Finding the EID number can be a headache. You’d probably waste so much time scrolling through confusing instructions online or waiting on hold with customer service, only to get an unclear answer. But finding your EID number doesn’t have to be that difficult.
If you want to save time and avoid unnecessary stress, check out this guide and find your EID number in minutes!
What is an EID Number?
An EID (Embedded Identity Document) number is a unique 32-digit code built into devices that use eSIM technology, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It’s like a digital ID for the eSIM module in your device.
This number helps mobile carriers securely manage and activate your eSIM plan, making it possible to switch between different carriers or data plans without needing a physical SIM card. It’s similar to how IMEI numbers function for physical SIM cards.
An EID number (meaning: Embedded Identity Document) is a unique 32-digit identifier embedded in devices that identifies and manages the eSIM in devices.
How does the EID Number work?
Here’s how the EID works and what it does:
- Identifies your device: The EID helps mobile networks know which device is connecting to them, making sure the connection is secure.
- Activates your eSIM: When you want to use a new mobile carrier or plan, the carrier uses the EID to set up your eSIM remotely (without you needing to swap out a physical SIM card).
- Manages your eSIM profiles: You can store multiple eSIM profiles (like different carriers or plans) on your device, and the EID helps switch between them easily.
- Helps with troubleshooting: If there’s a problem with your connection, customer support can use the EID to help figure out what’s wrong with your device or network.
Think of the EID like a passport for your eSIM. Just like a passport identifies you and allows you to travel between countries, the EID identifies your device and lets it connect to different mobile networks.
How the EID Number is Generated
An EID stands for eSIM Identifier, which is a 32-digit unique identifier used for devices that have eSIM technology. Think of it like a serial number for your phone’s digital SIM card. This number is generated during the manufacturing of the device and is embedded into the device’s hardware.
The 32-digit EID consists of three parts:
- EUM Identification Number (EIN): identifies the manufacturer or authority responsible for the device.
- EUM Specific Identification Number (ESIN): is unique to the specific device and its eSIM.
- Check Digits: are calculated digits that help confirm the integrity of the entire EID number.
The GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) assigns special codes called ERHI1s (EID Range Holder Identifiers) to device manufacturers (eUICC Manufacturers) or national authorities. These entities use these assigned codes to generate the unique EIDs for every device’s eSIM module.
Check digits are used to make sure a number, like an account number or the EID number in this case, is valid and hasn’t been mistyped or altered. One way to calculate the check digits is through an algorithm called the Luhn formula (or similar methods).
Can I create an EID? No, you cannot create your own EID number. EID numbers are pre-assigned to your device by the manufacturer or your carrier when your phone or tablet is made. It’s a unique number that comes with your device, and you can’t change it or make a new one.
Why is EID Important?
Why is EID so important in eSIM activation, management, and security? Here are the reasons why it’s needed:
- eSIM Activation: The EID is crucial for activating your eSIM with mobile carriers. It allows your phone to download and manage the eSIM profile remotely, without a physical SIM card. This is especially helpful with smaller or international carriers, which often require the EID for activation.
- Carrier Activation: The EID ensures your device is compatible with a carrier’s eSIM network, allowing for easy switching between carriers or adding new plans. This makes managing mobile services more convenient, especially when traveling internationally or changing providers.
- Managing Multiple Profiles: The EID allows you to store and manage multiple eSIM profiles on one device. This is perfect for those who need to switch between different phone numbers or services, like personal and work lines, or use local eSIMs while traveling.
- Troubleshooting: The EID helps customer support quickly diagnose and resolve network issues. It provides the necessary device information to fix problems faster, minimizing downtime and improving your overall experience.
- Security & Identification: The EID acts as a digital fingerprint for your device, improving security by stopping unauthorized access and fraud. If your device is lost, it can help track and verify it for added protection.
Why EID is Important for Security
The EID is also important for security for several reasons:
- Unique Identification: The 32-digit EID acts like a digital fingerprint for each eSIM chip, preventing identity theft and fraud.
- Encryption: The EID ensures that eSIM data is encrypted, securing the data during transmission and preventing unauthorized access.
- Authentication: The EID acts like a digital key, allowing only authorized devices to connect to the network and blocking unauthorized ones.
- Secure Provisioning: The EID ensures that only legitimate eSIM profiles are downloaded and activated on the device.
- Remote Management: It allows for secure remote management of eSIM profiles, including activation, deactivation, and profile switching.
- Access Control: The EID ensures that only authorized changes are made to eSIM profiles, protecting against fraud.
- Device Tracking and Recovery: Similar to an IMEI, the EID helps track and recover stolen devices.
- Multi-layer Security: The EID adds an extra layer of security to eSIM technology, making it harder for unauthorized parties to access or manipulate the device’s connectivity.
How to Find Your EID Number on Different Devices
To use your eSIM effectively, you’ll need to locate your EID number first. Here are the steps to find your EID on different devices.
Find the EID on iPhones
Here’s how you can find the EID (eSIM ID) on your iPhone:
Method 1: Through Settings
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down and look for the EID field.
Method 2: On the iPhone Box - Look at your iPhone’s original box. The EID is often printed along with the IMEI number and serial number.
Alternative Method: Dialer
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#06#
- Your EID will show up on the screen.
These steps might be a little different for newer iPhone models (2024 and later) but should work for most iPhones.
If you can’t find your EID: Check if your device supports eSIM (most newer iPhones do). If it does and you still can’t find the EID, contact your mobile carrier or Apple support for help.
How to Find the EID on Apple Watch
Here’s what you need to do to find the EID number on your Apple Watch:
Through the Apple Watch:
- Press the Digital Crown (the round button on the side of your watch).
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to find the EID number.
- Scroll down and look for the EID number.
Through the iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Select your paired Apple Watch from the list.
- Go to General > About.
- Scroll down to find the EID number.
If you still have the original box your Apple Watch came in, the EID number is often printed on the packaging next to the IMEI and serial number.
How to Find the EID on Android Devices
To find the EID number on Android devices:
Method 1: Through Settings
- Go to Settings > About phone > Status or IMEI information.
- Find the EID number listed.
Method 2: SIM Card Status - Go to Settings > About phone > Status information > SIM card status.
- Scroll to find the EID number.
Alternative Method: Dialer
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#06#
- The EID number will be displayed on the screen.
If you can’t find the EID, check the original box or paperwork, it’s usually printed next to the IMEI and serial number. If you can’t still find it, contact your carrier or device manufacturer for help.
Tip: Make sure your device supports eSIM technology and is up-to-date with the latest software version. Keep the EID number secure and share it only with trusted service providers for eSIM activation or troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Most Common EID Issues
Here are some of the most common EID number issues and how to fix them.
- EID Not Recognized: Double-check if you’ve entered the EID number correctly. If it’s still not recognized, reach out to your carrier to confirm that the EID has been activated on their network.
- Unable to Activate eSIM: Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Try scanning the QR code again, or you can manually enter the EID number. Also, verify that your device supports eSIM technology.
- Connection Issues After Activation: If you’re having trouble connecting after activation, try restarting your device. If the problem continues, reset your network settings. If that doesn’t help, contact your carrier for further assistance.
- Limited Connectivity: Check if your area has good network coverage. Also, make sure your eSIM is active and properly funded, and that your account with the carrier is in good standing.
- EID Not Showing on iPhone: Confirm that your iPhone supports eSIM technology. Go to Settings > General > About and check for the EID number. If it still doesn’t show, contact your carrier.
- Unable to Find EID: For Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Status/IMEI information. For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. Alternatively, you can dial #06# on most devices to get the EID number.
- EID Number Compromised: If your EID number is compromised or suspected to be, report it to the relevant authorities. In some cases, you may need to change the EID number.
EID: A Small Number with Big Importance
The EID number might just look like a random string of digits on your phone, but did you know it could make your mobile life so much easier? Now that you know how useful it is, you can see why it makes things so much simpler. It helps us with eSIM activation, switching carriers, and managing different mobile profiles—all without needing a physical SIM card!
As eSIM technology becomes more common in phones, smartwatches, and tablets, the EID is crucial to making mobile connectivity smoother and more user-friendly. If you’re planning to upgrade your phone, now is the best time to convert to eSIM! Many new phones support eSIM, more carriers are on board, and trusted providers like Yoho Mobile offer simple, customizable plans to help you get started. Check out Yoho Mobile today and see how easy it is to use an eSIM!
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FAQs About EID Numbers
Is EID the same as a SIM number?
EID (Embedded Identity Document) is not the same as a SIM number. EID is a 32-digit identifier for eSIM chips, while a SIM number, often referred to as ICCID, is an identifier for physical SIM cards or eSIM profiles. EID is unique to the device’s eSIM hardware, whereas ICCID is specific to the network plan.
Can’t find my EID on my iPhone?
To find the EID on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see it. Alternatively, dial #06# on your keypad to display the EID directly on your screen. If you still can’t find it, ensure your iPhone supports eSIM technology.
What’s the difference between EID and ICCID?
EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a unique 32-digit code that identifies the eSIM chip inside a device and stays constant for the device’s entire life. The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier), on the other hand, is a shorter 18 or 19-digit number that identifies the specific SIM card or eSIM profile and changes if you switch carriers or plans. While the EID identifies the eSIM hardware, the ICCID is linked to the network plan you’re using. Both are important for eSIM technology, but they have different roles: EID is for the hardware, and ICCID is for the network.
Why do I need my EID number for eSIM activation?
Your EID (Embedded Identity Document) number is like a unique ID for your device’s eSIM chip. Carriers need it to activate and manage the eSIM, just like fingerprints help identify a person. It allows them to set up your mobile plan remotely, link your account to your device, and help with troubleshooting if something goes wrong. The EID also makes it easier to switch carriers, add new plans, and manage multiple eSIMs on one device. Without it, your carrier wouldn’t be able to activate or manage your eSIM service properly.
Is the EID number the same as the IMEI number?
No, the EID number identifies the eSIM, while the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) identifies the device.
How do I find my EID number on my Samsung phone?
To find the EID number on a Samsung phone:
- Access Settings
- Tap on About phone
- Choose Status or IMEI information
- You should find the EID listed here. If not, check under SIM card status or the phone’s packaging.
Can I use an EID number with any carrier?
EID numbers are carrier-specific. You must activate your eSIM with a carrier that supports eSIM technology.
Can I have multiple eSIM profiles on one EID?
Yes, most devices support multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be active at a time.