Can I Make My Phone eSIM Compatible?

Introduction

Technology is always evolving in the consumer space. eSIMs are handy in the IOT and since phones have become eSIM compatible, they’ve made staying connected abroad or at home more accessible for people. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are built into your device. Not all devices are eSIM compatible, but if you’ve bought a model that has come out in the last few years, the chances of yours are high. According to Counterpoint, a research firm, In 2022, eSIM-capable device shipments grew 11% YoY to reach 424 million units despite a 3% YoY fall in overall cellular-connected device shipments due to weaker demand for smartphones. Globally, more than 275 MNOs support eSIM and provide connections to 30+ different eSIM-capable consumer device models on average.

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But can you make your phone eSIM compatible? This blog explores whether you can adapt your current phone to use eSIM technology and provides detailed guidance on the topic.

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Understanding eSIM Technology

What is eSIM? eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM card. It's a new technology and has become popular for travelers who want to stay connected without dealing with the hassle of swapping SIM cards in a new location.

How eSIM Differs from Traditional SIM Cards Traditional SIM cards require physical handling to swap between different carriers or phones. In contrast, eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles and switch between them through your phone's settings. For more information on switching you can visit here.

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How to Make Your Phone eSIM Compatible

Contrary to popular belief, you can use eSIM phone plans without needing a phone that supports eSIM. Many prepaid eSIM plans are very cheap and can be bought ahead of travel, but there are still many phones that don’t have an eSIM chip built-in. The following on how to make your phone eSIM compatible will be more technical, but here's how it works:

Understanding eSIM and eUICC

eSIM Definition: Besides being a digital SIM card, an eSIM is really a specification implemented by a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card). Phones with eSIM support have an embedded UICC (eUICC) chip.
Removable eUICCs: These are traditional nano SIM-sized cards that follow the eSIM specification. They contain an eUICC chip and can be used in devices with a SIM card slot. Companies like eSIM.me and 5ber offer these removable eUICCs.

Steps to Make Your Phone eSIM Compatible

Purchase a Removable eUICC:
- Off-the-shelf options: Buy a removable eUICC from companies like eSIM.me or 5ber.
- DIY option: Purchase an eUICC chip, remove the original chip from a nano SIM, and weld the eUICC chip onto the nano SIM card. Tutorials for this process are available online.
Provisioning the eSIM Plan:
- Built-in Apps: Most Android phones with built-in eSIM support come with apps like SIM Manager that handle eSIM provisioning, but these apps typically don't work with removable eUICCs.
- Specialized Apps: Companies like eSIM.me and 5ber provide apps that work with their removable eUICCs.
Using OpenEUICC for DIY Solutions:
- Open Source App: OpenEUICC is an open-source app for Android that allows provisioning of eSIM profiles onto removable eUICCs.
- Root Access: To use OpenEUICC, you need a phone with root access. This app requires certain system privileges to function.
- Provisioning Process: Once the eSIM plan is provisioned onto the removable eUICC, it can be used in any device with a SIM card slot.

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By following these steps, you can make your phone eSIM compatible and take advantage of the flexibility and cost savings of eSIM plans, even if your device doesn't natively support eSIM technology.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can make your phone is eSIM compatible and take advantage of the flexibility and cost savings of eSIM plans, even if your device doesn't natively support eSIM technology. Most phones released today come with built in eSIM technology, but for people who don’t have the access to those yet, it’s possible to buy SIM cards that allow for eSIM technology to be implemented into your phone.

If you're ready to explore the benefits of eSIM technology and seamless global connectivity, check our website here: Firsty. With Firsty's app, you can access free mobile data and affordable high-speed options, making your travels and daily life easier. Firsty free offers unlimited free mobile data for a period of time by watching a quick advertisement in the app. You can watch as many advertisements as you want to stay connected and use essential apps like messaging, maps, and Uber. Firsty Fast comes with flexible and affordable data options so you can get the most data out of your apps like social media, streaming and more!

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