What is an eSIM? A Complete Beginner's Guide
Traveling abroad? Want to capture a lot of memories. Share a snap, post your beautiful pictures on Instagram. But worried about the roaming charges. Yes, of course, roaming charges will burn a hole in your pockets. And finding the local SIM card provider after landing is a hassle. But gone is the time when you had to hunt for a local SIM card. In today's digital world, eSIM is your best companion. There is no physical card, no swapping, just seamless connectivity.
eSIM is crucial in today's digital world because it offers greater flexibility, convenience, and security in mobile connectivity. I know you will have many questions, like what exactly eSIM is, its advantages, and how to activate it. But at the end of this guide, you will get answers to all your queries. Let's get started.
What is An eSIM?
e-Sim or embedded SIM is a digital SIM card built directly into a device. It is the same as your physical SIM card, but instead of physically inserting it into your mobile, the eSIM is embedded directly into your device's motherboard. Let me explain to you in detail how a traditional SIM card differs from an eSIM
- 1 The key difference is that eSIM is a digital, embedded chip within the device, while you have to insert the traditional SIM physically into the slot
- 2 You can activate eSim remotely and the activation process is very quicky. It just takes a few minutes to activate eSIM. While talking about physical SIM it takes up to 24 hours for activation.
- 3 E-sim does not require any slot, allowing for slimmer and more compact devices. Traditional Sims take physical space within the device.
- 4 By using eSIM, you can avoid the high roaming charges that are applied as compared to traditional SIM cards.
How Does eSIM Work?
Instead of a physical SIM card, eSIM uses a microchip (eUICC) to store and manage the SIM profile. You can download the (eSIM profile) onto the microchip, which allows the device to connect to a new network. An eSIM profile contains the login information and settings required to link a device to a network. There are two types of eSIM profiles: Data Only, , Voice/SMS Data. Each eSim profile has different functionalities and you can choose the eSim profile as per your convenience.
Steps to install and activate eSIM
Activating eSIM is easy and hassle-free. You just require proper internet connectivity for your eSIM activation. Also, it does not take much time for activation unlike a physical SIM card. Just follow the below-mentioned steps, and within a few minutes, the eSIM will be activated
Firstly, check your mobile phone compatibility with eSIM before buying.
After purchasing an eSIM, your network provider will provide you with the QR code through email or mobile app. There are 2 ways to install eSIM.
A. By scanning the QR code
- For iOS device:- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan (or Add Data Plan), then scan the QR code.
- For Android :- Go To Settings > Network & Internet >Mobile Network > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code
B.Manual Setup
Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan >Choose to enter code manually or Use Activation Code > Enter SM-DP+ Address & Activation Code provided on email > Follow on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
Once your eSIM is installed your device will prompt to activate eSIM. To activate the eSim device will guide through the remaining steps, which may include verifying the plan or entering additional information. Once you have entered the information. Your eSim is ready to use.
Isn’t the activation process easy? So just activate your eSIM and enjoy seamless connectivity during your travel.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During eSIM Setup.
Facing the issue while activating the eSIM? E-sim is activated but not working? No network? When you require the seamless connectivity and such occur it can be quite frustrating. But Ever problem has a solution. Here are some basic troubleshooting steps you need to follow.
- Check your phone compatibility
- Check if your device supports eSIM
- Make sure the software is up to date
- Check the internet connection. Make sure the internet connection is stable.
- Verify your network settings
- Restart your devices.
Even after following all these troubleshooting steps if , you are still facing the issu,e then please contact your Network provider's customer support
Key Advantages of eSIM
E-sims are becoming important in today's digital world. You are travelling abroad, have multiple physical cards, but physical SIM cards do have limitations. The main disadvantage of a physical card is the hefty international roaming charges. The roaming charges are significantly high, especially for data usage. So using eSIM is more convenient and flexible as compared to a physical SIM. Just activate the e-sim card, top up the plan, and start using it.
What makes e-Sim stand out ? There are several benefits of e-Sim card. Here are the top benefits of e-sim card listed below.
1.
No physical card needed
eSim is directly embedded into the device motherboard, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card, which makes the activation process simple and faster
2.
Space Saving
Devices can be made smaller and more efficient without the physical SIM slot.
3.
Dual Sim
You can keep your physical SIM active for OTP’s, while using an eSIM for data abroad.
4.
Flexibility
Ability to use multiple profiles for different carriers or regions.
5.
Security
eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards because they are embedded within the device, making them harder to steal or clone.
6.
Easy Installation
Installing eSIM is very easy. All you need is a reliable Wi-Fi network to download the eSIM and activate the eSIM.
Say bye to those hefty roaming charges. With eSIM, enjoy uninterrupted network connectivity just by activating the eSIM data plans
Challenges of eSIM Technology
As there are wide range of advantages with eSim technology. But there are few challenge of eSim technology. There is device compatibilty issue.Not all phones can use eSim, but but many newer models, especially from major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Pixel 3 are compatible.E-sim requires stable connectivity and activation issues may arrive where there is poor connectivity.
eSIM Use Cases
It’s true that we have been using physical SIM cards for a long, long time. But e-sim new technology, has come up with a lot of advantages.eSIMs benefit frequent travelers, remote workers by providing them seamless network connectivity without the hassle of a physical SIM card. Let’s take a deep look into how eSIM has benefited travelers, remote workers, and IOT devices.
For international travelers
who travel frequently, eSIM is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected, eliminating the need to use a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can stay connected with your near ones by just activating the data plan and avoiding the expensive roaming charges. No need to buy a physical SIM, which saves time and money. One e-Sim is enough in multiple countries. You just need to top up the data plan and use it. As eSIMs are embedded into the mobile, it eliminates the risk of losing it.
Remote Workers
Nowadays, most people work remotely. But working remotely comes with most of the challenges. For remote work, strong and reliable communication with proper data connectivity is a must. E-sim technology plays an important role in overcoming these challenges. One major advantage of eSIM for remote workers is the flexibility to switch between different network providers without leaving work. As eSIM provides the best network connectivity, there are very less chances of slow speed or call drop.
For IoT Devices
remote security cameras can also be supported by eSIM solutions. eSIM is the best option for these smart surveillance systems since they need robust connectivity
The Future of eSIM
The e-SIM technology has achieved a major milestone in the mobile industry. As per market prediction, the global eSIM market is going to expand significantly in the coming years. Connectivity is a must in today’s digital world. As eSIM provides seamless connectivity and flexibility, and it's much more convenient for the user, eSIM will benefit most of the telecommunication industries. In the coming years, almost all devices like laptops, smartwatches, and even IoT gadgets can be managed under one single network seamlessly.
Conclusion
eSIM has several benefits and is convenient for travellers and remote workers. Its easy and hassle-free activation process saves your time. The affordable data plans save you money. So if you're travelling overseas, do activate your eSIM and enjoy your travel with seamless connectivity
The beginner's guide covers all the concepts from what is e-SIM to the future of e-SIM. I hope all your queries are being cleared. If you still have queries, feel free to write them down in the comments below.
FAQ’s
Can I use eSIM without a traditional SIM card?
Yes, you can use eSIM without a traditional SIM card. eSIM is a digital SIM that is directly embedded into the motherboard, eliminating the need for a physical SIM.
How do I switch eSIM carriers?
To switch eSIM carriers, you need to delete the eSIM profile, scan the QR code, and activate the new carrier's eSIM
Can I use eSIM on multiple devices?
Please make sure you can install e-sim on one single device. For another device, you need to buy a new eSim and top up the data plan accordingly.
Will installing e-SIM on my mobile change my number?
No, installing an eSIM doesn't change your phone number. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, an eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is integrated into your phone. Your current phone number stays the same after installing an eSIM, so you may keep using it for applications, calls, and texts.
Is eSIM supported in all countries?
Almost in all major countries, eSIM supported . But before you travel, just check once to see if eSIM is supported or not.