Introduction 

If you are here, you are likely one of the people already considering getting an eSIM for your phone. It's no issue if you are second-guessing yourself or you want to learn more information, but we can tell you right away that your decision to try using the eSIM is a smart move. 

For one, you can use multiple numbers with an eSIM. Second, many newly released gadgets already have an embedded chip, and it would be a waste not to utilize it. Lastly, you can conveniently get an eSIM online — yes, even in the Philippines. How can you do that? DITO Telecommunity has put together a guide to help you.

Can You Get an eSIM Online in the Philippines? 

Yes, you can buy an eSIM in the Philippines online. This applies to local subscribers like you, who are likely looking for a new eSIM, switching to eSIM, or subscribing to a new network. Examples of situations where you are likely to use eSIM are when your phone has an embedded SIM feature or you want to try the new technology to avoid the hassles of using a physical SIM card. 

Foreigners are also increasingly using eSIMs when traveling to the Philippines, which can account for why local network carriers like DITO are enabling the online purchase of their eSIMs. Travelers often choose to buy an eSIM for its convenience and to save on roaming charges.

How Do You Activate Your eSIM on Your Phone? 

Many who favor the use of eSIMs cite convenience as their top reason. This ease of use begins with the simple purchase of the SIM, which can be bought online from your preferred network provider. The convenience extends to activation. Provided you have obtained your QR code, you can activate your eSIM in quick, simple steps:

For iPhone Users

• Scan your QR code and tap the 'Cellular plan detected' prompt, or touch and hold the QR code you received via email, then tap 'Add eSIM.'
• Tap 'Continue' and then tap 'Add cellular plan.' Enter the confirmation code if prompted.
• If you choose to activate your eSIM manually, go to your phone settings, tap 'Cellular' or 'Mobile data,' tap 'Add eSIM,' then enter your details.

For Android Users

• Check your phone's specifications to make sure it's eSIM-ready.
• Once confirmed, go to your phone's settings, then tap 'Connections,' then tap 'SIM card manager.'
• Tap 'add eSIM' to start the installation process.
• Scan the QR code from your network provider and enter your activation code.

Who Can Benefit the Most From Using eSIM in the Philippines?  

Aside from being able to buy them online, eSIMs in the Philippines offer several additional advantages that resonate with many users. If you are like any of the following, you are likely to benefit from using this SIM type as well.

Those Who Need More Security  

If you are prone to losing your SIM cards, eSIMs can help you reduce physical security risks. As they are embedded into your phone, your eSIM has virtually no chance of getting lost or stolen; of course, you need to ensure your phone itself is not lost to keep the eSIM with you. The eSIM feature also enables you to eliminate the need for swapping SIM cards — the act itself can result in losing the chips, or you may end up forgetting where you hid them.  

You can also erase your eSIM profile immediately, which can be useful if you suspect that your mobile number or other personal data associated with your SIM has been compromised. You can delete the eSIM profile using your phone in just a few seconds. Sometimes, you may need to delete one eSIM profile if you only used it for travel, or if you want to manage your eSIM profiles more effectively.

Those With Multiple Profiles 

You may be one of the many Filipinos who have multiple contact numbers, citing the need to separate professional from personal contacts. As such, an eSIM-ready phone is a practical solution for your requirements — you don't need to swap physical SIM cards every time you need either of your mobile numbers, but you can switch from one eSIM to the other. Usually, you can do this with a dual-SIM phone, but with an eSIM-ready device, you can do this with more than two eSIM profiles. 

Where else can you use your eSIM besides splitting your professional and personal contacts? Well, you can maximize each network's promos to your advantage. Some carriers offer much more affordable data promos than others, and you can swap your profiles depending on the availability of coverage and your budget. 

Those With Flagship Smartphones 

Flagship models from phone manufacturers are likely to come with an eSIM, and you should take advantage of it. New releases are pricier, so you would want to maximize their use by utilizing all that they have to offer. In some countries, such as the USA, Apple has begun to remove the physical SIM card slot in iPhones to make room for additional components and features. Before we experience the same in the Philippines, it would be helpful to get used to eSIMs now.

As a tip to ensure your new phone purchase is worthwhile, check the eSIM-related information about your phone. Some of the questions to ask include:

• How many eSIM profiles can this phone store?
• Can I use more than one eSIM profile simultaneously?
• What is the process for eSIM activation and deletion?
• How complex will the process be if I am to swap my phone and transfer the eSIM data to the new device?

You can learn about these details by checking specifications online or speaking with a customer support representative. Your final choice should align with your needs and threshold.

Those Who Frequently Travel  

Visiting other countries involves plenty of logistical planning, with your phone's connectivity being one of the factors that should not be forgotten. You don't want to risk getting lost or being unable to access your online accounts because your SIM card does not work in the country you are visiting. There's always the option of letting your local carrier charge you for roaming data, but it can be expensive, and your budget may be better spent on buying pasalubong or visiting a few more restaurants and shops. 

With a phone that's eSIM-ready, you will have a wide range of options that work in your target countries. You can easily buy the eSIM online, too, without having to search for a store upon arrival. For Philippine locals traveling abroad, there are many international eSIM carriers to choose from — ensure they are working in your destination. Meanwhile, travelers visiting the Philippines can check the DITO eSIM to ensure a 5G-fast mobile data connection and take advantage of budget-friendly promos.

Which Phones Are Compatible With eSIMs? 

Phones that support eSIMs today include the following brands:

• iPhone
• Samsung
• Google Pixel
• Huawei
• Oppo
• Sony
• Xiaomi
• Motorola
• Honor

Note that only the later versions enable eSIM use. You can review the specifications from each brand's page to determine which models are eSIM-ready. Also, check how many eSIM profiles the device allows.

Ready To Use an eSIM? Get Yours From DITO Today! 

Getting an eSIM online in the Philippines is easy with DITO! Our eSIM offering includes 9 GB of data, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 150 minutes of calls to other networks, all for only ₱99. Once you obtain this eSIM, you also gain access to a wide range of prepaid and postpaid mobile data promotions to keep you connected to your family and friends. 

Buying the eSIM is simple. Just visit our eShop and check out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an eSIM Online in the Philippines 

Can You Convert Your Physical SIM to eSIM? 

You can convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM, depending on your network carrier. Some telecommunications companies in the Philippines offer this service through in-person visits to the carrier's service centers. Some telcos, meanwhile, are still working out the process. Nonetheless, obtaining an eSIM will not necessarily render your old SIM card obsolete if your phone still has a slot for the physical chip, as you can use both. 

Can You Keep Both Your Physical SIM and eSIM Active?  

Yes, you can keep both your physical SIM card and eSIM active if your phone has a slot for a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Most new Android phones and the iPhone allow this setup. 

How Much Does an eSIM Cost? 

Most eSIMs in the Philippines cost ₱99. The price only varies with international eSIMs that work in the country. 

Conclusion 

Buying an eSIM online is a convenient way to maintain your mobile connectivity in the Philippines. You don't need to worry about complex steps or visiting a physical store to get your eSIM. Furthermore, you can easily and quickly activate your SIM profile with just a QR code. 

Ready to maximize your phone's eSIM features? Check out DITO's eSIM and start enjoying the many promos we offer!