The world of mobile telephony is constantly evolving, and with it, the technologies that keep us connected. For decades, the physical SIM card has been the standard for accessing mobile networks. But a major innovation is revolutionizing this approach: eSIM.

This virtual SIM card, integrated directly into the device, simplifies access to mobile networks without requiring a physical medium. But what exactly is an eSIM? How does it work? And above all, how is it different from a traditional SIM card? All the answers are in this article!

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

The term « eSIM » stands for « Embedded SIM », meaning a SIM card integrated directly into a mobile device. It is a chip soldered to the motherboard of the phone or any other compatible device.

It functions in the same way as a physical SIM card by authenticating the user to a mobile network. However, it does not require a physical medium and can be activated or reprogrammed remotely, without needing a card change. When a user wishes to activate a mobile plan with an eSIM, they must follow a few simple steps:

1. Order an eSIM plan from a mobile operator or a provider like Vostra.
2. Receive a QR code or an activation code.
3. Scan the QR code via your device’s settings.
4. Configure the eSIM as a primary or secondary line.
5. Activate the connection to mobile networks.

Once the eSIM is activated, the user can change plans or networks without having to remove a card.

In addition to smartphones (iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) and tablets (iPad Pro, iPad Air, etc.), eSIMs can be configured on smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, etc.) and some laptops (Microsoft Surface, Lenovo ThinkPad, etc.).

The evolution of SIM cards

The SIM card has undergone numerous transformations since its appearance in the 1990s:

• Initially introduced in the 90s, the classic SIM card was the size of a credit card.
• Over the years, it was gradually reduced to mini SIM, then micro SIM, and finally nano SIM, the most common format today.
• In 2017, the arrival of eSIMs marked a major advance by permanently integrating the chip inside the device. Presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the eSIM became the very first fully digital chip, offering unprecedented capabilities in terms of flexibility and security.

With eSIM, the mobile industry is moving towards a dematerialized approach, where changing operators and plans can be done in a few clicks.

Differences between an eSIM and a physical SIM card

Although both types of chips (physical and digital) fulfill the same fundamental objective, eSIMs offer several significant advantages:

📌 Characteristics of physical SIM cards

• Require manual insertion and removal.
• Can be lost or damaged.
• Do not allow instant network switching.
• Requires physical availability (purchase and delivery).

📌 Characteristics of eSIMs

• Integrated directly into the device.
• Activatable and reprogrammable remotely.
• Impossible to lose or steal.
• Ideal for travelers thanks to quick switching between operators.
• Compatible with multiple plans simultaneously.

How to activate an eSIM?

Generally, after purchasing your eSIM plan from a provider like Vostra, you immediately receive an email containing detailed instructions for activation. Here are the key steps:

1. Purchase your eSIM from an online provider (like Vostra).
2. Receive an email or consult the app with instructions on how to install your eSIM profile.
3. Follow the steps indicated on your smartphone (usually by scanning a QR code or manually entering a provided code).
4. Your eSIM activates in a few moments, connecting you to the desired mobile network.

Thanks to this ease of use, you can easily switch from one operator to another, activate a local plan when traveling, or manage multiple plans simultaneously without hardware constraints.

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