What is eSIM, and How Does it Work?

eSIM is a convenient solution for effortless connectivity of international travelers, nomads, and tech users. However, most of the users don’t know comprehensive details about it, like what its components are and how eSIM works in devices. The new eSIM users usually buy an eSIM, but they encounter difficulty with its activation.

In this article, I am going to give you the comprehensive details about eSIM, such as what eSIM technology is, the advantages and disadvantages of eSIM, and how you can activate it in your device without any hassle. 

What is an eSIM?

Virtual SIM or eSIM technology is a small card directly installed into your devices without having a SIM slot. The use of eSIM is increasing due to the provision of convenient and flexible data connections. Nowadays, most of the latest smartphones, smartwatches, laptops and other IoT devices are compatible with this technology. Digital SIM is the best communication means for frequent travelers, nomads and other tech users. Unlike the SIM cards, it offers uninterrupted connection throughout the world. 

Embedded SIM is a massive innovation in the telecommunications industry that has made our lives hassle-free.

How does eSIM work?

Like the physical SIM card, eSIM connects your device to the other network and allows hindrance-free communication. But many other components, like the eUICC chip, help to improve its performance. It works based on the software that allows users to switch multiple carriers without physical swapping.

Components of an eSIM Card

eSIM technology is a positive shift in the telecommunications industry that has made our worldwide communication more convenient. Embedded SIM allows remote carriers to switch without the need to physical swapping. 

eUICC Chip

Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card chip stores information like ICCID and IMSI number. It facilitates switching from one carrier to another without changing the SIM cards.

SM-DP+ Address 

Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus addresses security. It secures eSIM profiles. It connects your device to the SM-DP+ server and ensures accurate remote eSIM profile provisioning.

ICCID Number

ICCID is a 19 to 20-digit number. It authenticates your eSIM profiles to mobile networks. Usually, the number starts with the digit 89. The number is the mix of issuer identification number, individual account identification and check digit.

Pros and Cons of eSIM card

Pros of Digital SIM

• Convenience and Flexibility: Virtual SIM ensures that it provides a convenient and flexible internet. It eliminates the requirement of the physical SIM and improves the connectivity issues. 
• Remote Setup: Embedded SIM offers a remote purchase, installation, and activation. The eSIM provider, like Yaalo, helps users set up eSIM in their devices.
• No International Roaming: Like a physical SIM, an embedded SIM allows you to enjoy your international travel without any data roaming charges.
• Free Space: eSIM is directly integrated into the devices. Therefore, it offers more free space in devices to add more functions.
• Carrier Switching: You can switch to multiple eSIM carriers without buying a seperate SIM card.

Cons of Digital SIM 

• Compatibility Concerns: eSIM is not compatible with all devices. Only the latest versions of mobile and IoT devices support eSIM.
• Security Concerns: Embedded SIM may have the potential risk of hacking or unauthorised data access.
• Complex Setup: New eSM users usually find the eSIM setup complex. The incorrect entry of activation details may lead to failed eSIM activation.
• Difficult to Transfer to Another Device: Like a SIM card, an embedded SIM is difficult to transfer from one device to another. 

eSIM Vs Physical SIM

As I mentioned above, virtual SIM works like the physical SIM card, but both SIMs are totally different from each other. 

Embedded SIM is a small digital chip card that allows hassle-free connectivity. It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and a SIM slot in the devices. Physical SIM is a chip card that is manually inserted into the device by users. Virtual SIM is the improved version of the SIM card that works according to the user’s needs. emSIM digitally stores the user’s information. Therefore, it is more secure than a traditional SIM. 

How to get an eSIM? 

Visit the Yaalo eSIM official site and buy your destination country eSIM. You can follow the given steps to get your SIM. 

• Open the Yaalo website.
• Search for your destination country’s internet plan.
• Choose a package according to your travel needs.
• Now add your plan to the cart.
• You can directly check out from the website to complete the purchase. 

How to activate Yaalo eSIM?

You can activate your eSIM via QR code or manual method. The provider sends you the QR  and activation to the users via email or SMS.

QR Code Activation

• Open your device Settings app.
• Scroll to Network and Internet and look for the Cellular or Mobile section.
• Tap SIMs to open active SIMs on the device. 
• Tap the Add More tab at the bottom. 
• Scan the QR code with your device camera.
• Enter the configuration code.
• Name your eSIM for recognition.
• Set eSIM as your data line.

Manual Activation

• Open the settings app.
• Move to Network and Internet and scroll to the Cellular or Mobile section.
• Tap SIMs to open active SIMs on the device. 
• Click the Add More tab at the bottom. 
• Enter the Activation details manually.
• Give a name to your eSIM for easy identification.
• Choose eSIM for cellular data only.

Conclusion 

In this article, I have covered all the details about what an eSIM is, how it works, and how you can activate it in your device. eSIM or embedded SIM is a convenient solution to access fast-speed internet coverage.

If you are still using a physical SIM or local SIM for international travel, you are behind the times. Get the electronic SIM to ensure a stable and reliable connection and avoid the hassle of disconnection and roaming charges. 

FAQs

How to delete eSIM from the device?

You can delete eSIM from your device settings. Removing eSIM doesn’t mean it is permanently deleted from your device. Only the carrier eSIM profiles are removed.

Does eSIM drain battery?

eSIM doesn’t drain much battery. It uses a similar battery to the physical SIM card.

Do eSIM cards include a number?

It depends; if your eSIM is data only, it doesn’t include a number. However, you can access the number of your destination country with a data, voice and text plan eSIM.