What is an eSIM? Everything You Need to Know About It

Last week I bought a terrific smartwatch, i.e., an Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular. The experience was astounding, but I conquered this dilemma of eSIM technology.

An odd hidden twist resides within the latest Apple Watch: a built-in SIM card that isn't a SIM card. It's an eSIM or embedded subscriber identity module.

It took me an hour to get through this 'thoroughly' as it was my first experience. Based on it, I thought of writing an insightful eSIM three-part blog. Fret not. It's easy to configure it.

So without further ado, let's get into this!

The buzzword "eSIM" merely means a SIM card that is integrated or embedded. No physical SIM cards are involved, and there is no physical swapping over is needed by you. The network or carrier must support eSIM and enable it, and eSIM is not yet supported by all networks.

An eSIM is a small chip within your phone and appears to work in a way similar to the NFC chip used in payment techniques such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

eSIM is supported by GSMA, the Mobile Networks Association, and the eSIM standard has been defined worldwide by that organization.

The information on an eSIM is rewritable, meaning that you can decide to change your operator with a simple phone call. They're effortless to extend to a data plan. Connecting devices with eSIMs to a mobile account can be done in minutes.

The most notable ones are:

• iPad Pro and latest
• Apple Watch Series 3 and latest
• iPhone X.S., XS Max, 11 and 12 series and latest
• Google Pixel 2 and latest
• Moto Razr flip phone and latest
• Windows 10 and latest
• Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered PCs and latest

FYI: Every year, more eSIM-capable devices are produced, and not all are mobile phones. We have been used to connecting other devices such as laptops or tablets to Wi-Fi, but with the increasing adoption of eSIM technology, it is only a matter of time before they can all connect independently to the internet.

When traveling, many users fail to locate a reliable mobile network, and even if they find one, they do not need the service for more than a month.

The similarity between the two [eSIM & conventional sim]

There is a SIM vs eSIM stigma because they are entirely different systems and can not be fairly compared.

Most individuals, however, would be shocked to understand that they have quite a few similarities, such as:

They both connect your phone to the network of your mobile provider.

• Both of these can be found in several different devices (not just phones) 
• Both remember your phone and the plan used.

Here are the eSIM positive aspects: 

• eSIM can not be physically harmed or lost: because it's installed inside phones, you run far less harmful cards at the least opportune moments and weaken your signal quality.
• The eSIM can be used with a SIM: phones with dual-SIM technology can switch between a SIM data line and an eSIM to get the best possible signal worldwide.
• eSIM is tiny: because an eSIM is small, it can fit into modern wearable technologies, such as watches or other devices, which over time can become smaller.
• Multiple cellular profiles can be stored by eSIM: There is no limit to storing single cell phone plan information; it can be used anywhere around the globe.
• eSIM is not easy to hack: when in a roaming situation, hackers must pivot through a billing-process protection feature and the cloud to intrude into your phone data.
• It's easy to track eSIM: Network operators can monitor eSIM over the air, making it easier to pinpoint your location in case your phone gets lost or stolen.

The negative aspects of eSIM: 

While eSIM can seem flawless at a glance, the use of eSIM still has a few drawbacks.

• For older phones, eSIM is not available: eSIM is not compatible with older phone models because it's relatively new, and you will have to pay for an expensive new phone.
• They can both be used on a dual-SIM phone simultaneously.
• Technically, they are both SIM cards.
• Yes, that's correct. They're both SIMs. However, with the carrier plan, a SIM card is a chip that is physically inserted or removed within your handset. An eSIM (embedded sim) is installed into your phone and indirectly downloads the schedule of your carrier.
• eSIM is more difficult to transfer data: you have to retrieve your data from the cloud to get your addresses, texts, and other media back instead of popping the card out of a broken phone.
• eSIM can't be used on different phones: because it's embedded, there's no way you can take the card out and use it on an unlocked phone.

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NOTE: Your eSIMs can be installed only once. After successful installation, do NOT DELETE/REMOVE your eSIM from your smartphone.

In principle, eSIM should mean that you can go to another country and simply add to your phone a roaming eSIM while retaining access to your primary "local" number. This is deemed one of the drawbacks since, for example, if you change SIMs abroad, you can't retrieve your own number. 

On the brighter side, it eliminates potential roaming chances abroad. This allows individuals to shift towards better operators in areas where signals could be an issue. This way, an individual can quickly free up space to extend the device's battery life or add new features. This way, they could reduce identity theft risks as well.

Broad adoption of eSIMs would be inevitable when customers and operators begin to see the advantages.

eSim - the sacred lost love of your device? 

One of the benefits of phone manufacturers is that we can get smaller devices, so there is no need to fit a SIM card or the tray that carries it. Networks also do not need to generate or sell loads of SIM cards.

For other computers, such as laptops and tablets, eSIMs will also be outstanding, where flawless connectivity will become the standard.

It is said that eSIMs would allow more smart devices simply because eSIMs do not need too much space within a system, enabling fitness trackers to perceive a stand-alone 4G or 5G connectivity in a way they were only unable to do before.

As good as the question is, imagine you are provisioned with an eSim and physical (traditional) sim. You're then asked to integrate both to two different network operators. Now your device, for instance, an iPhone, will simultaneously display both networks on the device. Imagine you have added two physical sim cards resting conveniently in your slot, but in reality, there is an embedded sim with a conventional one.

Customers would be able to answer calls and texts on both numbers if the handset is on standby and both the SIM and eSIM are supplied. You can then select a "default" line to make calls and use iMessage (plus) FaceTime. The other line is for both SMS and voice only.

Conversely, you can only choose Use Secondary for cellular data - useful if you are overseas and use eSIM for local data.

More than one eSIM can be installed on your iPhone, but you can only use one at a point.

By tapping Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and tapping the plan you want to use, you can turn to eSIMs. It's Mobile Data if you're in the UK. Tap Turn ON, then on this line.

eSIM is not easy to hack, yet do you still think hackers will let you live in peace? Unfortunately, no. However, if you have already secured yourself, let's gear your security level further if you have an eSim.

How can eSIM be hacked?

Hint - If anyone wants to alter the user profile, embedded SIMs can be configured to request verification from an operator. This application could only come from the user, but a hacker with a lost phone could be able to modify the profile successfully. 

So, a lost phone could lead to an easy switch? This is arguable, as some individuals would consider that eSIM cannot be cropped out, so inserting a new sim is impossible. Thus hackers cannot obtain the operator's verification for new profile requests.

The argument is legit, and it is deemed that eSIM offers higher security when compared to a physical sim card solution. Every hack offers a supporting actor that perpetuates the wrongdoing conducted by the wrongdoer or lousy actor.

Artsy hackers will continue to transfer the numbers to new devices by giving IMEI, yet, convincing lazy or unmotivated representatives to follow the dictated rules. These reps are looking for customer satisfaction, but due to little to no probing or qualification, they end up pleasing criminals.

Physical SIM cards, or embedded, are only one route for criminals to access mobile phones. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' phone was reportedly hacked by a video sent to him through WhatsApp, making him one of the most high-profile victims of data theft. According to UN investigators, the video contained malware that infiltrated Bezos' iPhone.

A computer with Windows 10, 1703 version or later installed.

• Select the Start button, then Settings > System > About, to see which version of Windows 10 your computer is running.
• A computer with a built-in eSIM. Here's how to see if your computer has an embedded SIM:
• After pressing the Start button, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular.
• Look for a connection near the bottom of the Cellular screen that says or asks for eSIM profiles management. If there is a link, this means your PC has an embedded SIM.

Once you've worked on your eSIM profile, you'll need to:

• Click on the Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Manage eSIM profiles from the Start menu.
• Select the desired eSIM profile under eSIM profiles and afterwards select Use.
• Select 'Yes' for the option that asks to continue the function. This will use your data plan's cellular data and may result in charges.
• You'll be good to go after connecting to a cellular data network.

Let's move forward on the installation of eSim. This blog will look into:

1. The installation process in iOS
2. The installation process in Android
3. Connect Windows 10 PC with your eSim, to get cellular data [SPOILER FOR BONUS ON FRIDAY!!!]

Prerequisites:

There are some prerequisites (irrespective you install eSim on iOS or Android), so the necessary notes entail:

1. For smooth eSim installation, make sure you have an unlocked compatible device.
2. You need a stable internet connection for a successful eSim connection.
3. The use and validity of your data will not be compromised by installing your eSIM before you fly (see list at the end). When you arrive at your destination, your eSIM will only be enabled and validity starts once you are linked to the local operator. (Activating eSIMs at installation time: Asia, Africa, Vietnam, Japan, China, Caribbean Islands, Hong Kong, Macau, Maldives, Republic of the Republic of China, Republic of the Congo, Thailand, Ukraine).

1. How to install eSim on iOs?

• Go to Settings
• Tap Mobile Data > Add Data Plan
• Now you can install eSim via the manual installation or QR Code
• Simply go to eSim details on your carrier.com > My eSims > Select eSim > Choose the method of installation
• Label your eSIM
• Set a Primary Line or Default Lime for calling purposes
• You have to select a primary plan when adding eSim to iMessage, Apple ID, and FaceTime. Click Continue afterward.
• Set eSim data plan as default. NOTE: Please Turn off Allow Data Switching to avoid high roaming bills on a default data plan.
• Edit your eSim's APN settings (in order to access data). Go for (you carrier).com > my eSims > choose eSim that's been installed.

• Update APN settings, if required by going to settings > Mobile Data > choose eSim plan > Mobile Data Network

[Fast-Forward] How to turn on eSim and enable data roaming upon arrival

• Turn your eSim on by tapping on settings > mobile data > followed by eSim > and turning the eSim on
• Please use your eSim as a primary line when traveling, click on settings > mobile data > primary > Choose active eSIM

Quick Question: How to check if you have an active eSim?

1. Just like a traditional sim, the signal bar strength at the top of the screen will show if the eSim is active
2. You can go to settings > mobile data > data plans > on/off to check the status of your dual sims.

2. How to install eSim on Android?

For Android, there are two ways to add an eSim. However, the steps may vary per device.

Way 1 - Scan the QR Code for eSim

• Go to eSims to find your QR Code
• Tap settings > Network & Internet > tap the icon parallel to Mobile Networks
• Click next when it says "Don't have a sim card?" > scan QR Code. NOTE: Go to Network & Internet and tap on the mobile network to set the right network preferences listed on additional information, if needed.

• Under the Mobile Network, you can see eSim which you have to turn on and enable the data plan.
• Enable Data Roaming while turning off primary line data to avoid roaming charges

Way 2 - Installing eSim manually

• Tap My eSims to find manual installation details via the website or app
• Tap Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network (icon parallel to it).
• Tap when they ask "Don't have a SIM Card".
• You'll be asked to enter the code manually: SM-DP+Address. Once done, activate the code and confirm. Turn on your eSim under Mobile Network > enable Mobile Data > Data Roaming.

Though most of us considered it to be the final part, and it is the finale, we have a bonus for “people who are working on their online privacy”. Sorry for sharing the spoiler above but are you interested?

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