5 Reasons to Switch to eSIM: Pros and Cons

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular, and many companies are moving away from physical SIM cards in favor of digital one. Based on insights from experts at the popular provider ESIM-Man, here are five reasons why eSIM might be the best option for you and some of the pros and cons of making the switch.

1. eSIM is Convenient for Travel

With a physical SIM card, you would need to buy a local SIM card to continue using mobile services while traveling, or you would have to use international data roaming, which can be expensive. Nowadays, many apps allow you to get a travel-specific eSIM in just a few minutes, often at a very low cost.

2. Quick Switching Between Carriers and Plans

Although most users can use only one active eSIM at a time, you can have multiple plans and switch between them as needed. This process is usually much simpler than purchasing a new physical SIM card.

3. eSIM Cannot be Damaged or Lost

While it may not seem like a major advantage, but physical SIM cards can wear out over time, requiring replacement. They can also be stolen, leading to potential personal data breaches if you store contacts on them. An eSIM is embedded in the motherboard of your device, making it easy to disable or re-enable with a few clicks.

4. eSIM is Hard to Duplicate and Counterfeit

Creating an eSIM is easier than producing a physical card, but duplicating an eSIM is challenging. This can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage. It is harder to transfer an eSIM from one phone to another, as you need to update all the information and create a new eSIM with your phone number.

5. Easier to Find a Lost Device

If your device is lost or stolen, an eSIM can help track it because operators can access the data and help trace the signal or block the card. This is particularly useful if you haven’t set up location services on your device.

Security Considerations

Some may think that eSIMs are less secure than physical SIM cards, but this is not the case. eSIMs have undergone extensive testing worldwide and have been shown to have the same level of security as physical SIM cards. Additionally, you can set up notifications if someone tries to remove your eSIM, and it is much harder to transfer data from one eSIM to another without undergoing verification processes with the operator.

Are There Any Downsides to eSIM?

Yes, the main downside is that eSIMs are not yet supported in all countries. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, transferring data from an eSIM embedded in one device to a new one can be challenging. It is often simpler to block the old eSIM and set up a new one. If necessary, you can ask your operator to notify your contacts about your new number or try to restore your number after setting up the new eSIM.

Conclusion

So, switching to eSIM offers numerous advantages, including convenience for travel, ease of switching between operators and plans, reduced risk of damage or loss, difficulty in duplication, and improved chances of locating a lost device. While there are some downsides, such as limited support in certain countries and challenges in transferring data between devices, the benefits often outweigh these drawbacks. As eSIM technology continues to evolve and expand its reach, it is likely to become the most popular standard for mobile connectivity in 2024.