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eSIM: What is an eSIM card and how does it work?

The eSIM, or embedded SIM card, is the modern evolution of the traditional SIM card. Unlike physical SIM cards that you have to insert into your phone, eSIMs are built directly into your device and can be activated digitally in just a few minutes. This technology allows you to switch carriers without having to handle small cards, manage multiple numbers on the same device, and instantly activate a mobile plan when traveling abroad.

Get your eSIM on voilà
Illustration of eSIM from voilà
Instant activation
No physical SIM
No roaming fees

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone, i.e., a chip that is already inside your device. It does everything a traditional SIM card would do, but without having to insert a small physical card into your mobile phone. eSIMs offer many advantages, including allowing you to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad and making it much easier to switch carriers. In addition, an eSIM allows you to use multiple phone numbers at the same time on a single device, which is particularly convenient for separating your professional and personal life.

eSIMs are available on the latest smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even some cars! They are ideal for quickly switching between different plans and accessing mobile data wherever you are.

How does an eSIM work?

eSIM

An eSIM is based on software built directly into your phone that replaces the function of a physical SIM card. As soon as you activate your eSIM plan, your device instantly connects to the mobile network, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and browse the internet just like with a traditional SIM card. The vast majority of recent smartphones already have this technology built in—to check if your device is compatible, see our list of eSIM-compatible phones.

To start using an eSIM, simply purchase an eSIM plan and activate it in just a few clicks. The process is entirely digital and does not require any physical manipulation of your phone. Your current SIM card can remain in place, whether you choose to continue using it or not. This flexibility allows you to keep your usual number while enjoying the benefits of an eSIM plan, which is particularly convenient when traveling abroad or when you need a second business number.

How do I set up an eSIM?

Follow these steps to start using an eSIM on your iPhone or Android device.

Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the voilà app

1

Choose your eSIM plan on voilà

Download the voilà app and select the eSIM plan of your choice based on your destination.

2

Install your eSIM in less than a minute

After purchasing an eSIM, simply click on the Install eSIM button and the eSIM will automatically install on your phone.

3

Your plan will activate automatically.

Get ready for your trip: your package will be activated upon arrival.

Manually set up an eSIM on your iPhone

  1. 1.

    Go to your iPhone settings.

  2. 2.

    Click on "Cellular Data."

  3. 3.

    Click on "Add an eSIM."

  4. 4.

    Click on "Use a QR Code"

  5. 5.

    Click on "Enter information manually" at the bottom of the screen.

  6. 6.

    Paste the information that has been shared with you

Set up an eSIM on your Android device with the voilà app

1

Choose your eSIM plan on voilà

Download the voilà app and select the eSIM plan of your choice based on your destination.

2

Install your eSIM in less than a minute

After purchasing an eSIM, simply click on the Install eSIM button and the eSIM will automatically install on your phone.

3

Your plan will activate automatically.

Get ready for your trip: your package will be activated upon arrival.

Manually configure an eSIM on your Android device

  1. 1.

    Open "Settings," then go to the "Connections" or "Network and Internet" section.

  2. 2.

    Find and tap the "SIM Card Manager" or "SIM Management" option.

  3. 3.

    Select the "Add eSIM" or "Add a mobile plan" option.

  4. 4.

    Tap "Scan QR code" or choose manual entry

Set up an eSIM using a QR code

1

Choose your eSIM plan on voilà

Download the voilà app and select the eSIM plan of your choice based on your destination.

2

Install your eSIM in less than a minute

After purchasing an eSIM, simply scan the QR code received by email to automatically activate the eSIM on your phone.

3

Your plan will activate automatically.

Get ready for your trip: your package will be activated upon arrival.

Benefits of eSIM

eSIMs are the future of connectivity. Here are the main advantages of eSIMs.

Instant activation

The eSIM activates in minutes without waiting for delivery or going to a store. Just scan a QR code to get connected immediately.

Multi-profiles

You can use multiple numbers on the same device, ideal for separating your professional and personal life. Store up to 5 different profiles and switch between them as needed.

Savings abroad

The eSIM allows you to avoid roaming charges by easily adding a local plan when traveling. No need to search for a store when you arrive.

Enhanced security

Impossible to lose, break, or remove, the eSIM can be remotely deactivated if your phone is stolen. Your data is better protected against physical hacking.

Simplified carrier change

Test different carriers without any physical handling and compare offers freely. The cancellation and activation process becomes entirely digital.

Disadvantages of eSIM

Like everything else, eSIMs have some drawbacks.

Not all devices are equipped yet, but most recent models are.

Some smaller operators do not yet offer eSIM, but international solutions fill this gap.

Requires a few extra steps compared to removing a SIM card, but iOS and Android systems simplify the process.

What is the difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM card?

The main difference between an eSIM and a regular SIM card is that an eSIM is digital, while a SIM card is a physical chip.

eSIMSIM
Active lines
Multi-line: manage multiple profiles simultaneouslyOnly one active line per card
Change of operator
Instant and fully digitalRequires a new physical card
Profile management
Remote digital deletionManually removing the card from the phone
Commissioning
Immediate activation via QR code or appDelivery time or in-store pickup required
Compatible devices
Recent smartphones, tablets, and watchesAll types of devices, both old and new
International travel
Add local plans in just a few clicks, with no roaming chargesHigh roaming charges or mandatory purchase of a local SIM card
Flexibility of packages
Store and switch between multiple carriers according to your needsLimited to one operator at a time
Protection and durability
Integrated and tamper-proof, resistant to theft and cloningVulnerable to withdrawal, loss, and cloning

How can you tell if your phone is compatible with an eSIM?

Instantly check if your device supports eSIM technology.

Your frequently asked questions about eSIM cards

The eSIM uses software pre-installed on your phone that works exactly like a traditional SIM card. Once activated, your eSIM allows you to connect to a mobile network, make calls, send messages, and use the Internet. To activate it, simply scan a QR code provided by your carrier or download the profile via an app. Your subscription information is downloaded directly to your device's built-in chip, without any physical manipulation.

The main drawbacks of eSIMs are their limited compatibility with newer devices (most models released after 2019). Gradual adoption by some regional operators may also limit options in certain countries. Finally, transferring between devices requires a few extra steps compared to simply removing a physical SIM card. These limitations are rapidly diminishing as the technology becomes more widespread.

The eSIM offers instant activation in just a few minutes, with no waiting for delivery. It allows you to manage multiple numbers on the same device, which is ideal for separating your professional and personal life. For travelers, it avoids roaming charges by easily adding a local plan. eSIM is also more secure because it cannot be lost, broken, or physically removed. It makes it easy to switch carriers in just a few clicks and helps reduce environmental impact by eliminating plastic.

To obtain an eSIM, contact your mobile operator or subscribe directly online to a compatible plan. Most major operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free) offer eSIM for all their plans. Once you have placed your order, you will receive a QR code by email or in your customer account. Simply scan this code with your phone to activate your eSIM. Activation fees are generally €10 with French carriers.

Most recent smartphones released after 2019 are eSIM-compatible. To check, go to your phone's settings: on iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add Cellular Plan." On Android, look for "Settings" > "Connections" > "SIM Manager." Compatible models generally include iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and recent Google Pixel models. You can also check the list of compatible phones on your carrier's website.

Activating an eSIM is almost instantaneous. Once you have received your QR code by email, simply scan it and your eSIM will be activated in a few minutes. For travel plans, activation can happen automatically when you arrive at your destination and your phone connects to the local network. Generally, the entire process takes between 5 and 15 minutes maximum.

Yes, it is possible to switch back to a physical SIM card after using an eSIM. Simply contact your carrier to request a traditional SIM card. With most French carriers, this conversion costs around €10 and requires you to deactivate your eSIM profile before inserting the new SIM card. The process is simple: you will receive a physical SIM card by mail that you can install in your phone.

No, you don't need a special plan to use eSIM. All standard mobile plans from major carriers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free) are compatible with eSIM. It's simply a different format from the SIM card: the content of your plan (calls, texts, data) remains the same. Only eSIM activation fees (usually €10) may be added when you place your order.

Yes, an eSIM assigns you a phone number just like a physical SIM card. When you sign up for an eSIM plan, your carrier provides you with a phone number associated with that profile. You can receive calls, send text messages, and use this number just like any traditional mobile line. The advantage of eSIM is that you can have multiple active numbers on the same device at the same time.

Yes, once activated, the eSIM works without an internet connection. You only need the internet during the initial setup to download the eSIM profile via WiFi or cellular data. Once the profile is downloaded and stored on the chip, your eSIM connects to the mobile network independently of the internet, just like a physical SIM card. For everyday use (calls, texts, mobile data), no WiFi connection is required.

No, eSIMs do not consume more battery power than physical SIM cards. eSIMs connect to mobile networks in exactly the same way as traditional SIM cards, without consuming any additional power. However, if you use two active SIM profiles simultaneously (eSIM + physical SIM or two eSIMs), this may slightly increase power consumption as your phone maintains two network connections. Inactive eSIM profiles stored on your device do not consume any energy.