What is eSIM?

You’ve probably heard the term “eSIM”, with more and more smartphones being labeled as “eSIM-compatible” or “eSIM only.” But what does it mean, exactly? Well a SIM, short for Subscriber Identity Module, is a unique identifier inside every cellular device that securely stores a user’s account info and phone number and usually comes on a plastic card. But an eSIM is an “embedded” SIM that can only be modified digitally. It connects you to your network the same way a SIM card would, but instead of physically installing it yourself, an eSIM is activated or changed via a mobile app or a wireless carrier’s website. They aren’t the new standard just yet, but the security and convenience of eSIM means it’s only a matter of time before they’re more widely adopted. 

How does eSIM work?

While there are a few significant differences when it comes to eSIM vs physical SIM cards,  they still serve the same basic function. With eSIM, instead of having account data pre-stored on a card, your wireless carrier sends you the data over the Internet (by having you scan a QR code) or through their mobile app. Your eSIM stores that data just like a physical SIM would. Then, if you ever decide to change carriers, you can just download a new carrier’s account information onto your eSIM without having to swap out a physical SIM card. It’s kinda like switching from one movie to another on your favorite streaming service as opposed to switching from one VHS tape to another in your VCR.

If you’re Gen Z reading this, a VCR is a device your grandparents used to watch… actually, you can look that up later.

Advantages of eSIM

So why is eSIM the next logical step in SIM evolution? Well there are a few things eSIM can do that physical SIMs can’t. 

Instant activation

You activate an eSIM online (or, if you’re switching to Mint Mobile, through our free app), instead of driving to a store and waiting in a long line to get a new one. With just a few taps on your phone or a quick scan of a QR code, your service can be active in a matter of minutes.

Dual SIM

Most phones that use a physical SIM card only have one SIM card slot, meaning you can only use one active SIM card at a time. But with eSIM, you can take advantage of dual SIM, which allows you to switch between two active numbers seamlessly, so you can easily manage a work line alongside your personal line, or a separate number just for mom.   

Enhanced security

One thing everyone can agree on is that we want our wireless phones to be as secure as possible, and eSIMs are very safe. They offer enhanced encryption to protect your data, and are less susceptible to cloning. It’s also impossible to remove an eSIM from a phone, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen or taking it out and dropping it into an open drain (not speaking from personal experience or anything of course).   

More physical space on phones

Removing the SIM card slot on newer smartphones opens up more room for memory or larger batteries, or just allows them to be lighter and thinner. 

Great for international travel

Globetrotters who use eSIM may have an unclaimed SIM card slot in their phone, making it easy to use a local SIM card (thanks to that dual SIM feature we mentioned earlier) whenever they’re in a foreign country. You can also have multiple eSIMs on one phone, so purchasing an international plan via eSIM is an option too.

Environmental benefits

SIM cards are made of plastic and storing/shipping them requires boxes and envelopes, of course. These materials aren’t needed with eSIM, making them quite a bit greener. 

What phones use eSIM?

Most newer phones support eSIM, with some recent models actually being exclusively eSIM-enabled, meaning they have no physical SIM card slot. Almost every iPhone model released since the iPhone X series is eSIM-compatible, with all models from iPhone 14 on being eSIM only. The last few Google Pixel models, including their Fold series, support eSIM. The same can be said for the last several Samsung Galaxy models, as well. If you’re unsure whether or not your current phone supports eSIM, our blog all about eSIM-compatibility can walk you through how to verify that in just a few steps.

How do I activate an eSIM on my phone?

Once you’ve determined that your phone is eSIM-compatible and you’ve decided on a carrier that offers eSIM, the process is pretty simple. You just have to make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, then activate your new eSIM using a QR code or via the carrier’s app. But if you’re interested in more detailed instructions, we’ve even put together some easy-to-follow videos that can walk you through activating an eSIM on iPhone or Android. 

Switching to Mint is eSIM (exceedingly SIMple)

If you’re wanting to save time and money with a new Mint Mobile plan via eSIM, your phone just needs to be unlocked and compatible with our network (friendly side note: we only support phones, not watches, cars, or other non-phone devices). So if you want to bring your own phone to Mint, just double check that it’s both unlocked and eSIM-compatible before you get yourself a Mint Mobile eSIM. Future you is going to be so happy (like 10 minutes in the future, since eSIM is so easy to activate).

First published: June 2022, updated June 2025