Most eSIM myths fall apart quickly. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, so it works much like a SIM card, just without the plastic. Below you get the facts on seven common worries: tracking, phone support, cost, store visits, transfers, how many you can have and whether eSIMs are "popular". New to the topic? Start with what an eSIM is.
Myth 1: eSIMs make you easier to track
Short answer: no. An eSIM does not add a tracker to your phone. It only holds the details your carrier needs to connect you to its network.
Here is what is true for any phone, with a physical SIM or an eSIM:
- While your phone is connected, the mobile network knows roughly which cell towers it uses.
- Your phone has its own ID number, the IMEI. It identifies the handset, not the SIM. You can read more in our guide to the IMEI number.
- Apps and location services can see where you are if you allow them to. That has nothing to do with the SIM type.
One real difference: you can't pull an eSIM out of the phone. To stop a line, switch it off in your settings or use Airplane Mode.
If privacy matters to you, check your location permissions in your phone settings. That does far more than the choice of SIM.
Myth 2: eSIMs only work on iPhones
Short answer: no. Apple supports eSIM on the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later models, and your carrier needs to support it too (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Many Android phones support it as well. Google, for example, explains how eSIMs work on Pixel phones (Google: Learn more about eSIMs).
Support depends on the exact model and sometimes on the country it was sold in. Apple notes, for example, that in mainland China only a few iPhone models support eSIM. Check your own phone on our eSIM compatibility check or see the list of supported devices.
Myth 3: eSIMs are expensive
Short answer: not by default. An eSIM itself does not cost more than a SIM card. What you pay for is the data plan, and that depends on the plan you pick.
An eSIM has no card to print or post, and you can buy it online in minutes. For a trip, compare the price per GB and the validity of a few plans. Also compare with what your home carrier charges for roaming. Our guide to eSIM benefits and the comparison of SIM cards vs eSIM help with that.
Myth 4: you have to visit a store to get an eSIM
Short answer: not always. Many providers sell eSIMs online. You usually get a QR code by email or in an app, and you scan it in your phone settings.
Some carriers do still ask you to go through their app or a store for your main line. For travel plans, you can sort everything out before you leave. See how to buy an eSIM online and how to install it.
Myth 5: you can't move an eSIM to a new phone
Short answer: you can, in most cases, but it depends on your carrier. Apple lets you move a number between iPhones with eSIM Quick Transfer, if your carrier supports it. Some carriers also support moving an eSIM between Android and iPhone (Apple). Google has guides for moving an eSIM from an iPhone or another Android phone to a Pixel (Google).
Many travel eSIMs are different: they are often tied to one phone once installed. Check the provider's terms before you switch phones. Our guides help with the rest: transfer an eSIM between Android and iPhone and reset an iPhone without losing your eSIM.
Myth 6: you can only have one eSIM
Short answer: no. Apple says you can manage up to eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone. Only some of them can be active at once. On a Pixel, using two eSIMs at the same time needs a Pixel 7 or later and a carrier that allows it (Google).
That is handy when you travel: keep your home line on, add a data eSIM for your trip and pick which one is used for mobile data. Our guide on how to set up and manage dual eSIM shows how.
Myth 7: eSIMs aren't popular, so they aren't worth it
People ask why eSIM is not more popular. We can't back up a claim about how many people use eSIMs, so we won't give you a number. What we can say is that the phones are there: Apple and Google both build eSIM into many of their current phones, and some models, such as the US Pixel 10, are eSIM-only (Google).
The slow part is usually the carrier side. Not every carrier supports eSIM in every country, so check yours first.
Try a data eSIM on your next trip
If you want to see how simple it is, a data-only eSIM is an easy first step. You keep your own number for calls and messages and add local data for the trip. Pick the region you are heading to.
Shown here: Europe, the United States and Asia. See all destinations or the Europe eSIM page.
Frequently asked questions
Are eSIMs traceable?
An eSIM does not make you easier to trace than a physical SIM. Your carrier sees which towers you connect to, and your phone has its own IMEI, whichever SIM type you use. Apps with location permission can also see where you are.
Can an eSIM be tracked if I turn the phone off?
A switched-off phone does not connect to the network. Airplane Mode also stops the connection until you turn it off again.
Are eSIMs safe?
An eSIM can't be pulled out of a stolen phone, which is one plus. Scams and phishing work against any SIM type, so keep your phone locked and be careful with QR codes and links you don't trust.
Do all new phones have eSIM?
Not every model. Many current iPhones and Pixel phones do, but support varies by model and region. Use our compatibility check.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM together?
On phones with both, yes. Check your phone and carrier. See how to set up dual eSIM.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a SIM card?
It depends on the plan. Compare the price per GB, the validity and the countries covered before you buy.
