How eSIMs Work, and How to Switch From a Standard SIM

eSIMs bring with them plenty of benefits. They’re quick to set up, and you can easily store several of them on the same device and switch between them more quickly—advanatges that are particularly useful if you have personal and work lines, or if you’re traveling and want to switch between eSIMs that work in specific countries or regions.

They also protect against some security vulnerabilities. No one can take an eSIM out of your phone and use it on another device, for example. eSIMs are also very difficult to clone. As an added bonus, they’re good for the environment, because there’s no need to manufacture a new SIM card, wrap it up in any packaging, or ship it.

There are some downsides. If you have several phones, you’ll miss the days of popping a physical SIM out of one handset and into another. In certain countries, it may have been easier to just pick up a local SIM off the shelf, but now you’ll have to register your details with another company. And eSIMs are not completely invulnerable to hacking—it’s important to stay on your guard against scam emails, messages, and apps, as these can interfere with eSIM programming.

How to Switch to an eSIM

How you go about switching to an eSIM or changing between eSIMs depends on your phone and the company providing you with an eSIM, but broadly speaking, the process is always similar. If you’ve bought a new phone that’s eSIM only and you currently use a physical SIM, get in touch with your carrier and they should be able to switch you over without you losing your original number.

If you’re with Verizon, for example, you can do everything in the My Verizon app for Android or iOS via Get SIM on the Mobile tab—signing into the app proves your identity and the app is able to do the necessary reprogramming. If you’re signing up with a dedicated eSIM provider (for international travel perhaps), the process will also typically be handled through an app.