An eSIM card is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your smartphone and can be reprogrammed remotely.
It allows you to switch between carriers or plans without needing a physical SIM card. It also enables you to use multiple lines on the same device.
Some of the benefits of eSIM cards are convenience, flexibility, and compatibility with various devices.
An eSIM card works by storing your subscriber identity information in a software form, rather than on a removable chip.
You can activate or deactivate an eSIM card by scanning a QR code, entering a confirmation code, or using an app from your carrier.
You can also manage your eSIM settings from your phone’s menu.
An eSIM card is compatible with most of the latest smartphones, such as the iPhone 15, the Galaxy S24, and the Pixel 7.
It is also used in some wearables, such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
In addition, eSIM cards are suitable for Iot devices, such as drones, sensors, and trackers, where size and durability are important factors.
What is an eSIM Card?
An eSIM card is a digital version of the SIM card that you use to connect your phone to your network provider.
It’s a chip inside your phone that can be reprogrammed remotely, without needing a physical SIM card.
You can use an eSIM card to switch between carriers or plans or to use multiple lines on the same device.
Features Of Using an eSIM Card.
Convenience
You can switch between networks or plans easily and quickly, without needing a physical SIM card or a SIM ejector tool.
You can also activate or deactivate an eSIM card by scanning a QR code, entering a confirmation code, or using an app from your carrier.
Flexibility
eSIMs offer the same advantages as dual-SIM phones with two slots for traditional plastic SIMs, the most obvious being that you can have two phone numbers on one device.
This can be handy if you want one number for personal use and another for business
But you don’t want to carry two phones around.
You’ll be able to receive phone calls and texts on both numbers all the time and choose which SIM to use for making calls, sending text messages, or using data.
Compatibility
You can use an eSIM with various devices, such as smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices, that support eSIM technology.
This can make your devices more compact, durable, and secure, as well as enable new features and functionalities.
Temporarily change to another network.
Up to five virtual SIM cards can be stored on one eSIM at a time.
This means you can quickly switch between different networks if you find yourself in an area without a signal on your usual network.
It also makes it easier to switch to a local network while traveling, without needing to physically insert a local SIM.
Uses less physical phone space.
Another advantage of eSIMs is that they will eventually negate the need for a physical SIM card and its tray.
Smartphone manufacturers could potentially use this space to increase a phone’s battery size or add more features to a handset.
Fewer holes in a handset also mean more protection from moisture and dust, so fewer breakdowns.
What You Need to Do to Use an eSIM Card?
For IOS:
- An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later
- A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM
- Your new iPhone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.*
- eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers.
For Android:
- Login to your Airalo account.
- Go to My eSIMs.
- Look for the eSIM you want to install.
- Tap the Details button.
- Tap Install eSIM/Access Data
- Select which type of installation
- Tap the QR Code or Manual Installation. Please print the code or use a different device to display the QR code.
Option 1: By scanning the QR code
-
- Choose the “QR Code” tab at the top
- (You may select the share QR button to share it with another device).
- Go to Settings on your device
- Tap on Network & Internet
- Tap the Add or + icon next to Mobile Network
- Tap Next when asked, “Don’t have a SIM card?”
- Scan your QR code and add the confirmation code if prompted
- Go back to your “Install eSIM/Access Data” screen.
- Turn on eSIM under Mobile Network
- Enable Mobile Data
- Enable Data Roaming (Please turn off your primary line to avoid roaming charges from your carrier provider when overseas)
- Go to Network & Internet and tap on the Mobile network to set the correct network preferences listed in the Additional Info which is at the bottom-right of the selected data package page.
- Set up an APN(access point name) on your device if required.
Option 2: By manually Installation
-
- If you are experiencing issues scanning the QR code or are unable to scan the QR code, you can enter eSIM details manually. Please follow these steps:
- To add and set up your eSIM via the manual method, please follow these steps:
- 1. Choose the “Manual” tab at the top
- 2. Copy the “SM-DP+Address & Activation Code” (manual installation information)
- 3. Tap on Network & Internet
- Tap the Add or + icon next to Mobile Network
- Tap Next when asked, “Don’t have a SIM card?”
- Tap Enter Code Manually. You will be asked to enter your SM-DP+Adress as shared on your eSIM installation page.
- Turn on your eSIM under Mobile Network
- Enable Mobile data
- Enable Data Roaming (Please turn off your primary line to avoid roaming charges from your carrier provider when overseas)
- Set up an APN(access point name) on your device if required.
Once the eSIM has been installed either via QR code or Manual method, you can easily complete the steps for accessing data through the shortcuts to your device’s screens by tapping the “SETTINGS” buttons from your “Access data steps”.
Conclusion
eSIM is a new technology that enables users to connect to mobile networks without using a physical SIM card.
It offers convenience, flexibility, and compatibility with various devices and applications.
eSIM also facilitates the development of IoT and M2M systems, as well as the advancement of Industry 4.0.
However, eSIM also faces some challenges, such as security concerns, market dynamics, and regulatory issues.
Therefore, eSIM requires collaboration and innovation from various stakeholders, such as device manufacturers, network operators, service providers, and regulators, to overcome these barriers and realize its full potential.
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FAQS
What is an eSIM Card and how does it work?
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card that lives inside your phone, making it distinct from a traditional SIM card, which can be physically removed from your phone.
An eSIM performs the same function as a physical SIM: it allows you to connect to your carrier’s cell phone network and plan.
What is the disadvantage of an eSIM Card?
On its face, the disadvantage of eSIM technology is that because it can’t be physically removed, quickly swapping out SIM cards when you’re traveling to get local coverage from a different carrier is a harder thing to do.
In actuality, it makes switching carriers even easier, since switching to a new SIM is as easy as scanning a QR code from your phone.
Why would someone use an eSIM Card?
The reason someone would use an eSIM is that it enables easier switching between carriers. Instead of delicately swapping out easy-to-lose (or damaged) physical SIM cards, all you have to do is scan a QR code to get coverage from a different carrier. Switching your cell phone carrier, data, or plan is all handled via software.
