The small plastic card that's connected your phone to cellular networks for decades is being replaced by something you can't see or touch. eSIM—short for embedded SIM—represents the most significant change to mobile connectivity since the SIM card was invented in 1991.
An eSIM is a programmable chip built directly into your device that does everything a traditional SIM card does, without the physical card. Instead of swapping tiny plastic rectangles when you change carriers or travel abroad, you download a digital profile in seconds. What does eSIM mean for everyday users? Simpler carrier switching, instant international connectivity, and the ability to use multiple phone numbers on a single device.
This guide explains how eSIM technology works, which devices support it, how to set one up, and what the shift from physical to digital SIM cards means for the future of mobile connectivity.

What is an eSIM Card?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip soldered directly onto your device's motherboard that serves the same function as a traditional SIM card—authenticating your identity on a cellular network—but without the removable plastic card.
The technical name for this chip is eUICC, which stands for embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card. Unlike a physical SIM that stores a single carrier profile, an eUICC can hold multiple carrier profiles simultaneously. You might have your primary carrier, a backup provider, and a travel data plan all stored on the same chip, switching between them with a few taps in your settings.
When you activate an eSIM, you're downloading a carrier profile to this chip. The profile contains all the information your device needs to connect to that carrier's network: your phone number, authentication credentials, and network settings. This download typically happens through one of three methods:
QR code scanning is the most common activation method. Your carrier or eSIM provider gives you a QR code containing an encrypted link to their provisioning server. You scan it in your device's settings, and the profile downloads automatically.
Carrier apps allow you to activate eSIM directly within your provider's mobile application after verifying your account.
Direct carrier transfer lets you move your existing service to eSIM without a code—your carrier pushes the profile to your device remotely.
The infrastructure enabling this is called SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation). When you scan that QR code, you're connecting to a secure server that validates your credentials and delivers your encrypted carrier profile to your device's eUICC chip.
According to the GSMA, the industry body that sets mobile standards, more than 400 mobile operators worldwide now support eSIM activation for consumer devices. This number continues to grow quarterly.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Key Differences

Understanding how eSIM differs from traditional SIM cards clarifies why the industry is moving toward embedded technology.

Factor	Physical SIM	eSIM
Form	Removable plastic card	Chip soldered into device
Size	Mini, Micro, or Nano	Roughly 6mm × 5mm (embedded)
Switching carriers	Physically swap cards	Download new profile
Multiple numbers	Need multiple cards	Store 8+ profiles on one chip
Device space	Requires SIM tray	Enables thinner designs
Damage risk	Can be lost, damaged	Protected inside device
Travel activation	Buy SIM at destination	Install before departure
Environmental impact	Plastic card + packaging	Digital delivery only

Physical SIM cards require you to handle a component smaller than a fingernail, often with specialized tools to access the SIM tray. Losing a SIM means losing your connectivity until you get a replacement. eSIM eliminates these pain points entirely—your connectivity lives inside your device, protected and always available.
For device manufacturers, eSIM frees up internal space previously dedicated to SIM trays. Apple used this advantage to improve water resistance and add battery capacity in its iPhone 14 series, which shipped without physical SIM support in the United States.

˜For a detailed breakdown of when physical SIM still makes sense versus when eSIM excels, see our eSIM vs physical SIM comparison guide.˜

How Does an eSIM Work?

The technology behind eSIM involves several components working together to provision and manage your cellular connectivity securely.

The eUICC Chip

At the hardware level, the eUICC is a secure element—a tamper-resistant chip designed to store sensitive data. It's manufactured with cryptographic capabilities that protect your carrier profiles from unauthorized access. When your device powers on, the eUICC communicates with your active carrier profile to authenticate you on the network.

Remote Provisioning

Unlike physical SIMs that come pre-programmed from the carrier, eSIMs receive their programming over the air through a process called remote SIM provisioning (RSP). This process follows the GSMA standards—specifically SGP.22 for consumer devices and SGP.32 for IoT applications.
When you initiate eSIM activation, here's what happens:

Your device connects to the carrier's SM-DP+ server using the credentials in your QR code or activation details
The server verifies your identity and entitlement to the service
An encrypted carrier profile is generated and transmitted to your device
Your eUICC decrypts and installs the profile
The profile activates, connecting you to the carrier's network
This entire process typically completes in under two minutes.

Profile Management

Your eUICC can store multiple profiles, though only one (or two, on dual-eSIM devices) can be active at any time. You manage these profiles through your device's settings, where you can:

Switch between installed profiles
Delete profiles you no longer need
Download new profiles from additional carriers
Rename profiles for easy identification (e.g., "Home," "Work," "Europe Travel")
The ability to store multiple profiles transforms how people think about cellular connectivity. Rather than being locked to one carrier, you can maintain relationships with several—activating whichever makes sense for your current situation.

Why Use eSIM? Key Benefits

eSIM technology delivers practical advantages that improve how you use mobile connectivity daily.

Instant Activation and Carrier Switching

Forget waiting for a SIM card to arrive in the mail or visiting a store. eSIM activation happens in minutes from wherever you are. When you want to try a new carrier or add a travel plan, you download it immediately. This speed transforms carrier switching from a multi-day process into a spontaneous decision.

Dual SIM Convenience

Most modern smartphones support using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, or two eSIMs simultaneously. This dual SIM capability lets you maintain separate numbers for personal and work calls on a single device, eliminating the need to carry two phones. You control which line handles calls and which handles data, and you can switch preferences instantly.

Travel Without Roaming Charges

International roaming fees can transform a pleasant trip into an expensive one. With eSIM, you can purchase a local data plan for your destination before you leave home, activate it when you land, and avoid carrier roaming charges entirely. The process takes minutes, and you'll often pay a fraction of what traditional roaming would cost.

Enhanced Security

A physical SIM can be removed from your phone by anyone with a pin tool—a real concern if your device is lost or stolen. An eSIM cannot be physically extracted. For additional security, eSIM profiles can be remotely deactivated if your device is compromised.

Environmental Considerations

Every physical SIM requires plastic manufacturing, packaging materials, and shipping logistics. eSIM eliminates all of this. While the environmental impact of a single SIM card is minimal, multiplied across billions of activations annually, the reduction in plastic waste becomes meaningful.

Better Device Design

Removing the SIM tray lets manufacturers use that space for other components—larger batteries, improved speakers, or enhanced water resistance. As devices continue to shrink while adding features, reclaiming the SIM tray's real estate becomes increasingly valuable.

Which Devices Support eSIM?

eSIM compatibility has expanded rapidly since Apple introduced the technology in the 2018 iPhone XS. Today, most flagship smartphones and many mid-range devices support eSIM.

iPhones

Apple has been the most aggressive eSIM advocate among smartphone makers:

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) — First iPhones with eSIM
iPhone 11 series through iPhone 13 series — eSIM plus physical SIM
iPhone 14 series and later (US models) — eSIM only, no physical SIM tray
iPhone 14 series and later (international) — eSIM plus physical SIM
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) — eSIM plus physical SIM
US iPhone 14 and later models represent Apple's commitment to an eSIM-only future. These devices have no SIM tray.

Android Phones

Android eSIM support varies by manufacturer and region:

Google Pixel — Pixel 3 and all subsequent models
Samsung Galaxy — S20 series and later, Z Flip/Fold series
Motorola — Razr series, select Edge models
OnePlus — Select models in specific regions
Xiaomi — Limited regional availability
Android eSIM implementation can be inconsistent. Some carriers restrict eSIM on Android devices even when the hardware supports them, so check with your specific carrier.

Tablets and Laptops

Cellular-enabled iPads from 2018 onward support eSIM. Recent Samsung Galaxy Tab models with cellular connectivity include eSIM support. Select Windows laptops with built-in cellular modems—primarily business-oriented models from Lenovo, HP, and Dell—support eSIM for always-on connectivity.

Wearables

Smartwatches use eSIM to enable cellular connectivity independent of your phone:

Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular models)
Samsung Galaxy Watch (LTE models)
Google Pixel Watch (LTE models)

Checking Your Device

To verify eSIM support on your device:
iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About and look for "Available SIM" or an EID (eSIM identifier) number.
Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → Status and look for EID information. If present, your device has eSIM hardware.
Note that having eSIM hardware doesn't guarantee your carrier supports activating it. Carrier policies vary significantly.
Browse our eSIM-compatible devices database for detailed compatibility information across hundreds of devices.

How to Get an eSIM

Obtaining an eSIM depends on whether you're setting up service with your primary carrier or adding connectivity for travel.

From Your Mobile Carrier

Most major carriers now offer eSIM as an alternative to physical SIM for postpaid accounts:

Contact your carrier through their app, website, or customer service
Verify your identity using your account credentials
Request eSIM activation for your compatible device
Receive your QR code via email, in-app, or on-screen
Scan and activate following your device's prompts
For existing customers, eSIM activation is typically free. Some carriers charge a small fee for new activations, similar to physical SIM fees.

For International Travel

Travel eSIM providers offer data plans for destinations worldwide, often at prices well below carrier roaming rates:

Choose a provider from our eSIM provider directory
Select your destination and data requirements
Purchase your plan through the provider's website or app
Receive your QR code immediately via email
Install before departure so you're ready upon arrival
Many travelers install their destination eSIM at home, keeping it inactive until they land. This ensures connectivity the moment you step off the plane.

eSIM Activation: Step by Step

Once you have your QR code or activation details, the setup process is straightforward:
On iPhone:

Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan)
Choose "Use QR Code"
Scan your QR code or enter details manually
Wait for the carrier profile to download
Label your new plan (e.g., "Travel Data" or "Work Line")
Choose default line settings for voice, data, and messaging
On Android:
Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Tap "Add" or the + icon
Choose "Download a SIM instead"
Scan your QR code
Confirm and wait for download
Configure your line preferences
The exact menu paths vary slightly between Android manufacturers and OS versions.

Common eSIM Use Cases

eSIM technology enables connectivity scenarios that physical SIMs make impractical or impossible.

International Travel

The most popular consumer use case. Instead of hunting for a local SIM vendor at your destination or paying excessive roaming fees, you install a travel eSIM before departure. Land, switch to your travel profile, and you have local data immediately. Frequent travelers maintain eSIM profiles for regions they visit regularly.

Dual Number Management

Carrying two phones because you have work and personal lines is increasingly unnecessary. With eSIM plus physical SIM—or dual eSIM on supported devices—both numbers live on one device. You control which line rings, which sends texts, and which uses data, all configurable in settings.

Carrier Flexibility

Unhappy with your coverage in certain areas? Install a secondary carrier's eSIM without canceling your primary service. Test their network quality, then decide whether to switch permanently. This trial capability was nearly impossible when changing carriers required obtaining a new physical SIM.

Backup Connectivity

A secondary eSIM provides insurance against network outages. If your primary carrier experiences problems, switch to your backup line and maintain connectivity. Business users particularly value this redundancy.

IoT and Enterprise Applications

Beyond consumer smartphones, eSIM powers connectivity for:

Fleet vehicles — Remote management of cellular connectivity across vehicle fleets
Industrial sensors — Deploying connected devices where physical SIM access is impractical
Point-of-sale terminals — Retail devices needing reliable cellular backup
Wearables and trackers — GPS devices, pet trackers, and fitness equipment
The IoT sector uses the SGP.32 standard, designed specifically for machine-to-machine connectivity where remote provisioning at scale is essential.

eSIM Limitations to Know

While eSIM offers significant advantages, understanding its current limitations helps set appropriate expectations.

Device and Carrier Restrictions

Some carriers lock devices to prevent eSIM activation with competitors, just as they do with physical SIMs. Even if your device hardware supports eSIM, your carrier's policies might restrict its use. Always verify with your carrier before assuming eSIM will work.
Many smaller carriers and MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) haven't yet implemented eSIM support. If you rely on a budget carrier, confirm eSIM availability before purchasing an eSIM-dependent device.

Transfer Complexity

Moving an eSIM between devices isn't always straightforward. While Apple has introduced eSIM Quick Transfer for moving profiles between iPhones, the process varies by carrier. Some require you to deactivate the old device's eSIM and obtain a new QR code for the new device. Others allow direct profile transfers. Check your carrier's specific process before switching phones.

Regional Adoption Variations

eSIM deployment varies significantly by country. While the US, UK, and Western Europe have broad support, other regions are earlier in the adoption process. Travelers should verify that their destination's local carriers support the eSIM provider they've chosen.

Number Portability

Porting your existing phone number to an eSIM follows different processes than traditional SIM porting. Carriers may require additional verification steps or have specific timing requirements. Plan ahead when porting, especially if you need the number active by a specific date.

Profile Storage Limits

While eUICC chips can store multiple profiles, there's a limit—typically 8-10 profiles depending on the device and profile complexity. Heavy eSIM users managing many carrier relationships may eventually need to delete old profiles to add new ones.

What's Next for eSIM Technology

eSIM represents the present, but the underlying technology continues evolving toward greater integration and capability.

iSIM: The Next Step

Integrated SIM (iSIM) takes the concept further by building SIM functionality directly into the device's central processor. Rather than a separate eUICC chip, iSIM exists as a secure partition within the system-on-chip (SoC). This integration reduces component count, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves security by eliminating a discrete chip that could theoretically be attacked.
Qualcomm, ARM, and GSMA have been developing iSIM standards, with early commercial deployments already underway in IoT applications. Consumer smartphones with iSIM remain years away but represent the likely long-term direction.

Physical SIM Phase-Out

Apple's decision to remove the SIM tray entirely from US iPhone 14 models signals where the industry is heading. While international models retain physical SIM for markets where eSIM infrastructure is less mature, the trajectory is clear. Other manufacturers are expected to follow as carrier support reaches critical mass globally.

IoT Expansion

The SGP.32 standard for IoT eSIM addresses the unique requirements of deploying millions of connected devices. Remote provisioning at scale, batch activations, and simplified device management make eSIM essential for industrial IoT growth. Analyst projections suggest billions of IoT devices will rely on eSIM connectivity by 2030.

Market Growth

Industry analysts project that eSIM-capable device shipments will grow substantially over the decade. Counterpoint Research and GSMA Intelligence track this growth quarterly, with eSIM penetration in smartphones expected to exceed 50% of new devices within the next few years.
Stay current with eSIM technology developments through our industry news coverage.

eSIM technology is transforming how we think about mobile connectivity. The embedded chip in your device eliminates the need for physical SIM cards while enabling instant carrier activation, seamless international travel, and flexible multi-line management.
Understanding eSIM prepares you for a future where connectivity is software-defined—downloaded and managed digitally rather than carried on plastic cards. Whether you're a frequent traveler looking to avoid roaming fees, a professional managing multiple phone numbers, or simply curious about the technology in your new smartphone, eSIM delivers practical benefits available today.
Ready to explore eSIM for yourself? Browse our provider directory to compare options.

This guide is maintained independently and updated quarterly or when significant industry developments occur. We do not accept payment for editorial content or provider rankings.