What is an eSIM? Here’s everything you need to know By Emma Lunn and Sophie Venz Updated February 16, 2023 What is an eSIM? But so-called eSIMs are designed to supersede old-style physical SIMs (and, in case you’re wondering, the ‘e’ stands for embedded). Instead of being a removable plastic card inside your phone, an eSIM is a small chip embedded in your handset. You can’t remove it and put it in another phone. However, the information on an eSIM is rewritable. This means you can change your network without removing your SIM and inserting a new one. A time when eSIMS completely replace plastic SIMs is probably still quite some way off. At the moment eSIMs are more commonly used as the second SIM in a dual-SIM handset. What are the Advantages of an eSIM? 1. It’s easier to switch networks. An eSIM makes it much easier to switch mobile networks. Instead of needing to order a new SIM, waiting for it to arrive, then inserting it into your phone, you can switch to a different network with a phone call or online. You also won’t need to go hunting for a SIM ‘ejector tool’ to remove the old SIM from your phone. 2. You can temporary change to another network. Up to five virtual SIM cards can be stored on one eSIM at a time. This means you can quickly switch between different networks if you find yourself in an area without a signal on your usual network. It also makes it easier switch to a local network while travelling, without needing to physically insert a local SIM. Using a local mobile network while abroad can be much cheaper than paying roaming costs to your Australian network. Plus, not removing your Australian SIM from your phone will also reduce the risk of losing it. 3. Allows you to have more than one SIM. eSIMs also offer the same advantages as dual-SIM phones with two slots for traditional plastic SIMs, the most obvious being that you can have two phone numbers on one device. This can be handy if you want one number for personal use and another for business – but you don’t want to carry two phones around. You’ll be able to receive phone calls and texts on both numbers all the time and choose which SIM to use for making calls, sending text messages, or using data. 4. Uses less physical phone space. Another advantage of eSIMs is that they will eventually negate the need for a physical SIM card and its tray. Smartphone manufacturers could potentially use this space to increase a phone’s battery size or add more features to a handset. Fewer holes in a handset also mean more protection from moisture and dust, so less breakdowns. There’s also the potential to make handsets smaller in some cases. But the real space advantage is for wearables such as smartwatches, as people don’t want to wear an enormous device on their wrist. The Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4 already have eSIMs, as do Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3 smartwatches. What are the Disadvantages of an eSIM? There are a couple of potential downsides to eSIMs, though. 1. Not as easy to quickly switch devices. Right now, if your handset stops working you can easily remove the SIM and put it in another phone, keeping your number and contact information (if your contacts are stored on the SIM). This will be much trickier with an eSIM – although storing information and contacts in the cloud is designed to make it easy to transfer data such as contacts from one phone to another. 2. Nowhere to hide. You also can’t remove an eSIM from a device, which may be viewed as a downside if you have concerns about your movements being tracked. But this may also be an advantage as it means phone thieves cannot easily hide the location of a stolen phone. Do all Smartphones Have An eSIM? At the moment only a handful of the most recent smartphones and wearables have an eSIM. These include: • All of Apple’s latest iPhones – the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, plus the new iPhone 12 range, and the iPad Pro • Samsung’s Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra • The Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL • Motorola’s Razr (only an eSIM, it doesn’t have a physical SIM card) • Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3 smartwatches • Apple Watch Series 3, 4 and 5 Do all Networks Support eSIM? Globally not all networks support eSIMs – but they will do in time when this technology becomes standard.

eSIMs in the Philippines: Benefits, Activation, and Best OptionsBy Czarina Grace Sagrado September 2, 2024As technology advances, the way we connect to mobile networks is also evolving. One of the latest contenders in the scene is the embedded SIM (eSIM). It was first introduced in 2013 by the GSM Alliance (GSMA), which ultimately laid the framework for the technology globally. If you want to know how you can use an eSIM in the Philippines, below are all the details you need to know. What is an eSIM? An eSIM is an integrated SIM chip that’s embedded in your mobile phone. One of the greatest advantages of an eSIM is it lets you activate your carrier’s cellular plan without using a physical SIM. An activated eSIM device also lets you add a second line. So if you need two separate lines for personal or work use, you can do so in one mobile phone. Additionally, an eSIM lets you switch between different networks with a few taps on your phone, making connectivity more convenient and flexible. But how does an eSIM work? Well, it works similarly to a traditional SIM card, except you don’t need to find a SIM vendor or fiddle with a physical card every time you need to change lines or networks. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone, and contact your preferred network carrier to activate the technology.  What are the advantages of an eSIM? If you plan on switching to an eSIM, here are a few advantages you can enjoy: • Store more than one eSIM profile in one device • Eliminates SIM damage or loss • Top-notch Security • Saves data storage and space • Convenient for international travel Is eSIM available in the Philippines? Yes, eSIM is available in the Philippines. Globe was the first provider to offer it in the country. Now, you have more options to choose from since Smart and TNT also offer the service. Can I convert my SIM to eSIM in the Philippines? Yes, you can upgrade your physical SIM to an eSIM in the Philippines. All you need to do is purchase an eSIM from a network provider’s: • Physical store • Online store or mobile app • Flagship stores in Lazada & Shopee What happens if you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM? Once you convert to an eSIM, you’ll no longer be able to use your physical SIM card anymore. That’s because your phone number and information will then be associated with your eSIM.  Which phones support eSIM? The list of eSIM-compatible phones varies for each network, so make sure to check your provider’s official website to see the complete list. But the most common eSIMcapable devices include the following: • Apple iPhone XS, XS Max. and XR • Apple iPhone 11 Series, and later • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G • Samsung S20 Series and later • Samsung Galaxy Z Series How do I activate eSIM in the Philippines? Here are the following steps you need to follow to activate your Globe, Smart, or TNT eSIM card: Globe For iPhone users: 1. Connect your smartphone to the internet 2. Go to Settings and click “Cellular” 3. Click “Set Up Cellular” or “Add eSIM” 4. Go to the QR Code scanner 5. Scan the eSIM digital QR code 6. Click “Add Cellular Plan” 7. Disregard the pop-up message and click “OK” 8. The eSIM will be displayed with your mobile number, and you’re good to go For Android users: 1. Connect your device to the internet 2. Go to Settings and click “Connections” 3. Click “Add Mobile Plan, then click “Scan Carrier QR Code” 4. Scan your eSIM digital QR code, and click “Confirm” 5.  The eSIM will be displayed with your mobile number, and you’re done Smart and TNT You can install your Smart and TNT eSIM by simply scanning its QR code with your phone’s camera app. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection so you can activate your SIM smoothly. Alternatively, you can install your eSIM through your device’s SIM manager by following these steps: For Apple users: 1. Connect your phone to the internet 2. Go to Settings and tap on “Cellular Network” 3. Click “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” 4. Your phone’s camera will automatically  launch 5. You will be prompted that you have already downloaded the eSIM    For Samsung users: 1. Connect your device to the internet 2. Go to Settings and click on the “Connections” menu 3. Select “SIM Card Manager” and “Add Mobile Plan” 4. Click on “Add Using QR Code” 5. Scan the QR code 6. Select “Add Cellular Plan” 7. Click on “OK” to turn on your new mobile plan  8. Your new eSIM profile will be displayed For Huawei users: 1. Connect to the internet 2. Go to Settings and select “Mobile Network” 3. Click “SIM Management” 4. Select “SIM 2 Settings” and click on “eSIM” 5. Click “Add eSIM” 6. Scan the QR Code 7. Click “Add this eSIM” 8. Your new eSIM profile will be displayed What is the best eSIM for the Philippines? The best eSIM in the Philippines will depend on your needs. Each eSIM provider has its pros and cons, so it’s best to consider your data needs and device compatibility. Globe and Smart are reliable for local usage since they often provide strong coverage.