Everything you need to know about eSIM

The eSIM is the latest ‘giant leap’ forward in mobile communications, changing the way we look at the traditional plastic SIM card.

This tiny piece of technology is creating a new spin on mobile connectivity by offering unprecedented flexibility and convenience. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a frequent traveller, or you’re just looking for a more streamlined phone setup, understanding what an eSIM is, and how it works, is becoming increasingly important.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything from the basics of eSIM technology to its benefits, how it compares to traditional physical SIM cards, and how you can activate and manage eSIMs on compatible devices.

Let’s dig into it.

What is eSIM?

‘eSIM’ is the abbreviation of ‘embedded SIM’. It’s a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card inserted into your phone.

Integrated electronically into your device, an eSIM is rewritable and can easily switch between different network providers. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require physical swapping, eSIMs are managed through software, making changing carriers or plans much simpler, and faster.

Benefits of using eSIM

The benefits of using an eSIM are many and cater for a wide range of needs. Here's an overview:

• Ease of switching between networks: eSIM technology allows users to switch mobile networks more efficiently than traditional SIM cards, perfect for anyone travelling and wanting to use a local carrier, or looking to change their network provider without the physical hassle of swapping SIM cards.

• No physical SIM cards required: Given there's no need to handle physical SIM cards, this eliminates having to find a store, wait for a SIM card to be delivered, or use an ejector tool to change SIMs. It essentially simplifies activating and switching between plans, making it more convenient for users.

• Ideal for frequent travellers: eSIMs are perfect for people who travel often. They allow users to stay connected anywhere, anytime, without having to purchase local SIM cards or deal with high roaming costs. Travellers can easily switch from their home operator to an eSIM carrier, and ensure they’re always on the best available network.

• Supports multiple profiles: Say ‘adios’ to carrying one phone for work, and another for your personal use, because one of the biggest advantages of eSIMs is their ability to store multiple network profiles. Users can now switch between networks, or maintain separate personal and professional numbers on the same device, without needing multiple physical SIM cards.

• Space and design benefits for devices: Without a physical SIM slot, device manufacturers can use the saved space for additional features or to create slimmer designs, engineer better battery capacity, faster CPUs, or improve protection against water and dust.

• Environmental benefits: By eliminating the need for plastic SIM cards, eSIMs contribute to reducing plastic waste. This is a step towards more sustainable and responsible technology use, helping you reduce your environmental impact.

• Instant connectivity: eSIMs provide immediate internet access, particularly useful in new environments where finding a store or comparing plans can be tough. This instant connectivity is invaluable for navigating, making reservations, or simply staying in touch while on the go.

• Dual SIM functionality: For devices that support it, eSIM technology allows for dual SIM functionality, letting you keep both a physical SIM and an eSIM active simultaneously. This is handy for managing separate work and personal numbers, or maintaining an international number alongside a local one.

Overall, eSIM technology offers a level of convenience, security, and flexibility that traditional physical SIM cards simply can’t match.

Get Superloop eSIM plans

Physical SIM vs eSIM

When comparing a physical SIM to an eSIM, the differences go beyond the physical presence of a card. However, eSIM technology is not yet universally adopted, meaning not all devices and network providers support it.

eSIM compatible phones

eSIM compatible iPhones

Apple’ is at the forefront of eSIM technology, with several iPhone models enabling an eSIM feature, from the iPhone XS and XR onwards. These devices allow for dual SIM functionality, meaning you can have both a physical SIM and an eSIM active, which is ideal for maintaining separate work and personal numbers. Here is a list of iPhones compatible to eSIM

• iPhone 11 Series

• iPhone 12 Series

• iPhone 13 Series

• iPhone SE (3rd gen)

• iPhone 14 Series

• iPhone 15 Series

• iPhone 16 Series

• iPhone 17 Series

• iPhone Air

eSIM-compatible Android phones

Many Android manufacturers have also embraced eSIM technology. Flagship devices from Google, Samsung, and Huawei, among others, now offer eSIM support. This means that users of these devices can also take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of using an eSIM.

How to get and activate an eSIM

Activating an eSIM is straightforward. Typically, it involves scanning a QR code provided by your network carrier, which prompts the eSIM to download a profile onto your device. The process can vary slightly depending on the carrier and device, but it generally involves just a few simple steps in your phone's settings.

How to manage multiple eSIMs in one phone

Managing multiple eSIMs on a single device is a game-changer for those who juggle multiple numbers. Most eSIM-capable phones allow you to store and name different eSIM profiles and switch seamlessly between them—a godsend for international travellers or people who need separate business and personal numbers.

The ability to keep two eSIMs active simultaneously depends on the device and the carrier. Some newer models, like the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which allows two eSIMs to be kept active at the same time.

However, most devices currently allow only one eSIM to be active at a time alongside a physical SIM. For instance, devices like the iPhone XS and later models support the use of a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously, but not two eSIMs.

How to switch between 2 eSIMs

Switching between two eSIMs involves a few steps, which can vary slightly depending on the device's operating system and manufacturer.

Here’s a general guide on how to switch eSIMs on an Android device:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to the settings menu on your device.

2. Access Network Settings: Look for options such as 'Connections', 'Network & Internet', or similar.

3. SIM Card Manager: Within the network settings, find an option like 'SIM cards' or 'SIM card manager'. Here, you should see your eSIM profiles listed.

4. Select Active eSIM: You can select which eSIM you want to activate. Typically, you can designate one eSIM for calls and another for mobile data, or switch one eSIM on while turning the other off.

5. Apply Changes: After making your selection, ensure you save or apply the changes. The device may take a moment to register the switch and connect to the network of the newly activated eSIM.

It's important to note that while the device may store multiple eSIM profiles, only one or two can be active at any given time, depending on the device's capabilities and the network provider's restrictions.

eSIM FAQs

How many eSIMs can I use in one phone?

The number of eSIMs you can use in one phone depends on the device's capabilities. Some phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be used simultaneously. Others, like the latest iPhones, can have various active eSIMs simultaneously.

How do you transfer an eSIM from one phone to another?

This typically involves contacting your carrier to reassign the eSIM profile to your new device. The process may vary by carrier, so it's best to check with them directly.

How do you retrieve an eSIM if the phone is lost?

If your phone is lost, you should immediately contact your carrier to deactivate the eSIM. You can transfer your eSIM profile to a new device, depending on your provider's policies.

Can I use my eSIM for international travel?

Yes, you can. You can purchase a local eSIM plan to avoid roaming charges or use a global carrier that offers eSIM profiles for multiple countries.

It is also possible to use global roaming features with an eSIM. eSIM technology allows users to access cellular networks in different countries without the need for a physical SIM card.

This capability is particularly useful for international travellers who want to avoid the high costs associated with international roaming on their home mobile network.

With an Australian eSIM and the right mobile plan, your eSIM will work overseas in the same way a traditional SIM card would, allowing for international roaming.

Why Superloop eSIM plans

Superloop's SIM-only plans offer a range of benefits designed to meet the needs of everyone, from casual browsers to heavy data users, all while enjoying the reliability and coverage of the Telstra network.

Here's a detailed look at the key advantages:

Data rollover

One of the standout features of Superloop's SIM-only plans is our data rollover capability. Customers can bank unused data up to a maximum of 1000GB or 500GB, depending on their plan. So, if you don't use all your data in a given month, it's not wasted. Instead, it's added to your Data Bank, which can be used later.

This feature’s great for month-to-month customers with varying data usage to ensure they get the most out of their plan.

Unlimited national calls & text

Superloop's plans include unlimited national calls and texts within Australia, providing peace of mind for users who make a lot of calls and SMSs. It’s a feature of all Superloop SIM-only plans, eliminating any worries about additional charges for staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues across the country.

Competitive pricing

Superloop keeps its SIM-only prepaid plans competitively priced, ensuring customers receive more data for their dollar. Whether you only need a small amount of data or you’re a heavy user, Superloop’s got SIM-only plans to suit everyone's needs and budgets of all sizes.

Telstra Wholesale network

Superloop's SIM-only plans are powered by Telstra Wholesale Network, Australia's most trusted and most extensive mobile network. Whether you’re in the city or the country, Superloop customers can enjoy comprehensive nationwide coverage and fast internet speeds via Telstra's 4G and 5G networks.

Additional feature

• eSIM availability: Superloop offers the choice of eSIM for compatible devices, providing a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. This is a handy feature for users with eSIM-compatible devices wanting an easy way to switch or activate their mobile plan.

• No lock-in contracts: Superloop's eSIM plans are prepaid and come with no lock-in contracts, giving customers the freedom to change plans or providers without penalties. This is particularly attractive for users who don’t want to be tied-in to a long-term commitment.

• Bundle & save: Customers with Superloop nbn plan can bundle their services and save up to $15 per month off their internet bill. Bundling is an easy way to save money for customers who use both Superloop's mobile and broadband services.

Superloop's BYO mobile plans offer a useful mix of features like data rollover, unlimited national calls and texts, competitive pricing, and the reliability of the Telstra network.

These benefits, as well as the freedom of no lock-in contracts and the convenience of eSIM, make Superloop a smart choice for mobile users in Australia – and you really can’t argue against that.