An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. It does the same job as a physical SIM card: it connects you to a mobile network so you can call, text or use mobile data. The difference is that you don't insert a card. You download your plan onto the phone instead, usually by scanning a QR code or tapping a link. This guide explains what an eSIM is, how it works, which phones support it and how to get one, for example for your next trip.
What is an eSIM? The meaning in plain words
eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It's a small chip that's part of your phone, so there's nothing to swap or lose. Apple describes it as "an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPhone", and Samsung says it lets you activate a mobile plan without a nano-SIM.
A regular SIM card is a plastic card with a chip that holds the details your carrier uses to recognise you on its network. If you want a refresher, see what a SIM card is and what it does. An eSIM holds the same kind of details, but they arrive as a download instead of on a card.
The standard behind it comes from the GSMA, the mobile industry body. In its eSIM specification, the chip is called an eUICC (the name comes from "embedded UICC") and each downloaded plan is called a profile. You'll sometimes see eSIM written as e-SIM or e SIM. It all means the same thing.
How does an eSIM work?
When you buy an eSIM plan, your carrier or eSIM provider gives you a way to download its profile. Your phone then saves that profile on the eSIM chip and connects to the network.
1. You get an activation code
This is usually a QR code. It can also be a link, a carrier app or a code you type in by hand. The GSMA calls it an Activation Code: information your provider gives you so you can download and install the profile.
2. Your phone downloads the profile
You need an internet connection for this, so connect to Wi-Fi first. On iPhone you can scan the QR code with the Camera app. On a Samsung Galaxy you go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan. On a Google Pixel you go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM, as Google explains on its Pixel eSIM help page. Our guide on how to install an eSIM walks you through each step.
3. You turn the line on and connect
Once the profile is installed, you'll see it as a new line in your mobile settings. You can name it, choose which line to use for data and switch it on or off.
One phone can store several eSIM profiles. Apple says iPhone can hold eight or more eSIMs, with two active at the same time. Google says a Pixel 7 or later can use two eSIM profiles at once, if your carrier allows it.
eSIM vs physical SIM: the short version
Both do the same job. Here's how they differ day to day:
- Setup: a physical SIM arrives by post or in a shop. An eSIM downloads in minutes over Wi-Fi.
- Several plans: most phones have one SIM tray, but they can store several eSIM profiles.
- Switching phones: you move a physical SIM by hand. An eSIM has to be transferred or downloaded again on the new phone.
- Lost or stolen phone: a physical SIM can be pulled out. Apple notes that an eSIM cannot be physically removed if an iPhone is lost or stolen.
For the full side-by-side comparison, read eSIM vs physical SIM.
Which phones support eSIM?
eSIM isn't new. Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular came with a built-in eSIM in 2017. The same year, Google called the Pixel 2 the first phone built with eSIM. In 2018, the iPhone XS and XS Max added Dual SIM with a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
Today most recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy flagships support eSIM, and some newer phones have no SIM tray at all. The iPhone Air is eSIM-only, and Google says Pixel 10 models sold in the US (except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold) only use eSIM. Support still depends on the exact model and the country you bought it in, so check yours before you buy a plan.
- iPhone: go to Settings > General > About and scroll down. If you see an EID, your iPhone has an eSIM, as Apple explains in its guide to finding your iPhone's identifiers.
- Android: look for an option to add an eSIM or a mobile plan in your SIM settings.
- Any phone: dial *#06#. If your phone shows an EID, it has an eSIM chip. Learn more about the EID number.
Our guide on how to check eSIM compatibility covers this in more detail. One more thing: your phone must not be locked to another carrier, or it may refuse eSIMs from other providers.
Pros and cons of an eSIM
What's good about it
- No card to wait for, insert or lose.
- You can store several plans and switch between them in your settings.
- You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts and add a second line for data.
- It's handy when you travel, because you can install a local or regional plan before you leave.
What to keep in mind
- Your phone has to support eSIM and be unlocked.
- You need Wi-Fi or another connection to download it.
- Moving to a new phone takes a transfer step instead of just moving a card.
- If you delete an eSIM, you usually can't reinstall the same one with the old QR code. You need a new one from your provider.
Want to know more about the upsides? See the benefits of eSIMs.
How to get an eSIM for travel
You can get an eSIM from your home carrier, which often means converting your current SIM. Or you can buy a travel eSIM online from a provider like SimOptions. A travel eSIM gives you data in the country or region you visit, while your home SIM stays in the phone.
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Pick a plan for your destination and how much data you need.
- Install it before you leave, while you're on Wi-Fi.
- When you land, switch your data to the travel eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
Our step-by-step guide on how to buy an eSIM online explains each step. If you want to move your own number to an eSIM instead, see how to convert a physical SIM to eSIM.
Planning a trip to Europe, the USA or Asia? These data-only eSIMs install before you fly, so you're online as soon as you land. Your own SIM can stay on for calls and texts.
Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
FAQ
What does eSIM stand for?
eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It's a SIM chip built into your phone that you load with a plan by download, instead of inserting a card.
Is an eSIM the same as a phone number?
No. An eSIM is the technology. The plan you put on it may come with a phone number, or it may be data-only. Many travel eSIMs are data-only. Check your plan details to see which one you have.
How many eSIMs can an iPhone have?
Apple says iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs. You can use two lines at the same time. iPhone 13 and later can even run two eSIMs at once, while older models pair one eSIM with a physical SIM.
Can I use one eSIM on two phones?
No. An eSIM profile lives on one device at a time. To use it on another phone, you transfer it or get a new eSIM from your provider.
Do I need an eSIM for my first trip abroad?
You don't have to, but it can help. If your phone supports eSIM, a travel eSIM gives you mobile data abroad without hunting for a local SIM card shop, and your own SIM stays in your phone.
Can I still use WhatsApp with a travel eSIM?
Yes. WhatsApp stays linked to the number you registered it with, not to the SIM that gives you data, so you can keep using it over your travel eSIM's data connection.