Last Updated: September 25th, 2024
eSIM is digital SIM, smartphones tend to accommodate both eSIM and physical SIM. In these scenarios, eSIM is used by phones in place of a second SIM. They have always had room for a conventional nano-SIM, which you can use as usual, but you may add a second number or data contract via the eSIM; we’ll get to that shortly. Since you may save plans from many networks on your eSIM, there are benefits for both device makers and networks using eSIM, as well as benefits for you.
You may, for instance, have just a data roaming SIM to be used internationally or use one number for work while using another for personal conversations. Even better, you might have different voice and internet plans.
With the launch of iPhone 14 models, the Cupertino giant is doing away with the physical SIM cards and offering only digital SIM to the US market.
Fix “Your SIM Sent A Text Message” Issue on iPhone
eSIM: What exactly is it?
An integrated SIM card is referred to as an “eSIM.” There are no physical SIM cards needed, and you do not need to switch over physically. It’s not like all networks accept eSIM; it must be allowed and authorized by the provider or carrier. Similar to the NFC chip used during payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, an eSIM is essentially a tiny chip within your smartphone. Since the data on an eSIM is rewritable, you can choose to switch operators with just a quick phone call. It takes just a few minutes to add them to a data plan and link gadgets with eSIMs to a phone account. The GSMA, the association of cellular operators, supports eSIM and has established the global standard for eSIM.
Are there any drawbacks to using an Embedded SIM/Digital SIM
There may be fewer choices, which would be bad for customers. It’s feasible that all devices might ship pre-loaded with a certain provider instead of simply being open to everybody if a smartphone is sold exclusively. Additionally, eSIM users cannot quickly swap phones without first contacting their network. Of course, most people don’t give it much thought, but for certain folks, it might be off-putting.
However, it does need a change in perspective for individuals who use older or less expensive phones: you may not be able to manually transfer a SIM card to a smart smartphone. For the vast majority of individuals using Android or iOS, the days of saving contacts on SIM cards are already gone kudos to cloud backup.
Which devices are eSIM compatible?
After discontinuing dual SIM functionality with the iPhone XS, Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro will be its first Embedded SIM-only smartphones. The iPad Pro as well as every Apple Watch since the Series 2 also supports eSIM. Although it was first exclusively available in the US with Google Fi, the Google Pixel 2 also supported eSIM.
Although since Pixel 3, every Pixel phone has offered it as a choice in addition to a standard SIM. The same is valid for Samsung Galaxy phones starting with the S20 series.
Carriers Supporting Digital SIM in the US
AT&T
T-Mobile USA
Verizon Cellular
Straight Talk
US Cellular
Spectrum Mobile
Tracfone
Boost Mobile
Credo Mobile
You can check the complete list here
Procedure To Set Up Embedded SIM on your iPhone
When you buy the new iPhone from your carrier, to set up Embedded SIM on your iPhone you will have to follow the on-screen instructions.
Use carrier to set up eSIM on your iPhone:
Make sure that your carrier supports eSIM. You can check the complete list of carriers supporting Digital SIM in the US by going through the link mentioned above.
If the carrier has assigned eSIM to your iPhone to activate it:
Launch the Settings App on your iPhone and tap on Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Try to make a call from your iPhone to check if everything is working fine.
If you are unable to make a call from your phone, call your carrier.
Set Up eSIM using Quick Transfer Method
Few carriers offer a Quick Transfer method where you can convert physical SIM to eSIM on your same phone or on another phone.
Converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone
Launch the Settings App on your iPhone and tap on Cellular.
Tap Convert to eSIM.
If you don’t see the Convert to eSIM option, it means your carrier doesn’t support this option. Contact your carrier.
Tap Convert Cellular Plan.
Tap Convert to eSIM.
You will have to wait for your eSIM to activate.
Your previous SIM card will be deactivated, once eSIM gets activated.
Now, remove the physical SIM from your iPhone.
Restart your iPhone now.
Converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on the New iPhone from your previous phone
If you are having your previous phone with you follow the procedure:
Launch the Settings App on your phone.
Tap on Cellular and then Add Cellular Plan.
Select the cellular plan from the list.
If you don’t find the list, tap Transfer From Another Device. Make sure that both devices are updated to iOS 16 or later.
You will have to follow the on-screen instructions on your old iPhone, and wait for some time till eSIM is activated on your New iPhone.
Remove physical SIM when the activation is complete.
Alternative Methods To Activate eSIM on iPhone
1. Scan a QR code to activate Digital SIM/Embedded SIM on your iPhone. To do so –
Tap on Cellular.
Launch the Settings App on your iPhone.
Tap on Cellular Plan.
Tap Use QR Code.
Follow on-screen instructions.
2. You can alternatively download your carrier app from the App Store to activate eSIM on your iPhone.
3. Manually activate the digital SIM on your iPhone.:
Launch the Settings App.
Tap either Cellular.
Tap Add Cellular Plan.
Tap to enter details manually on your iPhone screen.
The benefits of Embedded SIM for frequent travelers
Supposedly, using an eSIM should allow you to continue using your primary “home” number when traveling to another nation by simply adding a roaming eSIM to your phone. One drawback at the moment is that you can’t even access your number, for example, if you switch SIM cards when traveling abroad. eSIMs might do away with international roaming fees, according to Steve Alder of Truphone. Additionally, it offers more space for enhanced features or even more storage capacity, enables users to quickly switch among providers to rejoin if they are located in a region with weak service, and may lessen the risk of gadget theft. As consumers and service providers start to realize the advantages, widespread use of eSIMs will undoubtedly be unavoidable. Best iPhone Apps.
What does eSIM mean for devices?
One benefit it gives phone manufacturers is that because a SIM card or the tray that contains it doesn’t need to be accommodated, we ought to get smaller smartphones. Additionally, networks are not required to produce or distribute a large number of SIM cards. In addition, eSIMs will be fantastic for desktops and laptops, where seamless connectivity would become standard. Because eSIMs don’t take up as much space within a device, activity trackers or even glasses will be allowed to have independent 4G or 5G connectivity in some kind of a way they merely were not able to before, according to Vodafone.
How would eSIM function in everyday life?
Whenever you are associated with two different networks and seem to have both a physical as well as eSIM enabled, your iPhone will simultaneously exhibit both connections on the display. Customers may receive calls and messages on both numbers if the smartphone is on standby as well as if the SIM and eSIM are enabled. You could then select a “default” line to use for calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime, as shown in the guidelines below. The other connection is only used for voice and SMS. If you’re traveling and utilizing a local data eSIM, you can also select Use Secondary for mobile data only.