eSIM is a technology that allows information relating to a mobile subscription to be stored on a chip integrated into a device, without the need for a physical SIM card.
The eSIM offers several advantages, such as the possibility of changing operator easily, benefiting from advantageous rates abroad, or even having several numbers on the same device.
Indeed, eSIM allows you to manage several eSIM profiles on the same device , which can be useful for separating your professional and personal life, or for using different plans according to your needs.
But how do you manage multiple eSIM profiles on the same device? Here are some tips to help you.
Check the compatibility of your device
First of all, you must check that your device is compatible with eSIM. In fact, not all devices are equipped with this technology, and you must therefore ensure that your model is part of the list of compatible devices.
For example, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR or later are compatible with eSIM , as well as certain models from Samsung, Huawei, Google or Motorola .
You must also check that your operator offers eSIM offers .
In France, the main operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile) offer eSIM plans, but there are also virtual operators (MVNO) which offer this option, such as Prixtel or NRJ Mobile.
Subscribe to an eSIM plan
Once you have checked the compatibility of your device and operator, you must subscribe to an eSIM . To do this, simply go to your operator's website or mobile application and choose the eSIM option when ordering.
You then receive a QR code by email or SMS, which you must scan with your device to activate the eSIM profile.
If you wish to subscribe to several eSIM plans with the same operator or with different operators, you will have to repeat the same operation for each plan.
You can have up to 10 eSIM profiles on the same device , but you can only use one at a time to make calls or connect to the internet.
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Change eSIM profile
To change the eSIM profile on your device, you must go to the mobile network settings and select the profile you want to use. You can then switch from one profile to another in a few seconds, without having to turn off or restart your device.
You can also personalize the name and color of each eSIM profile, to identify them more easily. For example, you can name a profile “Pro” and give it the color blue, and name another profile “Perso” and give it the color green.
You can also choose which eSIM profile to use for each functionality of your device . For example, you can use one profile to make calls and send text messages, and another profile to connect to the internet.
One can also use a profile to receive calls and SMS from another profile. This way, you can optimize the use of your packages according to your needs.
What are the advantages of eSIM compared to the traditional SIM card?
The eSIM has several advantages over the traditional SIM card, such as:
- The ease of changing operator : simply scan a QR code to activate a new eSIM plan, without having to wait for a physical SIM card or go to the store.
- The possibility of benefiting from advantageous rates abroad : you can subscribe to local or international eSIM plans, without having to pay roaming costs or change your SIM card.
- The ability to have several numbers on the same device : you can manage several eSIM profiles on the same device, which allows you to separate your professional and personal life, or to use different plans according to your needs.
- Reducing environmental impact : eSIM helps avoid plastic waste linked to the production and replacement of traditional SIM cards.
How to cancel an eSIM plan?
To cancel an eSIM plan, you must contact your operator and inform them of your desire to end your subscription .
You must also delete the corresponding eSIM profile on your device, by going to the mobile network settings and choosing the “Delete cellular plan” option.
Can we use eSIM on multiple devices?
No, you cannot use the same eSIM profile on multiple devices . Indeed, each eSIM profile is linked to a single device, and cannot be transferred or shared.
If you want to use another device compatible with eSIM, you must subscribe to a new eSIM plan and activate a new eSIM profile on this device.
Can we use the SIM card and the eSIM at the same time?
Yes, if you have a device compatible with dual SIM (a physical SIM card and an eSIM), you can use both at the same time.
You can thus take advantage of the advantages of the SIM card and the eSIM, such as having two different numbers, or using two different packages.
You can also choose which SIM to use for each functionality of your device (calls, SMS, internet, etc.).