What Is an eSIM?

What is an eSIM?

Simply put, an eSIM is an electronic SIM card. Unlike a physical card, which stores your cell phone user data on a microchip, eSIMs use software to store the information.

eSIMs are rewriteable, so you can change the information on your SIM, without physically changing a card. For example, if you want to change numbers/providers.

What are the benefits of an eSIM?

eSIMs have several benefits:

• Multiple SIMs (numbers) on a single device (the iPhone 14 can store eight!) This means you can have multiple numbers, plans, and providers on one phone. For example, when travelling abroad you could add a local SIM provider to your device in addition to your usual one
• Changing SIMs is easier, and is done digitally. There’s no need to hunt for a paper clip to open up the SIM card slot, and no need to visit a physical store to purchase a SIM card.
• Frees up more space in the device that can be better utilised to improve other aspects of the phone
• If your phone is stolen, thieves cannot simply remove the SIM and replace it with their own, nor can your SIM be removed and placed into a new device

What are the disadvantages?

Of course, eSIMs aren’t all positive:

• If your phone breaks, it’s easy to remove the physical SIM and stick it in a new device. That’s not quite as simple with an eSIM
• Some may not like the fact that your provider has a bit more control over setting up future eSIMs and things such as tracking your location, due to the inability to remove the eSIM at will

→Related article: Smartphone Security: How to Keep Safe with the Latest Updates

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Which phones have eSIMs?

Not all phones have eSIMs, as it’s (currently) usually only reserved for more premium offerings. For example:

• iPhone X and later
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Fold lines
• Google Pixel 3 and later
• Huawei P40 and P40 Pro
• Oppo X3 and X5 series

However, currently, all these devices, within New Zealand at least, still have physical SIM card slots. Giving you the choice to opt for a physical SIM card if you wish. The iPhone 14 recently made the big call to switch to eSIM only, but only domestically within the US.

So the iPhone 14 here in NZ will still have a physical SIM card slot (with the option to use an eSIM). Which is important because…

Not all telcos have eSIM capabilities

Only Spark and 2degrees customers can currently make use of eSIMs. Vodafone plans to add eSIM capabilities soon, but no word yet on specific dates. Currently, Skinny doesn’t support eSIMs.

How can I set up an eSIM?

The actual process varies depending on your device and provider. So your best bet is to contact your carrier.

But, in general, they will send you a link or QR code that will allow you to set up the eSIM quickly and easily through your device’s settings.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an
experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.