If you’ve bought a new cell phone in the last ten years or so, you’re probably already familiar with the SIM. It’s the small card about the size of a thumbnail that connects your phone to your carrier’s cellular network. Recently, smartphone makers and carriers have started using something called eSIM instead.
The “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded,” which makes sense since this SIM card is built into your phone and can’t be taken out. This SIM card works the same way as a regular one, but it could make things a lot easier for most smartphone users. eSIM technology is built into almost every new phone these days, even the new iPhone 15. In fact, the iPhone 15 doesn’t even have an actual SIM card slot. Instead, all iPhone 15 users have to switch to eSIM, which shows where technology is going. Soon, eSIMs might be the norm, and real SIM cards will likely become less valuable over time.
But don’t worry if you need help understanding what an eSIM is; we’ll explain it to you. Please keep reading to learn more about what eSIM technology is and how it is different from the actual SIM card that came before it.
What is an eSIM?
An embedded SIM, or eSIM, is a phone-built SIM card that can’t be removed. It functions like a SIM card but can be configured and glued to your smartphone’s motherboard.
At first glance, this seems problematic. This appears to be an issue at initial inspection. You can avoid paying roaming costs when you move countries by switching providers if your phone is SIM-card detachable. If you want to switch to local carriers but keep your phone, you can easily remove and replace the SIM card. You would assume an eSIM can’t achieve this.
However, in theory, eSIM technology makes switching carriers easier. No need to wait for a new SIM card or visit a store. Entering provider information on your phone is frequently as straightforward as scanning a QR code with your camera. Your phone offers settings to set up your eSIM, swap carriers, and manage accounts if it has one. Your dual-SIM phone may allow you to use multiple accounts, and switching between them is effortless with eSIM technology.
It’s only sometimes more straightforward to get an eSIM than a regular SIM. Some firms took longer to adopt eSIM, and some still mail you your codes or need you to set up your phone in a store. Sadly, that eliminates one of the benefits of utilizing an eSIM, but most companies are soon catching up.
Due to its lack of a SIM tray, eSIM technology saves space. Because the motherboard has the eSIM chip, gadgets can be smaller. The device does not need a slot or tray on the outside, which would take up space. This allows thinner designs and more giant cells. It also eliminates another water entry point, making your phone more waterproof.
Devices with eSIM technology
Any major phone maker has eSIM. Apple iPhones, including the new iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel phones, and Motorola’s top phones feature it. New phones may usually use eSIM cards. Many laptops and watches, including Apple Watches and iPads, include eSIM.
All iPhones after the 13th generation can use two eSIM cards or virtual SIM cards. Apple removed the SIM card slot from all U.S. iPhone 14 versions. Only eSIM can register your iPhone 14 on a carrier network.
In most other countries, the iPhone 14 has two eSIM cards and one genuine SIM card slot, like the iPhone 13. Apple iPhones in China have never had eSIM. Apple shipped the iPhone XS and XR in China with two actual SIM card slots. That continues today.
If you’re in the U.S. and want an iPhone 14 with a SIM card slot, know this before shopping in Canada or Mexico. All North American iPhones support 4G/LTE, low-band 5G, and mid-band 5G. Only US iPhones support mmWave 5G, which is utilized for Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband and AT&T’s 5G Plus’s best speeds.
When can I start using an eSIM?
Your phone probably has an eSIM card. eSIM is primarily utilized by cellular laptops like the Surface Pro X and devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Laptops occasionally use SIM cards, but less often.
Many phones will still have SIM card slots until eSIM becomes standard. These phones are okay; they’re just an older way for companies to discover you on their network. Small size and sensitive “do not touch” circuitry makes SIM card replacement difficult. An eSIM simplifies phone and provider switching for everyone.
You can transfer data from your physical SIM card to your eSIM if you have an iPhone or Google Pixel. Many carriers allow this, and iOS and Android have capabilities that make it simple. You can discard your old SIM card and use the space for a fresh SIM card.
You should check ahead, but you might be surprised at how many international carriers support eSIM. In a busy airport, scanning a QR code is more accessible than wrestling with a small, fragile SIM card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an eSIM work? What is it?
eSIM stands for “embedded SIM card,” which means that it is physically inside your phone and can’t be taken out like a regular SIM card. An eSIM does the same thing as an actual SIM card: it lets you connect to your cell phone plan and network provider’s network.
What is wrong with eSIM?
The problem with eSIM technology is that it can’t be physically taken off. This makes switching SIM cards in a foreign country to use a different carrier slower. It makes switching carriers much easier because you can receive a new SIM card by scanning a QR code with your phone.
Why might someone want to use an eSIM?
One reason someone might use an eSIM is that it makes switching between carriers easy. To switch carriers, you don’t have to carefully swap out real SIM cards that are easy to lose or damage. Instead, you need to scan a QR code. The software lets you change your cell phone plan, internet provider, or carrier.
How do you use an eSIM when you’re in a different country?
People also like to use an eSIM when they are moving through other countries. If you try to use a standard plan on your phone while you’re abroad, you can get charged a lot, as anyone who travels a lot knows. One smart thing to do, especially if you move a lot, is to get a separate SIM card for each country you visit. That way, you can get calls, texts, and that all-important internet access at prices that are lower in your area. You can get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, which is easy to lose and hard to switch when you’re on the go. This makes it easy to switch between your home carrier and a foreign carrier.
If you need it, you can buy a cheap pre-paid SIM card or even one with an internet plan. Then, you can use the eSIM option to add the SIM card settings to your phone. You can start using your second eSIM card as soon as you get to your target country and save money by using the local tariff rates.
