If you have a flagship or plan to buy one, when activating the SIM card, you will surely ask yourself: what is an eSIM, and how does it work? 

SIM cards are constantly evolving and improving. Just two decades ago, the sizes of SIM cards were huge by modern standards, almost like a credit card. However, phones over time became thinner and lighter, necessitating changes in the dimensions of all components, including SIM cards. We observed this evolution first in the form of mini-SIM, then micro-SIM, nano-SIM, and finally, the turn has come to the integrated eSIM – a virtual mobile communication card. How does an eSIM work, what advantages and disadvantages does it have, and how to use it correctly – let's figure it out.

What is this?

eSIM is a virtual mobile card technology. Instead of a physical SIM card, you use emulation. It is a small chip located inside the device. On this microchip, personal subscriber information, such as phone numbers, connected tariff plans, etc., is encrypted and stored, replacing the physical carrier.

Regular cards also have a chip, which can be seen on the SIM card itself with the naked eye. The only difference between them is that in eSIM cards, the microchip is integrated into the device itself, rather than being inserted into the phone separately in a special slot. Hence, the logical conclusion is that if your phone does not support this technology, you cannot connect it.

How Does an eSIM Work

In a virtual SIM, you can store multiple subscriber profiles. Moreover, you can use numbers from different carriers – it doesn't matter. For example, on an iPhone, you can store and use eight or more numbers. Unfortunately, using all cellular network profiles simultaneously is not possible. In the settings, you must choose one (sometimes two) phone numbers. After that, the other profiles will be blocked, but you can change the active number to another saved one at any time.

How does eSIM work? Exactly the same as a physical card, it is a complete analog of a regular SIM card with the same functions. The only thing that changes is the method of integrating the technology into the device. And what about convenience? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Advantages and disadvantages

The technology has many advantages, and we will start with them.

  • Convenience of Use: Opening and closing the SIM card tray has always been inconvenient. To open a nano-SIM, you need a paperclip, pin, or another makeshift tool. Now, admit it, where is that special tool for opening, and do you know where it is? Is it always at hand when needed? Usually, the answers will be: no, no, and no. During installation, the card could shift, and then you had to start over. There were cases when the tray got stuck, and users had to turn to the service center. A virtual card does not have these problems; there is no need to manipulate the SIM card tray since the chip is integrated into the phone.
  • Security: It is easy to lose a regular SIM card, especially if you use multiple ones and have to switch between them. Also, if thieves steal your phone, they will likely discard the SIM card first. This won't happen with a virtual card; they would need to authenticate themselves in the profile, and changing the number would require much more manipulation.
  • To purchase an eSIM card, there is no need to visit a telecom store. To buy a physical SIM card, one must visit the operator's store. This takes some time and adds unnecessary communication. If you do not want to be distracted from your activities, simply activate an eSIM – the entire procedure is done remotely, without the need to visit a store. You simply purchase a tariff plan on any operator's website, pay for the purchase online, and receive a personalized QR code in your email. Next, you need to activate the service in your smartphone settings, and you can start using mobile communication. It's all very simple and fast.
  • Mobility: A virtual SIM card has many unique features that are absent in a regular card. For example, you can set the same number on multiple phones. This is very convenient when you use two smartphones or a tablet with SIM support. Also, you can pre-activate a tariff from a foreign operator while being in another country. This is very relevant for travelers.
  • Protection from Water and Dust: The SIM tray always remains vulnerable to water splashes or dust ingress. The contacts on the microchip quickly oxidize if even a small amount of water enters. In such a case, a physical card can easily malfunction. The situation improves slightly if the smartphone has water resistance, but the protection standard is far from being present in every device. By using eSIM, you can forget about the risk of water and dust entering the SIM tray permanently. In some countries, certain new smartphones are now being released without a traditional tray. This is particularly relevant for the new generations of iPhones, such as the iPhone 14 and 15.

As evident, there are numerous benefits, and in many aspects, the virtual card surpasses the physical one. However, there are significantly fewer drawbacks, to be precise, only one. It lies in the fact that not all phones support eSIM. More often, it is observed in flagship devices. Leading brands that support eSIM include Apple, Samsung, and Google.

How does an e sim work: Settings

How Does an eSIM Work

For phones with a different operating system, the replacement and setup of the card will vary slightly.

To connect on Android:

  1. Ensure that the model supports the technology.
  2. Order the virtual card's starter package from the network provider online and receive a QR Code in your email.
  3. In the phone settings, go to the "Network & Internet" tab, and click on the plus sign next to the "SIM cards" section.
  4. Click on "Add a number via eSIM."
  5. When the message "Scan QR Code" appears, point your phone's camera at this code (you may need to open the code on another device - PC or tablet).
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the profile setup.

How does eSIM work on iPhone:

The first two steps from the previous instructions are also relevant for gadgets with iOS.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Open the Cellular Data section.
  3. Tap on the "Add Cellular Plan" tab. In newer models, it will be "Add eSIM."
  4. Scan the code and complete the profile setup.

Many users are curious whether it's possible to use eSIM together with a regular physical card. The answer to this question is positive. Yes, they have compatibility, and you can use both types of cards: make and receive calls, send and receive messages, and access the internet.

When connecting eSIM, the number of the physical SIM card will continue to function. The only point to note is that you cannot simultaneously receive calls on both numbers. If you are on a call with one number, the other will be temporarily deactivated. There are no other limitations.

Conclusion

The digital SIM card is a convenient technology that has many benefits over its physical counterpart. eSIM cards represent the future of subscriber identification modules for mobile communication, and in the near future, all new phone models will likely exclusively use them.