Why I Switched from eSIM Back to Physical SIM Cards. As technology continues to evolve, many of us have embraced newer options in the mobile industry, such as the eSIM (embedded SIM). At first glance, eSIM technology seems like a smart innovation, offering the convenience of switching between phone plans or carriers without the need to physically swap SIM cards.
However, after using an eSIM for a while, I’ve found myself missing the simplicity of traditional physical SIM cards. Let me explain why I’ve made the decision to switch back.
Why I Switched from eSIM Back to Physical SIM Cards
For those who frequently change phones or carriers, eSIM can quickly become a hassle. While switching to a physical SIM card involves a straightforward process of inserting the card into your device, the eSIM setup requires a series of steps, such as downloading QR codes or installing carrier-specific apps.
These extra steps can seem cumbersome, especially when compared to the simplicity of swapping out a physical SIM.
Moreover, with eSIM, you can run into compatibility issues even if your phone supports the technology. Some carriers may not offer eSIM on certain devices, and even when eSIM is technically supported, it might not work as expected. For example, I experienced issues when trying to use my Galaxy S23 Ultra with Verizon.
While Verizon website insisted that I needed a physical SIM card, the same phone worked fine with other carriers like Mint Mobile. This is because the eSIM functionality depends on the carrier’s support, which can sometimes be inconsistent.
Is eSIM Truly Better Than Physical SIM?
eSIM technology offers several advantages, such as the convenience of managing multiple phone plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards. However, it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. One of the biggest drawbacks of eSIM is its lack of flexibility.
While the process of activating a new SIM may be faster than getting a physical one, it still requires specific steps to get everything up and running, which may not always be intuitive for the average user.
Some smartphones offer the option to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM, but unless you’re looking to free up your SIM card slot or use dual SIM functionality, this process doesn’t provide much tangible benefit.
In fact, eSIM main advantage is convenience during the setup, but it doesn’t drastically improve the overall mobile experience for users who are simply looking for a reliable and hassle-free phone setup.
The Complexity of eSIM Compatibility
One of the key challenges with eSIM is compatibility between carriers, even if your phone supports it. For example, an unlocked phone might not show up as compatible with a specific carrier’s eSIM offering, even though the phone meets all the technical requirements.
Often, this issue is due to the phone IMEI not being registered in the carrier database, especially if the phone was purchased from a different carrier or is unlocked.
While these compatibility issues are usually solvable by contacting customer support, they can add frustration for users who expect a simple, plug-and-play experience. This process is especially problematic for users who are trying to quickly set up a new phone and don’t want to spend additional time troubleshooting.
Adoption of eSIM by Carriers
Despite the occasional hiccups, some carriers have seen success with eSIM adoption. For example, Verizon’s prepaid carrier Visible reports that around 75% of its customers now use eSIM. This uptake is likely due to the fact that new devices are shipped with eSIM technology by default, and the ease of activating a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option via eSIM makes the process straightforward for users.
Interestingly, eSIM users appear to be more engaged with their mobile plans. Verizon Value found that eSIM customers use 40% more data than their physical SIM counterparts, and they are also 46% more likely to subscribe to premium plans. Additionally, eSIM users are more likely to use features like smartwatches and international roaming plans.
The Case for Physical SIM Cards
While eSIM has its advantages, there are also some compelling reasons to stick with physical SIM cards. For one, they are less prone to compatibility issues, especially when switching between carriers or devices. Physical SIMs also don’t require the same level of setup or troubleshooting that eSIM can demand.
Furthermore, if you ever need to transfer your SIM card to a new phone, it’s a simple process of popping the card out and inserting it into the new device.
Another benefit of physical SIM cards is their security. While eSIM doesn’t require physical contact with the phone components, this can also be a downside. A stolen physical SIM card can give a malicious actor access to your phone’s incoming messages, including important codes for two-factor authentication (2FA).
This is a risk that many users are willing to take for the sake of convenience, but it’s worth considering.
When eSIM Makes Sense
That said, eSIM does offer some real benefits, especially for users who travel internationally or want to test out different carriers without committing to a long-term plan. For example, eSIM allows users to try out different networks with minimal commitment and without having to port over their number.
Some providers like Airalo, Saily, and AloSIM offer short-term international data plans, which can be extremely useful for frequent travelers who need to stay connected abroad but don’t want to deal with international roaming charges.
Additionally, with eSIM, it easier to manage multiple phone plans on a single device. This can be useful for users who need a work and personal line on the same phone, or those who want to take advantage of special carrier deals.
Conclusion
While eSIM is an exciting innovation and offers convenience for specific use cases, it doesn’t yet completely replace the reliability and simplicity of physical SIM cards. The process of setting up eSIM can be cumbersome, and compatibility issues can add unnecessary complexity.
For now, physical SIMs remain a better choice for users who prioritize ease of use, flexibility, and compatibility.