What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card that is built directly into your device's hardware. Instead of inserting a physical plastic card, your mobile number is activated digitally. Think of a physical SIM as a "removable USB drive" while an eSIM is like a "solid-state drive soldered onto the motherboard" — permanently embedded in the phone's hardware.

The "e" stands for embedded, and it is also known as a virtual SIM card or digital SIM card. More than 80% of smartphones are expected to be eSIM capable by 2030.

How Does an eSIM Work?

An eSIM works like a traditional physical SIM card except that it is built directly into a device and can be programmed remotely. Your identity credentials, such as phone numbers and account encryption keys, are stored directly within the device.

To activate an eSIM, you typically:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Network

2. Select "Add Cellular Plan"

3. Download the carrier's profile digitally or scan a QR code provided by your network operator

The activation process takes just a few minutes and requires no physical SIM card or trip to a store.

Key Benefits of eSIM

• Convenience: Activate a new mobile plan in minutes without visiting a store or waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive.

• Multiple Profiles: Store several eSIM profiles on the same device and switch between them instantly — perfect for personal and work lines, or when traveling.

• Travel-Friendly: Purchase an international eSIM plan before your trip and activate it on arrival, avoiding expensive roaming fees and hunting for local SIM shops.

• Security: Your eSIM cannot be removed from your phone, reducing the risk of theft or tampering. It is also extremely difficult to clone.

• Dual SIM Capability: Many devices allow you to use multiple active numbers simultaneously, combining a physical SIM with an eSIM or using two eSIMs.

• Eco-Friendly: eSIMs eliminate plastic waste, packaging, and shipping emissions. Studies show eSIM reduces CO2 emissions by 46% compared to traditional SIM cards.

• Device Design: Without a SIM card slot, devices can have better water and dust resistance, larger batteries, and improved durability.

Potential Limitations

• Carrier Support: Not all network operators support eSIM activation yet.

• Device Compatibility: Only newer devices support eSIM technology; budget and entry-level phones often lack eSIM hardware.

• Device Transfer: While switching between compatible devices is easier, it requires a digital process rather than simply moving a physical card.

eSIM-Compatible Devices

Most major smartphone brands now offer eSIM support in their newer models:

Apple iPhone

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and newer models

• iPhone 11 series and newer

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

• eSIM-only: iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air

Samsung Galaxy

• S21 series and newer

• Note 20

• Z Flip3 and newer, Z Fold3 and newer

• A16, A17, A35, A37, A54, A56, A57

• S23 FE and newer

Google Pixel

• Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6 series, 7 series, 8 series and newer

Motorola

• razr (2025), razr+ (2024)

• Moto Edge (2023 and newer)

• Moto G 5G (2024 and newer)

Other Brands

• OnePlus 11, 12, 13 series

• Oppo Find X series

• Honor Magic series, Honor 90, 200 series

• Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro

• Nokia G60, X30, XR21

Note: In Pakistan, only 8 to 12 percent of smartphones currently in use support eSIM technology, as eSIM chips are mainly built into flagship and mid-range devices.

eSIM in Pakistan — New PTA Policy 2026

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) introduced a revised eSIM policy effective August 17, 2026, making eSIM more affordable and accessible:

• Maximum Initial Issuance Fee: Capped at Rs1,500

• Free Device Transfers: Subscribers can transfer their eSIM between compatible devices up to 10 times free of charge

• Stronger Security Measures: PTA is collaborating with NADRA to develop a multi-factor subscriber verification system, potentially including facial recognition technology

• Digital Transfer System: A secure digital mechanism is being developed to allow users to migrate eSIMs between devices without visiting customer service centers

The policy follows recommendations from a parliamentary committee to simplify eSIM services and make them more consumer-friendly.

International Travel eSIMs

For travelers visiting Pakistan, international travel eSIMs offer a convenient connectivity solution:

• Data-only plans that activate instantly through a QR code

• No biometric verification required for travel eSIMs

• Work on local partner networks including Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone

• Plans start at less than $1 for small daily data packages; entry-level plans around $2

• Most providers support hotspot sharing for laptops and multiple devices

Security Considerations

While eSIMs are generally more secure than physical SIM cards, users should remain vigilant:

• Use strong passwords and biometric authentication.

• Enable two-factor authentication.

• Regularly update device software and carrier settings.

• Be cautious of scam emails, messages, and apps that could interfere with eSIM programming.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step-by-Step Process for Method 1: Activate eSIM via QR Code (Most Common)

2. Check if your device supports eSIM (Settings > About Phone > eSIM status)

3. Contact your mobile network operator and request an eSIM

4. Receive an eSIM activation QR code via email or at the store

5. Go to your device Settings > Mobile Network/Cellular

6. Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM"

7. Scan the QR code provided by your operator

8. Follow the on-screen instructions

9. Enter any confirmation code if prompted

10. Label your eSIM plan (e.g., Personal, Work, Travel)

11. Set your default line preferences

12. Your eSIM is now activated and ready to use

13. Test by making a call or using mobile data

14. Step-by-Step Process for Method 2: Activate eSIM via Operator App

15. Download your network operator's official app

16. Log in to your account

17. Navigate to eSIM activation section

18. Select "Activate eSIM" or "Get eSIM"

19. Confirm your identity using your account credentials

20. The app will trigger the eSIM download

21. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM profile

22. Complete the setup process

23. Your eSIM is now active

24. Step-by-Step Process for Method 3: Transfer eSIM to a New Device

25. On your new device, go to Settings > Mobile Network

26. Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM"

27. Choose "Transfer eSIM from another device"

28. On your old device, confirm the transfer request

29. Follow the instructions on both devices

30. Wait for the transfer to complete

31. Restart your new device

32. Your eSIM is now active on your new phone

33. Step-by-Step Process for Method 4: Activate International Travel eSIM

34. Download the travel eSIM provider's app (like Airalo, Holafly, etc.)

35. Browse available plans for Pakistan or your destination

36. Select a data plan that suits your needs

37. Complete the purchase (payment via credit/debit card)

38. Receive your eSIM QR code or activation link

39. Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Add eSIM

40. Scan the QR code or enter the activation details

41. Install the eSIM profile

42. Turn on data roaming for that line

43. Select the network (Jazz, Zong, etc.) if required

44. Your travel eSIM is now active

45. Turn off your primary SIM data to avoid charges

46. Step-by-Step Process for Method 5: Disable or Delete eSIM

47. Go to Settings > Mobile Network

48. Select the eSIM profile you want to remove

49. Tap "Remove Cellular Plan" or "Delete eSIM"

50. Confirm the deletion

51. Your eSIM profile is removed from the device

52. The number is deactivated

53. Contact your operator to reactivate if needed

54. Step-by-Step Process for Method 6: Switch Between eSIM Profiles

55. Go to Settings > Mobile Network

56. View all available eSIM profiles

57. Select the profile you want to use as primary

58. Choose "Set as Default" for calls, messages, or data

59. The selected profile becomes active

60. Your other profile remains stored but inactive

61. Switch back anytime using the same process