eSIM For Dummies: A Guide For Beginners

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If you are new to eSIM and want to discover how this technology works, what the advantages you can get from it are, and where to start, then you have come to the right place. eSIM made its appearance in 2016. However, first consumers could only appreciate its features in 2022, when some new iPhone models supporting eSIM were presented on the market. 

You may have heard that eSIM is convenient for traveling. But how does it actually work, and why would you choose it if you used to switch on roaming when traveling and things worked well? Well, we are willing to guide you from A to Z through this article and tell you why eSIM may become your irreplaceable assistant during trips abroad. 

What is eSIM?

Let’s start with the definition of eSIM. It stands for embedded SIM card; therefore, it is not a traditional small physical card that you can take out of your smartphone and then put back. New smartphone models like iPhone XS, Samsung S24, Google Pixel 2, Huawei P40, Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, and Xiaomi 12T already come with eSIMs. It is not only smartphones that use eSIMs but wearable accessories like Apple Watch Series 3 and 4, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Samsung Gear S3 Classic, and a few others. Actually, eSIMs are really tiny and come with a 2.5 mm by 2.3 mm, and 0.2 mm thickness. 

While you can only use one SIM or two in the case of the Dual SIM smartphone model, devices that support the new technology allow you to have up to 20 eSIMs. Newer iPhone smartphone models enable traditional SIM and eSIM, allowing users to simultaneously have one for business and another for personal reasons.  

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So now you have a basic understanding of eSIM and know the main thing is that you can’t touch it, hold it, and switch it. This is when things may get complicated for users. However, it actually simplifies the way you use your phone. And this is what we are going to discuss in the next paragraphs. 

eSIM For Dummies: A Guide For Beginners
eSIM For Dummies: A Guide For Beginners

Where Do You Start?

If you own a phone that supports eSIM, you are halfway through. Now, you just have to choose an operator. And here we come to the first major benefit that eSIM technology has presented us. It allows you to change carriers, deals, and plans anytime, choosing the best quality and price.

Your carrier should give you step-by-step instructions on how to activate your eSIM. The standard procedure for activating eSIM on iOS and Android devices is as follows:

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  • Once you choose a carrier, you will be given a QR code. 
  • You will need to proceed to Settings on your phone, then Cellular data, then to Add a new plan. 
  • At this point you need to scan the QR code.
  • Your eSIM should be successfully activated now. 

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When just starting to use eSIM, you may face some issues. Common difficulties for beginners usually include the inability to activate eSIM, incompatibility with a mobile device, or network disconnections. Don’t panic! There are several eSIM troubleshooting tips that can serve you instantly and help you make calls, send messages, and use mobile data. In many cases, restarting your phone can be a helpful method. However, you may need to get in touch with the carrier and follow their instructions. 

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eSIM For Traveling

eSIM is widely advertised for travelers as it replaced the need for roaming and using local SIM cards while abroad. Whether you go to one country or are planning to visit a few in one go, you may certainly benefit from eSIM. Owning a smartphone that supports eSIM technology is super useful while traveling. If you want to add an international SIM, you don’t have to purchase a physical one; you only have to contact the carrier that offers a good plan, scan the QR code, and start using mobile data to check your email, use maps, etc. 

While traveling, physically switching cards can be really inconvenient. SIMs are quite small, so can be easily lost or stolen. Having eSIM, you will not have to worry about forgetting your card with all the important numbers and information. To connect to a new carrier abroad, you just download a new profile whenever you have mobile data or WiFi access, and here you go: you can use the Internet abroad without paying high roaming fees. 

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If you don’t believe that you can save money using eSIM abroad, just compare plans your local carrier offers and one of the popular eSIM carriers. Roaming is now considered an old-fashioned way to connect to the Internet abroad because it is not predictable. You have to think about data in advance, choose the appropriate plan and top up your phone before crossing a border. Even if the fees are high, you will unlikely change your local carrier just for the sake of paying less during a trip. 

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Not only the fees that affect your comfort but also your speed. You can’t choose what networks your local carrier partners within other countries. You may be steered to 4G or even 3G, while at home, you always get 5G. So, paying high fees in advance and not being able to use the Internet fast and efficiently can certainly spoil your trip, especially if you need access to maps. 

Using eSIM while traveling, you can be in charge of how much data will cost you. Do you need the Internet for 2, 10, or 30 days? With a wide range of eSIM carriers that all compete to provide consumers with attractive deals, you will certainly be able to find the best value. 

SUMMARY

eSIM may seem like a complicated technology until you actually get a device that supports it. The benefits are obvious: you get to save money when traveling and have a smooth experience connecting to international networks. Technology will continue to grow as technology improves our devices. Since eSIM takes so little space, it leaves an opportunity for smartphone manufacturers to improve battery and camera, making devices lighter, slimmer, and more efficient. 

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