How To Use An eSIM

SIM cards have been so much useful for everybody that owns a cell phone. That little chip allows us to stay connected using the internet and sending and receiving messages and calls.

Although no one can deny that they are necessary for our daily life, the truth also is that sometimes SIM cards can be a little problematic. Nano SIM cards are the most commonly used. They are very small, easy to lose, and damage. To insert it we need to take out the back cover of our phone, exposing the hardware. In the newest phones, we need to take out a tray that is also very small.

We all can agree that every time we need to manipulate a SIM card we need to do it carefully and patiently, or everything can go wrong.

Well, eSIMs have come to avoid all these issues. In this article, we will explain in detail how to use an eSIM:

What Is an eSIM?

Let’s remember that a SIM card, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip that cell phones use to connect to a mobile network. They come in three different sizes, Standard, Micro, and Nano, the latter being the most currently used.

However, a few years ago a new technology was introduced to the market. This technology is called eSIM.

Previous SIM cards were physical, however, an eSIM is an embedded SIM card. It means that the card is built into your phone, so you cannot insert it or remove it. Besides this difference, both have the same function of connecting to a mobile network, and you can still change your carrier if you want to because the information on the eSIM can be rewritten.

As the technology is getting popular, more and more devices and carriers are starting to use eSIMs. Some carriers that currently provide this service are AT&T, T-Mobile, and EE.

On the other hand, cell phone brands such as Apple are now using eSIMs in their new devices. As it does not take much room in the phone, then cell phone manufacturers have the chance of adding more features.

How to Set Up an eSIM Card

With regular SIM cards, it is easy to understand how to use them, we just need to find the slot and insert the card into it. However, an eSIM is not physical, how can you start using it? Here below we will teach you how:

How to activate an eSIM with a QR code

If you bought a smartphone without a mobile plan, then you can add the plan for your eSIM later. When you get it, you will receive a card with a QR (Quick Response) code to activate the service. Let’s see how this is done for iPhone and Android phones:

Activate your eSIM in your iPhone

• Go to Settings
• Tap on the option called Cellular (or Mobile Data)
• Tap on Add Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code you have received.

Activate your eSIM in your Android

• Go to Settings
• Choose the option called Network & internet
• Tap on Add
• Follow the instructions shown on the screen

Benefits of eSIMs

Although an eSIM performs the same functions as a physical SIM card, it comes with some advantages that we believe are worth mentioning.

Firstly, it is much easier to use. Now users do not need to insert a SIM card when they buy a new phone or change the one they have, because an eSIM is built into the phone and you cannot take it out. Of course, limited only to phones that support this technology. With eSIMs, there is no need for paper clips or special tools to open the tray that usually contains your physical card.

Secondly, the considerable reduction of the size makes things better for manufacturers, and consequently, for the users. An eSIM is three times smaller than a Nano-SIM and does not need a tray or card reader. It means that there is a lot more room inside your phone your other features. Besides, it does not have to be near the edge of the phone, since you no longer need to take it out.

All this results in the possibility of increasing the battery size, the components of the camera, improving the waterproofing system, and much more.

Finally, make dual-SIM phones is also easier with this embedded technology. Having two cell phone numbers is ideal, especially while traveling and working.

Downsides of eSIMs

As you can imagine, this new technology is not perfect, and it is important to be attentive to those issues that could result from it.

Primarily, it would no longer be so easy to check if there is a network problem with your eSIM or your device. Using a physical SIM card you could simply place it in a different device and check if it connects to the mobile network.

Likewise, changing phones is not that simple since, although it is increasing in popularity, eSIMs are not available for most devices.

In general, it can be said that eSIMs are becoming more popular every time, without becoming mainstream yet.

List of Smartphones That Use eSIMs (August 2021)

Are you looking for a device that supports eSIMs? Let’s take a look at this list:

Apple

• iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini*
• iPhone SE*
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max*
• iPhone XS, XS Max*
• iPhone XR*

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5g
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Ultra 5g
• Samsung Note 20+
• Samsung Fold LTE model
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Fold

Google Pixel

• Google Pixel 5
• Google Pixel 4a
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel 3 & 3XL
• Google Pixel 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eSIM?

It is an embedded SIM card, built into your phone.

Can I take out an eSIM?

No, it is not possible to take it out.

How can I activate my eSIM?

If you bought a plan and have the QR code, just go to Cellular Settings, scan the code and follow the instructions.
Are you interested in eSIMs now? Then be aware of our next articles for more information!

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