What is an eSIM and does your phone support it?
An eSIM is a SIM that is built into the phone as a chip. Instead of putting a plastic card in a tray, your mobile operator sends a profile to the phone and it is stored digitally.
eSIM or physical SIM?
| Physical SIM | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Plastic card in a tray | Built-in chip, no tray needed |
| Switching phones | Move the card | Ask your operator to move or reissue the profile |
| Lost phone | Take the SIM out to another phone | Cannot be taken out, so the operator must help |
| Two numbers | Needs a dual-SIM tray | One physical SIM plus eSIM, or several eSIM profiles on some phones |
See SIM card sizes explained for the physical types.
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
- Spec sheet. Look for “eSIM” or “Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)” in the SIM section. See how to read a phone spec sheet.
- Settings. Open Settings and search for SIM, SIM manager or Mobile network. If you see an option to add eSIM or add mobile plan, the phone supports it.
- EID. Dialling the code that shows your IMEI can also show an EID on phones with eSIM. If you see an EID, the hardware is there. See how to check your phone’s IMEI.
Supporting the phone is not the same as getting an eSIM
Your phone, your operator and the plan all have to support it. Before you buy a phone just for eSIM, ask your operator whether it offers eSIM for your type of plan, whether it works in the region you use it, and what documents or verification it needs.
Adding one
When your operator offers it, you usually receive a QR code or an activation in its app. In Settings, look for Add eSIM and follow the prompts. See how to scan a QR code on your phone.
Things to know before switching
- Back up and keep your old SIM until the eSIM is working.
- A factory reset can remove an eSIM profile, so check before you reset.
- When you change phones, the eSIM does not move by itself. See how to switch phones without losing anything.
