Even in the era of advanced and powerful smartphones, manufacturers are still hard at work to digitalize a few components to make your mobile experience more straightforward and convenient.

You might have heard about eSIMs when Apple brought it to the iPhone Xs series back in 2018, which essentially allowed these devices to have dual-SIM capabilities. Since then, Apple has incorporated it into iPads and cellular Apple Watches.

Select Android manufacturers, although cautious about its implementation, are starting to incorporate eSIM support on their devices as well.

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But what’s an eSIM? What are its benefits? How can you apply for one? And what devices have it? These are the things we’ll talk about today.

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What is eSIM?

An eSIM is an embedded Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) that stores the details used to authenticate and identify the user of a mobile device.

To make it short, an eSIM works just like a regular SIM card. However, unlike the physical SIM card, this one is embedded in your smartphone, smartwatch, or any mobile device.

This means that you can’t easily go to your nearest store, buy a new SIM, and swap the one on your phone. Instead, you have to contact your telco, scan a QR code, or configure something in your device’s settings to change your eSIM.

It may look like a hassle at first, but there are actually a couple of benefits to using an eSIM. We’ve detailed them below.

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Advantages of eSIM

Other than the hassle of changing SIMs, there are actually more benefits when using an eSIM and a device that has one. Here are some of them.

Switch telcos without having to wait for a physical SIM

Switching mobile networks, especially if you’re a postpaid subscriber, means that you have to wait for a physical SIM to arrive.

But with eSIMs, you don’t have to experience that. Since the details on the eSIM are easily rewritable, you only have to configure a few things on your device, and you’re good to go.

This is also great for travelers. According to Apple, over 400 telcos in 190 countries have support for eSIMs. This means that you can easily transition to your destination’s available network with less hassle and save you from sky-high roaming charges.

Safely store and use multiple SIMs

Since you’re not limited to your device’s physical SIM slot, you can own more than two SIM cards at once. In addition, you’re assured that your third or fourth SIM is safe from getting lost since you don’t have to physically take a tiny card out of your device.

The latest iPhone 14 series can store up to eight (8) eSIMs. Take note that you can only have two numbers active at once, but you still have the peace of mind that the others are ready at your disposal whenever you need them since they are already stored on your device.

Switching between SIMs is actually pretty convenient. See, if one of your networks has better coverage in select locations, you can easily switch to that. Or, if one of your telco providers has a better voice promo, you can jump to that when making a call.

Users who also have different SIMs for work, business, personal, etc., means that they can easily access the number that urgently needs their attention.

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Easier to track lost device

Since criminals will not be able to remove your SIM card, it would be easier for you to track your device. You can contact your telco or local government to use cell towers to see the location of your phone or smartwatch.

Since the SIM is still inside the device, it can stay connected to the internet and will continuously send location details to Apple’s Find My network and other online services.

See also: How to report and block lost devices to the NTC

More room for other hardware on your device

Since it doesn’t require a physical SIM slot on your device, it can make room for other components like a bigger battery, better speaker, etc.

Different devices, one number

This feature, although limited to Apple devices currently, means that you can have one number for different devices.

Say, you want to go for a run but don’t want to bring your phone with you. All you need is your cellular Apple Watch, which will both track your workout and stay connected to the internet to receive calls and messages from the same number.

Improved ingress protection

Having no SIM card slot means fewer openings on your phone, thus lowering the chances of any dust or water getting in on your device and possibly damaging it.

Help save the planet

Since you’re using less hardware, you’d also be helping save the planet. eSIMs are sustainable as you don’t need physical SIM cards that are made of plastic and other materials.

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How to get eSIM in the Philippines

Some telcos in the Philippines have started offering eSIM services to their subscribers. You can check them out below.

How to get eSIM from Globe Telecom

eSIM is available for Globe Postpaid Plan users. Existing users can convert their physical SIMs at select Globe stores nationwide, while new users can do it via the Globe Online Shop.

How to get eSIM from Smart

Smart Signature subscribers can convert to the new eSIM technology in Smart Stores across the country.

How to get eSIM from DITO

Currently, DITO hasn’t mentioned any eSIM support on any of its online channels. We’ll update this article once we hear from the company.

Prepaid eSIM

Smart has started offering prepaid eSIM to its subscribers for Php99. Globe will launch its own prepaid eSIM by Q4 2023.

Smartphones with eSIM support

Here’s a list of smartphones that have official eSIM support. We’ll provide more updates once they are available.

  • iPhone XS series and later
  • iPhone SE 2020 and 2022
  • Cellular Apple Watch Series 3 and later
  • Google Pixel 2 and later
  • OPPO Find X3 and later
  • Sony Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 III Lite, 10 IV

If you own any recent high-end device, there’s a good chance that it probably supports eSIM. You can easily check it on the manufacturer’s website, manual, or specs list for verification.

To check if your smartphone has eSIM support, go to settings and search for “eSIM.”


These are the things you should know about eSIM technology. If you have more questions, someone from the team or the community will try to help you out in the comments section below.

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  1. What advantages does using esim brings to adding phone memory. Example, if my phone memory is 16 gigs. Can I increase it using esim?