eSIM, short for "embedded SIM," has revolutionized the way we connect our devices to cellular networks. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built directly into compatible devices, offering benefits of increased convenience, especially in cases where you have multiple lines. One of the biggest benefits of using an eSIM over a physical SIM is the fact that you are able to easily switch between different lines without having to fumble with the physical SIM card and SIM card tray. In this article, we will guide you through the process of switching between eSIMs, whether you're changing carriers or traveling internationally.
Depending on your device, you can usually only have a maximum of one (in the case of Android devices) or two (in the case of iOS devices) active eSIMs at any point in time. However, most of these devices allow you to have way more eSIM profiles installed at the same time. On Android, depending on your device model, you can have up to seven eSIM profiles installed; whereas in iOS, you can install up to eight eSIM profiles.
Why would multiple eSIM profiles be of any use if they can't be all active at the same time?
Well, if we were to think of it in the context of physical SIMs, it is also not like there are devices that allow you to have more than two active physical SIM cards at any given time. So, from this perspective, perhaps you wouldn't really need to have that many eSIM profiles.
But, let's now imagine this — if instead of having only one (or two) SIM cards in your device, you can now have three or even eight SIM cards in your device on standby for when you travel (or you just have that many lines). If you have all of those SIM cards in your device, when you want to switch between the different networks, you no longer have to go through the process of finding a SIM tray pin, take out your original SIM, put in the new one, and make sure you don't lose the original one in the meantime. Simply go to your settings and activate the SIM card you need.
Installing an eSIM profile is similar to the act of inserting a physical SIM into your device. Having multiple eSIM profiles essentially gives you the flexibility of easily switching between multiple networks in just a few taps!
Wouldn't I be confused if there were that many profiles?
Probably. You might feel anxious about having multiple eSIM profiles being installed at the same time, because you wouldn't want to mix them up and end up activating the wrong profile. But there are many ways that you can help to manage your eSIMs. Aside from removing eSIMs that you no longer require, naming your eSIMs is a simple yet very useful way to avoid confusion when you multiple eSIMs installed.
How to switch between eSIMs?
Similar to how you would manage multiple physical SIMs, you can also use different eSIMs for different purposes. One of the main use cases of an eSIM would be when you use an eSIM to get data for your travels, while keeping your primary line active.
If you already have multiple eSIMs installed, and are now looking to switch between your eSIMs so that you can activate the correct eSIM for your data needs, here is how you can do so:
On iOS
Go to Settings > Mobile Data
Under SIMs (or Cellular Plans you can toggle the SIMs on or off
Select the eSIM profile that you would like to use for your mobile data
On Android
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (or Mobile Network)
Select your eSIM profile and turn it on
Under Preferred SIMs, select the correct eSIM profile for the different activities
Tap 'Network & Internet,' then 'Add SIMs'. Find your eSIMs here. Select and activate the eSIM you want. Under 'Preferred SIMs,' pick the right eSIM for your task.
Tap 'Network & Internet,' then 'Add SIMs'. Find your eSIMs here. Select and activate the eSIM you want. Under 'Preferred SIMs,' pick the right eSIM for your task.
If you have a Samsung, Google, Huawei, or other Android device, the number of eSIMs you can install and have active at one time varies. Most allow for five to seven eSIMs, with one active at a time.
How many times can you transfer an eSIM from one device to another? There's no limit to the number of times you can transfer your eSIM from one device to another. However, if you are switching from an Android phone to an iPhone, you will need to contact your carrier each time to transfer your phone number.
On both Apple and Android devices, you can deactivate or delete your eSIM by going into your Settings, selecting Cellular (or Network & Internet), and choosing the Cellular Plan or SIM Cards option. From there, you have the ability to turn off or remove the eSIM card.
Yes, you can switch back from eSIM to physical SIM in seconds, in fact you can even use both of SIMs at the same time, your primary card for calls and message, and the eSIM for internet.
On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time. Network provider fees may apply. Contact your network provider for more information.
iPhone (14 and above): Settings > Mobile Data > Convert to eSIM. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Add using QR code. Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier > Scan QR code.
Your iPhone must be unlocked, or both cellular plans must be from the same carrier. Both plans must be set up and ready to use. Your carrier or carriers must support Dual SIM with eSIM. If a CDMA carrier provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA.
To switch between the eSIM data plans that you've purchased, follow these steps: Navigate to “Settings.”Tap “Cellular/Mobile Data.”Select the plan you'd like to use and tap “Turn On This Line.”
What is eSIM on iPhone? An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.
Important: If you want a Dual SIM smartphone that can have 2 active plans/numbers at the same time, it must also be Dual SIM/Dual Standby (DSDS). Without DSDS, a mobile device may be equipped to store multiple eSIMs, but it can only have one of them activated with a carrier at a time.
No, eSIMs typically cannot be reused or reinstalled once removed from a device. Your eSIM can only be activated on one device at a time. If you delete the eSIM from your phone, you will not be able to reuse it.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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