What is an eSIM and which networks use it?

eSIM slay new summit of popularity when Apple announce it wasditching the physical SIM trayiniPhone 14models sell in the US , and rumours propose eSIM accompaniment is coming to even more territories with theiPhone 15 . But , what just is an eSIM ?

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about eSIM , including what it is , how it differs from a regular SIM card , which networks support it and which phones expend eSIM .

What is an eSIM?

eSIM is a digital option to a strong-arm SIM bill of fare . In eSIM , the SIM circuitry architecture is soldered straight off into your gadget , meaning there ’s no need to open up a SIM tray and insert a physical card when using your telephone or even when transferring networks .

Rather , you’re able to change web providers simply by contacting them .

The term “ eSIM ” is short for “ imbed SIM ” , referring to the way in which the card is embedded into your equipment ’s ironware .

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

There are a number of advantages to eSIM over a physical SIM card .

First , eSIM placard are incredibly commodious . As we ’ve said , if you want to switch roving net all you need to do is adjoin them . There ’s no need to go out and pick up a new strong-arm SIM or wait for one to get in the mail .

Another benefit of eSIM is the power to store more than one internet on that one eSIM . This mean you may check you have good insurance coverage around your town or urban center and when move around by take advantage of two networks .   It also means you could have two numbers on one phone . you’re able to achieve this with a physical SIM , but you ’ll postulate a twofold SIM slot to do so .

eSIMs also take up less physical place on your phone , allow manufacturers to contrive slimmer devices or allocate more space to other component part ( like bigger batteries ) .

However , there are some disadvantages to eSIM .

For one , eSIM is n’t presently bear out on all web and countries , which could make it less commodious for anyone used toswitching out their SIMs when they journey for work or to see family .

eSIMs could also make it more tricky to recover your data if your phone malfunctions . In these spot , it ’s likely you could be able-bodied to recuperate your data by take out your SIM with a strong-arm SIM card .

Is eSIM secure?

While eSIMs have generally been well - received , they have attract some security measures vexation as well . We speak to two security experts about eSIM surety to get their professional take on the topic .

Speaking to Trusted Reviews , Chris Hauk , Consumer Privacy Champion atPixel Privacygave the following assessment of the surety of eSIMs :

“ While there are advantages to eSIMs , there are also a few drawback that I ’m aware of . If you are using a forcible SIM , you may easily transfer it to another gadget if yours is damage or if you buy a new handset . eSIMS can not be rive from a gimmick , forcing users to rely on cloud storage or other ways to preserve your touch information , messages , and other of import information . This increases the hazard of give your data being exposed in information breaches ” , he said .

“ eSIMs also worry me when it comes to tracking users and their devices , as they can not be physically removed from a handset to prevent a machine from connecting to a cellular web , meaning it is difficult to foreclose your phone from being tracked ” .

Paul Bischoff , a Privacy Advocate atComparitech , added they come with perk and drawbacks from a security system perspective .

“ Compared to a traditional SIM card , an eSIM improves your phone ’s physical security by keep port - out attacks . A port - out onset come about when someone steals your earphone and withdraw the SIM card . They place the SIM notice into their own headphone , or create a copy , to invite the victim ’s call and texts . These can include one - time passwords used for two - constituent authentication , which can conduce to more accounting being compromised . Because eSIMs ca n’t be removed , this attack is n’t potential ” , he sound out .

“ unluckily , eSIMs do n’t do much to stop SIM - swap attacks . SIM swaps come about when an attacker poses as the victim and calls the dupe ’s peregrine carrier or wandering phone store . They take to have lose their phone and that they involve to move their phone numeral to a new SIM card . If the carrier follow , then the aggressor can receive the victim ’s calls and SMS messages . An eSIM does n’t do anything to prevent this ” .

Which UK networks support eSIM?

eSIMs are currently only hold up on a small number of UK mesh :

This think that many letter carrier – peculiarly budget one – do not yet support the embed SIM card .

Check out the latest eSIM pass here

Do all phones support eSIM?

No , not all smartphones support eSIM .

eSIMs are still see a premium characteristic , mostly restricted to high - end devices . A few popular phone that corroborate eSIM includeSamsung Galaxy S23andGoogle Pixel 7 .

It ’s also mandatory for theiPhone 14 in the US with no physical SIM tray uncommitted – a rarity among smartphones , as even those that do support eSIM still offer a physical SIM card slot . That is rumour to expand to more country include the UK and mainland Europe with theiPhone 15 , espouse a leak French iPhone 15 itemization mention eSIM reenforcement .