If you’ve purchased a new smartphone or IoT device recently, you may have noticed something different about activating your service—there was no physical SIM card involved. That’s because these devices are using embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, which has rapidly been adopted as an innovative alternative to traditional SIM cards.
How do eSIM cards work? Unlike traditional physical SIM cards that you need to insert and remove, eSIMs are built directly into the supported device’s chipset and are a permanent part of your phone. These tiny chips eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, offering great flexibility and convenience.
If you’ve ever had to swap SIM cards while traveling internationally or experienced the hassle of replacing a lost or damaged card, then you’ll appreciate the simplicity and flexibility that eSIMs offer.
As network connectivity becomes increasingly vital for applications with IoT devices, eSIM is poised to transform the mobile experience for both personal and business use. But just how does eSIM work? Let’s discuss how businesses can leverage this technology to streamline device management and deliver agile, innovative solutions for a digital workforce.
How Does eSIM Work? Key Features of eSIM Technology
The most notable feature of eSIM technology is that it eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. Removing the physical SIM card improves a device’s durability, improves water resistance, and saves companies time and hassle on replacing damaged devices. But that’s just scratching the surface—eSIMs are loaded with features that could make a huge difference in business. Here’s how eSIMs work and some of their most important features.
No Physical SIM Card Required
An eSIM is embedded directly into the device’s hardware, negating the need for tiny SIM trays or worrying about losing the card. This feature is convenient for frequent travelers who often switch between carriers or international networks. Rather than fumbling with different SIM cards for different countries, you can switch profiles on the go right from your device’s settings.
For businesses managing a mobile workforce, remotely provisioning devices without physical SIM cards simplifies operations. eSIM cards can be remotely programmed from anywhere, removing the need to ship SIM cards, and saving both time and money.
Another common question about eSIM cards is, do eSIM cards work with multiple carriers in one device?
Multiple Profiles on a Single Device
One of the most important features of eSIM technology is the ability to store multiple carrier profiles on a single device. This means you can switch between different networks or mobile plans without swapping out a physical SIM card.
For international travelers, this is a game changer. When arriving in another country you can switch to a local carrier within seconds.
This feature offers businesses flexibility in managing a mobile workforce. Employees can toggle between profiles to access the best network for their location without carrying multiple devices.
Remote SIM Provisioning
With an eSIM, how does it work when setting up a new carrier or switching to a different network? Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require you to manually insert the card and configure your settings, eSIMs can be activated remotely through software. This can happen via an app, a QR code, or even over the air.
This results in faster device deployment and easier management of mobile assets with little downtime. It reduces the logistical burden of handling and distributing physical SIM cards across teams, improving operational efficiency.
What’s more, it provides companies with the ability to negotiate with multiple carriers to ensure the most cost-effective and reliable service.
How eSIM Works for Connectivity
While learning how to set up an eSIM profile is important, it also helps to understand how an eSIM card works to connect you to a cellular network. From a technical standpoint, eSIM-equipped devices work much like those with traditional SIM cards. The main difference is that instead of inserting a physical SIM, the device connects to the network using the embedded SIM technology.
When you turn on an eSIM-enabled device, it reads the SIM information stored in its secure element – a tamper-resistant platform capable of securely hosting applications and their confidential and cryptographic data. This information includes subscriber details, authentication keys, and protocols to connect to your chosen network.
The beauty of this system is its flexibility. Your device can store multiple eSIM profiles, and you can switch between them as needed. This is particularly useful for businesses managing a mobile workforce, as it allows for seamless transitions between networks based on coverage, cost, or other factors.
Managing eSIM Profiles
Managing eSIM profiles is simple, thanks to the tools provided by carriers and device manufacturers. Most devices with eSIM support allow users to switch between carrier profiles via apps or device settings.
Carriers typically provide user-friendly applications that facilitate the management of eSIM profiles. These tools allow users to easily add new profiles, switch between them, and monitor their data usage with just a few taps.
For businesses managing mobile workforces, this process can be streamlined even further. Many enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions now offer eSIM management capabilities, allowing IT teams to provision and manage eSIM profiles across their entire fleet of devices from a central console.
Benefits of eSIM for Businesses
What is eSIM used for in business? The benefits of eSIM technology extend far beyond convenience. eSIMs offer a range of advantages that can significantly enhance operations and reduce costs for organizations.
Better Security and Durability
Because an eSIM is embedded in the device, it’s far less vulnerable to damage, theft, or loss compared to traditional SIM cards. If you’ve ever lost a phone, you know the hassle of getting a new SIM card issued. eSIMs solve this problem by removing the physical component altogether, which also makes them more secure.
This reduces the risk of SIM-related fraud or security breaches for an enterprise business. Since the eSIM can’t be easily removed or swapped, it’s harder for malicious actors to steal your data. And, in the rare case of a lost or stolen device, it can be remotely deactivated and secured.
eSIM vs. Traditional SIM Cards: A Comparison
Now that we understand the main features of eSIM, here’s how it works compared to a traditional SIM card:
| Feature | eSIM (Embedded SIM) | Traditional SIM Card |
| Physical Form | Integrated into the device’s chipset (no physical card needed) | Removable physical card |
| Size | Built directly into the device’s hardware | Different sizes (Mini/Standard, Micro, Nano SIM) |
| Carrier Switching | Switches between carriers digitally (via software) | Requires physical removal and replacement |
| Activation | Activated via QR code, app, or carrier settings | Requires physical insertion and sometimes carrier settings |
| Multiple Profiles | Supports multiple carrier profiles on one device | Typically supports one carrier at a time (dual SIM models exist) |
| Convenience for Travelers | Easily switch between profiles without SIM swapping | Requires physical SIM swap for each carrier |
| Durability | More secure, no wear and tear from physical handling | Can be lost, damaged, or stolen |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces plastic waste (no physical SIM card needed) | Contributes to plastic waste and e-waste |
| Device Compatibility | Limited to devices with eSIM support | Universally supported in all SIM-compatible devices |
| Security | Enhanced security as it cannot be easily removed | More vulnerable to theft or swapping |
Why eSIM is the Future of Mobile Connectivity
The growth of eSIM adoption signals connectivity is shifting to an entirely digital model. This happens as many business leaders ask, “how does eSIM work?” The answer lies in its digital architecture—eSIM technology embeds connectivity directly into devices instead of physical SIM cards. Most new phones are shipping with eSIM support, making it easier than ever to switch carriers, manage multiple profiles, and activate mobile plans remotely.
This trend transforms how consumers interact with mobile networks and how businesses manage their mobile workforces and IoT devices. eSIM technology streamlines mobile device management, offering remote provisioning and reducing downtime. MetTel helps you take eSIM technology to the next level with our Single SIM solution. Single SIM allows users to seamlessly switch between all major carriers on the same eSIM activation, based on the best available signal, all through one provider, one data plan, and one bill.
eSIM technology ensures efficiency and seamless connectivity for enterprises managing a mobile workforce. The security advantages are clear, with eSIMs being less vulnerable to theft or damage since they’re embedded directly into the device. This added protection enhances your cloud security, helping keep your business secure in the digital age.
As eSIM continues to replace traditional SIM cards, now is the perfect time to explore how it can benefit your business. MetTel’s IoT connectivity solution keeps you connected to the strongest possible signal — no matter where you are in the world. Learn more about our IoT Single SIM or contact us with questions!