eSIM: What Advantages And How Does It Work?

In India, the deployment of the eSIM or virtual SIM card took place in 2020. This card is experiencing growing success. But what are its advantages, and how does it work? Find more details in this article!

eSIM, What Exactly Is It?

Any mobile user knows full well that without a SIM card, their device is of little use. In fact, it is this small electronic chip that ensures the connection of the Smartphone (or other device) to the operators’ mobile network. Since its appearance, the SIM card has evolved and is available in different sizes. But whether they are mini SIM, micro SIM or nano SIM, these cards have one thing in common: they must be inserted into the device. This is different for the eSIM, because it is already integrated into the Smartphone. 

And therefore, it is immovable! It is a dematerialized SIM card, but it offers the same services as a physical card. In a few years, eSIM will likely supplant traditional physical SIM cards since this technology provides benefits not only for Smartphone users but also for manufacturers.   

What Are The Advantages Of eSIM?

On the manufacturers’ side, the eSIM allows you to benefit from more space in the phone. This offers the possibility of improving specific components such as the battery for example. This is good since autonomy is clearly one of the essential criteria for Smartphone users. Then, in the absence of a slot dedicated to the SIM card, the phone gains waterproofness to the extent that access to the interior of the device is reduced.

As far as users are concerned, the first advantage of the eSIM obviously lies in its practicality. To change SIM, you no longer need to look for a paperclip or an ejector tool. Furthermore, the transition between operators is more straightforward, and you can easily change operators on the fly. The eSIM is advantageous for expatriates and professionals who regularly travel between 2 countries. They can have multiple numbers on a single device.

For users, the virtual SIM card is also financially attractive. In fact, they no longer need to purchase a new card when they change plans, for example. Apart from that, the eSIM offers a significant advantage in terms of security. In case you lose your Smartphone, or someone steals it, it is possible to quickly deactivate the eSIM, and malicious people will not be able to access your data or confidential information. Your Smartphone will be unusable.

What About Activation?

How do you activate your eSIM card? It depends on your phone! If you have an Android device, go to “Settings” and then to the “Connection” tab. Then, go to “SIM card manager,” and from your Customer Area, all you have to do is retrieve the QR Code and scan it. Press “Add a new plan” and enter the confirmation code as well as the default PIN code of the eSIM. The last step consists of restarting the Smartphone.  

Do you have an iPhone? In this case, to activate the eSIM card, you must go to the “Settings” and “Cellular data” menu. You then need to collect the QR Code and scan it. Then tap “Cellular plan detected” and “Add new plan.” Type your confirmation code and then the default PIN of the eSIM. Finally, restart your iPhone.    

FYI, it is possible to combine the use of an eSIM and a physical SIM card. To do this, your phone must support the “Dual SIM” function. Also, note that iPhones that do not include a SIM card slot can support two active eSIMs.

What About Compatible Devices?

As you will have understood, only the latest smartphones currently have compatibility with eSIM. Regarding Android devices, we can cite, for example, the range of Samsung’s Galaxy series (S20, S21, S22, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, etc.). There are also Smartphones from Huawei (P50, P50 Pro, etc.) and models developed by Oppo (Find X3 Pro, Find X5 Pro, Reno 8 Pro, etc.). Google is included with its Pixel 3 to Pixel 8 models. 

We also note the presence of Sony (Xperia 5 IV, Xperia x10 III Lite, etc.) And unsurprisingly, Apple is also there with its iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and even its iPads (iPad mini 4, iPad Pro 11, iPad Air 2022, etc.). Besides this, we must remember connected watches. These are just a few examples of compatible devices!

What To Do If You Change Operators?

If you change operator, it is recommended to delete the eSIM profile of your old operator and scan the QR Code. However, it depends on the operators. At Orange, for example, you must avoid deleting the old virtual SIM card since, without it, you will not have access to the confirmation message.

Which Operators Should You Turn To?

In India, the first operator to offer a dematerialized SIM card in its offers is none other than Orange. Then, other operators followed suit. This is the case, for example, of SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free. To find the best packages, you can consult online plan comparators. This way, you are sure to choose the right plan. More and more operators are now relying on the eSIM card. Thanks to its many advantages, it has managed to convince many users of mobile devices. But before you start, it may be wise to find out about the limits of this new technology.

Read Also: Cybersecurity Management And HR: The Role Of Training In Spreading A Security Culture