What is an eSIM Card? and How Does it Work?

Whenever we buy a phone, we put a SIM card in it. Because without a SIM card, we can neither make calls, send messages nor take advantage of internet services from the phone. In such a situation, a SIM card is necessary.

But now, we will not need to insert a SIM card into the phone because eSIM (e-SIM) will already be installed inside the phone, which will work exactly like a physical SIM card. But the question is, what is this eSIM? And how does it work? Also, what is the process to activate and deactivate it? Let us know in detail.

In the beginning, we used to use Mini SIM Card. But over time, the size of the SIM card kept getting smaller. And the trend of Mini-SIM to Micro SIM and then Nano-SIM started. But now, the short form of Nano-SIM, i.e., eSIM card, has come, which is a Virtual SIM Card.

This is to say that along with the size, the technology of the SIM card has also changed completely. And the physical SIM card is now a thing of the past. Now is the era of Virtual SIM Card. That is the eSIM card, which is a new technology. It is straightforward to use and advanced.

Also fully ready to replace physical SIM cards. But the question is, what is this eSIM after all? And how will it replace the physical SIM card? Come on, let’s know.

What is an eSIM card?

eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. That is the Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. It is a virtual SIM card embedded with the phone in the form of a chip. That is, it is connected to the phone. Or say that there is a part of the phone itself, which you cannot separate from the phone. And since eSIM is a virtual SIM card. That is why it works with the help of software.

Simply put, the eSIM card is like the internal storage of the phone. In which you can write any data. That is, it is Rewritable. It also comes pre-installed inside the phone. Therefore, you cannot remove it from one phone and put it in another phone in such a situation.

But if you are going to sell your phone, you can activate it on another phone by deactivating the number with eSIM present in it. Let us tell you that the eSIM card can be configured with any network operator.

How Does E-Sim Work?

When you buy a phone with eSIM, the e-SIM present in it is empty. In such a situation, to activate it, one has to contact the service provider (Airtel, Jio, etc.). The service provider gives you a QR code, which gets activated when the eSIM present in the phone is scanned. And you can take advantage of all the facilities. This whole process takes about 2 hours.

I want to tell you that Airtel and Jio are the only service providers in India who are providing eSIM service. This facility is not available with other telecom companies. So in such a situation, if you are not a customer of Airtel or Jio. So you have to get your number ported in Airtel/Jio.

Only then will you be able to take advantage of the eSIM service. But the question is, what is the process to activate eSIM? And what are the documents needed for this? So for this, both Airtel and Jio have different methods. So come, let’s know about both.

How To Activate eSIM?

First of all, you have to decide whether you want to get a new number? Or want to convert your existing number to eSIM? If you’re going to transform the current number to e-SIM. And you do not have a SIM card of Airtel or Jio. So you can get your existing number ported to Airtel or Jio. But if you do not want to port your number, you can also buy a new number of Airtel or Jio. Your wish is yours. Well, now it’s time to activate eSIM. So it is not a very difficult task. Instead, it is straightforward.

How To Activate Airtel’s eSIM?

Suppose you are a customer of Airtel. And want to convert your existing number to eSIM. So type eSIM<space>Registered Email ID and sent it to 121. For example, if your email id is [email protected], then type eSIM [email protected] and send it to 121. As soon as you send this message, you will receive a confirmation message. In which you will be asked whether you want to convert your physical SIM card to e-SIM? In response, you have to send a one that means ‘yes.’ You have to give this answer within 60 seconds. Because after 60 seconds, the message will expire.

Well, after confirmation, a mail will come on your email ID, in which you will get a QR code. Of course, you have to activate your eSIM by scanning this QR Code. But the question is how? So the answer is straightforward. If you are an iPhone user, go to your phone’s Settings and tap on Mobile Data. After that, tap on Add Data Plan. And finally, by tapping on Scan QR Code, scan the QR code with the help of the Camera.

If you are an Android user, then go to the Settings of your phone. And tap on Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Carrier and Add Carrier. And finally, by tapping on Scan QR Code, scan the QR Code with the help of a Camera.

How To Activate Jio’s eSIM?

Suppose you are a Jio user. So take your eSIM enabled phone and go to the nearest Jio Store or Reliance Digital Outlet. And submit your CAF Form by filling it there. In the form, write your Jio number and IMEI number on the phone because it is necessary. After presenting the record, the Jio Executive Officer will check your condition. And will verify the details given by you. And after that, POS (Point-of-Sale) will generate a QR Code through the machine. This QR code will be scanned from your phone. And after that, your eSIM will be activated.

Advantages of eSIM

If e-SIM is called the technology of the future, then nothing will go wrong. Because in the coming time only eSIM will be seen in every Smartphone. Now you will ask why so? So it is because eSIM has many advantages. Which benefits? Come on, let’s say.

1. Space Saving: Due to e-SIM, there is no separate SIM card tray in the device. This saves space. And this remaining space can be used for other essential components.

2. Anti-Theft: This is the most significant advantage of an e-SIM card. It can neither be lost nor stolen. Yes, if the phone is stolen, then it is a different matter. But it also has an advantage. The thief cannot remove the SIM card from the phone. And that’s why it’s easy to catch him.

3. Less Battery Consumption: Works with the help of E-SIM software. That’s why it consumes less battery than a physical SIM card.

4. Network Switching: With the help of e-SIM, it is straightforward to change the service provider. Like if you are an Airtel customer. And want to take service of Jio. So you can take advantage of Jio’s services without changing your number and without changing the SIM card.

5. Best For Travelers: ESIM is no less than a boon for travelers traveling in India and abroad. Because it saves travelers from Roaming Charges.

6. Better Security: If experts are believed, then e-SIM is more secure than physical SIM. If we look at the security point of view in such a situation, then eSIM is a better option.

Conclusion

Overall, eSIM has many advantages. But there is also a disadvantage. It cannot be removed from one phone and put in another phone because it is connected. In such a situation, if your phone is going to shut down due to low battery. And you want to take out the SIM card and put it in another phone. So that critical calls and messages are not missed. So it’s not possible. However, it can be resolved through Call Forwarding. But for this also it is necessary to have a second phone and SIM card.

I hope you got what is eSIM through this article? And how does it work? A lot of useful information would have been found on this subject. If you still have any questions regarding this topic. So you can ask in below comment box. If you liked this article, then like and share it. And subscribe to techsavvy.com for more informative articles. So that whenever our new article is published, you will get its notification.

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