What is an eSIM, and Do You Need It for Your Phone?

Gaurav Rathore
Gaurav Rathore

Tech Writer

His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.

8 min read

Key Takeaways

  • An eSIM is an embedded feature which has innovative advancements which offer multiple network facilities. 
  • As the new one is digitally encrypted and managed which allows you to connect with the different networks and provides better security than the older one. 
  • Explore the safety and other data benefits of this new cost-effective innovation. 
  • To install it in the system, check the simple steps to activate this feature. 

eSIMs are the modern-day technology that are replacing the traditional SIM cards. The global market was valued at $1.22 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $$6.29 billion by 2032, showing its rapid growth over the years.

However, while it has been trending for a while now and mobile manufacturers have already started integrating it in their latest devices, is it really necessary? What are its perks?

Well, I’ll be mentioning everything that needs to be known about eSIMs, and whether we need them or not. So, let’s get started. 

What are eSIMs?

eSIM here “e” stands for embedded, which means built-in. This is a new feature in which users don’t need to spend money on the buying cards to store their important data. 

This quality allows users to link with a network without requiring a physical sim card.

Before it, users need to place a chip inside the phone for making calls and using data as well; they take it out when the network is not working. 

But not now, this eSIM is already an in-built feature which makes the device more efficient. 

According to a study, by 2030, 92% of connected cars, smartwatches, and drones are expected to have eSIMs, along with 82% of smartphones. The innovation improves the solutions for humans. 

With this, it is easy to choose different carriers in just one click! It becomes very useful for those who travel a lot because in some regions they face the network issues and for that they need to change their card or carry two or more. 

How Does an eSIM Work?

Do you think it works differently, of course not! It is also a SIM but in an advanced manner. As it is introduced in the system, it works similarly to the older one.

This integrated chip contains different data for the different devices that help carriers to identify specific systems and by this, users can connect different networks with the same gadget.

As we know, the old chip is vulnerable once it is lost, the crucial data can be easily accessible to strangers. Although the new one doesn’t carry this disadvantage, as it is managed digitally, it offers better security.

The latest gadgets on the market incorporate the eSIM capabilities, changing clients to use multiple signal companies and up to two phone numbers each time.

The Benefits of Using an eSIM

This innovation has a lot of benefits as it is made with the advanced technology which can be digitally managed into the systems.  

Here are some to know more about this new quality of the modern chip: 

Flexibility and Convenience

The biggest reason that the masses are shifting towards this is due to not only they need access to more networks, but they do not want to buy those costly roaming data plans.

AS it is very easy to manage by just installing in the mobile and executing simple steps to make it in a functional state. 

This is worth it for those who travel frequently and need to carry different chips due to the signal issues as it is adaptable which enables quick access to local mobile data plans without buying them. 

Dual SIM Functionality

Sometimes we need different signals for different work, and we can’t switch if we have a single chip. 

But thanks to the technology, as many smartphones allow fitting both classic card or advanced functional chip in the similar device.

So, whenever the user needs to use their old sim with the new one, they can leverage them simultaneously.

 If the buyer is on vacation, his/her classic chip can remain active and can use the e-card at the same time. 

Compactness

It doesn’t take a large gap for the living inside the device, as it can be installed digitally.

Many people think that the older ones do not take that much space, so what is special about this?

There is one thing which impacts the style and design. As the companies want to try from the beginning of the mobile phone to make it handy and light weighted.

And the sim card space was a major concern for this and needed to decide the specific space for it.

Environmental Impact

As the electronic waste increases day by day which is not a major concern for the environment but for the manufacturer who is making it. 

This advanced quality saves the earth and us from being a criminal in deteriorating nature. 

When used, this has an undeniable ecological positive effect. For instance, 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards were shipped in 2020

That’s millions of synthetic cards that are subsequently thrown away. Swapping out plastic chips with digital ones helps decrease the quantity of plastic in the world. 

And not only the chips alone, a lot of material is used in their packaging, as theory is smaller this extra waste leads to the carbon footprint. While it does have several advantages, it has some cons as well that can be seen in the infographic below. 

Do You Need an eSIM for Your Phone?

There are some circumstances where this innovation can be comforting for the customers. 

Check the eligibility criteria for the following categories to get an eSIm do the device: 

  • Those who travel repeatedly and find it a nightmare to give out physical cards so then they can use the local carrier service.
  • Those who are professional with several mobile numbers. If they like to use one device but have both private and business network plans, an eSIM can be a handy option. 
  • Those who are early adopters or tech fans and seek to move with the trend by getting the most modern tech at fingertips.

Are eSIMs safe to use?

Yes, as they are digitally managed and encrypted they are very safe rather than the traditional one which has a fear of losing the information of an individual. 

They are inside the hard temper and passwords make everything private. Some of them support encryption, which gives security to the user that his/her data is safe.

 However, like any modern invention, it’s advisable to use virtual chips from certified suppliers, manage the setting of the system carefully, and keep the software upgraded to protect against potential vulnerabilities.

How to Download an eSIM

It is very easy to setting it, check the steps below o know how to set it correctly: 

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM Tech

The first step is to ensure that your smartphone is eSIM compatible. iPhone XS models and later as well as Google Pixel 3 and later and several other models already support eSIM and dual compatibility. If unsure, check your phone’s manual or do a quick Google search.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable eSIM App

It is important to find out the eSIM app that suits the device after choosing it, just download the eSIM app.

Step 3: Activate Your eSIM

After signing up with the service provider, the user can activate the function. The provider either gives a direct download link or shares a QR code with an individual. 

And that’s it! 

DID YOU KNOW?Samsung released a smartwatch in 2016, making it the first ever device that incorporated eSIM!

Conclusion

The eSIM is a transformative technology in the mobile industry that provides top-notch comfort, adaptability, and precise control.

If the user is a frequent traveler, runs multiple phone numbers, or simply wants to reduce the discomfort of dealing with classic ones, an eSIM can be an excellent solution. 

As more carriers and devices adopt this technology, downloading and using an eSIM will likely become the norm for many phone users.

FAQs

Does eSIM work without the internet?

Yes, it works without the internet, as it saves the information and connects to the other network. 

Do I need eSIM on my device?

You don’t need to until you’re a traveler, business professional, or need to switch multiple networks simultaneously. 

Is eSIM easy to use?

Yes, it is easy to activate and deactivate as it can be digitally managed.

Can I make phone calls with eSIM?

It offers call and text services that allow you to make phone calls and send text messages abroad.




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