Devices Support eSIMs

Phones have used plastic removeable SIM cards for years, but the arrival of eSIM technology is a major step forward in terms of flexibility and convenience. An eSIM is an embedded SIM that connects to a wireless network without needing a physical SIM card, and it can provide users with more flexibility with their operators and data plans. The GSMA has recently defined an eSIM standard for mobile devices to allow them to access network services by using remote SIM provisioning.

The eSIM is located inside the device and is activated by your carrier with an activation code that they send to you. This is a convenient feature for people who travel or work with multiple companies or agencies, as it allows them to maintain a connection to their main company while also having a secondary plan that can be activated instantly, ensuring that they don’t miss important calls or emails.

The major mobile device manufacturers have all adopted eSIMs, and most new smartphones now support them. Apple was one of the first to include eSIMs in its latest iPhone models, from the iPhone 13 mini to the iPhone XS Max, which allow you to use two mobile plans with the same device. The eSIMs are compatible with both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, which provides you with the option to choose the best plan for your needs.

What Devices Support eSIMs?

Samsung has been another early adopter of esim support phones, and many of its latest Galaxy devices have a dual-SIM feature that lets you choose between two different cellular plans at the same time. You can also switch between networks on your Android phone without needing to swap out a SIM card, which saves you time and hassle when traveling abroad. Google has also made a big push to incorporate eSIMs into its Pixel phones, with the latest models all supporting eSIMs.

Apple devices from Hong Kong and China (except the iPhone XS, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone 13 mini) do not have eSIM capability. Similarly, eSIM functionality is not available on any Google Pixel 3 devices purchased in Australia, Taiwan, Japan, or South East Asia, or with service from Verizon.

Although the eSIM technology has been around for years, it became popular with smartphones in 2022 and is now found in most of the top-selling models. Most newer smartphones will have eSIMs, but you should always check your device’s specifications to be sure. If your phone doesn’t have an eSIM slot, it’s easy enough to add one with your carrier or an online eSIM vendor.

The process usually involves a few steps, such as contacting your carrier to get an activation code and entering it in your device’s settings. It’s best to do this before you travel, since the process can take a while and could result in your phone losing data. If you’re not comfortable with this, you can still use a traditional SIM card or a virtual SIM from a service like SimCorner.