Not that long ago, whenever you bought a new phone, the first thing you did was pop out that tiny plastic SIM card and slide it into the new device.
Today, that little ritual is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Instead of a physical SIM, we now have eSIM — its fully digital, much smarter successor.
Switching to a new phone and activating your mobile plan now takes just a few minutes. No fiddling with SIM trays and toothpicks, no fear of losing that microscopic piece of plastic. Everything happens remotely… via a simple QR code. But how exactly does eSIM work, and how is it different from the traditional SIM card?
What Is eSIM?
ESIM stands for embedded SIM, meaning the SIM is built directly into your device. It’s no longer a removable microcard — instead, it’s a small component that sits permanently inside your phone, tablet, smartwatch, and sometimes even in laptops and cars (yep, many new BMW models use it too).
| eSIM/OS | Country/Region | Time Active | GB Amount | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | Spain | 7 Days | 1 GB | $3.04 |
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | France | 7 Days | 1 GB | $3.04 |
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | Europe | 7 Days | 3 GB | $6.94 |
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | Sweden | 30 Days | 3 GB | $5.92 |
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | Europe | 30 Days | 25 GB | $36.44 |
 | eSIM (Android, iOS) | United States | 30 Days | 1 GB | $3.04 |
That means no more swapping, poking, or snapping plastic out of its holder with trembling hands. Your service provider simply sends the SIM data remotely, your phone installs the operator profile — and that’s it! In practice, you can activate a new number, switch carriers, or add a second plan within minutes, no store visit or delivery wait required.
Why Does It Matter?
Above all, eSIM means convenience. Just scan a QR code from your operator, and your phone will automatically download the right settings and install the network profile.
For frequent travellers, this is a total game-changer — you can buy a local data plan in any country and get online the moment you land, no hunting for SIM cards at the airport.
There’s also a hardware benefit: more space inside your device. Without a physical SIM slot, manufacturers can fit in larger batteries or improve water resistance.
How eSIM Works — In a Nutshell
Under the hood, eSIM relies on Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) — a process that lets carriers send your network profile directly to your device. Here’s the simple explanation:
- You buy a mobile plan that supports eSIM (often online).
- Your operator sends you a QR code.
- Scanning the code triggers the RSP process — your device connects to the carrier’s server, which then “installs” the network profile.
- A few seconds later, your phone connects to the network — and you’re good to go.
It’s a bit like downloading a digital train ticket or boarding pass: it’s stored in your phone, but works exactly like the paper version.
What Else Can eSIM Do?
Modern eSIM systems can store multiple profiles at once. You can have your personal and work numbers on one phone, or switch between carriers to test coverage or pricing.
Service providers, on their side, gain better tools for managing connections — for example through policy control, which allows them to remotely set connection or data priority. In times of heavy network traffic, they can apply deprioritization, temporarily slowing down certain users to keep the network stable for everyone. Sounds technical, but all of this happens quietly in the background — you’ll rarely even notice.
How To Start Using eSIM?
In short:
- Check if your phone supports eSIM. Most modern phones do — iPhones (from XS up), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer), Google Pixel, and so on.
- Order an eSIM from your carrier, usually via their app or website.
- Scan the QR code they send you.
- Activate the profile. Your device will connect automatically, and boom — your eSIM is live.
No store visits, no waiting for delivery, no swapping tiny cards ever again.
eSIM — A Plastic-Free Future
More and more manufacturers and carriers are embracing eSIM as the new standard. Apple already sells phones without a physical SIM slot in some countries, and others are following fast.
The next step? Full digitalization — no more physical SIM cards at all. Soon, switching carriers or adding a new plan on your phone or smartwatch will take as long as scanning a QR code.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s also about cutting down on waste and logistics — no plastic, no shipping, no packaging, and no leftover electronic junk.