What is an eSim?

A SIM card, typically a small plastic card inserted into a mobile phone, stands for ‘subscriber identity module’. It contains essential information like your mobile number, enabling you to make calls, send texts, and access data on your device. Additionally, SIM cards can retain contact information, simplifying the process of switching phones as you can effortlessly transfer your SIM from one device to another.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a SIM card integrated into your smartphone, unlike the removable physical SIM card. It utilizes software on a computer chip rather than the traditional plastic-based integrated circuit found in conventional SIM cards. This software can be reprogrammed with new information whenever you need to change your mobile number or carrier.

While technologically distinct from physical SIM cards, eSIMs function similarly, enabling you to make calls, send messages, and access the internet seamlessly. The first widely available eSIM was introduced in 2016 on a Samsung smartwatch, followed by Apple in 2017 with its smartwatch and in 2018 with the iPhone. eSIMs have gained significant popularity and are gradually replacing physical SIM cards globally.

eSIM vs. SIM

SIM stands for “subscriber identity module,” which refers to a chip containing customer information and specifications for smartphone connectivity to the respective mobile network.

The initial SIM card debuted in 1991 for a Finnish mobile carrier, initially being as large as a credit card or postage stamp. As time progressed, SIM cards underwent size reduction, accommodating the shrinking dimensions of modern smartphones as manufacturers allocated more space for other electronic components. The early SIM card dimensions would have been incompatible with today’s compact smartphones.

Embedded SIMs, created by integrating a typical SIM chip directly onto a smartphone’s board through soldering, offer reprogrammable functionality via software. eSIMs occupy less space, enabling smartphone producers to incorporate additional hardware features such as improved processors, extended battery life, and enhanced protection against water and dust. The process of switching mobile carriers with an eSIM is also streamlined and expedited.

History of eSIM development

eSIM technology was developed by the GSM Association (GSMA) in 2012, a non-profit organization representing the interests of over 750 mobile network operators worldwide. The concept of a software-based SIM was initially discussed within GSMA in 2010, and a practical implementation was devised two years later.

Originally, the proposed eSIM by GSMA utilized software embedded in a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) chip within smartphones. However, a significant challenge emerged as UICC chips were primarily used in industrial devices before the 2010s and were rarely found in consumer devices. To overcome this obstacle, GSMA established a separate UICC standard tailored for consumer devices while maintaining the existing standard for industrial (machine-to-machine) devices.

GSMA introduced the first standard for its UICC chip intended for consumer devices in March 2016, followed by another in November 2016. In the same year, Samsung launched the Gear S2 smartwatch, featuring the inaugural implementation of an eSIM.

Qualcomm, a prominent mobile chip manufacturer, demonstrated the first eSIM for a smartphone in 2017. Concurrently, Apple unveiled a smartwatch equipped with an eSIM, followed by eSIM-compatible iPhones a year later. Given Apple’s significant partnership with Qualcomm, it was no surprise that Apple was the first to adopt the mobile eSIM developed by its supplier.

Since 2017, all American iPhones have been equipped with eSIM slots. Conversely, non-American variants feature slots for both eSIM and physical SIM cards, acknowledging the prevailing preference for physical SIM cards worldwide. Notably, iPhones sold in China do not incorporate eSIMs due to limited support from the country’s primary telecom providers.

Google introduced the Pixel 2 in October 2017, marking the first Android smartphone to support eSIM. Subsequent Pixel models featured eSIM support, even as Google transitioned some devices to Samsung chips from Qualcomm’s.

Samsung unveiled the S20 smartphone in March 2020, followed by the S21 in January 2021, both equipped with eSIM slots but initially lacking software support. Subsequently, operating system updates in November 2021 enabled eSIM functionality in most new Samsung smartphones.

Numerous other Android smartphone manufacturers have embraced eSIM support, with some devices entirely abandoning physical SIM cards in favor of eSIMs, such as the Motorola Razr.

eSIM adoption has gained traction globally, with mobile carriers in over 190 countries endorsing it. According to Statista, over 350 million devices, including smartphones and other gadgets, were eSIM-compatible in 2021, with projections estimating a rapid increase to 14 billion by 2030. Additionally, the global eSIM market was valued at $4.7 billion in 2023, anticipated to rise to $16.3 billion by 2027.

Despite significant growth, eSIM adoption varies across regions, with North America and Europe exhibiting more substantial growth compared to other continents. The affordability of smartphones supporting eSIMs remains a concern, limiting widespread adoption in regions with lower income levels compared to Western countries. Nonetheless, the trajectory of eSIM adoption since its inception less than a decade ago is remarkable, indicating a gradual transition towards eSIMs as physical SIM cards become obsolete.

Advantages of eSIMs

Easy Activation Process

Activating an embedded SIM proves simpler than a physical SIM. With the latter, manual placement is required, often involving the use of an ejector pin to access the SIM tray. Improper placement risks damage. In contrast, eSIMs are activated by scanning a QR code, swiftly connecting your smartphone to the mobile network.

Seamless Network Switching

An eSIM allows effortless switching between mobile networks with a few taps. One eSIM can store up to 5 network profiles, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIM cards. Transitioning to another network is easily managed through your phone’s settings app.

Ideal for Travel

For frequent travelers, eSIMs offer convenient mobile connectivity. No need to buy a new physical SIM card in every country; simply switch to the local network using your eSIM and revert when returning home.

Space-Efficient

Space is crucial in smartphone design. eSIMs take up less physical space, allowing for additional hardware features like larger batteries or more powerful processors.

Enhanced Security

Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are difficult to remove, enhancing device security. This feature increases the chances of tracking your phone if it’s lost or stolen.

Disadvantages of eSIMs

Limited Availability

At present, eSIM support is primarily limited to premium smartphones, which are often inaccessible to many, particularly in non-Western regions. Transitioning to an eSIM necessitates purchasing a relatively expensive smartphone.

Challenges in Device Transition

Switching devices with eSIMs poses more complexities compared to physical SIMs. With physical SIMs, you can simply remove the SIM and insert it into the new device. However, transitioning with eSIMs requires adjusting configurations to ensure a successful switch. The process becomes even more intricate when transitioning between iOS and Android smartphones, or vice versa.

What does an eSIM let me do?

An eSIM offers the flexibility to switch wireless carriers or service plans using software. Simply scanning a QR code or adjusting smartphone settings enables this change, eliminating the need to visit a physical store or await a new SIM card by mail. Additionally, it alleviates the hassle of frequently swapping SIM cards, allowing the use of multiple networks on a single smartphone.

While some argue that mobile carriers are displeased with eSIMs due to decreased foot traffic in stores, this is not accurate. Mobile carriers have adapted to this technology and recognize its convenience for their customers.

Which Smartphones support eSIM?

Many newly released smartphones, typically those in the premium category, offer support for eSIMs.

iPhone

Since 2018, every iPhone model, including the

• iPhone XR,
• iPhone XS,iPhone XS Max,
• iPhone 11,iPhone 11 Pro,
• iPhone SE 2 (2020),
• iPhone 12,iPhone 12 Mini,iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max,
• iPhone 13,iPhone 13 Mini,iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max,
• iPhone SE 3 (2022),
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, has been equipped with eSIM support.

Additionally, the iPhone 13 and 14 series allow simultaneous use of two eSIMs. Notably, American versions of the iPhone 14 series have entirely phased out physical SIM cards, while certain Chinese variants lack eSIM support.

Furthermore, newer iPad models since 2019, including the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini, also offer compatibility with eSIM technology.

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy smartphones offer support for eSIM technology, including models such as:

• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20,Samsung Galaxy S20+,Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G,Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra,Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21,Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G,Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22,Samsung Galaxy S22+,Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20,Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Fold,Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G,Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G,Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip,Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G,Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy S23,Samsung Galaxy S23+,Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

However, it’s important to note that the American versions of the Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold 2, S20/S21, S20 FE, and Note 20 Ultra do not support eSIMs.

Pixel

Google’s Pixel phones, such as the

• Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL,
• Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL,
• Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL,
• Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a,
• Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 6 Pro,
• Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7 Pro,
• Google Pixel Fold, utilize eSIM technology.

In addition to Google’s Pixel phones, many other premium smartphone brands, including Oppo, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others, also offer support for eSIMs.

How to activate an eSIM

Activating an embedded SIM on your smartphone is crucial, and it requires a QR code. Follow these steps:

1. Open your smartphone’s Settings and navigate to the Cellular or Mobile Data section.
2. Select “Add Cellular Plan” or a similar option.
3. Use your smartphone’s camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier. If prompted, enter any required activation code to finalize the eSIM setup.

Alternatively, you can activate your eSIM using your mobile carrier’s app:

1. Go to the App Store (for iOS) or Play Store (for Android) while connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Search for and download your carrier’s app.
3. Use the app to purchase a cellular plan. Payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay may be available.
4. Once the purchase is complete, activate the plan within the app or through your device’s Settings.

How do I check if my phone is eSIM compatible?

iPhone

The initial step is to verify if your iPhone is carrier-unlocked.

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
3. If you observe “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is carrier-unlocked.

Follow these steps to check if it’s compatible with eSIM:

1. Navigate to Settings > Cellular. At this juncture, you will view the list of active SIM cards.
2. Tap “Add mobile data plan.” If you encounter a QR code scanning option, your iPhone supports eSIMs. Otherwise, it is not compatible with embedded SIMs.

Samsung

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager on your Samsung phone. If you find an “Add eSIM” option, your device is compatible with eSIM.

Alternatively, you can tap “IMEI” in the search bar of your settings. If an option for “IMEI information” appears and you can locate “IMEI (eSIM),” it indicates that your smartphone is compatible with eSIM.

Google Pixel

1. Access your device’s Settings, then proceed to the Networks and Internet section.
2. Select the “Advanced” option within this menu.
3. Click on “Add Operator.”
4. If you receive a prompt to scan a QR code using your phone’s camera, it confirms compatibility.

What should I do to my eSIM when upgrading or replacing a phone?

Before upgrading or replacing your phone, ascertain whether it utilizes an eSIM, physical SIM, or both. If your phone employs an eSIM, it’s crucial to erase all data stored on the eSIM card before disposing or trading the device. Failure to do so could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information by others. You can obtain instructions on data wiping from your smartphone manufacturer or mobile carrier.

If your phone contains a physical SIM, remove it and store it securely. Alternatively, if you no longer require the SIM card, consider destroying it to prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive data.

Can my phone have both eSIM and SIM cards?

Certainly, it’s possible for a phone to support both an eSIM and a removable SIM card. This functionality enables users to have two distinct numbers on a single smartphone, such as one for personal use and another for work. Many high-end smartphones feature slots for both eSIMs and physical SIMs.

Do eSIMs cost more than physical SIM cards?

eSIMs are more cost-effective compared to traditional SIM cards since they do not require a physical card. Operating primarily through software, carriers can reconfigure the eSIM (with your consent) to enable connectivity to their mobile network.

For frequent travelers, eSIMs offer substantial savings. There’s no need to purchase a physical card for each new country visited, eliminating the expenses and waste associated with disposal. This not only saves money but also contributes to reducing plastic waste, benefiting the environment.

Conclusion

eSIM technology has revolutionized mobile connectivity by offering users greater flexibility and convenience. With eSIMs integrated directly into smartphones, processes like activation, network switching, and international travel are streamlined. While initially limited to premium models, eSIM adoption is growing globally, promising a future where traditional SIM cards may become obsolete.