Technology keeps moving forward, and SIM cards are no exception. eSIM technology is changing the way we connect to mobile networks—no more swapping tiny plastic cards or waiting for a new SIM to arrive.

With an eSIM, you can switch carriers, activate plans instantly, and stay connected wherever you go.

We’ve put together this guide to explain what an eSIM is, how it works, and which phones support it.

Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is a digital SIM embedded directly into your phone’s hardware. This makes it easier to store multiple carrier profiles on one device, giving you the freedom to jump between different plans without constantly swapping physical cards. Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply testing out a new provider, an eSIM takes the hassle out of staying connected.

Another benefit of eSIM technology is how quickly you can get set up. Instead of waiting for a new physical card to arrive in the mail, you can activate an eSIM plan within minutes—often just by scanning a QR code. It’s more secure, environmentally friendly, and saves you from juggling extra SIM cards.

If you're a frequent traveler, you’ll love the convenience. You can add a local data plan when you land in a new country and switch back to your primary plan whenever you want. Plus, businesses find eSIMs valuable for managing devices remotely, since they can easily deploy and update plans without physically handling any hardware.

Before you start: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, eSIM won’t work until it’s unlocked.

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iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Motorola, and Nokia.

Apple released its first eSIM-compatible iPhones when it launched the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018. If you have a later iPhone model, it's likely to support eSIM technology. Remember, this also depends on where you live and what carrier you use (e.g., iPhones in China are not eSIM-compatible).

Follow these steps to see if your iPhone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible:

1. Go to Settings > General > About
2. Scroll down to view the Carrier Lock section
3. If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions"
4. Scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions)
5. If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number

Depending on your device, you may have more than one active SIM card. If this is the case, you may need to pause or remove one before downloading and installing an eSIM.

Many of the latest Samsung devices support eSIM technology. However, compatibility depends on your model, where it's manufactured, and your carrier.

To check if your Samsung supports eSIM, try these steps:

1. Dial *#06# and press call
2. If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID (Embedded Identity Document) number

If you're unsure, check with your manufacturer or carrier for detailed information on your specific model.

Important: The availability of eSIM depends on the country of origin of your device. Always check with your carrier or Samsung to confirm whether your phone supports eSIM in your region.

• Huawei P40
• Huawei P40 Pro
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro
• Huawei Pura 70 Pro

Important: Some models may have regional restrictions for eSIM. Please check if your phone supports eSIM in your country before purchasing.