What are the disadvantages of eSIM? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone, so you add a plan by scanning a QR code instead of inserting a card. It's handy, but it has real downsides: not every phone supports it, moving it to a new phone depends on your carrier, you can't pop it into another phone if yours breaks, you need internet to install it, and many travel eSIMs are data-only. The good news: each downside has a simple fix. Here's what to watch out for, how to avoid each problem, and when an eSIM is still the better choice for travel.
The disadvantages of eSIM at a glance
- Not every phone supports eSIM. Older and some budget phones don't, and a locked phone only accepts eSIMs from its own carrier.
- Switching phones can take more steps. You can't just move a card. A quick transfer only works if your phone and carrier support it.
- Not every carrier or plan offers eSIM. You may have to check, or ask, before you switch.
- A lost, stolen or broken phone is harder to replace. Your eSIM stays inside the old phone, so you need a new eSIM from your carrier.
- You need internet to install it. The eSIM downloads over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Many travel eSIMs are data-only. No phone number, so no regular calls or texts on that line.
None of these is a deal breaker for most people. Below you'll find what each one means in practice and what to do about it.
1. Not every phone supports eSIM
This is the biggest downside of eSIM. Your phone needs an eSIM chip, and it has to be enabled for the country it was sold in.
- iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later. iPhones sold in mainland China only support eSIM on a few recent models (Apple: About eSIM on iPhone).
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3a or later can use a physical SIM and an eSIM. Pixel 7 and later can hold two eSIMs (Pixel Phone Help: eSIM).
- Samsung Galaxy: many recent models support eSIM, but Samsung says support can depend on the country your phone comes from, even if your model is listed (Samsung: Galaxy eSIM and supported carriers).
Your phone also has to be unlocked to use an eSIM from another carrier, such as a travel eSIM. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If Carrier Lock says "No SIM restrictions", you're fine (Apple: Unlock your iPhone).
The fix
Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. Check this before you buy a plan. Here are more ways to check eSIM compatibility. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, a physical SIM card is still the way to go.
It also works the other way round: some phones now have no SIM tray at all. The iPhone Air has none, and several iPhone models sold in the US have no SIM tray (Apple: Identify your iPhone model). In the US, Google says the Pixel 10 and later (except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold) only use eSIM. On these phones, eSIM isn't a choice.
2. Switching to a new phone can be harder
With a physical SIM, you take the card out and put it in your new phone. An eSIM has to be transferred or reissued. How easy that is depends on your phone and your carrier.
- iPhone to iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer moves your eSIM during setup or later in Settings > Cellular. Both iPhones need iOS 18.4 or later, and your carrier has to support it (Apple). Here's how Quick Transfer on iPhone works.
- Android to iPhone: possible with iOS 26 or later, Android 16 or later and a supported carrier, such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the US, or EE in the UK. If yours isn't supported, contact your carrier (Apple: Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone). See how to transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone.
- Samsung to Samsung: eSIM Instant Transfer moves your number to a new Galaxy without calling your carrier. It only works with participating carriers, and your new phone must be unlocked (Samsung).
The fix
Move your eSIM before you reset, sell or trade in your old phone. Keep the old phone until the new one has signal. If a quick transfer doesn't work, ask your carrier for a new QR code. Planning to wipe your old iPhone? Read how to factory reset an iPhone first.
3. Not every carrier or plan offers eSIM
The main carriers in the UK, Australia, the US, Canada and Singapore offer eSIM, for example EE, O2 and Vodafone in the UK, Telstra and Optus in Australia, or Rogers and Bell in Canada. But not every carrier or plan does, and some only support eSIM on certain phones. Apple keeps a list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone, by country (Apple: Carriers that offer eSIM).
To use two carriers on one phone, your phone must be unlocked. On iPhone, both lines can make and receive calls and texts, but only one line can use mobile data at a time (Apple: Dual SIM on iPhone).
The fix
Ask your carrier if your plan supports eSIM before you switch. Want to change carriers and keep your number? Here's how to switch eSIM providers.
4. Lost, stolen or broken phone: you can't just move the SIM
If your phone breaks, you can't take the eSIM out and put it in a spare phone. If it's lost or stolen, the eSIM is gone with it. You need a new eSIM from your carrier.
The same applies if you delete an eSIM by mistake. Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you'll need to contact your carrier to get a new one. Deleting it doesn't cancel your plan either (Apple: Erase an eSIM).
The fix
- Keep your carrier account login, PIN or password somewhere safe, so you can request a new eSIM quickly.
- If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your carrier to report it and ask them to disable your account (Apple: If your iPhone is lost or stolen).
- Don't delete an eSIM to "fix" a problem unless your carrier or eSIM provider tells you to.
- On a Pixel, you can turn on Confirm SIM deletion so nobody can erase your eSIM without your password (Google).
- For a travel eSIM, keep the email with your QR code and contact your provider's support.
5. You need internet to install an eSIM
Your phone downloads the eSIM over the internet. Apple asks you to connect to Wi-Fi or a hotspot during setup. Some eSIM-only iPhones can activate without Wi-Fi in some countries (Apple). Land somewhere without Wi-Fi and a new eSIM can be tricky to set up.
The fix
Install your travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, shortly before you leave. SimOptions eSIMs activate automatically when you reach a country the plan covers, and the validity starts from your first connection there. If it still won't connect, see how to fix an eSIM that won't activate.
6. Many travel eSIMs are data-only
Most travel eSIMs give you mobile data but no phone number. You can't make regular calls or send SMS on that line. If you need to call a hotel, a taxi or a restaurant, or receive SMS codes, that can be a problem.
The fix
- Keep your home SIM on as a second line. You stay reachable on your own number. Keep data roaming off on it, and check your carrier's roaming rates for calls and texts abroad.
- Use apps for calls and messages. WhatsApp, FaceTime and iMessage all work over the eSIM's data.
- Pick a plan with a phone number. Some travel eSIMs come with a number. Here's the difference between an eSIM data plan and a phone plan.
Travelling in Europe and need to call or text locally? This Bouygues Telecom eSIM comes with a French +33 number and unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, plus data in 46 countries, including the UK.
eSIM pros and cons: is it still worth it for travel?
For most trips, yes. Once you know the downsides, an eSIM is often easier than a local SIM card:
- No shop, no SIM card to swap. You buy and install it before you leave.
- Your home SIM stays in your phone. With Dual SIM, you keep your own number for calls and texts.
- You can store several eSIMs. An iPhone can hold eight or more, so you keep one per trip and switch between them (Apple).
- Nothing to lose. No tiny card to drop at the airport or keep in your wallet.
A physical SIM card can be the better choice if your phone doesn't support eSIM, if it's carrier-locked, or if you often move your SIM between phones. Want the full comparison? Here are the differences between SIM cards and eSIM.
Going to Europe, the USA or Asia? These data-only eSIMs install from an email QR code, so you can set them up at home and keep your own SIM in the phone.
Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
FAQs
What is the disadvantage of eSIM?
The main disadvantage of eSIM is that not every phone supports it, and you can't move it to another phone as easily as a SIM card. Other downsides: you need internet to install it, your carrier may not offer it, and if your phone is lost or broken you need a new eSIM from your carrier.
Are there any downsides to eSIM for travel?
A few. Your phone has to support eSIM and be unlocked, you need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM, and many travel eSIMs are data-only. Install it at home before you fly and use apps for calls, or pick a plan with a phone number.
Are eSIMs safe?
An eSIM is as safe to use as a physical SIM. Nobody can take it out of your phone, and you can lock it with a SIM PIN, just like a SIM card (Apple: Use a SIM PIN). Like with any SIM, also protect your carrier account with a PIN or password to guard against SIM swap fraud.
Are eSIMs reliable?
Yes. An eSIM connects to the same mobile networks as a physical SIM. Signal and speed depend on the network and the plan, not on whether the SIM is physical or digital.
Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM?
It depends on your phone and how you use it. An eSIM is easier for travel and lets you hold several plans. A physical SIM is easier if you often move your number between phones or your phone doesn't support eSIM.
What happens to my eSIM if I lose my phone?
The eSIM stays on the lost phone. Contact your carrier to report it and disable your line, then ask for a new eSIM for your new phone. Your number stays the same.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, on Dual SIM phones. iPhone XS and later can use a physical SIM and an eSIM, and iPhone 13 and later can also use two eSIMs. Only one line can use mobile data at a time.
Can I install an eSIM without internet?
Usually not. Your phone needs Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the eSIM. That's why it's best to install a travel eSIM at home before you leave.
