The Future of Mobile Phones with eSIMs

eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are the next generation of SIM cards, and they are already being used in some of the latest devices. eSIMs are built into smartphones, laptops and tablets and are not removable like traditional SIM cards. This makes them far more convenient and secure and it opens exciting new possibilities for how we use our devices.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a small chip built-in to your smartphone, laptop or tablet and it works the same as a physical SIM card. With an eSIM you do not have to worry about inserting it into your phone or swapping it with other SIM cards.

How do eSIMs work?

An eSIM is activated by scanning a QR code. The QR code can easily be sent to you via email, or a text message, so there is no need to wait for a SIM to arrive in the post. You do not need to download any special apps to scan a QR code, as your phone already has a QR code reader built into it. When you scan the QR code, your eSIM is automatically added to your phone.

What are the benefits of eSIMs?

eSIMs are much more flexible than traditional SIM cards and offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards.

BYOD (bring your own device)

eSIMs are ideal for businesses who operate BYOD as they make it easy for employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, without having to worry about compatibility issues or separate data plans. Employees only need to carry one phone and it is easy for them to differentiate between personal calls and work calls.

International Travel

eSIMs are a flexible option for people who travel frequently. They allow you to have multiple phone numbers on one device, so you do not have to carry several phones and physical SIM cards and keep switching them manually. You can have a local SIM card in the physical SIM card slot and an eSIM for your UK number. You can also choose different data plans for work and personal use and can turn off data on either SIM when you do not need it. If one SIM has better coverage in your area, you can use that one for calls and texts and the other for data. When you travel, eSIMs make it easy to add a local SIM so you do not have to pay high roaming fees.

Lost Phone or New Number Activation

If you lose your phone or need a new number activated quickly, you can be up and running in minutes with eSIMs. eSIMs are quick and easy to set up and you do not have to wait for a replacement SIM card to be delivered to you. With eSIMs a QR code can be sent to you immediately and be live in minutes.

Green Credentials

eSIMs are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional plastic SIM cards. They do not require any plastic packaging, which reduces waste and helps to reduce your carbon footprint. An eSIM is presented in fully biodegradable paper packaging which contains a small paper booklet with a QR code printed on it. This saves plastic waste and packaging from ending up in landfill and there is no need for delivery, which results in less CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere. To find out more about the environmental benefits of eSIMs, read our blog https://commsconnect.co.uk/2022/04/02/go-green-with-esims/

Immediate Activation via a QR code

When you scan a QR code, your SIM card is automatically added to your phone.

Which networks currently support eSIMs?

Currently, O2, EE and Vodafone support eSIM. This means that you can have a different phone number without having to carry two phones around with you.

Which devices have eSIMs?

Dual-SIM phones, which are phones which have both a physical SIM card slot as well as eSIM compatibility are becoming standard. Although not all devices are compatible with eSIMs just yet, manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung already have many eSIM ready models and are making huge strides towards delivering even more eSIM compatible devices. The latest iPhones and Samsung phones have the capability to have two eSIMs instead of one eSIM and one physical SIM card. For a list of personal usage devices which currently support eSIMs click here

For information about dual SIM with eSIM on iPhone, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

For information about dual SIM with eSIM on Samsung devices visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-use-an-eSIM-with-your-galaxy-phone/

Click here to view a full list of eSIM compatible devices (links to the table of devices)

How do I set up my eSIM?

Watch our instructional video https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6940217004062601216

Activating an eSIM

iPhone

Make your iPhone is connected to WiFi
Go to Settings > Mobile Data and select ‘Add Data Plan’
Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code. Confirm by pressing ‘Add Data Plan’
You can change these settings whenever you like by going to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line / Mobile Data

Samsung

Make sure your Samsung phone is connected to WiFi
Find your QR code in your eSIM pack
Go to Settings > Connections
Select ‘SIM card manager’
Click the + button for ‘Add mobile plan’ under eSIMs
Select ‘Add using QR code’ and take a picture of the QR code on the eSIM pack (your camera will automatically open). Confirm by pressing Register > OK

Google