What is an E-Sim? Benefits | Problems | Activation Method

Unlike standard SIM cards, an e-SIM is a virtual, digital SIM that enables the user to change carriers without having to use a physical card.

This technology brings many advantages, including more flexibility, increased security, and increased convenience for travellers. Yet, like any technology, eSIMs also pose some challenges, such as carrier restrictions and compatibility problems.

In this tutorial, we’ll look at what an e-SIM is, its main benefits and limitations, and give you a quick step-by-step activation process to get you up and running.

What is an E-SIM?

An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate your carrier’s cellular plan without a physical SIM card. The eSIM, or embedded sim, was introduced in 2016. It is only a chip that was inserted into your smartphone during production. So, E in the E-SIM does not refer to ‘electronic’ unlike most things that are prefixed with E. E in the E-SIM stands for embedded.

The eSIM is a substitute for an actual, physical, plastic SIM card. If your smartphone is compatible with it, you’ll have to upload your SIM profile to your phone, and it will work just like a typical SIM without a card.

The main difference between the eSIM and the normal SIM card is that you do not have to bother about a physical SIM card anymore; all you are left with is a logical profile that can be modified on your smartphone. A normal SIM card contains one profile for the consumer only. But an eSIM supports many profiles, which is a better advantage.

Also Read: How to Get and Activate eSIM in India

How to Activate E-SIM Cards?

Firstly, to use an E-SIM you need to use a device that supports E-SIM, such as iPhone 14. Depending on the country and phone model, there can be various devices and operators that support E-SIMs. This is also true that most devices and network carriers are not ready to support E-SIMs. It will take some time to adopt this technology.

You may quickly instal an eSIM profile (supplied by operators/carriers) on an eSIM-compatible device to enable you to purchase an eSIM data plan whenever you need one, on the move. Additionally, you may subscribe simultaneously to several data plans that meet your needs and employ multiple operators: while on the road, at home, or otherwise remotely.

Benefits of E-SIMs?

It is significantly simpler to switch cell networks using an eSIM. You may change to a different network with a phone call or online, eliminating the need to buy a new SIM, wait for it to arrive, and then enter it into your phone. Additionally, you won’t need to go for a SIM “ejector tool” to get the old SIM out of your phone.

The tiny size of the eSIM not only frees up space for other parts or even a bigger battery but also allows manufacturers to rearrange the interior design of their products.

E-SIMs are secure (as claimed by experts). For instance, they are more secure and difficult to copy. E-sim cards may also be upgraded and replaced remotely, allowing consumers to maintain current data services without going through the inconvenience of switching SIM cards.

Disadvantages of E-SIMs

First and foremost, not all network providers are in a position to offer support to eSIMs. For example, in India E-SIMs are offered by Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea, but imagine if you are a BSNL user there is no E-SIM support for you.

Conventional SIMs may be easily removed from the harmed phone and put into a backup device or alternative phone. Unusable in nations that do not support eSIM: Simply put, you can’t use an eSIM phone in a nation where the telecom providers don’t currently support the technology.

While eSIM devices offer security and the capacity to be reprogrammed, one drawback is that they cannot be physically taken out of the handset. For people who prefer not to be monitored, this might be a concern because networks can simply track phone devices with an active SIM card.

With SIM cards, users who enjoy using several mobile phones may do so with ease. Due to the eSIM card’s integration with the mobile phone’s motherboard, it is not feasible.