Top view hand holding 5g sim card. Image: FreepikYour information is saved on a chip in the phone when using an eSIM, rather than on a removable card. If necessary, the chip is capable of being reprogrammed, making tasks such as number switching quicker and easier, with minimal impact on the user experience.
Although SIM cards continue to exist, eSIMs are increasingly becoming the primary choice moving forward. Here is the information you need about them and their functioning.
Moving from a SIM card to an eSIM may appear dramatic, but the technology is quite analogous—you are simply utilizing a re-programmable integrated circuit within your phone instead of one on a physical card that is visible and interchangeable between devices. The eSIM can retrieve all its necessary information from the internet instead of being printed on a physical card.
The most important details are your cell phone number along with the associated identity and data plan. Your eSIM enables you to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and access the internet without a Wi-Fi connection. Once the setup is finished, there will be no discernible difference between utilizing an eSIM or a traditional SIM card.
Utilizing an eSIM allows you to establish or modify a number without the need to wait for a new card in the mail, although it's not as swift as having two physical SIM cards and switching between them instantly. Being able to order and activate a new eSIM specific to the country you are visiting online within minutes can be beneficial while traveling, eliminating the need to get a new physical SIM card.
Several numbers can be managed simultaneously on many phones that support multiple eSIMs. Another advantage is that you don't need to be concerned about misplacing your SIM ejector tool or searching for a spare paperclip if you lose it. Swapping SIM cards is just as simple as switching accounts on your email application.
If your phone is compatible with eSIMs, you will have the choice to set this up during the initial phone setup, whether it be adding a new eSIM or transferring one from a different device. If you purchased the phone from a carrier with a plan included, all you have to do is simply navigate through a few confirmation screens.
If you are transferring a number from a different phone or activating an eSIM on a phone purchased separately, the process is slightly more complex. The carrier from which you bought the eSIM should provide detailed guidance on how to activate it. Usually, this will require a code to activate, verifying your identity.
To set up an eSIM on an iPhone, go to Settings, select Cellular, and then Add Cellular Plan. If you have a pre-existing plan, you will have the option to Add eSIM, which will start the process for adding an extra eSIM (you can have up to eight eSIMs on one iPhone). If you have an older device that has a physical SIM card, you will also have the option to switch to an eSIM.
On the other hand, Android provides significantly greater eSIM compatibility and a wider range of software options. For instance, the Google Pixel 9 is compatible with either a physical SIM card or one to two eSIMs. To set up an eSIM, go to Settings, select Network and Internet, then SIMs, Add SIM, and finally Configure eSIM. Once more, simply adhere to the guidelines provided for inputting the activation code or scanning the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
Transferring your number from an old phone to a new phone with the eSIM process is not as fast as using a SIM card. You should consult your carrier for precise guidance, which usually requires a few clicks.