However, there is an alternative. eSims launched in 2016 to little fanfare and have struggled to really take off, but are now starting to gain popularity. The GSMA, a trade association for mobile networks across the world, predicts that by 2025, 35% of smartphones will use them, so what are the benefits, and is it worth replacing a physical Sim card? Read on for more.
What is an eSim?
Sim cards have progressed from Mini Sim in 1996, to Micro Sim in 2003, to Nano Sim in 2012, with the physical size of the card getting smaller each time. In 2016, the first eSim was launched, in a Samsung Gear S2 smart watch.
can be connected to any mobile network that offers eSim services.New smartphones, tablets and laptops increasingly come with eSim capabilities.
An eSim shouldn’t have any impact on network performance or signal strength compared to a physical Sim, but it’s good to know which provider has good coverage. You can find out the mobile networks have the best signal in your area with a .
How does an eSim work?
Instead of removing a physical Sim card and inserting a new one when you want to change mobile network, you download an eSim profile. This is done by either an app or scanning a QR code.
You then pick an eSim plan and can start using it immediately, as the relevant information from the network will be installed directly to your phone. It’s possible to have both a physical Sim and an eSim. You can swap between the different networks on each Sim by going to your phone settings:
It’s also possible to store more than one eSim profile at the same time, but you can only be actively using one.
What are the benefits of eSims?
There are a variety of benefits to using an eSim, particularly if you travel a lot or use different Sim plans:
Convenience:Flexibility:Coverage:There are minor downsides to eSims for mobile customers, depending on how you use your Sim plans. An eSim makes it more difficult to swap one plan between multiple devices, as it’s not like a physical Sim card where you can just remove it from a phone and insert it into a different one. If you normally need to do this, you will instead have to go through the eSim activation process each time you want to swap your plan between different phones.
Overall though, eSims are likely to become increasingly common and provide a better option for consumers than traditional physical Sim cards.
Read our guide on to see how picking the right network could help you cut your bills.What UK mobile networks offer eSims?
An eSim won't cost you any more or less than a physical Sim card plan would, but it can be more flexible. The UK networks currently offering eSims are:
Instant setup is available with Lycamobile and Three, with your eSim being activated immediately. With EE, O2 and Three, you will need to insert and activate a physical Sim card first, then activate the eSim to replace it. Other networks don’t currently offer eSims, but some such as Sky Mobile and Giffgaff have said they are looking into the possibility.
What mobile phones can use eSims?
You'll also need to make sure your mobile phone is compatible with eSims. The Google Pixel range has had eSim capabilities since 2017, the Apple iPhone range since 2018 and Samsung Galaxy range since 2020.
Every iPhone from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 14, including, Pro, Pro Max and Mini versions, can use eSims. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy range from S20 and S23, including Note and Z Flip versions, are able to use eSims.
The first eSim-only device was the Motorola Razr, which does not support physical Sim cards at all.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/mobile-phone-esims-explained-a2EPI1Q9GHQz