All About eSIM

More and more mobile operators are offering plans by replacing a traditional SIM card with an eSIM. Present on most recent smartphones, this technology allows you to instantly subscribe to any plan, anywhere in the world. Functionality, advantages, compatibility, activation, and usage – discover everything you need to know about eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

The eSIM is a dematerialized SIM card that allows you to replace a traditional SIM card. Present on most smartphones released after 2020, it allows you to instantly subscribe and activate a mobile plan.

The term eSIM comes from the contraction of embedded SIM, or embedded SIM. It refers to a technology that integrates a universal SIM card directly into a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, allowing it to be configured for any network. It can then be configured to connect to multiple networks simultaneously and accumulate different plans. You can have several phone lines on a single smartphone or combine a data plan with a voice/SMS plan. You can also combine your usual plan with a travel eSIM plan when you are abroad!

How does the eSIM work?

The operation of an eSIM is very simple: to use a new plan, just configure your smartphone's embedded SIM card with the network settings of your new operator. To do this, you need to download an eSIM profile, which directly downloads these settings to the device.

The eSIM profile is usually downloaded using a QR code sent by email, generated by the operator during the subscription process. You just have to scan this QR code with your smartphone or tablet's camera to start installing the eSIM. Alternatively, it can be manually configured or set up via a dedicated mobile application. Some operators even offer to buy and install their eSIM directly on the device without requiring a QR code.

In any case, you need to be connected to the Internet via a mobile or WiFi network to proceed with the download. That’s why, in the case of a travel eSIM plan, it’s recommended to activate your plan the day before or on the day of departure to avoid roaming charges related to the eSIM installation.

Can I have a SIM and an eSIM at the same time?

One of the principles of eSIM is that it allows you to combine several mobile plans operating on different networks. Thus, most smartphones allow you to install between 5 and 10 eSIMs on a single embedded SIM card, enabling multiple uses and eligible destinations.

As for simultaneous use with a traditional SIM card, most smartphones compatible with eSIM technology are equipped with a slot for physical SIM cards, allowing you to use both technologies at the same time. In summary, if you already have a mobile plan on a physical SIM card, you can activate eSIM plans without deactivating your usual plan at the same time.

The only limitation in combining uses is that most devices do not allow more than two phone numbers to be used simultaneously. You can accumulate up to 10 data plans, but only 2 phone plans with assigned numbers.

What are the benefits of an eSIM? Pros and Cons

The dematerialized aspect of eSIM offers various advantages, both for mobile market players and users.

For manufacturers, the introduction of eSIM technology has led to a certain space saving, as it is no longer necessary to provide multiple slots for physical SIM cards. This allows for more space for important components like the battery or motherboard. It is also a great way to enhance the connectivity of more compact objects, such as smartwatches, which can then be used independently of a smartphone.

For operators, selling their plans via dematerialized SIM cards allows them to save money on the manufacturing and delivery of SIM cards. It’s also a great sales argument to distribute their offers, which can then be instantly subscribed to and activated by customers.

For users, the eSIM introduces greater freedom and flexibility. Since it is possible to instantly subscribe to any offer and activate it immediately, it is now much easier to change mobile plans. The fact that several eSIMs can be installed on the same device allows for multi-use capabilities, such as switching more easily between multiple lines: personal line, professional line, data plan abroad… In contrast, thanks to the operators’ multi-SIM option, it’s possible to use one single eSIM plan on multiple devices: smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch.

While the eSIM has mostly advantages, there are some limitations related to its compatibility. Since you can’t install it on any phone, for example, you can’t use it with an old replacement phone when your smartphone breaks down. Physical SIM cards, however, are still compatible with most phones.

How do I know if my phone is compatible with eSIM?

Before you start looking for an eSIM plan for your secondary line or next trip, you need to know if your device is compatible! The good news is that most smartphones released after 2020 are eSIM compatible, meaning you may already have this technology without knowing it. Here’s a list (non-exhaustive) of iOS and Android smartphones that are compatible:

Some tablets are also compatible with eSIM, notably iPads released after 2019 and Windows tablets. However, be aware that eSIM is optional on iPads: you must have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model to use this type of connectivity.

For smartwatches, it's almost the same: recent models of Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Huawei Watch are compatible with eSIM, provided you opted for this option during their setup.

How to transfer or delete an eSIM from your device?

With a traditional SIM card, you simply remove the chip from its slot to transfer it to another device. With eSIM, you usually have to contact your operator so they can generate a second QR code to scan with your new smartphone. You can then delete your old eSIM directly in the network settings of the old device, making sure it is activated on the new one. Be careful, any eSIM deletion is permanent! You won’t be able to reinstall an eSIM using an already-used QR code.

Which operator offers eSIM plans?

In the past, eSIM plans were specific plans, often reserved for tablets and smartwatches. But with the development of this technology on iOS and Android smartphones, most traditional operators (those with their own network) now offer their usual mobile plans in an eSIM version. Today, you can simply choose between a physical or digital SIM card when subscribing to a plan, or switch from one to the other without changing your plan.

Beyond the major operators, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are also increasingly offering eSIM. In the United States, the rise of this technology has been such that smartphone manufacturers are launching models without SIM card slots, such as the iPhone 14 at the time.

In addition to mobile operators, other players have emerged thanks to the development of eSIM. While some companies have specialized in very specific sectors, such as eSIM for connected cars, it is travel eSIMs that have experienced the greatest growth in recent years.

Like UPeSIM, they offer data plans accessible from many destinations to allow travelers to stay connected to the internet during their trips abroad without having to pay roaming fees. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable travel eSIM plan, you’re in the right place!