Smartphones are becoming more complex and integrated every day. Every year, we all notice new changes to how smartphones are built, and recently, the trend is digital/embedded SIMs, commonly called eSIM. If this is the first time you’ve heard about digital sim cards, or your new iPhone device gives you the option to use an eSIM, this article explains everything you should know.
eSIM is a digital SIM that acts like the normal, physical nano SIM you know, but it’s integrated into your device. This means that you cannot remove an eSIM; it stays in your phone throughout its lifetime. eSIM technology was first introduced in 2016; it was available in the iPhone X series and has remained a standard feature on newer iPhone models. Read on to learn more about embedded SIMs (eSIM).

eSIM vs Regular SIMs

Regular SIMs are available in physical plastic bodies, and there are different sizes to choose from depending on your phone’s SIM slot design. You can always remove a physical SIM and replace it with another carrier’s physical SIM; this may seem  easy enough  but physical SIMs are quite fragile and break easily.
In contrast, embedded SIMs, as the name implies, are embedded into your device. You can’t touch them in the same way that you touch regular, physical SIMs. Embedded SIMs have the same capabilities as regular traditional SIMs; you can save contacts, access cellular services, connect to the internet, and do every other thing a physical SIM can do.
If you feel like changing your cellular carrier with eSIM, you can also do that; instead of purchasing a new physical SIM for the new carrier service provider you want to port to, eSIM technology lets you switch carriers with just a phone call. Furthermore, eSIMs can’t break and you won’t have to fiddle with pins to access your SIM.

Understanding The eSIM Technology At Large

The term “eSIM” was globally specified by GSMA as a digital SIM that allows remote SIM provisioning on any mobile device. GSMA officially defines eSIM as a SIM for the next-gen connected consumer devices.
Through eSIM technology, networking solutions can be applied to various devices and systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, connected cars, AI translators, smart earphones, MiFi devices, GPS tracking units, smart metering, bike-sharing, video surveillance devices, advertising players, and the list goes on.
eSIM technology also makes room for more chips to be added to mobile devices. It eliminates the space consumed by traditional SIM so the space can be used for something new.

How Does eSIM Function | How To Activate an eSIM?

Put simply, an eSIM functions like a regular traditional SIM, but you have to activate it first. At the moment, not all network providers support eSIM, but a vast majority do. So, you need to find a network provider that supports eSIM and then activate with them. Hereunder are the steps to activate the eSIM on your device.

Android

·         Step One: Confirm that your device supports eSIM, then contact a network provider you want to activate —request  the eSIM activation QR Code.
·         Step Two: Go to Settings >>> Network & Internet >>> Mobile Network.
·         Step Three: Tap on Carrier >>> Add Carrier. If you didn’t see Carrier in the Mobile Network page, tap “Advanced” to view more available settings (It should be here).
·         Step Three: Scan the QR code sent to you by the selected network provider. Once this is done, your eSIM will be set up; the eSIM’s serial number and PUK will be linked with the QR Code, and then it becomes activated on the network. You can proceed with buying a network plan.

iPhone

·         Step One: Confirm that your device supports eSIM, then contact a network provider you want to activate —request  the eSIM activation QR Code.
·         Step Two: Go to Settings >>> Mobile Data >>> Add Data Plan.
·         Step Three: Scan the QR code sent to you by the selected network provider. Once this is done, your eSIM will be set up; the eSIM’s serial number and PUK will be linked with the QR Code, and then it becomes activated on the network. You can proceed with buying a network plan.
Currently, eSIMs are only available on higher-end Android devices like Samsung Galaxy S20 upwards, Note 20 upwards, and Pixel 2 upwards. eSIM is also available in newer iPhone models from iPhone XS upward.

Benefits of eSIM

Undoubtedly, there are many benefits offered by eSIM technology, and you are waiting to know them.
·         eSIMs cannot be stolen, even if your device gets stolen, you only need to call your network provider, and your details will be removed from the SIM and reactivated on your new eSIM-enabled device.
·         Setting up an eSIM is easier and faster than registering and activating traditional SIMs; it’s just a call away.
·         eSIM let you set up multiple profiles without having different traditional (physical) SIMs for each profile. The profiles are all integrated into your device’s eSIM and you can switch easily.
·         eSIM is ultra-flexible; it can be installed into laptops, tablets, wearable devices, and many other devices.

Which Network Providers Support eSIM?

In the United States, network providers such as T-Mobile USA, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless support eSIM. While in the United Kingdom, you choose from O2, EE, Three, and Vodafone. eSIM support is not yet widely available; in some countries, you may not see a network provider that supports eSIM. But it's definitely coming and will soon be widespread globally.

What More?

eSIM will help the production of entirely waterproofed devices – eliminating any sort of free opening (SIM/SD Card tray) where water could penetrate. With eSIM, you can use two different mobile phone numbers on the same device; set up one for data and the other for calls and texts.
Different eSIM network providers offer various plans; you will always find a suitable plan and can subscribe to it. eSIM brings so much flexibility and possibilities; if your device supports the technology, it’s about time you activate it and experience next-gen cellular network technology.