How Does an eSIM Work? Benefits, Drawbacks, and Future of SIM Cards

Picture yourself arriving in a new country, eager to explore, but feeling stressed out by the trouble of getting a local SIM card for your phone. Many travelers are finding a more convenient and flexible way to connect without having to carry around physical SIM cards thanks to the rise of eSIM technology. It’s more important than ever to know how an eSIM work as eSIM-only phones become more popular.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about eSIM in this article, including its pros and cons and what the future holds for SIM cards in a world that is becoming more dependent on digital solutions.

What is an eSIM card

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a regular SIM card that is built into a device, so you don’t need a physical card. eSIMs can be activated and switched between carriers remotely using software, unlike regular SIM cards, which need to be inserted and removed by hand.

This technology allows users to easily change mobile plans or providers without needing to obtain a new SIM card. Popular eSIM providers include Saily and Airalo, which offer seamless connectivity options for travelers and those looking to utilize data plans more efficiently.

How does eSIM technology work

eSIMs work by putting a digital SIM card right into the hardware of a device, like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. This is how it works:

• Instead of putting in a physical SIM card, users can activate a mobile plan over the air by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code that their carrier gives them.
• Profiles: An eSIM can hold multiple carrier profiles, so users can switch between mobile networks without having to physically change SIM cards.
• Remote Management: Carriers can manage eSIM profiles from afar, making it easy for users to change plans or add new ones through their device settings.
• Security: eSIM technology has better security features. The embedded chip is hard to hack and lets you safely log in to mobile services.

In general, eSIMs make it easier to connect to mobile networks, which is good for users because it gives them more options.

Esim vs. traditional sim: what’s the difference

The key difference between eSIMs and traditional SIM cards lies in their physical structure and activation process. Traditional SIM cards are removable, requiring physical insertion into devices, while eSIMs are embedded directly into the device’s hardware, offering a more streamlined and flexible approach to mobile connectivity. 

Traditional SIMs must be swapped out to change carriers or plans, whereas eSIMs can be activated or changed remotely without the need for a new card.

Feature	eSIM	SIM card
Form	Built into the device	Removable chip
Activation	QR code / app (digital setup)	Insert card manually
Flexibility	Store multiple plans, switch instantly	One or two cards only
Travel use	Easy, cheap local data plans	Expensive roaming fees
Security	Can’t be lost or stolen	Can be lost, stolen, or cloned
Devices	Newer phones only	Old and new phones

eSIMs are built into devices, so you can activate them from a distance and store multiple plans. Traditional SIM cards, on the other hand, can be removed and need to be put in by hand. eSIMs make it easier to get cheaper local data when you travel and are safer because they can’t be lost or stolen.

On the other hand, it’s easy to lose traditional SIMs. In general, eSIMs are more flexible and useful than regular SIM cards.

Key benefits of eSIMs

eSIMs offers several significant advantages for users:

• No Roaming Fees When Traveling: With eSIMs, you can easily switch to local carriers when traveling, allowing you to access cheaper data plans and avoid high roaming charges.
  
• Store Multiple eSIMs: eSIMs can store multiple profiles, enabling you to switch between different mobile plans and providers seamlessly without needing to change physical SIM cards.

• Choose Flexible and Tailorable Data Plans: Users can select data plans that best fit their needs, allowing for more personalized and adaptable mobile services.
  
• Feature Built-In Technology: Since eSIMs are downloadable and embedded, they cannot be lost or stolen like traditional SIM cards. This also reduces waste associated with physical cards.
  
• Save Money: eSIMs eliminate the need to own multiple devices, as they allow for easy switching between different plans on a single device, ultimately helping users save on costs.

eSIM limitations and challenges

There are many good things about eSIMs, but there are also some bad things and problems:

• Some eSIMs may only work with data plans, which means that users can’t make voice calls or send SMS unless they have a service that supports those features.
• Problems with transferring when switching devices: Moving an eSIM profile from one device to another can be difficult, and it often takes several steps to turn off the eSIM on one device before turning it on on another.
• Limited Carrier and Country Support: Not every carrier supports eSIMs, and the number of countries that do can change. This can make it harder for people to find eSIM-compatible carriers when they travel or live in areas where they aren’t available.

Who should use an eSIM?

eSIMs are particularly beneficial for a variety of users, including:

• Travelers: Those who frequently travel can take advantage of eSIM to easily switch to local carriers, avoiding exorbitant roaming fees and accessing affordable data plans abroad.
• Business Users with Two Numbers: Professionals who manage two phone numbers, such as a work and personal line, can benefit from eSIMs, as they allow for easy toggling between different profiles without carrying multiple devices.
• Early Adopters with eSIM-Only Devices: Tech-savvy individuals who own eSIM-only devices can fully leverage the technology, enjoying the convenience and flexibility that comes with digital SIM management.

How do I get an eSIM?

You can get an eSIM by buying one from your mobile carrier or an online provider. Once you get the eSIM, you will usually get activation information in the form of a QR code, an app download, or specific instructions on how to activate it.

It’s important to remember that different providers may have different ways to activate. Read our article on How to Activate an eSIM for step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

The future of eSIM technology

New smartphones, such as the iPhone 17 Air, are increasingly adopting eSIM-only technology, reflecting a broader shift in the industry towards more streamlined mobile connectivity. This transition signifies that future devices may no longer support traditional SIM cards, making eSIM technology the standard. 

For travelers, this means greater flexibility and convenience, as they can easily switch between local carriers without dealing with physical SIM cards. Everyday users will benefit from the enhanced security, simplified management of multiple plans, and the ability to customize mobile services to better fit their needs. Overall, the move towards eSIM technology is poised to revolutionize how we connect in a digitally-driven world.

Conclusion

In short, eSIMs are a big step forward for mobile connectivity because they have many benefits over regular SIM cards. Some of the main benefits are that you can store multiple plans, it’s easy to switch carriers, and it’s more secure because it’s built into devices.

This makes eSIMs especially appealing to tech-savvy people, people who travel a lot and want to avoid roaming fees, and businesses that need more than one number but don’t want to carry more than one device. As the industry moves toward eSIM-only models, adopting this new technology can make mobile experiences better and more efficient for everyone.

FAQs

Does an eSIM give you a phone number?

An eSIM can give you a phone number, just like a physical SIM card, as long as your mobile plan includes voice and text services. You can connect an eSIM to a plan that lets you make calls and send texts once you activate it.

Some eSIMs may only work with data plans, so it’s important to check with your mobile carrier to make sure that your eSIM plan includes the voice and text services you need to get a phone number.

Do I still need Wi-Fi or a physical SIM to activate an eSIM?

Yes, you need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM, as the process requires an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. However, a physical SIM is not needed for activation. You can activate the eSIM through your device’s settings by entering a QR code, using an app, or following your carrier’s instructions. Once activated, your eSIM can connect to mobile networks without a traditional SIM card.

Is an eSIM more secure than a physical SIM card?

An eSIM is usually safer than a physical SIM card, yes. eSIMs are built into the device, making them harder to lose or steal, and they use secure encryption for activation. eSIMs are less likely to be hacked than regular SIMs because they need software permission to switch profiles. In general, eSIMs make things safer and better protect users’ private information and mobile services.

Picture yourself arriving in a new country, eager to explore, but feeling stressed out by the trouble of getting a local SIM card for your phone. Many travelers are finding a more convenient and flexible way to connect without having to carry around physical SIM cards thanks to the rise of eSIM technology. It’s more…