Introduction 

While searching for a new SIM so you can subscribe to a mobile postpaid plan, you might have come across eSIMs. It may have piqued your interest, especially now that more telcos, including DITO Telecommunity, offer this option.

An eSIM is a subscriber identity module in microchip form embedded into your phone. It is not easily removable like the standard plastic SIM card you are used to, and it is much smaller than earlier versions.

You may be thinking, by now, aside from it being built into your phone, what are the advantages of using an eSIM? Also, if you ever want to switch from a physical chip to this digital option, how can you do it? This article will answer your questions in detail.

How To Convert From a Mobile Postpaid SIM to a Postpaid eSIM 

Converting to a mobile postpaid eSIM is different from how you do with plastic SIM cards. With the latter, you replace your old SIM by removing it from your phone and plugging in the new one. Below are the steps to take to switch to a digital SIM successfully: 

Converting a Physical SIM to an eSIM 

If you are considering an eSIM, you must first check if your phone is compatible. Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Motorola’s Razr are some of the devices that enable eSIM use. Note that you should also verify which models work with digital SIMs; often, only the later releases are compatible. Apple iPhone versions, for instance, have an eSIM feature, starting with the XR and later iPhones.

Acquiring a New eSIM 

After confirming that your phone works with an eSIM, you can purchase your digital postpaid SIM card from your trusted network carrier in the Philippines. Telcos like DITO allow you to buy the eSIM online or via Experience Stores. Upon purchase, you need to register your SIM with your carrier and activate the eSIM using your device.

Compatible Devices With a Mobile Postpaid eSIM 

Fortunately, many devices compatible with either prepaid or postpaid eSIM are available in the Philippines. To get a picture of how many, here is a list of phones that particularly work with the DITO eSIM:

You can further maximize DITO’s offerings by acquiring eSIM-ready phones with 5G-compatible ones. This way, you can leverage the power of 5G connectivity and enjoy the advantages of a digital SIM in one device.  

Converting to an eSIM is easy, right? But before you buy any digital SIM, it will help to learn about the pros and cons of switching to it first to help you make an informed decision.

Pros and Cons of Switching to a Mobile Postpaid eSIM 

In addition to the benefits of a postpaid plan, an eSIM provides advantages related to activation and network access in the Philippines. There are also a few disadvantages, but nothing that is not workable. The following factors can help you weigh the pros and cons better.

Pros 

Easy Activation 

Activating a physical SIM card requires you to open your device’s protective case and plug in the SIM. You wouldn’t want to do this outdoors, or risk your phone’s internal components catching dust or misplacing the SIM card. Also, a nano SIM is only 12.3x8.8 mm; that means you will need some steady hands to insert it into your phone.  

On the other hand, an eSIM is already soldered into the device during manufacturing, so all you need to do is acquire an eSIM profile from your carrier, register it, and activate it on your smartphone. You can do this anytime and anywhere, provided you’re connected to the internet.

Multiple Phone Numbers 

Opting for an eSIM allows you to use multiple phone numbers while using only one device. This setup lets you separate your work or business contacts from personal ones without having to buy a new gadget for each need. Furthermore, you can receive calls and text messages without switching phones.

Swift Network Changes 

Getting an eSIM in the Philippines enables you to switch between networks, regardless of whether you opt for a prepaid or a postpaid plan. Such capability is crucial when you need to subscribe to more than one network carrier to maximize the promos each telco offers.  

An eSIM is also convenient when you frequently travel, as you do not need to remove any SIM card or permanently disable an account when you need to subscribe to the location’s available network. It also helps you save on data roaming costs. 

Space Saving 

Since an eSIM is already built into your phone, there’s no need for a space to house a physical SIM card. This gives the device more room for additional features that the manufacturer deems essential. Doing away with a SIM card slot also makes the phone thinner and lighter, and thus easier to handle.

Cons 

Limited Compatibility 

While convenient to use, digital SIMs are not designed for all devices. For instance, you can only use your postpaid eSIM in the Philippines with an iPhone XR or later. If you have an older model, you will need to upgrade to a new one or look for another brand. That said, it might be the right time to change your devices to keep up with technological advances, such as 5G connectivity.

Complex Device Switching 

An eSIM is easy to activate, but it can be a hassle if you need to switch from one device to another. You cannot simply remove the SIM card from the phone and transfer it to another gadget. And since it’s a digital SIM, you need to retrieve the stored information from the cloud and activate your SIM profile for the new phone. If you have more than two eSIMs, this process can take time. 

As such, it’s crucial that you take extra care of your phone so it will not break or get lost, saving you the need to activate your eSIM on another device.

How To Get Postpaid eSIM Online via DITO eShops 

If you are in the Philippines and you want to buy a postpaid eSIM online, you will not go wrong with the DITO eSIM. You don’t need to go to a service center or a physical store to acquire your digital SIM; you can shop for it via the DITO eShop!

Note, however, that you need to check whether your device is compatible with the DITO eSIM. If there’s no issue with that, visit the eShop using your mobile phone and scan the QR code to get your digital SIM. Remember to download the DITO mobile app, too, as you need it to register the eSIM before activation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Postpaid eSIMs 

Does an eSIM Consume More Battery? 

An eSIM consumes as much battery as your physical SIM card. Rather than the SIM, your phone settings might be draining your device’s power fast. Being connected to mobile data for long hours, high screen brightness, and charging at 1% battery are factors that contribute more to reducing your gadget’s battery life. 

Another factor is the use of multiple networks in one device, as this makes your phone busier than if you use only one SIM. 

What Is the Lifespan of an eSIM?  

There is no clear-cut answer regarding the lifespan of an eSIM, but it is prone to deactivation due to inactivity. Some telcos will flag digital SIMs that are unused for a year or two. If you need to get rid of your eSIM for good, you can request to delete your SIM profile following your network carrier’s instructions. 

Does eSIM Support 5G? 

Generally, an eSIM can support 5G connectivity. Specific telcos like DITO Telecommunity, which spearheaded 5G in the Philippines, offer an eSIM that accommodates the next-generation cellular technology. Connecting to 5G will also depend on the device you are using. To ensure you can enjoy both high-speed, low-latency 5G and the convenience of eSIM, you can check DITO’s list of 5G-compatible devices and eSIM-compatible phones. 

Conclusion 

As manufacturers continue to upgrade their devices to include more features, there is a need to reduce the size of the SIM card, giving rise to the eSIM. This latest iteration of the subscriber identity module aims to make connectivity more convenient and practical for gadget owners. If you are one of the users worldwide who would want to keep up, switching to an eSIM as you upgrade your phone is a practical move.

Fortunately, getting an eSIM, whether for mobile postpaid or prepaid, is easy and affordable if you are a DITO subscriber. Pick up a 5G-compatible and eSIM-ready device, and you can maximize both technologies and enjoy DITO’s array of promos! 

Ready to make the switch today? Shop for your DITO eSIM, only at ₱99!