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

Although the concept of E-Sim cards is not new in 2022, it got hype after the iPhone 14. Yes, you heard it right.

The US version of the iPhone 14 does not have a traditional SIM card tray which means you cannot use any physical SIM card in it. Apple has its own arguments about the benefits of e-SIM cards.

But our main purpose of this article is to describe what is an E-SIM card and how does it work? How to activate an E-SIM card, and what are the benefits/challenges with E-SIM Cards?

So, let’s dive into it.

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.

In reality, the eSIM serves as a replacement for a real, physical, plastic SIM card. If your smartphone supports it, you’ll need to upload your SIM profile to your device, and it will function just like a standard SIM without a card.

The key distinction between the eSIM and the traditional SIM card is that you no longer need to worry about a physical SIM card; instead, all that is left is a logical profile that can be changed on your smartphone. A traditional SIM card only stores one profile for the consumer. However, an eSIM allows for numerous profiles, which is a superior benefit.

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.