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Myth or Fact: Does an online eSIM expire?

The digital era technology is continuously evolving and staying connected to the rest of the world has become a necessity. Overseas travel for business or personal purposes is a part of everyday life. Thus, the need for a reliable and streamlined means of communication is what everyone requires. One innovation that has made connectivity needs easier is an eSIM Card. These embedded SIMs are booming as they are the best alternative to heavily-charged international roaming packages. However, with a rapid increase in demand, many questions are left unanswered about Online eSIM Cards. In this article, we will cover all those questions and talk about the myths and facts about an eSIM. So read along till the end.

What is eSIM technology?

Before jumping to other things, we first need to understand the eSIM technology. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card, an eSIM card is an embedded chip which makes it a digital SIM technology implanted directly into the device. It eliminates the need to insert a physical SIM into the device and streamlines the network connectivity process.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, functions just like a physical SIM card but without the need for a physical card. Users can activate an eSIM card easily through their device settings, making it a convenient option for travellers. The process is simple, purchase a plan suitable to your needs, activate it, and connect to the local network upon arriving at the destination.

How Does an eSIM Work?

It's all about the programming. Once the user activates the eSIM, his device downloads all the important information like network authentication keys from the network carrier’s server. With this information, your device is able to connect to mobile networks. This process is done via a user-friendly interface which makes the experience smooth and hassle-free.

What are the different ways of activating eSIMs?

An eSIM can be activated using various methods:

·      Manual activation: You need to open the settings of the device and type in the SM-DP+ address (a code that connects the user’s phone to the carrier’s server).

·      QR Code activation: After purchasing the eSIM plan the user receives an email with a QR code. To activate the eSIM, the user needs to scan the QR code on the device they want the eSIM to be activated. QR code-based activation process is an easier and hassle-free way. However, the only con of it is that the user needs two devices for this process.

·      In-app activation: Another way of activating an eSIM card is choosing the In-app activation process. The user needs to install the app of the eSIM package provider on the phone and tap on the activate button. It hardly takes a minute or two for the process to complete.

What are the benefits of having an eSIM?

Opting for an eSIM while travelling to the USA offers an array of benefits:

·      Cost saving: Opting for an eSIM card while on a business trip or a personal trip is a cost-saving alternative. It eliminates the need to purchase a physical SIM and it is 80% lower in cost.

·      Convenience: The user can choose any pack, purchase, download, and activate the plan in one app without visiting the store or inserting a physical SIM.

·      Timesaver: Activating an eSIM is not only cost-effective but also time-saving. Digital onboarding is a faster and more convenient process that hardly takes a few minutes to complete.

·      Flexibility: eSIM allows flexibility to the user. It allows the customer to have several profiles while enjoying the other benefits of physical SIM.

Do eSIMs expire?

Now, let’s talk about the most asked question: do eSIMs expire? Long story short, NO! It is a myth that needs to be busted. eSIM cards do not have an expiry date but they are subject to deactivation based on the operator's policies. An eSIM can be deactivated due to two reasons. First, it hasn’t been used for an extended period. Second, terms set up by the service provider. This deactivation process is similar to the deactivation of a physical SIM.

However, the eSIM plan can expire as it has validity. For example, if you have purchased an Online eSIM Card plan for a validity of 15 days, then the data allowance of the pack will expire after 15 days. Once the plan expires, you cannot access the benefits associated with it. 

Deleting an eSIM is possible?

Well, deleting an eSIM card is indeed possible but you must not delete it before the eSIM plan has expired. Deleting or managing an inactive eSIM is a good practice to keep the eSIM profiles organized and avoid accidental activation or other charges.

However, once deleted, the eSIM cannot be retrieved or reinstalled. There is no recycle bin for eSIM to undo the process too.

To have a streamlined process, double-check that the SIM you are deleting is an inactive one and you do not need it anymore.

Conclusion:

When people look for the best eSIM card online, several questions go through their minds. In the article, we tried to cover as much as we could. Let us sum it up. An eSIM card can not expire ever but the data package of the plan can expire because it depends upon validity. So if you are an avid traveller, we suggest you go through our wide range of affordable domestic and international eSIM travel packs. Prune caters to its services in over 190 countries and offers seamless network connectivity.

Check out our Online eSIM packs for your next trip. Click here!