What is eSIM technology and how it works

Table of Contents

• What’s eSIM, Practically?
• How Does eSIM Work?
• The Usage: Best Practices and Compatible Devices
• Pros and Cons: Should You Choose eSIM to Travel?
• How to Activate an eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide
• The Future of Technology

Have you ever wondered how your smartphone connects to a mobile network? This happens with the tiny chip – a SIM card, activated on the phone. But what if there is a new way to stay connected without using any physical devices? That’s what eSIM does. 

An eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card. It is activated directly on your device without using any physical chips and cards. This may sound complex, but it’s easier than you think. Add a bunch of advantages here – you don’t pay for roaming and use eSIM in any part of the world. Without further delay, dive into the eSIM meaning. Explore how do eSIMs work and help in your daily life. 

What’s eSIM, Practically?

The term stands for “embedded SIM”. This is a digital chip built into your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. While SIM cards are removable, eSIM is permanently here, within your device. All you need to use mobile data is to activate an eSIM and purchase an Internet connection. But let’s sort everything out in a logical order. 

Think of it as a digital form of a SIM card but with many special features. You activate the plan online and use it in certain countries or world regions. Change plans once you travel abroad or switch between countries. Or, on the contrary, use the single plan in many regions at the same time. This offers great flexibility and saves money. 

How Does eSIM Work?

You already realize that eSIM is the same as a SIM card, but you don’t need a piece of plastic to use it. By the way, plastic reduction is another reason for the technology’s popularity. Eco movements actively promote this technology to avoid non-recyclable waste. To use it, you commonly follow these steps:

1. Purchase a plan. Several companies will offer such services in 2024. They work with local providers all over the world and sell you data packages depending on your needs. Buy a certain data volume, unlimited Internet, or even a new phone number. 
2. Receive activation details. Companies utilize different technologies. Some send you a QR code, others offer an app activation. Some still need you to activate the plan manually. All this has one thing in common. Your embedded chip connects to the network and starts to use foreign mobile data. 
3. Use the Internet and make phone calls. Once you land in the destination country, the plan starts working. The chip connects to local cell towers and uses the Internet. 

As a customer, you don’t need all those details about what’s eSIM. Choose the beneficial plan, pay for it, and enjoy the connection no matter where. Some clients still struggle with activation, but that’s why companies provide online support and detailed instructions. 

The Usage: Best Practices and Compatible Devices

Beyond smartphones, eSIMs found their places in many life spheres. That’s all about how do e-SIMs work – you don’t need a slot to insert and activate it. Customers connect them to smartwatches and tablets to work and use GPS while traveling. Even if your plan is connected to the smartphone, use the hotspot tool to share the Internet with other devices and users. 

But before, explore the device compatibility. Here’s an easy answer – all devices, developed in 2019 or later, support such technologies. But that’s not completely true. Some budget-friendly phones still don’t work with it. Plus, the compatibility depends on the provider. Always check the carriers’ official websites. There, look for the “Compatible devices” page. 

Did you know? The eSIM technology was developed back in 2012 but was hardly used. The first company that noticed the trend was Apple. In 2018-2019, the brand started to add digital chips to all iPhones and most iPads. As always, Apple became a trendsetter, and the world took a second look at the concept.

Pros and Cons: Should You Choose eSIM to Travel?

eSIM is a revolutionary way to stay connected. And yet, it comes with drawbacks. Unlike SIM cards, the technology doesn’t work with all devices. Plus, you may have personal reasons to prefer alternative ways of connection. 

How to Activate an eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide

The exact steps depend on your device’s brand and model. Still, the process is similar:

1. Check device compatibility. Ensure the phone/tablet supports this type of eSIM.
2. Purchase a plan. choose the best eSIM provider, compare pricing and coverage, and choose the matching plan. 
3. Receive instructions. The providers send detailed instructions for installation. You’ll also receive a QR code.
4. Enter the phone settings. Look for “network settings”, “mobile network” or a similar section.
5. Add the new plan. For this, find the “Add Plan” functions. The naming may differ depending on your device. 
6. Scan the code or enter details manually. The last step depends on your provider. Some give you information, and others offer automatic activation with a QR code. 

Finally, confirm the activation and use the Internet connection. Don’t be afraid to activate the plan in advance. You won’t spend data or money before arriving at the destination. Also, make sure you know all the details for your device specifically. 

The Future of Technology

The industry is rising rapidly. In 2021, the overall eSIM market cost was only $350 million. In 2023, it reached $4.7 billion – an amazing dynamic. By 2027, the industry is projected to reach $16.3 billion. But even for customers, far from technologies, the trends are obvious:

1. Global connectivity. More and more companies offer regional or global plans. They cover several neighboring regions or even the whole world (100–150 countries at least). This reduces costs and helps people who commonly travel across the world. This becomes another significant advantage of eSIM over SIM cards. 
2. Better security. Now, most providers offer a QR code activation. This method is not perfect since anyone else can see and scan it in case of data leaks. Companies work on enhanced methods of protection. This may be personal activation within the app. 
3. Connection with digital wallets. The purchase process can be even easier. Now, providers consider payments via digital wallets. Moreover, customers will be able to store their plans here and activate them when needed. In 2024, this is only a forecast, but things may change quickly. 

Predicting the overall industry is complicated. It is developing at an ultrafast pace, offering more opportunities. Customers, meanwhile, seek more loyalty programs, discounts, and special offers. Many clients ask for hotspots or multi-device activation. All this shapes the future of technology.