DEV Community

Cover image for A Comprehensive Guide to Local eSim and eSim Technology on iPhones
Johnyy
Johnyy

Posted on

A Comprehensive Guide to Local eSim and eSim Technology on iPhones

Introduction

Explanation of eSim technology and its benefits

A local eSim or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that is built into a device and can be remotely programmed to connect to a mobile network. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which are physical and need to be swapped out if you want to switch carriers.
This technology allows users to change carriers without changing their physical SIM card. It include greater convenience, flexibility, and cost savings for users, as well as reduced waste and carbon footprint.

Brief overview of eSim cards

An eSim card is a digital SIM that is programmed to connect to a local eSim mobile network. Unlike traditional SIM cards that are associated with a specific carrier and locked to that carrier's network, eSim cards can be programmed to connect to multiple networks.
It making them ideal for users who travel frequently or need to switch carriers often. eSim cards offer many benefits, including greater convenience, flexibility, and cost savings for users.

What is a local eSim card?

Definition of a eSim card

eSim card is a digital SIM card that is embedded in a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. It allows users to connect to a local eSim mobile network without the need for a physical SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards that are tied to a specific carrier and require swapping out when switching carriers, this cards can be programmed to connect to multiple networks, providing greater flexibility and convenience to users.

How it works

eSim cards work by using a chip that is embedded in a device and can be remotely programmed to connect to a mobile network. When a user signs up for a mobile plan, the carrier sends a digital profile to the user's device, which is then installed onto the eSim.
This process can be done remotely, making it more convenient and faster than physically swapping out a physical SIM card. Once the eSim is installed, the user can use their device to connect to the carrier's network.

Advantages of using a eSim card over a physical SIM card

Using a eSim card offers several advantages over using a physical SIM card. Firstly, it allows for greater flexibility as users can switch carriers and mobile plans without needing to physically swap out SIM cards.
Secondly, it is more convenient as it eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, which can be lost, damaged, or stolen. Finally, cards are environmentally friendly, as they reduce the amount of plastic waste associated with physical SIM cards.

eSim card iPhone

How to activate eSim on an iPhone

To activate eSim card on iPhone, users can go to the "Settings" app, select "Cellular," and then select "Add Cellular Plan." From there, users can scan a QR code provided by their carrier or enter an activation code to activate their eSim.
Which iPhone models support eSim
iPhone models that support eSim include iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Benefits of using eSim on an iPhone

Using eSim on an iPhone offers several benefits, including the ability to have two separate phone numbers on one device, the ability to switch carriers without needing to physically swap out SIM cards, and the convenience of being able to activate and manage cellular plans directly from the device.

How to add an eSim plan to an iPhone?

To add an eSim plan to an iPhone, users can go to the "Settings" app, select "Cellular," and then select "Add Cellular Plan." From there, users can scan a QR code provided by their carrier or enter an activation code to activate their eSim. Once activated, the eSim plan will be available for use on the device.

eSim card vs. physical SIM card

Differences between eSim cards and physical SIM cards

One of the main differences between eSim cards and physical SIM cards is that eSim cards are embedded directly into a device, while physical SIM cards are separate, physical cards that need to be inserted into a device. Additionally, eSim cards can be programmed to connect to multiple networks, while physical SIM cards are tied to a specific carrier and network. Another difference is that eSim cards can be activated remotely, while physical SIM cards require manual activation.

Advantages of using a eSim card

Using a eSim card offers several advantages over using a physical SIM card. One of the main advantages is the convenience and flexibility of being able to switch carriers and plans without needing to physically swap out SIM cards.
eSim cards are also more environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of plastic waste associated with physical SIM cards. Additionally, eSim cards can provide better coverage and faster network speeds by allowing users to connect to multiple networks.

Disadvantages of using a physical SIM card

Using a physical SIM card has some disadvantages compared to using a eSim card. For example, physical SIM cards can be lost, stolen, or damaged, which can be inconvenient and costly to replace.
Additionally, switching carriers with a physical SIM card requires manually swapping out the SIM card, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Finally, physical SIM cards can be associated with certain carrier lock-in policies that limit a user's ability to switch carriers or plans.

How to get a eSim card?

Where to buy eSim cards

eSim cards can be purchased from a variety of sources, including mobile carriers, online retailers, and electronics stores. It is important to check with the carrier to ensure that the device is compatible with eSim technology before purchasing an eSim card.

How to activate a eSim card?

To activate a eSim card, users typically need to contact their carrier and provide the necessary information, such as their device's IMEI number, to the carrier. The carrier will then provide a digital profile that can be installed on the device to activate the eSim card.
Activation can also be done through the device's settings menu by selecting "Add Cellular Plan" and following the instructions provided by the carrier.

How to switch from a physical SIM card to a eSim card

To switch from a physical SIM card to a eSim card, users can follow these steps:
• Contact their carrier to ensure their device is compatible with eSim technology and to request a digital profile for their eSim card.
• Remove the physical SIM card from the device.
• Go to the device's settings menu and select "Cellular."
• Select "Add Cellular Plan."
• Scan the QR code provided by the carrier or manually enter the activation code to activate the eSim card.
• Once activated, users can select the eSim card as their default cellular plan and begin using it.

Conclusion

An eSim card is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into a device, such as an iPhone or iPad. Unlike physical SIM cards, which are separate and need to be inserted into a device, eSim cards can be programmed to connect to multiple networks and can be activated remotely, without the need for manual activation.
Using an eSim card iPhone offers several benefits over using a physical SIM card, including the convenience and flexibility of being able to switch carriers and plans without needing to physically swap out SIM cards.
Additionally, eSim cards are more environmentally friendly and can provide better coverage and faster network speeds. eSim cards can be purchased from a variety of sources, including mobile carriers, online retailers, and electronics stores, and can be activated through the device's settings menu.

Top comments (1)

Collapse
 
memomovil profile image
Guillermo Juarez

en México existen diferentes compañías, yo adquirí una en prepago en esimmx que me funciona perfecto, está no se agrega con aplicación, se agrega escaneando un QR que te envían por correo o whatsapp

Some comments may only be visible to logged-in visitors. Sign in to view all comments.