What Is an eSIM Card and How Does It Work?

eSIM is a revolutionary technology, probably similar to how the internet changed everything back in the '90s. If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about it but never quite understood what an eSIM is or how it works, we’ll break down all the awesome benefits eSIM can offer you in this article.

What is an eSIM Card?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into a device, allowing users to activate and switch between mobile networks remotely without needing a physical SIM. It offers flexibility, space-saving design, and convenience, making it ideal for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and IoT devices.

eSIM technology lets users switch mobile network providers without needing to take out or replace a physical SIM card. It can store multiple carrier profiles on one device, making it easier to manage different phone numbers or data plans at once. This makes it a powerful companion for travelers, as they can avoid roaming fees and switch to a new carrier or plan remotely.

eSIM is available not only for personal devices like smartphones but also for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

The eSIM itself has a small size, measuring just 6 mm × 5 mm, and is programmed with a unique ID (EID) at the factory.

 

eSIM vs. Physical SIM Card: What’s the Difference?

If you have to decide between an eSIM or a SIM card today, you need to understand how each technology works and what makes them different. Although both can get you connected to a mobile network, there are irreconcilable differences.

Let’s see how eSIM vs physical SIMs compare:

• Form: eSIMs are built into devices, while traditional SIM cards are removable plastic cards.
• Activation: eSIMs are activated remotely, but traditional SIMs need to be manually inserted into a device.
• Network Switching: With eSIMs, you can change carriers digitally. For traditional SIMs, you need to physically swap out the card.
• Multiple Profiles: eSIMs can store multiple carrier profiles on one device, whereas traditional SIM cards hold just one profile.
• Space: eSIMs save space because they don’t need a physical slot, unlike traditional SIM cards which need a dedicated slot.
• Security: eSIMs are less likely to be stolen or lost since they’re embedded in the device, while traditional SIMs can be physically removed and stolen.
• Compatibility: Traditional SIM cards are universally compatible with most devices and networks. eSIM support is growing but still limited.
• Setup: Setting up an eSIM might be a bit more technical, while installing a traditional SIM is straightforward.
• Cost: eSIM plans vary in price, but they often have rates similar to those of physical SIM cards, especially as the technology becomes more widespread.
• Capacity: eSIMs have a larger capacity for storing user data and network configurations compared to traditional SIM cards.
• Flexibility: eSIM lets you use multiple carriers and switch easily, while physical SIM only works with one carrier unless you change the card.
• Signal Strength: There’s no difference in signal strength between eSIMs and physical SIMs, as both connect to the mobile network through the same hardware and are affected by the same external factors like network coverage and congestion.

If you’re looking for a more detailed comparison, check out this guide on eSIM vs. physical SIM cards.

Image by Vecteezy

 

Is eSIM Better Than Traditional SIM Cards?

If you want the quick answer: yes, eSIMs are definitely better than SIM cards in a lot of ways! But before you take our word for it, let’s break down why we say so:

• Instant activation: eSIMs can be activated online within minutes.
• Multiple plans: Store several carrier profiles at once, and manage both personal and business lines on one device.
• Easy switching: Switch between carriers or plans easily, ideal for travelers or those testing different services.
• Security: eSIMs are less likely to be stolen, lost, or swapped compared to physical SIM cards.
• Cost savings: eSIMs are cheaper than roaming fees and most local SIM cards.
• Space-saving: Since there’s no physical SIM, devices can have more room for bigger batteries or other parts.
• Durability: eSIMs last longer and are less likely to get damaged compared to physical SIM cards.
• Dual numbers: Keep both personal and work numbers on the same device.
• Device compatibility: eSIM works on many devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and wearables, with increasing support across new devices.
• Better customer experience: eSIM makes adding new devices to plans easier, without needing to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM.

 

Which Devices Support eSIM?

Category	Devices
Phones	Apple iPhones: Models from iPhone XS onwards, including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series.
	Google Pixel: Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8 series, and Pixel Fold.
	Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 series; Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series; Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
	Motorola: Razr series, Edge series, and select Moto G models (e.g., Moto G53, G54).
	Honor: Magic series, including Magic4 Pro, Magic7 Pro, and others.
	Huawei: P40 and Mate 40 Pro.
	Xiaomi: 13 Pro, 13, and 14 series.
	Oppo: Find X5 Pro, Reno 6 Pro, and later models.
	Sony: Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, and later models.
Tablets and Smartwatches	iPads: iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air, and other models.
	Samsung Tablets: Select Galaxy Tab models (e.g., Galaxy Tab S9 series).
	Smartwatches: Apple Watch and some Samsung Galaxy Watch models.
Other Devices	Surface Devices: Surface Pro X and Duo.
	Fairphone: Fairphone 4/5.
	Sharp Aquos Sense/Wish models.
	Rakuten Devices: Rakuten Mini, Big-S, Hand, and Hand 5G.
	Tesla Vehicles: Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y (with eSIM integration).
	Future Devices: Drones and other IoT devices are potential candidates for eSIM integration.

For more detailed info, visit the Yoho Mobile eSIM Compatibility Guide.

 

How to Buy and Activate an eSIM

First of all, check if your phone supports eSIM in this list.

1. Choose a reputable provider, like Yoho Mobile, and make sure you’re picking a trusted service to avoid any issues later.

2. Choose the country or countries you’re traveling to from Yoho Mobile’s website. You can select as many countries as needed.

3. Customize your plan. Decide how many days you’ll be traveling and the amount of data you’ll need.

4. Complete your purchase, enter a valid email for the eSIM confirmation, apply any promo code for discounts (YOHO12 for 12% OFF), choose a payment method, and provide payment details.

5. After you buy, you’ll get a QR code to activate your Yoho Mobile eSIM. You can either wait for the activation date or scan the QR code right away, but make sure to scan it only after the activation time to avoid any issues.

That’s it, isn’t it simple? If you want a more detailed guide, check out this guide on Yoho Mobile’s Customizable eSIMs for Global Travelers.

 

The Future of Mobile Is Here

The future of eSIM technology looks incredibly promising. By 2030, the eSIM market is expected to see impressive growth, especially with the rise of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). eSIMs will make it much easier for people to switch service providers more freely. They’re also going to be a game-changer in powering smart homes, industrial tech, healthcare breakthroughs, and even extending connectivity to remote areas through satellite networks.

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is iSIM, which integrates the SIM directly into the device’s chip, will make everything even more compact and efficient. On top of that, AI will be helping to manage eSIM profiles, while enhanced encryption will make devices even more secure. Plus, eSIMs will contribute to reducing e-waste, making the whole system more sustainable.

Overall, eSIMs are on the path to revolutionizing connectivity across many industries and shaping the way technology evolves in the future. If you’re thinking about it, now is a great time to switch to an eSIM, since many new phones already support it, and more telecom companies are offering eSIM services. You can also find reliable eSIM providers like Yoho Mobile, who offer customizable plans to make it simple for you to start using an eSIM.

• Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!