Over the years the SIM card has gone through different iterations, thankfully allowing us to store more and more information with each version. It has also made it much easier to transfer that information when we get new phones. But they have never allowed us to have more than one number on a single device … until now. Let’s talk about the eSIM.
What exactly is an eSIM card?
An eSIM (also known as an Embedded Universal Circuit Card) is just like a SIM in function – it stores your data and allows you to connect to the Verizon network. Unlike a SIM card, which is a physical card that’s inserted, the eSIM is embedded within the device.
Why would I want an eSIM card?
We’re glad you asked. An eSIM comes with two very big benefits:
One: An eSIM card allows you to add a second phone number to your device. On top of that, you can have a different data plan for that second number. This is great, for example, if you want to combine your business phone with your personal phone. Doing this will ensure that you have the right plan (business and personal) for the specific needs of each phone number, which in turn will save you money.
Verizon will also allow you to combine two existing numbers, whether or not they are on the same plan. The catch? According to Verizon:
“On 5G phones with Dual SIM with an eSIM, you can only have one active phone number in order to access the 5G network on that phone. If you have two phone numbers on a 5G phone with Dual SIM, you’ll need to temporarily disable one of the numbers before you can connect to the 5G network.”
But when you consider the capacity of 4G and that you may not be using those two numbers at the same time anyway, that catch isn’t so bad after all.
Two: An eSIM allows you to purchase a data plan from a foreign carrier with very little effort when traveling abroad. In the past, connecting to that foreign carrier meant changing out the SIM card. But those days are over. You have enough things to prepare you for travel, so cross this one off your to-do list.
Do all smartphones have an eSIM card now?
At the time of writing this blog, the only phone that comes solely with an eSIM is the Motorola razr, and the devices that support Dual SIM with an eSIM (both the physical card and the internal one) are:
Apple®
iPhone® 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone SE
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a 5G UW
Pixel 5
Sounds pretty good, right?
When you’re ready to make the switch – or should we say addition – reach out to your local TCC and see how easy it is. If you need to upgrade your phone, check out our deals. Not a Verizon customer yet? No worries – it’s easy to transfer your number from your current carrier.
For more information on eSIM Cards, visit eSIM FAQs.