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What is an ESIM? And how does it work?

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An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is embedded in a mobile device. It allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM card.

eSIMs are still relatively new, but they are becoming more and more popular. They offer a number of advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, including:

  • Convenience: You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card, and you don’t have to swap SIM cards when you switch carriers.
  • Flexibility: You can have multiple eSIMs active on a single device, which allows you to easily switch between different mobile data plans.
  • Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be easily removed and replaced.

How do eSIMs work?

eSIMs work in a similar way to traditional SIM cards. They store your mobile data plan information, such as your phone number, mobile network operator (MNO), and data plan details.

To activate an eSIM, you will need to contact your MNO and request an eSIM activation code. Once you have the activation code, you can scan it using your mobile device’s QR code scanner to activate the eSIM.

Which devices support eSIMs?

A growing number of mobile devices support eSIMs. Some of the most popular eSIM-compatible devices include:

  • iPhones (XR and later)
  • iPads (Pro 11-inch (3rd generation or later) and Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation or later))
  • Google Pixel phones (3 and later)
  • Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and later) and others I listed in my previous article.

What are the benefits of using an eSIM?

There are a number of benefits to using an eSIM, including:

  • Convenience: You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card, and you don’t have to swap SIM cards when you switch carriers.
  • Flexibility: You can have multiple eSIMs active on a single device, which allows you to easily switch between different mobile data plans.
  • Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be easily removed and replaced.
  • Global connectivity: eSIMs make it easy to stay connected when you are traveling internationally. You can simply download an eSIM from a local MNO to start using your mobile data plan.

Conclusion

eSIMs offer a number of advantages over traditional physical SIM cards. They are more convenient, flexible, secure, and global. If you are looking for a new mobile data plan, be sure to consider using an eSIM. You can also check an article on Econet’s eSIM.