What is eSIM and how does it work

What is an eSIM? How does a virtual SIM differ from a physical one? Which phones have a built-in eSIM card and which have not? We will talk about the features and benefits of eSIM technology in detail, explain how it works and how to use a digital SIM card.

What is an eSIM

What does eSIM mean? eSIM is a virtual SIM card in the form of a built-in chip that allows you to use cellular communications without a physical nano-SIM card of the operator.

If you have bought a smartphone with the eSIM support, you have an option to choose an operator and a data plan for this SIM card type. You don't need to buy a physical card from a store, choose the right size for the slot in your phone, and install it. In the future you can use the selected data plan or alternate installed packages from several operators, switching to different phone numbers.

!>Important: two operators cannot work simultaneously.

How does eSIM work

Let's explain what an eSIM is and how it works in a clear example. The principle is similar to contactless payment via an NFC-enabled phone. There is no bank card in the device physically, but all the necessary information for financial transactions is stored in the smartphone memory. The eSIM chip similarly stores contacts data, plans and a mobile operator right on the phone chip.

A digital SIM card works as a regular one, that is, by subscriber number. Account replenishment is also no different — money is transferred via Internet banking, a terminal, a card or an operator application.

Which phones have eSIM

How to check your gadget for technology compatibility? There is a list of phones that have eSIM, i.e. support eSIM technology:

• iPhone XS and later models including the 14 series;
• Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note20, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip and all later models;
• Google Pixel from series 3;
• Xiaomi 12T Pro;
• Motorola RAZR;
• Huawei P40.

In addition, the technology is supported by Apple Watch with LTE, Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, iPad 2019, iPad Pro 11 and 12.9, iPad Air 2019, iPad Mini 5. Check the full list of eSIM compatible phones.

Read also: SIM vs eSIM: what are the differences and which is better

How to use eSIM

The presence of an eSIM module in your smartphone makes it possible to use all the functions of a virtual SIM card, connect several numbers and benefit from different data plans. You do not need to go to a store to set up and activate an eSIM function and a data plan — everything is done remotely.

How to activate eSIM

• Go to the Settings on your phone > Connections/Cellular.
• If you don't have the "Add eSIM"/"Add Mobile Data Plan" option in this menu, look for it in the "SIM Card Manager".
• In the menu "Cellular" for iPhones or "Manage SIM cards" for Android devices, select"Add new tariff".
• The operator will send a QR code — scan it with the phone camera of the phone to which you are connecting the eSIM service.
• re detailed activation guides – in our help center.

Then you can install the Yesim application and choose the most profitable data plan and replenish your account.

Using an electronic SIM card is especially convenient and beneficial when traveling. The most important is to choose the appropriate data plan and you won't have to look for free Wi-Fi, overpay for roaming or buy local operators SIM cards in other countries.

For example, Yesim is supported in the most countries around the world and each of them has an individual data plan. Choose a data plan, replenish your account and communicate in messengers and social networks without limits!

eSIM: pros and cons

After we have clarified what eSIM technology is, let's look at the pros and cons of eSIM.

eSIM: pros

• Simplified data plan and operator change process. A couple of clicks in the settings menu and the necessary changes are made.
• Smartphone protection. You do not need to open the slot once again to change your SIM card.
• Preservation. This is not a plastic card that can be broken or lost.
• Safety. If the phone is stolen, an attacker will not be able to pull out and throw away the SIM card. If he still turns on the smartphone and loads a new virtual SIM profile, he will need the password of the old account. At the same time, you can try to track the gadget.
• Environmental friendliness. No need to buy a SIM card in every country, which reduces the use of plastic.

eSIM: cons

The standard itself has no shortcomings. The only inconvenience for a subscriber is incompatibility with certain phone models.

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