What are the advantages and disadvantages of an eSIM?

You’ve probably heard of the eSIM, or virtual SIM card, which is now offered by many operators. Present in most recent smartphones, this technology allows you to replace a physical SIM card and enjoy your mobile plan even faster. Are you still hesitant to switch to a digital SIM card? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of eSIMs compared to physical SIM cards.

What is an eSIM?

Before delving into the advantages and disadvantages of using an eSIM, it’s important to understand how it works.

The eSIM: A digital SIM card

The term eSIM comes from the contraction of embedded SIM, or embedded SIM card. More than just a virtual or digital SIM card, it is actually a SIM card directly integrated into the components of a device. Instead of having a dedicated slot for inserting a physical SIM card, smartphones compatible with eSIM technology integrate a universal SIM card that can be configured on the network of any operator. You simply need to download an eSIM profile to apply the correct network settings, which allows you to use your mobile plan without waiting to receive a SIM card or visiting a store. This also makes it possible to use multiple eSIMs at once or instantly switch between several plans based on your needs.

Devices compatible with the eSIM

eSIM technology is compatible with a large number of devices, starting with iOS and Android smartphones. It is indeed present in most smartphone models released after 2020.

eSIM is also compatible with other connected devices, such as tablets and smartwatches equipped with cellular functionality. This technology can also be found in some models of laptops running Windows 10 and 11, as well as in certain connected cars.

How to use an eSIM?

While most people know how to use a physical SIM card, this isn’t necessarily the case with eSIMs. However, they’re very simple to use!

How to activate an eSIM?

As previously mentioned, a virtual SIM card is configured by applying the settings contained in an eSIM profile. Simply download this profile onto your device to activate your eSIM. To do this, operators usually offer the option of scanning a QR code or using their mobile app. Then follow the step-by-step installation process to activate and use your eSIM!

Do eSIMs work without internet?

The term “eSIM” might suggest that these particular SIM cards need the internet to work. But that’s not the case! An internet connection is only required to download an eSIM profile onto your device. Once the eSIM is activated, it works like any other SIM card and generates its own 4G or 5G network. Not only do they work without the internet, but they’re also the ideal solution for having mobile data anywhere in the world.

Can I make calls with an eSIM?

Yes, eSIMs allow you to make calls and send SMS messages just like any physical SIM card. This doesn’t depend on the type of SIM card but rather on your plan! In fact, eSIMs can be used for “traditional” phone plans that include a phone number, or for specific data-only plans, such as travel eSIM plans. If your eSIM is tied to a data-only plan, you won’t have a phone number for making calls. However, you can still use apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Signal, which use the internet for calls.

Can you use an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time?

Yes, you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously if your device supports both technologies. You can even use multiple eSIMs alongside a physical SIM card. However, you cannot use more than two phone numbers at the same time: only data plans can be combined.

What are the advantages of the eSIM compared to a physical SIM card?

Now that you know how an eSIM works, you’ve probably identified some advantages. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this technology.

Instant access to your mobile plan

The biggest advantage of eSIMs is that they allow you to instantly activate a mobile plan on your phone: no more waiting in line at a store or waiting to receive a SIM card in the mail! You can change your plan in the blink of an eye or subscribe to a new plan as soon as the need arises.

Space-saving for smartphones

Not needing a slot for one or more physical SIM cards represents a significant space-saving opportunity for manufacturers, who could eventually offer more compact devices if physical SIM cards were to disappear.

Reduced environmental impact

Physical SIM cards are made of plastic and conductive metals, which have a significant environmental impact. They are also delivered in packaging that is not always recyclable. In contrast, eSIMs produce no waste!

The ability to combine multiple plans and devices

eSIMs allow you to combine multiple plans without being limited by the number of SIM slots on your device. This means you can use multiple plans for different purposes, for example, to access the local network when traveling to a foreign country!

Conversely, eSIMs also allow you to use the same eSIM plan on multiple devices if your operator offers a multi-SIM option.

What are the disadvantages of the eSIM compared to a physical SIM card?

Using an eSIM involves changing habits, which can have some disadvantages in daily life.

Compatibility limited to recent devices

While most smartphones released after 2020 are compatible with eSIMs, older models are rarely so! If you’re attached to your current phone and don’t want to switch to a newer model, you may not be able to take advantage of this technology.

Complex transfer process

When you break your phone, you simply transfer your SIM card to another device to stay reachable. You can dig out an old phone or buy a cheap model to replace your smartphone in the meantime. But this is not possible with an eSIM! You’ll need to contact your operator to receive a physical SIM card or a QR code for a new eSIM. This also applies if you change phones: unless you have a multi-SIM option, an eSIM profile can only be downloaded once!

Network issues or phone failure: hard to diagnose

When you experience connectivity issues with a physical SIM card, you can transfer it to another device to determine if the problem lies with the card or the phone itself. Unfortunately, you can’t perform this test with an eSIM!

Conclusion: Are eSIMs worth it?

These disadvantages might discourage users who are attached to their slightly older smartphones or who want to be able to use an old replacement phone without any hassle. But they don’t outweigh all the advantages of the eSIM! Faster to activate, more versatile, and more environmentally friendly, the eSIM represents the future of the SIM card. Even today, it is particularly advantageous for those who need to combine different plans without owning multiple phones, especially professionals! eSIMs are also a very practical technology for travelers who need multiple plans to stay connected abroad. This is why there are so many travel eSIM plan offers!

Using a travel eSIM

A travel eSIM is particularly convenient for short-term needs, such as when traveling abroad. Simply subscribe to a dedicated data plan and download the corresponding eSIM profile to your smartphone. You can activate your line the day before or on the day of your departure, allowing you to enjoy your plan as soon as you arrive at your destination—all while remaining reachable on your usual number. With no need to wait in a store, no risk of incurring roaming charges, and immediate access to the internet, a travel eSIM is a much more advantageous option than a local SIM card.