The people of today are constantly on the lookout for ways of simplifying their lives. We are becoming increasingly focused on boosting the speed and convenience of our everyday tasks, and in a digital age, where advancements in technology help this cause - why shouldn't we? Small changes to our routines can end up having a vast impact on our lives. This is why many people are choosing to use eSIMs instead of traditional SIM cards. If you’re one of those people, but would like to know more about eSIMs before making the switch, you’re in luck. In this article, we’re going to be breaking down what eSIMs are, how they work and the benefits of using eSIMS.
What is an eSIM?
I’ll start by saying this: it’s not as complicated as you might think.Put simply, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into a device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards that need to be inserted into a device, eSIMs are integrated directly into the device's hardware, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience.
It allows you to activate and benefit from the use of a cellular plan, without the need for a physical SIM card. Allowing you to use multiple cellular plans from a single device and giving you more flexibility. eSIMS can also be used in other modern devices like smartwatches and laptops.
Key Benefits of Switching to an eSIM
There are many benefits of switching to an eSIM. Firstly, having multiple phone numbers on one device comes with advantages of its own. If you need separate numbers for personal and business use, eSIM technology can help you achieve this with just one device. Similarly, if you’d like to maintain a local number while travelling abroad, you can select the relevant eSIM profile in your device settings. These are particularly useful benefits for frequent travellers, or individuals with remote or flexible working situations.
Another benefit is the convenience of activating an eSIM plan remotely. Being able to activate an eSIM from anywhere with an internet connection, saves you the time and effort of speaking to different salespeople to work out the best plan for you, or waiting for a SIM card to be delivered.
Using an eSIM while travelling also gives you more flexibility to switch between plans while travelling, meaning you can choose the best local plan wherever you go rather than being tied to your usual network provider. This way, you can avoid expensive roaming charges and stay connected without needing to buy expensive add-on packs.
Getting started
So, now that we have a rough idea of what an eSIM is, and the benefits of using one, let’s go over how to get started with using one. Firstly, you’ll need a device that supports eSIM technology, most of the latest smartphones and smartwatches have this capability. But, if you’d like to make sure that your chosen device is eSIM capable, check that it has an EID (unique identification number). You can do this by going to Settings > About > Status info. If your device is compatible with eSIM technology, the EID number will be visible in the display screen.
Once you have a device which is eSIM capable, you can either buy an eSIM of your choice online or purchase one from your favoured mobile network provider. After activating your eSIM plan your device will have a unique digital profile associated with your provider. Your profile includes information such as your phone number, data plan, and network settings. This technology allows you to seamlessly switch between different profiles without the need to physically swap out SIM cards.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Activate an eSIM
It’s easy! Generally, all you need to do is scan a QR code, or enter an activation code, and you’re ready to go. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you activate your eSIM and start enjoying the benefits: If you need more help, check out these guides for iPhone users and Android users!
Compatibility: As covered in the getting started section above, you’ll need to make sure your device supports eSIM technology. Although most of the smartwatches and smartphones of today have this capability it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Choosing a network provider: When deciding which mobile network provider to buy your eSIM plan from, consider factors such as pricing, coverage and available plans.
Buy or activate your eSIM: After you choose your provider, you have the option to either purchase an eSIM from their website, store or through a third party provider online. Some providers have QR codes which you can scan with your device's camera, while others provide an activation code that you’ll need to enter manually. The activation process may vary slightly depending on your device or provider, but as long as you follow the on-screen instructions and prompts it should be a quick and smooth process.
Setting up your profiles: Once you’ve activated your eSIM, you can set up your profiles. This is when you can assign different phone numbers and plans to different profiles. This can be done through your device settings or a dedicated eSIM management app. You can also tap into your device settings or dedicated app to easily switch between your profiles.
Common Concerns and Myths About eSIMs: Should you be worried?
eSIM technology is still relatively new, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are some concerns and misconceptions surrounding their use. One major concern that people have expressed is around security and data integrity.
A major concern that people have expressed is their concerns around the security of eSIMs. Many worry that their eSIM profile could be hacked, putting their personal information at risk. However, most eSIM technology offers more enhanced security compared to traditional SIM cards. eSIMs use a type of encryption which makes it much harder for hackers to access your data.
Another misconception about eSIMs is that they are only useful for people who travel frequently or use multiple phone numbers. It’s true that using eSIMs while travelling outside of your country or region can help you save on roaming charges, and the ease of switching between profiles would be useful for remote workers. However, these are not the only benefits of using eSIMs. The convenience of activating a plan remotely, the flexibility of switching between plans, and the ability to make changes to your plan on the go, make eSIMs a worthwhile choice for anyone.
Lastly, some people may feel that eSIMs are complicated to set up and use. While in reality, activating an eSIM is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps, as outlined in the previous section.
As eSIM technology becomes more widely supported by network providers, the range of available plans and options grow. Have a look at our comprehensive selection of recommended packages if you’re ready to get going!
