Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 02:25 pm
SIM cards allow your phone to connect to a carrier’s network. You can’t make calls, text, or use mobile data without one. To be able to use a SIM card from a carrier other than your own, your phone must be carrier unlocked; in other words, it shouldn’t be tied to a specific contract. The SIM card in your phone stores the contacts you’ve saved, information on roaming, and even portions of your messages. If you’re tired of swapping physical SIM cards, you’re in luck because you can store multiple profiles on an eSIM, according to the experts at Holafly. It’s like having multiple SIM cards on one device.
eSIMs have become quite popular recently, and for good reason. It’s possible to change wireless networks without having to go through the trouble of buying a new phone, changing your number, and so on. All you have to do is to download the eSIM card profile and follow the on-screen instructions. The embedded version of the SIM card is available for Android and iOS devices, but it can work with other operating systems. Most eSIM compatible-phones enable the use of an eSIM and a regular SIM at the same time, but it’s essential to contact your carrier to double-check.
An eSIM Is Formatted Directly onto The Phone
eSIM is an acronym; it’s derived from the phrase “embedded subscriber identity model. It’s a chip inside your phone that acts as a SIM card, so you can activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight to more eSIMs and have two phone numbers. If you’re traveling abroad, you can get local coverage and avoid paying roaming fees from your primary carrier. You can make the switch by scanning a QR code with your phone’s camera. Regrettably, not all mobile carriers have embraced eSIM technology, so making the switch can turn out to be a convoluted process.
eSIM Vs. Dual SIM: Which Is Best?
Many people prefer to keep their friends and business contacts distinct. You don’t need a separate phone for personal and professional communication if you have an eSIM phone, as you can kill two birds with one stone. With some eSIMs, you can store several virtual cards, so you can have a dedicated phone number for work. The eSIM doesn’t take up too much space, so there’s more space for the battery, although that’s up to the manufacturer. You can use your eSIM profile wherever you go, meaning there’s no need to buy a new SIM card in a shop or online store.
There are times when it’s useful to have two SIMs. For example, you might want to be able to switch to a mobile network with better coverage in a certain area. Imagine that you’re traveling to the UK from the USA; it’s a good idea to have a SIM card for a UK network. Some phones support dual SIM alongside eSIM: you have one standard SIM and use another one via an eSIM. Chances are that, in the future, we’ll see more phones using eSIMs than regular SIM cards to stay connected while also improving privacy.
How To Know If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Although the technology has been around for some time now, eSIM support is fairly limited to premium smartphones that cost a lot of money. Newer Android phones and high-end iPhones have eSIMs incorporated. Given that an ever-increasing number of mobile carriers support eSIM without making a fuss, there’s no better time than now to find out if your phone is eSIM-compatible. The most straightforward way to find out if your phone supports eSIM is to check with the manufacturer, seller, or network profiles. Equally, you can dive into your device settings. For example, if you have a Samsung phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager. If the Add Mobile Plan is available, your device supports eSIM.
Maybe you’ve got an iPhone. In that case, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down until you find the Carrier Lock section. Go to Available SIM. Should your phone support eSIM, you’ll see a 15-digit IMEI number. To activate your eSIM, you must download the profile on your phone; you may receive an activation code (a download link) from the eSIM carrier. Alternatively, you might have to download the app of your mobile carrier and follow the instructions. It might be necessary to change the APN settings on your phone for cellular data connectivity.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to make your phone eSIM-compatible if it doesn’t support the technology. Even if you’re not in the market for a new model, it might be time to buy a new phone; one key factor that will influence your purchasing decision is whether or not the device has eSIM compatibility. Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, for instance, allows you to use two eSIM cards simultaneously. Needless to say, before you add a second SIM, you must add the first SIM. Find Network and Internet in the settings, click Add Operator, and scan the QR code.
Unlocking a New Era of Connectivity
As technology has developed and enabled devices to communicate and interact over the Internet, the limitations of the SIM card have come to pass. The eSIM revolution is a transformative one, but it’s not new. In 2022, Apple launched the first-ever eSIM-only phone capable of storing multiple profiles. The ideal eSIM provider will allow you to save time and money, enabling a faster onboarding process and providing complete control over the profile. Perhaps you can’t afford the major price tag of brands like Apple or Google. In that case, don’t fret because Nokia is a great alternative.
Some eSIM providers don’t charge users roaming fees, but some do. If you fall into the first category, you can make calls, send text messages, and browse the Internet at your usual rates. Your device will rely on your eSIM for data instead of your regular data plan.
