Introduction 

Digitalization is everywhere: hard drives are moving to cloud storage, manually-driven cars are becoming self-driving vehicles, and physical SIM cards are transforming into digital SIMs.  

When you have a new phone, you might have wondered what the eSIM (or digital SIM) support is all about. You may also have asked yourself: Do you need it as much as cloud storage, or can you ignore it for now, like you would self-driving cars? To determine whether an eSIM is right for you, read this guide by DITO Telecommunity.

What Does ‘eSIM’ Mean? 

Before making any decisions, you need to know: what does “eSIM” even mean? Well, it’s pretty literal: eSIM is short for embedded SIM, and is called that way because this type of Subscriber Identity Module is soldered into a device’s motherboard. It’s unlike a traditional, physical SIM card that you can buy separately and then insert into a SIM tray. 

But while the SIM is embedded, the phone is not automatically subscribed to a network carrier. Rather, you’ll need to purchase an eSIM from your chosen provider and activate the eSIM. We’ll talk more about how in the next section. 

How Does an eSIM Work?

Knowing what an eSIM is naturally leads to another question: how does it work? You can better understand the technology if your phone supports eSIMs. But to give you an idea, here are the steps to purchase and activate a digital SIM profile:

1. Check whether your network carrier offers an eSIM, and buy it online if so. Note that what you’re paying for is the QR code that you’ll use to register your SIM.
2. Wait for the QR code to be sent to your email or to be available upon checkout at your network carrier’s online shop.
3. Go to your phone’s settings and tap the SIM Card Manager (for Android phones) or Cellular Plan (for Apple phones) option.
4. Select Add a Mobile Plan/Cellular Plan, then choose Add Using QR code.
5. Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart your phone and start using your new eSIM!

While eSIMs work much like traditional SIMs, the activation process makes them starkly different yet convenient. Moreover, a digital SIM allows you to use multiple SIM profiles using only a single chip, which is not possible with physical SIM cards.

What Phones Support eSIMs?

We know, digital SIMs are wonderful. But before you jump onto the bandwagon, you should learn what phones support eSIMs. 

As a general rule, devices manufactured from 2018 onwards likely come with eSIM support, but to be sure, these are some brands and models to buy to ensure you can use a digital SIM profile:

• Apple: iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 series or later, iPad Pro (3rd Gen and up), iPad Mini (5th Gen and up), iPad Air (3rd Gen and up), Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch 3 or later
• Google: Pixel 3 or later
• Honor: Magic 4 Pro or later, Honor 90 series
• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
• Motorola: Razr 2019 or later, Edge series, Moto G Stylus 5G 2024
• Nokia: XR21, X30, G60 5G
• Oppo: Find series, Reno 5A, Reno 9A
• Samsung: S20 series or later, Z series, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Sharp: Aquos Sense 6s or later, Aquos R7, R8, R8 Pro
• Sony: Xperia 10 III Lite or later
• Xiaomi: 12T Pro or later, Blackshark 3, Note 13 Pro+

If your phone is not listed here, you can check your manufacturer’s specifications page to confirm eSIM compatibility.

Do You Really Need To Purchase an eSIM?  

Now that you know what an eSIM (digital SIM) is and how it works, the next question is: Do you actually need it? We believe you do if you’re like any of the following users:

For Frequent Travelers: Maintain Connectivity

Travelers who visit other countries have long relied on data roaming to stay connected, but eSIMs have been changing that practice. When you use a digital SIM that is compatible with the region you’re in, you get to buy local data promos, which are more affordable than when your original provider bills roaming charges. The fact that you don’t need to fumble with a teeny tiny card upon setting foot on a foreign land is also convenient — just activate the eSIM at the airport upon arrival, and you’re ready to go!

For Families: Allow Connection Overseas

While data roaming can indeed help you keep in touch with your loved ones back home when you’re abroad, using an eSIM can be much more affordable. The savings you will incur will also be more substantial if you tend to call your loved ones regularly. Using an eSIM when visiting a family abroad is also beneficial, as it helps you buy local plans and contact them upon your arrival.

For Employees: Separate Contact Numbers  

Employees who use only one phone can use eSIMs to separate their work and personal contact numbers. The ease of switching between networks also removes the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards. Because you can easily switch networks, you can also set solid boundaries when you’re out of working hours.

For Employers: Reduce Need for Work Phones

If you’re an employer and need to contact your team on their phones, especially for fieldwork, you can give them an eSIM as a work contact. That way, you don’t need to spend on providing them with devices. Moreover, you give your employees the freedom to disconnect after hours. 

For Individuals: Switch Between Networks  

Generally, an eSIM is perfect for switching between networks without swapping physical SIM cards. This feature is most useful if you’re the type who wants to maximize your data plan based on your specific needs. Moreover, you can switch easily when one network is out of load. 

Ready to Purchase Your First eSIM? Get Your Digital SIM DITO!  

If you’re looking for a fast and reliable network, look no further than DITO and our eSIM offer! For just ₱99, you get 9 GB of data, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 150 minutes of calls to other networks. The prepaid eSIM also gives you access to a wide range of prepaid plans that you can use to stay connected, no matter your budget. Get the eSIM from the eShop now!

Conclusion 

Now that you know what an eSIM or digital SIM is, you can better judge whether you need one for your connectivity needs. Return to this guide to ensure that you have the correct device and use case to make the most out of this technology. Visit the DITO eShop to learn more about our eSIM offer, and get a chance to buy the digital SIM at a discounted price!