Definitive Guide to eSIM 2022
- What is eSIM and Why is it Important?
- SIM Cards and eSIMs: How Do They Work?
- How to purchase an eSIM
- How to Change Provider?
- The safety of using an eSIM
- The future of eSIM technology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is eSIM and Why is it Important?
eSIM is a new type of SIM card that allows you to store your mobile phone number and other data on a remote server, rather than on a SIM card. This means that you can change your phone number or operator without having to physically swap out your SIM card on your devices.
eSIMs are already being used by some phones and smartwatches, and are expected to become more widely available in the next few years. They offer many advantages over traditional SIM cards, including the ability to remotely activate and deactivate service on your phones, lower costs for operators and increased flexibility for consumers. While eSIMs are not yet widely available, they are expected to play a major role in the future of the mobile industry.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of where you can obtain an eSIM, which devices support eSIMs, how to enable an eSIM on your device, and some frequently asked questions and answers about this new industry.
SIM Cards and eSIMs: How Do They Work?
Knowing how a regular SIM works is necessary before understanding eSIM (Embedded SIM).
SIMs are just chips that store IMSI numbers, network information, and contacts.
SIM cards connect to networks in the following way:
To connect to a telecom operator's network, you need to have an IMSI number - international mobile subscriber identity - activated after your documents have been verified.
Differences between an e-SIM and a SIM card:
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As with any other hardware part on a phone, the eSIM chip is pre-installed as part of a phone' circuit. The only thing you need to do is get authorized/registered by a telecom operator of your choice. You don't need to buy a plastic SIM card with a chip inside.
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An eSIM chip can be rewritten, unlike a regular SIM. A new telecom operator can write new information onto eSIM after erasing previous information, such as an IMSI number saved by the previous telecom operator.
How to purchase an eSIM
A quick way to check if a carrier support eSIM would be to check the carrier app or website. Additionally, the provider's website would contain more information about eSIM services, pricing, and coverage.
Note: It is important to understand the difference between the carrier(operator) and the provider. While communication carriers deliver messaging and data transfer services through such as paging and remote terminal units, providers provide infrastructure or application services to customers.
Look for an eSIM provider
Some of the eSIM providers
- Airalo. 192 Countries
- Flexiroam. 143 Countries
- UP eSIM. 83 Countries
- Redteago. 81 Countries
- Simtex. 73 Countries
- MOGO eSIM. 58 Countries
- Stork. 44 Countries
- Orange. 39 Countries
Find Compatible Devices or Phones
Apple (iPhone models)
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
Apple (iPad models)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Ultra 5G, S22
- Samsung Fold LTE model
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra
Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3 & 3XL (Limited support)
- Google Pixel 2
Choose an eSIM plan
You will need to take into account your personal needs and how you intend to use your phone when choosing an eSIM plan.
- Coverage Choose a plan that covers your area of residence or workplace. You may wish to consider some providers or carriers that offer better coverage for your mobile device than others when making your choice.
- Price Price is also an important consideration. The price of each plan varies. Budget-friendly plans are important. Your needs should be met by one of the many plans available.
- Data Usage Prepaid eSIM plans are also influenced by your mobile data consumption. The more data you use, the higher the data limit you will need. The lower your data limit, the less money you'll spend on your eSIM plan.
- International Usage Taking a look at the target country's plans is paramount. The best aspect is eSIM solution takes just a few simple steps so it is easier and faster than obtaining a regular sim card. It is generally easy to set up your eSIM, choose the target country, and activate it after you select the provider and carrier. When traveling abroad, eSIM may be a better option for some.
Activate your eSIM
The following are the primary activation methods for iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel phones that support eSIM.
Apple devices
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Convert to eSIM. If you don't see Convert to eSIM, your carrier doesn't support this option. ...
- Tap Convert Cellular Plan.
- Tap Convert to eSIM.
- Wait for your eSIM to activate. ...
- Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone.
Google Pixel
- Ensure you have access to Wi-Fi
- Download the Google Fi app from Google Play or open the Google Fi app
- Using your Google Account, sign in to Fi
- On the Google Fi activation screen, tap Continue
- Enter your current carrier's number and account information if you are transferring a number
SAMSUNG phones
For prepaid plan
- Launch Settings > Connections.
- Tap SIM card manager.
- Select Add mobile plan.
When a mobile plan is found, follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.
via qr code
- Launch Settings > Connections.
- Tap SIM card manager.
- Select Add mobile plan.
- Add using QR code, and then scan the QR code to add your eSIM.
How to Change Provider?
Changing mobile network operators is as easy as:
- The operator will verify your documents & issue you a new set of user IDs and passwords once you upload/submit your documents online.
- These new login credentials will allow you to log in to the new telecom provider.
The safety of using an eSIM
According to Federal Communications Commission, it is true that there are significant benefits to security. While removable SIM cards can be stolen and used in port out scams, eSIM cards cannot be stolen without stealing the phone. A SIM card is fraudulently swapped into a different phone to access the victim's calls and texts. It is then possible for the thieves to reset credentials and gain access to the victim's bank account and social media account.
In terms of security, eSIM is generally very safe since it can't be removed physically and inserted into another device by thieves, and can be programmed to request operator verification whenever an account is changed. Despite their security, mobile carriers aren't completely safe from fraud, as hackers often hack into vulnerable carriers' systems to get user information.
If you are concerned about your privacy, removing your physical SIM card from your phone will prevent your mobile carrier from tracking your location. eSIMs, however, cannot be removed and are hardwired into the device, so eSIM users' mobile devices will be constantly connected to their carriers' networks. In countries such as Australia, this is not likely to be an issue for most citizens, but for individuals belonging to persecuted groups, this may be a major concern.
The future of eSIM technology
eSIM technology is revolutionizing the way we connect devices to networks. eSIMs offer many advantages over physical SIM, including greater flexibility and convenience.
In the coming years, we can expect eSIMs to become increasingly widespread, as they are adopted by more device manufacturers and network operators. Ultimately, eSIMs will make it easier than ever before to stay connected on the go, without having to carry around multiple physical SIM cards for your devices.
As eSIM technology continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more exciting innovations in the future of connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is eSIM?
eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM card. For example, an iPhone can have eight or more eSIMs installed and two phone numbers can be used simultaneously.
What is the price of an eSIM?
An eSIM from the United States starts at $4.5 per month.
Do eSIMs and physical SIMs have the same number?
On the same device, eSIM and SIM can be used simultaneously. Therefore, eSIM and physical cards can both be used simultaneously. By registering it in your mobile account, your new device can automatically be configured to the previous number.
Can eSIM users make WiFi calls?
Wireless calling with eSIM is supported by many handsets. A network doesn't necessarily guarantee that the service will be available on that device. Networks may limit the types of mobile plans that support the service (especially Android smartphones).
Is an internet connection required for eSIM?
If you want to set up an eSIM, you need an internet connection, so make sure you are connected to WiFi when you begin this process. To add a data plan, go to Settings > Mobile Data. Depending on the type of phone you have, you may not see these options in your settings.