What is an eSIM Card? - Guide to eSIM Technology in 2025

what is an eSIM Card

So you've probably heard about eSIM technology, but do you really know what it is or how it works? Don't worry, you're not alone. When I first discovered eSIMs a few years back, I was confused about how a SIM card could exist without being... well, a card! In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about eSIM technology - from what it actually is, to which phones support it in 2025, and how to get started with one yourself.

What Exactly is an eSIM?

Let's start with the basics - eSIM stands for "embedded SIM," and it's basically the digital version of those tiny plastic SIM cards we've been popping in and out of our phones for years. But unlike physical SIMs, an eSIM is actually built right into your device's motherboard - you can't remove it, and you definitely can't lose it (thank goodness!).

Think of an eSIM like a tiny, reprogrammable chip that's permanently installed in your phone. Instead of physically swapping SIM cards when you want to change carriers, you can just download a new eSIM profile through your device settings. Pretty cool, right?

According to Wikipedia, the technology was developed by the GSMA (that's the organization that represents mobile operators worldwide) to create a more flexible, space-saving alternative to physical SIM cards. The first consumer devices with eSIM started appearing around 2017, but it's really taken off in the last couple of years.

The biggest advantage? You can store multiple carrier profiles on a single eSIM and switch between them whenever you want. That means if you're traveling abroad, you can keep your home number active while also using a local data plan - no more carrying around multiple phones or fumbling with tiny SIM cards!

Top eSIM Providers You Should Know About

Top eSIM Providers You Should Know About

I've tried several eSIM providers over the past year, and honestly, some are definitely better than others. Here are the ones that have consistently delivered good service:

For International Travel

Airalo

Airalo has become my go-to when traveling. They offer eSIMs for over 200 countries, and their app makes everything super simple. You can buy regional packages (like their "Eurolink" for Europe) which tend to be cheaper than country-specific plans if you're visiting multiple places. Their customer service has been pretty responsive too, which is always a plus when you're stuck somewhere with connectivity issues!

Holafly

Holafly is great if you want unlimited data without worrying about caps. I used them on a trip to Japan last year, and while they were slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the peace of mind of not having to monitor my data usage was worth it. Just be aware they don't usually include calls or texts - it's primarily a data service.

Orbit eSIM

Orbit is relatively new but has quickly become popular thanks to their competitive pricing and user-friendly app. What I really like about them is their flexible validity periods - you can get plans for as short as 3 days or as long as 180 days. Their coverage in Southeast Asia has been particularly impressive in my experience.

Nomad

If you're a frequent traveler, Nomad's global plan is worth checking out. It works in 100+ countries under a single package, which is super convenient if you're country-hopping. Their prices aren't always the cheapest, but the convenience factor is huge.

For Domestic Use

Google Fi

Google Fi has been offering eSIM support for years now, and they're particularly good if you're based in the US but travel internationally often. Their "Unlimited Plus" plan includes data in over 200 destinations with no extra fees. Plus, setup is ridiculously easy if you have a Pixel phone.

Mint Mobile

Mint offers some of the most affordable eSIM plans in the US market. I've found their 4GB plan is plenty for most months, and you get significant discounts for prepaying for longer periods. Their app has improved a lot recently, making eSIM activation much smoother than before.

US Mobile

What's cool about US Mobile is their customizable plans - you only pay for what you need. If you're using an eSIM as a secondary line for data only, you can create a plan that skips the calling and texting entirely. They operate on both Verizon and T-Mobile networks, so coverage is solid in most areas.

Visible

Owned by Verizon, Visible offers unlimited data, talk, and text for a flat monthly fee. Their eSIM activation process is one of the smoothest I've experienced - I was up and running in less than 10 minutes. Just be aware that data speeds can be throttled during congestion.

My personal recommendation? I keep Airalo as my travel eSIM and either Mint or US Mobile as my everyday carrier. This combination has worked great for me over the past year.

Which Phones Actually Support eSIM in 2025?

Which Phones Actually Support eSIM in 2025?

I remember when only a handful of premium phones supported eSIM, but thankfully, that's changed dramatically. Today, most mid-range and premium smartphones come with eSIM capability. Here's a breakdown of the major brands and models that support eSIM in 2025:

Apple Devices

Apple has been one of the biggest supporters of eSIM technology, even making some US models without physical SIM trays entirely.

  • iPhone 16 series (including the standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models)
  • iPhone 15 series (all models)
  • iPhone 14 series (all models)
  • iPhone 13 series (all models)
  • iPhone 12 series (all models)
  • iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
  • iPhone 11 series
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
  • iPad Pro models (3rd generation and newer)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and newer)
  • Apple Watch Series 5 and newer

Samsung Devices

Samsung has gradually expanded eSIM support across their lineup:

  • Galaxy S25 series (including S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra)
  • Galaxy S24, S23, S22, and S21 series (all variants)
  • Galaxy S20 series (except some carrier-specific models)
  • Galaxy Note 20 series
  • Galaxy Z Fold series (Z Fold 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2)
  • Galaxy Z Flip series (Z Flip 6, 5, 4, and 3)
  • Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6, 7, and Watch Ultra

Google Devices

All recent Google phones fully support eSIM:

  • Pixel 9 series (including 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9a)
  • Pixel 8 series (including 8, 8 Pro, and 8a)
  • Pixel 7 series (including 7, 7 Pro, and 7a)
  • Pixel 6 series (including 6, 6 Pro, and 6a)
  • Pixel 5, 5a
  • Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
  • Pixel 3, 3a, 3 XL
  • Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3

Other Manufacturers

These brands have also embraced eSIM technology in their newer models:

  • Motorola: Razr (2023-2025 models), Edge 50 series, Edge+ (2023 and newer)
  • OnePlus: OnePlus 13, 12, 11, 10 Pro, 10T, Nord 4, and Nord 3
  • Xiaomi: 15 series, 14 series, 13 series, 12 series, Redmi Note 13 and 14 Pro
  • Nothing: Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a)
  • OPPO: Find X8 series, Find X7 series, Find X6 Pro
  • Huawei: P70, P60, Mate 70 and Mate 60 series (availability varies by region)
  • Sony: Xperia 1 VI, 1 V, 5 VI, 5 V, 10 V

Here's a tip from personal experience: Even if your phone technically supports eSIM, some carrier-locked versions might have this feature disabled. Always double-check with your carrier before assuming your device will work with eSIM.

Not sure if your specific model supports eSIM? You can usually check in your phone's settings under "Network & Internet" or "Cellular" for an option to add an eSIM or digital SIM. If you don't see that option, your device probably doesn't support it.

How to Get and Set Up an eSIM: Step by Step

Setting up an eSIM might seem complicated if you've never done it before, but I promise it's actually easier than dealing with those tiny physical SIM cards and those even tinier SIM tools! Here's how I've done it (multiple times now):

Getting an eSIM from Your Current Carrier

Most major carriers now offer eSIM options for both new and existing customers. Here's the typical process:

  1. Contact your carrier either through their app, website, or by visiting a store
  2. Request to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM (or activate a new line with eSIM)
  3. They'll either:
    • Send you a QR code via email
    • Generate a QR code in the store
    • Provide an activation code
    • Help you activate directly through their app
  4. Follow their specific instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation details

When I switched to an eSIM with my carrier last year, I just had to visit their store, and they handled everything in about 15 minutes. Your experience might vary depending on your carrier's process.

Getting an eSIM from a Digital Provider

This is my preferred method, especially for travel eSIMs. It's super convenient and can be done entirely from your phone:

  1. Download the provider's app (Airalo, Holafly, Orbit eSIM, etc.)
  2. Create an account if needed
  3. Browse available data plans for your destination
  4. Purchase your chosen plan (prices typically range from $5 to $50 depending on data amount and duration)
  5. Follow the in-app instructions to install the eSIM profile

When I used Airalo for my trip to Europe, the whole process took less than 5 minutes from downloading the app to having active data on my phone. No store visits, no physical SIMs - just tap a few buttons and you're good to go!

Setting Up Your eSIM on Different Devices

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your device:

On iPhone (iOS 16 and newer):

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data
  2. Tap "Add Cellular/Mobile Plan"
  3. You can either:
    • Scan a QR code (point your camera at it)
    • Enter details manually (if given an activation code)
    • Use a carrier app (it will redirect you)
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation
  5. Choose labels for your plans if using dual SIM (e.g., "Personal" and "Work")
  6. Select which line to use for data, calls, etc.

On Samsung Galaxy and most Android phones:

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager or Mobile Networks
  2. Look for "Add mobile plan," "Add eSIM," or "+ Add eSIM"
  3. Select "Download a SIM instead" (or similar wording)
  4. Choose to scan a QR code or enter details manually
  5. Follow the prompts to complete setup
  6. Set your preferences for calls, texts, and data if using dual SIM

On Google Pixel:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet
  2. Tap "+" next to SIMs or "Add carrier"
  3. Select "Download a SIM instead"
  4. Scan the QR code or use carrier app
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

I've found that Google Pixels tend to have the smoothest eSIM activation process - sometimes it literally takes just two or three taps if you're using certain providers like Google Fi.

One thing to note from my experience: always make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi before starting the eSIM activation process. You don't want to lose connectivity halfway through!

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which is Better?

After using both physical SIMs and eSIMs extensively, I've developed some pretty strong opinions on this. Here's my honest comparison:

Advantages of eSIM

  • Convenience: You can switch carriers or add a new line without waiting for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail
  • Multiple profiles: You can store several eSIMs on one device and switch between them
  • Travel-friendly: No need to carry a SIM ejector tool or worry about losing tiny SIM cards while traveling
  • Device design: Manufacturers can use the saved space for bigger batteries or other components
  • Waterproofing: No SIM tray means one less opening where water could potentially enter your device
  • Security: An eSIM can't be physically removed from your device if it's stolen

Disadvantages of eSIM

  • Device transfers: It's not as simple as popping out a SIM and putting it in a new phone
  • Availability: Not all carriers in all countries support eSIM yet
  • Technical issues: If your phone crashes or has software problems, troubleshooting can be more complicated
  • Travel to remote areas: In countries with limited eSIM support, you might still need a physical SIM

Personally, I've had my physical SIM fail on me twice over the years (once due to moisture damage, once from just wear and tear), but I've never had an eSIM fail. That reliability factor alone has made me a convert.

Most newer phones now support using both eSIM and physical SIM simultaneously (dual SIM functionality), which gives you the best of both worlds. I typically use an eSIM for my main line and keep the physical SIM slot free for when I'm traveling to countries where eSIMs aren't widely supported.

The Future of eSIM Technology

As someone who's been following mobile technology for years, I'm pretty excited about where eSIM is headed. Here are some developments I expect we'll see more of:

Integrated SIM (iSIM) Technology

The next evolution beyond eSIM is actually already here - it's called integrated SIM or iSIM. Unlike eSIM, which is a separate chip soldered onto the device's motherboard, iSIM is built directly into the processor itself.

Qualcomm has already incorporated iSIM into their Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which powers many of 2025's flagship Android phones. This integration saves even more space inside devices and potentially improves power efficiency.

More eSIM-Only Devices

Apple started the trend with eSIM-only iPhones in the US market, and I expect more manufacturers will follow suit. By removing the physical SIM tray entirely, phone makers can improve water resistance, free up internal space, and simplify the manufacturing process.

My prediction is that by 2027, most premium smartphones won't have physical SIM trays at all - at least in major markets where eSIM adoption is high.

Easier eSIM Transfers

One current pain point with eSIM is transferring your number to a new device. The industry is already working on solutions to make this process smoother. For example, the GSMA (the organization that develops eSIM standards) is working on a specification called "eSIM Transfer" that would make moving your eSIM profile as easy as using AirDrop or nearby share.

Expanded IoT Applications

Beyond smartphones, eSIM is becoming increasingly important for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. From smart home gadgets to industrial sensors, connected cars to wearable tech - eSIM allows manufacturers to build smaller devices with global connectivity right out of the box.

My smart home already includes several devices with built-in eSIMs for backup connectivity when Wi-Fi goes down, and I expect this trend to accelerate.

On-Demand Connectivity

The real game-changer with eSIM is how it enables new business models for connectivity. Imagine buying a laptop and being able to instantly connect to cellular data when Wi-Fi isn't available - no contracts, just pay for what you use. Or a car that lets you activate a data plan only when you're planning a road trip.

This kind of flexibility is already starting to appear in some devices, and I think it will become much more common in the next few years.

While physical SIM cards won't disappear completely anytime soon (especially in developing markets), eSIM technology is clearly the future of mobile connectivity. If you haven't made the switch yet, 2025 is definitely a good time to give it a try!

Conclusion: Is eSIM Right for You?

After using eSIM technology for over two years now, I can honestly say it's been a game-changer for me - especially for travel. Being able to land in a new country and get connected in minutes without hunting for a local SIM card shop has saved me countless hours and headaches.

That said, eSIM might not be the perfect solution for everyone just yet. If you frequently switch phones, live in an area with limited eSIM support, or just prefer the simplicity of physical SIMs, you might want to stick with traditional SIM cards for now.

The good news is that most modern phones support both options, so you can experiment with eSIM without committing completely. Maybe try an eSIM for your next international trip or as a secondary line, and see how you like the experience.

For more detailed technical information about eSIM standards and specifications, check out the Wikipedia article on eSIM or the GSMA's official eSIM resources.

Have you tried using an eSIM yet? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!