Frequently Asked Questions
General eSIM Questions
1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card embedded into your device. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, which need to be inserted into your phone, an eSIM is built into the hardware of your phone, and your mobile operator can remotely activate it.
2. How does an eSIM work?
An eSIM works similarly to a physical SIM card by storing the data your phone needs to connect to your carrier’s network. It uses a secure provisioning method where mobile network operators can push the necessary configurations over the air, allowing the device to access the network.
3. What are the advantages of using an eSIM?
- Convenience: No need to physically insert or replace SIM cards.
- Multiple Profiles: You can store several profiles (phone numbers or plans) and switch between them, making it easier to use different carriers without needing multiple SIM cards.
- Travel: It’s easier to get a local plan when traveling internationally, as you can remotely download a new plan.
- Space Saving: Devices no longer need a SIM card tray, allowing manufacturers to design smaller or more efficient hardware.
4. Do all phones support eSIM?
Not all phones support eSIM. Most newer models, particularly flagship devices from brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung, are eSIM-compatible. Always check your device’s specifications or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.
5. Can I use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time?
Yes, many phones support dual SIM functionality, meaning you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you want to keep your personal and work numbers on the same device or use a local SIM while traveling.
eSIM on Android Devices
6. How do I activate an eSIM on my Android phone?
- Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
- Step 2: Navigate to "Connections" or "Network & Internet."
- Step 3: Select "Mobile Network" and tap on "Add Mobile Plan."
- Step 4: Scan the QR code provided by your carrier, or manually enter the activation details.
- Step 5: Confirm the plan activation and restart your phone if prompted.
7. Which Android devices support eSIM?
Most recent high-end Android devices support eSIM, including models like Google Pixel (Pixel 3 and later), Samsung Galaxy S and Z series, and Motorola Razr. Check with your device manufacturer for details.
8. Can I switch carriers using eSIM on Android?
Yes, switching carriers is simple with eSIM. You can add a new eSIM profile from a different carrier by following the activation steps and selecting the new plan in your network settings. Some Android phones allow for multiple profiles, so you can switch without removing any of your existing profiles.
9. How do I delete an eSIM from my Android device?
- Step 1: Go to "Settings."
- Step 2: Tap on "Connections" or "Mobile Network."
- Step 3: Select the eSIM profile you wish to delete and tap "Remove."
This action will permanently delete the profile, and you’ll need to re-provision it if you wish to use it again.
eSIM on iOS Devices
10. How do I activate an eSIM on my iPhone?
- Step 1: Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
- Step 2: Tap on "Add Cellular Plan."
- Step 3: Scan the QR code from your carrier or enter the activation details manually.
- Step 4: Follow the prompts to finish setting up the plan. Restart your device if required.
11. Which iPhones support eSIM?
All iPhones starting from the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR support eSIM. Newer models, such as the iPhone 14 series & higher, even come without a physical SIM tray in certain regions (e.g., in the U.S.), relying entirely on eSIM.
12. Can I use eSIM for dual SIM functionality on iPhone?
Yes, starting with iPhone 13 models and later, you can use dual eSIMs, meaning you can activate two eSIMs without a physical SIM card. Previous models support one physical SIM and one eSIM.
13. How do I switch between eSIMs on iPhone?
- Step 1: Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
- Step 2: Tap on the plan you want to use as your default for calls, SMS, and data.
You can also configure a different eSIM for each use case (one for calls, another for data).
14. How do I remove an eSIM on iPhone?
- Step 1: Go to "Settings" > "Cellular."
- Step 2: Tap the plan you want to remove.
- Step 3: Tap "Remove Cellular Plan" to delete the eSIM profile from your device.
This action cannot be undone, but you can add the profile again later using the same activation information.
Technical and Advanced Questions
15. Can I have multiple eSIM profiles on my device?
Yes, most modern eSIM-capable devices allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles. However, you can typically only have one active at a time (except for phones like iPhone 13 or later that support dual eSIM). You can switch between profiles via your phone’s settings.
16. Is an eSIM more secure than a physical SIM card?
eSIMs provide enhanced security as they cannot be physically removed from the device, reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized swapping. Additionally, eSIMs use secure over-the-air provisioning, reducing the need for SIM swapping fraud. However, they are still vulnerable to hacking attempts like SIM jacking, so the same precautions should be taken as with physical SIMs
17. Can I use an eSIM to roam internationally?
Yes, eSIMs are particularly useful for international roaming. Some mobile carriers offer special international eSIM plans that can be activated directly on your device without needing a physical SIM swap. Alternatively, you can download a local eSIM plan from a provider in the country you’re visiting.
18. What happens if I reset my phone? Will my eSIM profile be lost?
In most cases, a factory reset will remove all data from the phone, including any eSIM profiles. You will need to re-provision the eSIM by re-adding the profile through the eSIM installation link we have shared with you.
19. Are eSIMs compatible with 5G networks?
Yes, eSIMs are fully compatible with 5G networks. If your device supports 5G and you are using an eSIM from a 5G-capable carrier, you will be able to use 5G services just as you would with a physical SIM. We clearly highlight, which countries support 5G.
20. Can I transfer my eSIM to another device?
Our eSIM can only be re-installed the same devices that they have been initially installed onto. You cannot transfer the eSIM to a different device.
21. Is there a difference between eSIM and iSIM?
Yes, an iSIM (integrated SIM) is a more advanced form of SIM technology that is directly integrated into the device's processor, unlike an eSIM, which is a separate chip. iSIM offers even more space-saving benefits and could become the future of SIM technology, but it is still in its early stages.
Troubleshooting eSIM Issues
22. Why can’t I activate my eSIM?
- Ensure that your phone is eSIM compatible.
- Check that your carrier supports eSIM activation for your specific plan.
- Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi during the activation process, as some phones require an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.
- If you are scanning a QR code, ensure it's clear and not expired.
23. Can I recover an accidentally deleted eSIM profile?
If you accidentally delete an eSIM profile, you can reinstall your eSIM that we sent to you (up to 5 times!)