What is an eSIM? Advantages and disadvantages of eSIMs

What is an eSIM?

“eSIM” stands for embedded SIM (subscriber identity module). It’s a small, programmable chip built directly into devices like smartphones, tablets, smart home appliances, and wearables. Unlike physical SIM cards you insert into your device, an eSIM card is securely embedded inside the device and cannot be removed.

Benefits of eSIMs

eSIMs offer several benefits over traditional SIM cards.

Activate your eSIM card online on the same day

One of the standout benefits of eSIM technology is the ability to activate your virtual SIM card online on the same day. Most carriers offer apps that quickly install network information onto an eSIM card. The whole process is quick and doesn’t require visiting a physical store. In our Saily review, we demonstrate that you can set up and start using the Saily app in a matter of minutes.

Store more than one eSIM profile

Some devices let you store two or even five eSIM profiles alongside a physical SIM card. Let’s say you have one smartphone for work and another for your personal life. With eSIMs, you save space and no longer need to juggle two devices, saving you money by eliminating the need for a separate cell phone with a different phone number.

However, keep in mind that you might not be able to use all your eSIM profiles simultaneously. For instance, iPhones allow you to have only two active eSIMs at the same time.

No risk of SIM card damage or loss

Traditional SIM cards are fragile and can bend, scratch, or break during insertion or removal. Additionally, you can lose a SIM card, especially when switching devices or traveling, leading to lost service until you obtain a replacement, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. With an eSIM card, you maintain continuous service without this risk — unless you lose your phone, so keep those pockets zipped!

Convenient for overseas trips and travel

Are you heading to a new destination? With a virtual SIM card, you can skip buying a second physical SIM card for international travel. Simply add an international plan to your device, and it will start working the moment you land. Saily, a global eSIM service by NordVPN, offers data plans in over 150 countries, ensuring you stay connected easily and securely no matter where you go.

Improved security

Traditional SIM cards can be physically swapped if an attacker gains access to your device or persuades a carrier to issue a new SIM card in your name. eSIMs, however, are embedded in the device and cannot be physically removed. This feature significantly reduces the risk of a SIM swap attack.

Disadvantages of eSIM

Despite its many advantages, eSIM technology is not without its flaws.

Difficult to swap devices

With an electronic SIM card, you must activate it on your new phone and deactivate it from the old one each time you switch devices. Although this process is relatively fast, traditional SIM cards are more convenient if you frequently swap phones. Also, if your eSIM-compatible device becomes inoperable, you might face issues accessing or transferring the eSIM, potentially leaving you without service until the problem is resolved.

Limited device compatibility

Not all devices support eSIM technology yet. While newer smartphones, tablets, and wearables are increasingly eSIM compatible, many older devices are not. This limitation can restrict your options if you’re not using the latest smartphones and technology. Even if a phone has an eSIM card, that doesn’t mean it’ll work with every network. At least in the US, you’ll find that only the most popular phones are supported by most carriers.

Activation requires a stable internet connection

Essentially, you need the internet to start using the internet. To activate an eSIM card, you must download the carrier profile containing all necessary network settings and information. A reliable internet connection is crucial to ensure the download completes without errors.

How does an eSIM work?

Think of an eSIM card as a digital version of a classic SIM card. It’s a reprogrammable embedded chip that allows you to download data directly onto your device without the need for a physical card. This means you don’t have to find a SIM vendor or handle a physical card when you want to change your carrier or data plan. An eSIM card is embedded directly into your phone, making it non-removable. To switch carriers, simply activate your phone with your new carrier, and your eSIM will update to connect to the new network.

What is the difference between a SIM card and an eSIM card?

Some of the key differences between an eSIM and a physical SIM include:

• SIM form: A traditional SIM is a removable chip, while an eSIM is embedded in your device.
• Transferability: A traditional SIM is easily transferred between devices, while an eSIM is managed digitally and cannot be physically transferred.
• Carriers: A physical SIM is tied to a specific carrier, while an eSIM is carrier independent.
• Activation: A traditional SIM requires physical insertion and manual setup, while an eSIM is activated digitally through apps or QR codes.
• Security: A physical SIM can be lost or stolen, while an eSIM can be uninstalled but can’t be physically lost or stolen — unless you lose your phone, of course.
• Roaming: A traditional SIM supports roaming-only plans through SIM swapping, while an eSIM offers seamless roaming with digital carrier switching.
• Pricing: Traditional SIMs offer a wide range of pricing from budget to premium, while eSIMs often provide flexible and pay-as-you-go options.

Both eSIMs and traditional SIMs offer comparable signal strength because they connect to the same mobile networks. Additionally, both support international roaming, allowing users to access mobile networks when traveling abroad.

Is an eSIM better than a traditional SIM card?

Whether an eSIM is better than a classic SIM depends on your needs and preferences. If you value flexibility, convenience, and security, an eSIM may be the better choice, particularly if you are a frequent traveler or often switch carriers or plans.

On the other hand, if you prioritize easy transferability between devices and universal compatibility, a traditional SIM card might be more suitable. Nevertheless, because eSIM adoption continues to grow, it will likely become the dominant option.

How to use an eSIM

Typically, your carrier provides a QR code that you can scan with your iPhone or Android device to configure an eSIM automatically. Some providers might require you to download their app to activate and manage the eSIM.

How to activate an eSIM on an iPhone

To activate an eSIM on an iPhone, first ensure that your iPhone model has eSIM support and is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Then, contact your carrier to obtain the eSIM activation details. These often include a QR code, an activation code, or instructions to download a carrier’s app.

Activate the eSIM using a QR code

1. Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the “Cellular plan detected” notification appears, tap it.
2. If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and receive a QR code via email or on the carrier’s webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap “Add eSIM.”
3. Tap “Continue” at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap “Add cellular plan.”

If prompted, enter the confirmation code provided by your carrier to activate your eSIM.

Activate the eSIM by manually entering the eSIM information

1. Contact your carrier to get the eSIM details you need to enter.
2. Open “Settings.”
3. Tap either “Cellular” or “Mobile data,” depending on your region.
4. Tap “Add cellular plan.”
5. At the bottom of the screen, choose “Enter details manually.”

Activate the eSIM using the carrier’s app

1. Download and install your carrier’s app from the App Store.
2. Open the carrier’s app and follow the instructions to set up your eSIM.

How to activate an eSIM on an Android

To activate an eSIM on Android, first verify that your Android device supports eSIMs and is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Then, contact your carrier to get the eSIM activation details. These details typically include a QR code, activation code, or instructions to download a carrier’s app.

Activate the eSIM using a QR code

1. Open “Settings” on your device.
2. Tap “Connections” > “SIM card manager.”
3. Tap “Add eSIM” to start the installation process. Note that depending on the model, a message may appear indicating that the phone will temporarily disconnect from the SIM network to add the eSIM.
4. Scan the code sent to your email and follow the on-screen steps to install your eSIM.

Activate the eSIM by manually entering the eSIM information

1. Open “Settings” on your device.
2. Tap “Connections” > “SIM card manager.”
3. Tap “Add eSIM” to start the installation process.
4. Select “Scan QR from service provider” and tap “Enter activation code.”

Activate the eSIM using the carrier’s app

1. Download and install your carrier’s app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the carrier’s app and follow the instructions to set up your eSIM.

Which phones support eSIM?

The most commonly supported eSIM devices in the United States include:

• iPhone XS or newer iPhone models (iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series support eSIM exclusively, with no physical SIM card support)
• Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer
• Google Pixel 3 or newer
• Apple Watch Series 3 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 and newer

Check with your carrier before assuming a device supports eSIM technology because some carriers have limited eSIM support.

FAQ

Are eSIMs safe?

eSIMs offer greater security than regular SIM cards because they cannot be physically swapped. However, they are not entirely foolproof. Attackers can change your eSIM profile if they succeed in a phishing or social engineering attack to obtain your eSIM credentials. Despite this risk, you can block the eSIM to prevent misuse. So are eSIMs safe? While eSIMs are not completely invulnerable, they are safer than traditional SIM cards.

Can eSIMs be used on phones that don’t support eSIM technology?

No, you can’t use an eSIM on phones that do not support eSIM technology. However, solutions like esim.me provide a physical SIM that can hold the eSIM inside, allowing you to use eSIM functionality on unsupported devices.

Which carriers support eSIMs?

Many carriers around the world now support eSIM cards. Some of the major eSIM carriers include:

United States

AT&T

Verizon

T-Mobile

US Mobile

Visible

Google Fi

United Kingdom

EE

O2

Vodafone

Europe

Deutsche Telekom (Germany)

Orange (France)

Vodafone (various countries)

Telefónica (Spain)

Global providers

Saily

Truphone

GigSky

Ubigi

Can a Google Fi eSIM be activated outside the US?

No, you can’t activate a Google Fi eSIM outside the US. You must be in the United States to activate Google Fi’s eSIM service. However, once you activate the eSIM in the US, you can use Google Fi’s services internationally in supported countries without any issues.

Can a mobile phone work without a SIM card?

Yes, a phone can work without a SIM card but with limited capabilities. Without a SIM, you won’t be able to make or receive traditional phone calls, send SMS messages, or access cellular data.

What is an iSIM?

An iSIM, or integrated SIM, is essentially the same as an eSIM but integrated into a device’s chipset, eliminating the need for a separate SIM card or eSIM chip. While yet to be widely used, iSIMs are gaining traction, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. This technology saves space, enhances security, and simplifies the design of small, low-power IoT devices.