How does eSIM work - A best practice

Author: Ulrike, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at TDSoftware

Before we dive into how eSIM works, it might help to understand what an eSIM is. An eSIM is exactly what it sounds like: An electronic, or embedded, SIM. It's a small chip embedded in a mobile device that's used to authenticate your identity with your carrier. It is pre-installed on the device.

So how can you connect an eSIM to a network?

First, what you need is an eSIM-capable smartphone. The iPhone XS + XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 Series, iPhone 12 Series or iPhone SE (2020), the Galaxy S20 and S21 series and Fold model, as well as Google Pixel 3, 3A, 3A XL, 4 Series, or 5 equipped with eSIM, allow you to activate an additional cellular data plan without using a new physical SIM.

Depending on your provider's choice, there are several ways to install the eSIM profile on your mobile device. Possible methods include scanning a QR code generated by the operator or manually entering the following parameters: SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) server address and activation code. The operator will supply this information for installation.

Another way to set up an eSIM profile is through a fully digital onboarding process with the best user experience. For one of our customers, we developed a fully digital eSIM onboarding process. Users can install the eSIM directly and automatically on their smartphone – without a QR code or manual setup. The only requirement is an eSIM-capable device. The physical SIM card is still active, and users can receive calls and messages while using their eSIM for mobile data.

To set up the eSIM directly in the app, users have to choose a Data Plan, pay with a preferred payment method, install the eSIM, and configure the settings. After only a few minutes, users can start using the new eSIM.

Laura, the Product Marketing Manager at TDSoftware, creates marketing campaigns for our customers, and also privately,  eSIM has already become part of her daily business. “For the users it’s the most convenient way of setting up an eSIM profile. I really like the idea of just starting the installation with one click in the app. When traveling will become more safe after the pandemic, this method can definitely prove its full potential. Can’t wait!”

As you can see, despite all the abbreviations, there is nothing complicated about setting up an eSIM.