eSIMs

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a programmable SIM integrated into a device’s circuit board. Unlike a traditional removable SIM card, an eSIM is soldered into the device and cannot be taken out or swapped physically. Instead, network operator profiles are downloaded and activated remotely through the device’s firmware, a process known as remote SIM provisioning. An eSIM can store multiple operator profiles, allowing users to switch carriers or plans without changing physical cards.

Activation and management typically occur through the device settings, a carrier app, or a QR code provided by the carrier. When a user selects a network or subscribes to a new plan, the device downloads the corresponding profile and installs it. This enables dual SIM configurations in some devices, where an eSIM can coexist with a physical SIM or support multiple eSIM profiles for different carriers or regions.

Common use cases include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and various IoT devices. eSIMs are valued for reducing space and improving device durability, enabling easier global roaming, and simplifying carrier provisioning for devices deployed at scale.

Benefits of eSIM technology include flexibility in switching carriers without physical card changes, potential improvements in device design and water resistance, and streamlined provisioning for devices in fleets or roaming scenarios. Challenges involve inconsistent support across carriers and regions, consumer awareness, security considerations around remote provisioning, and ongoing regulatory and standardization developments by groups such as the GSMA. As adoption expands, eSIMs are increasingly common in consumer devices and IoT deployments.