What Is an eSIM? How eSIMS Work, How to Use an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that’s built directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical card. The “e” stands for embedded, but it’s also known as a virtual SIM card or digital SIM card. More than 80% of smartphones will be eSIM capable by 2030, research company Statista predicts.

Once you activate an eSIM it functions just like a traditional SIM card, allowing you to connect to cellular networks, make calls, and use mobile data.  

Key eSIM benefits:

• An eSIM allows for seamless switching between networks and phone plans — you don't have to mess with removing a SIM card and physically installing a new one.
• A single device can store multiple eSIMs, letting you activate or reactivate them as needed, for example when you travel.
• They're faster and easier to activate, and also allow for easy free trials of service.

How does an eSIM work?

An eSIM works like a traditional physical SIM card except that it is built directly into a device and is programmable remotely. They can be in phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, connected thermostats, cars, and more.

An eSIM offers more flexibility and makes it easy to manage your devices and service plans. If your phone has an eSIM, you can easily add or remove phone plans and numbers and switch to different carriers without waiting to receive a physical SIM card. To activate an eSIM, you just scan a QR code or use a link provided by the carrier.

Types of eSIMs: Data-only vs. SMS, voice, and data

There are two main types of eSIM: Data-only and SMS, voice, and data. Each serves a different purpose and is designed for specific users.

• Data-only eSIM: The Data-Only eSIM provides internet access only, without providing a phone number or letting you make calls or send SMS texts over a cell connection. (However, once you're connected to the internet, you can use apps to make calls and send messages.) It offers full coverage around the world, so it's what you'd choose if you're looking for an international SIM card for your travels, rather than paying roaming fees or for an international add-on to your existing phone plan.
• SMS, voice, and data eSIM: This is an all-in-one eSIM that provides full mobile communication features, including calls, texts, and data. It offers global roaming coverage and standard mobile services. This type of eSIM is more cost-efficient and flexible, to ensure you are connected, and is the type you'd get if you want a full phone plan — whether that's for your main phone plan or you want a second number on a dual SIM phone. If you're looking for the best eSIMs specifically for a smoother, faster activation, you can check out our full list of the best eSIMs in 2026.

ESIM features

Advantages of an eSIM

An eSIM offers convenience that physical SIMs lack. Also, with dual SIM capability, you can easily add a second phone number for personal or work use, or buy an eSIM for international travel that will start working as soon as you arrive in another country. More benefits that eSIM provides:

• Flexibility: You can easily activate your phone on any new carrier without having to physically obtain and then swap out a physical SIM card.
• Convenience: You can easily activate your new carrier's service remotely with an eSIM and avoid the hassle of a physical SIM insertion process.
• Eco-friendliness: eSIMs do away with the unnecessary materials use and packaging of a physical SIM, as well as the emissions from shipping a physical SIM.
• Good for travel: Purchase an international eSIM ahead of your trip abroad, and activate it on location to continue receiving service (cheaper than roaming!).
  

Disadvantages of an eSIM

• Limited carrier support: Not all carriers support eSIM activation yet. Check directly with whatever carrier you're considering to ensure it has eSIM compatibility. (TextNow does not currently support eSIM, but is working to add it. But you can still use TextNow via our app if your phone is eSIM only.)
• Limited to newer devices: Since eSIM is a relatively new technology, it's only supported by newer devices. But the market is growing. Starting in 2022, Apple offered only eSIM iPhones in the U.S. Google and Samsung have increased their eSIM models as well. Research firm Statista projects that 98% of smartphone connections in North America will use eSIM technology by 2030. 
• No physical backup: While eSIMs can make your life easier, they can also create problems when your phone no longer works. If you have issues with connecting to a network, or your phone truly is dead or damaged and you need to switch to a new one, it's no longer as easy as moving the physical SIM to a new device. It also limits your options for troubleshooting if you start having issues with the SIM.

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

It really depends on how you use your phone, but typically the eSIM benefits outweigh any drawbacks. You can easily manage eSIMs without needing to wait for a SIM to be shipped or having to visit a store. And you can have multiple eSIM profiles stored for easy switching as needed.

On the other hand, a physical SIM might suit you better if you like the ease of removing and inserting a card (you don't need to be on Wi-Fi, like with eSIM activation). And, of course, some devices just don't support eSIM so you may not have a choice.

How to use an eSIM
1: Verify your phone is eSIM compatible

The quickest way to see if your phone supports eSIM is to dial *#06# on the phone itself. If an EID number pops up, the device supports eSIM.

You can also check your phone's Settings.

• On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and look for "add eSIM." (Also, note that starting with iPhone 14 all U.S. models of iPhone are eSIM only.)
• On an Android, go to Settings > Connections or Network & Internet, then SIM Manage or SIMs. Look for "add eSIM" or "download a SIM."

You can also check the manufacturer's website to confirm whether your model supports eSIM. Also, check out this comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible phones provided by Yesim.

2: Purchase and activate an eSIM phone plan

• Request an eSIM from your carrier: Reach out to your carrier and ask for an eSIM, or purchase a plan from a new carrier with an eSIM. The carrier will provide you with a QR code or setup link that lets you download the eSIM profile to your device. (If you're getting a new number, check out steps you should take before changing your phone number.) Note that you'll need to be on Wi-Fi to activate the eSIM.

• Scan the provided QR code: Using the device where you want the eSIM activated, scan the code to activate.

  • iPhone: Open the Camera app or a QR code scanner to begin the activation process.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager, then tap "Add mobile plan" or "Scan QR code."
• Follow the on-screen setup instructions: After scanning the QR code, your mobile device will prompt you to confirm or enter additional details. Once you complete all the steps, your eSIM will be ready to use.

What carrier is best for eSIM support?

The big 3 carriers in the U.S. support eSIM (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T). We recommend looking into their cheaper MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) counterparts, like Visible and US Mobile, to find an affordable plan that can support eSIM. Orange and Vodafone are the main carriers that offer eSIM in Europe.

Can I transfer an eSIM to another phone?

Some phone carriers let you transfer an eSIM to the new phone to continue your service on it, while others do not support that and require you to activate a new eSiM. Check with your carrier to find out if you can transfer the existing eSIM and specific instructions for doing so.

For an iPhone to iPhone transfer, you may be able to use eSIM Quick Transfer without contacting your service provider.

Similarly, Google is rolling out an eSIM transfer tool that supports moving eSIMs between some Android models (Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones in particular) on some networks during the set-up process. If that doesn't work, open Settings on the new phone and go to Network & Internet or Connections. Choose SIM Manager or Cellular Data, then tap Add eSIM to see if a Transfer eSIM option appears.

How can I delete an eSIM?

You might want to remove an eSIM if you've moved your plan to a new phone and are going to trade in, sell or give away the old phone. Here's how:

On an iPhone: Go to Settings then Cellular, and choose Delete eSIM if you just have one phone plan. If you have multiple plans, you'll have to tap on the one you want and then choose Delete Plan.

On an Android, go to Settings then Connections and choose SIM Manager, where you can select the eSIM and remove it.

eSIM vs. physical SIM summary

The main difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM is the convenience of activation. An eSIM can be easily and quickly activated remotely, without having to walk through a step-by-step insertion and activation process. When it comes to the quality of service after activation, though, there is no difference.

There are enough pros and cons to both that if you're looking for a new phone, we'd recommend finding a dual SIM device one that supports both eSIM and physical SIM. This gives you:

• More flexibility when selecting a carrier or data plan.
• The ability to use two numbers (e.g., personal and work, or home and travel).
• Easier transitions between carriers or phones, without losing service.
  

Frequently asked questions about eSIM