An eSIM card is a standard SIM card that is embedded with an embedded SIM card. Instead of giving users a physical SIM card to swap in and out of a phone, these cards give users a small chip that is built into the SIM card. Because the eSIM card is an embedded SIM card, it doesn’t require a physical SIM card slot on a phone. Instead, these cards are inserted directly into a phone’s SIM card slot.
This makes it the most secure way to get a mobile data connection and also makes it the most widely available option.
So, what is an eSIM card, and why do you need one on your smartphone? Let’s take a look.
What is an eSIM Card?
An eSIM card is a standard SIM card that is embedded with an embedded SIM card. Instead of giving users a physical SIM card to swap in and out of a phone, these cards give users a small chip that is built into the SIM card. Instead of requiring a physical SIM card slot on a phone, these cards are inserted directly into a phone’s SIM card slot.
The eSIM card is the most secure way to get a mobile data connection, and also the most widely available option. You can use it on almost any phone that supports a SIM card.
Why Do You Need an eSIM Card?
Most modern smartphones have an eSIM card slot, which means you can simply remove the SIM card from your phone and insert it into the eSIM card slot on another device. This makes it easy to switch between devices and keep your data secure.
You won’t be able to use your phone’s data when you’re not connected to a network, and you won’t be able to use your phone as a modem when you’re connected to a different network.
How to activate an eSIM Card
You can activate your eSIM card during the device setup process when you first set up your phone. When you first turn on your phone, it will automatically begin the process of configuration. This will take a few minutes, and during this process, you can tell your phone which network you want to connect to, and which phone number you want to use.
If you want to change your network settings, you can do that during this process. Once the configuration process is complete, your phone will show you which network it is connected to, as well as the number you are dialing.
When to use an eSIM Card
eSIM cards are ideal when you don’t need a lot of data and only occasionally need to use the phone’s Internet connection. You can also use an eSIM card when you only need to share a few photos or videos with a friend, as well as when you don’t want to carry around a physical SIM card in your wallet or purse.
Pros and Cons of eSIM Cards
eSIM cards are convenient, small, and easy to use. They are also the most widely available type of mobile data connection, which is great if you’re trying to save on phone bills.
Some people like the fact that they can use the same card on multiple devices. This is great if you have a family member or friend who is on a different phone plan and wants to be able to use the same account.
There are also some people who like the fact that eSIM cards don’t require a physical SIM card slot in their phone.
Which Phones Support eSIM?
At the moment, the following phones support eSIM cards: Google’s Pixel, Apple’s iPhone, and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10+.
You can check if your phone is supported by going to Settings > General > About > Status > Phone.
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM cards, you can always order a prepaid SIM card that does.
How Do You Get and activate an eSIM?
You can buy an eSIM card from a store, or you can go to an eSIM activation website.
You can also order a prepaid SIM card that does the same thing from most providers. Once you get the card, look inside the box to see if it has a pamphlet or an instruction manual.
If you’re not sure where to get your card, most electronic stores have brochures with eSIM cards. You can also call your local phone store to ask them what cards they have available.
Is There a Downside to eSIM?
Some argue that the downsides of eSIM are that it may take longer to get your phone connected, you will have to take the SIM card out and put it back in when you’re done using it, and you will have to deal with different networks for different services. Let’s take a look at each of these arguments and see if there is any merit to them:
- Take the SIM card out and put it back in when you’re done uses. This is true for all cards, not just an eSIM card. You have to reinsert the card when you have to use the phone and turn it off.
- Getting different networks for different services. This is true for any mobile data connection, but there are special requirements for an eSIM card.
- Longer wait times when you want a stronger LTE signal. The downsides of any network are going to be higher costs, less coverage, and longer wait times.
Does eSIM Have Anything to Do With 5G?
In theory, eSIM cards should be the next step in the evolution of phone technology. By embedding a small chip in the SIM card, instead of having a physical card that you have to swap in and out of a phone, you get a much more secure connection and have less risk of being taken advantage of.
Why Do Carriers Dislike eSIM?
Some companies are not fond of the idea of an eSIM Card. They worry about the security implications of having an embedded SIM card and about the adherence required for every phone to have an eSIM card.
Bottom Line
eSIM cards are the new standard in mobile data security. They are tiny, secure, and easy to use. The only downside is that they aren’t available on every phone. If your phone doesn’t have an eSIM card slot, you can always order a prepaid SIM card that does.
