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What is an eSIM? Here is everything you need to know about it

An eSIM, or an embedded SIM, is a type of small integrated SIM chip that is embedded directly into a device such as a smartphone and a tablet. It works similarly to a physical SIM card inserted into a mobile phone, except it is already pre-installed on the device. And once it is activated by a telecom operator that offers eSIM services, you can enjoy a seamless mobile network connection from any part of the world. In India, you can also use prepaid eSIM services such as Airtel eSIM and Jio eSIM on your handset. 

The advantage of using an eSIM is the ease of use it offers. You can connect to any telco that provides eSIM services and upgrade to another mobile network plan within minutes. It saves you the trouble of looking for a place to purchase a new physical SIM while traveling and activating your device at any time. And Prune ensures that you get the best eSIM services available on the app and website. To learn more about this technology of eSIM, read on! 

Is eSIM available in India?

As discussed above, the leading telecom operators of India, such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), enable you to change your physical SIM card to an eSIM. The eSIM technology has been around in India for quite some time now. The eSIM made its way into the Indian market back in 2018, when Apple launched iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. And post that, many brands came forward to launch their eSIM compatible smartphones in India. Top mobile brands such as Samsung, Google, and Microsoft have also introduced handsets that can connect to an eSIM service anytime, along with physical SIM cards. If you want eSIM for iPhones, you can use the latest devices from Apple like the iPhone 13 and 12 series. 

How does eSIM work in India? 

There are only limited devices in India that are compatible with eSIM services. So while the telecom operators such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) offer these services, you have to ensure that your mobile phone supports an eSIM. These devices carry a separate slot to insert a physical SIM card and an eSIM support. The eSIM needs to be activated using a QR code given by the mobile operator. By following simple steps on your smartphone after scanning this code, you can easily switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM in minutes. 

How to add eSIM? 

Activate eSIM on an android device: Get in touch with a data carrier that provides eSIM services. Next, you need to download an eSIM profile on your smartphone after which you will receive a download link to activate the service. It could also be a QR code that you need to scan using your device’s camera. These simple steps just take a few minutes of your time before you are connected and your eSIM data plan activated. 

Activate eSIM on an iOS device: To enable eSIM service on your iPhone along with the dual SIM, you need to go to Settings > Cellular > then tap on Add Cellular Plan. Then in a similar way to Android, you can scan the QR code using your iPhone’s camera. Once you receive a confirmation number, you can enter it to activate the data service. 

What is the difference between an eSIM and a regular SIM? 

A traditional SIM or a regular SIM can be physically removed or inserted from a device. It can be linked to a single profile only, as you use a designated data plan from a provider. On the other hand, you don't have to remove an eSIM. It comes embedded inside your device, and you can connect to any telecom provider and their data plans depending on your need. And unlike a regular SIM card, you can use multiple profiles using an eSIM. 

During your travels, using a physical SIM can be inconvenient, as you need to change it on your device. It is a tedious process to look for a store to purchase a SIM and submit documents to verify your identity. But eSIM is an entirely virtual process. From anywhere and at any time, you can reach out to a carrier to purchase a data plan. It gives you the flexibility to switch between different providers and data plans and makes it a seamless experience during your trips within the country and abroad. 

What are the benefits of using an eSIM?

• An eSIM is very easy to use and gives you a hassle-free experience while using mobile data. As it is already inside the smartphone, you don’t have to insert or remove it whenever you need to make a switch to another data plan or service provider. 
• This form of SIM acts as a dual SIM. You can use it separately for your personal and business use during your travels. 
• Using an eSIM is a safe process. There is no worry over its security, just like a traditional SIM. 
• You can manage your mobile phone connections with far more ease. You don’t have to keep a check on multiple SIM cards. 
• Many local operators offer attractive eSIM data plans. So you can pick one that meets your needs well without spending too much. 

Which are the eSIM-compatible devices? 

Since only select and limited smartphones are compatible with eSIM services in India for now, here is a list of some of them that you can use:

Apple - Apple iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. 

Samsung - Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+, and Samsung Galaxy S22.

Google - Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, and Google Pixel 6 Pro. 

Huawei - Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei P50 Pro, and Huawei Mate 40 Pro. 

Oppo - Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno 5A, and Oppo Reno 6 Pro.

To buy eSIM online, visit: eSIM: Local eSIM for Travellers | Prune