep your home country call line active and use eSIM for data if your network does not support roaming.
Disadvantages of eSIM
As with all the good things in life, there’s always a downside and eSIMs are not exempt.
- Not easy to switch quickly between devices if your device stops working.
- Limited pool of devices and manufacturers currently available with eSIM compatibility to select from.
- Internet needed to activate eSIM as network profile needs to be downloaded
How do I know If My Phone Supports eSIM?
Most device manufacturers make this information available so the best place is to visit your support website or ask at the point of purchase.
How Can I Download An eSIM Profile?
eSIM profiles store all the same data as physical SIM cards and are downloaded to your phone by one or more of the following methods below.
- Scanning a QR code (Most common)
- Following an on-screen setup process
- Receiving an activation code
- Download from a link sent by your network provider
- Follow instructions from an App from your network provider
Conclusion
The adoption of eSIM technology is on the rise and sooner or later the physical SIM will be a thing of the past. The physical SIM size keeps getting smaller with every new version which is an indication phone manufacturers are looking for ways to make phones secure and save space too.
Currently, the list of eSIM-supported devices to choose from is limited. You’ll only find eSIM support on very premium or high-end models. There is also exclusive support as teased by Apple for the iPhone devices bound for the United States.
The good thing is, for now, we can have the best of both worlds by using eSIMs alongside the physical SIM with no issues whatsoever. For more information about What a SIM card is, please read our post What is a SIM Card?
Questions People Ask
Which Android and iOS devices support eSIM?
All iPhones since the XS model support eSIM. For a full and updated list see the link below from the esims.io website.
Which UK mobile networks support eSIM?
Not all mobile network providers in the UK support eSIM yet. This should change when the technology becomes available on cheaper and a wider range of devices.
As of 2024, 3 UK, Vodafone, EE, and O2, giffgaff, ID Mobile, Tesco Mobile, SKy, and Lyca Mobile, are the few networks with eSIM support.
