SIM card and eSIM FAQs (2024)

  • Introduction
  • About SIM cards and eSIM
  • Using or moving a SIM
  • Using a physical SIM card

Page contents


Page contents

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}else {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

" + tilelabel + "

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}makenbxcall("viewed", pegacardfeed);} else {if (bkgtype.includes("background-white")) {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

");}else {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

" + tilelabel + "

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}}}else {if (pegatile == "true") {if (bkgtype.includes("background-white")) {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

" + tilelabel + "

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}else {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

" + tilelabel + "

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}makenbxcall("viewed", pegacardfeed);} else {if (bkgtype.includes("background-white")) {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

");}else {$("#marqueeidwrapper").append("

" + tilelabel + "

" + tileheader + "

" + linktext + "

");}}}})document.getElementById("marqueeidwrapper").className = 'swiper-wrapper small-tiles small__rect';}$(document).on('click', '.slider-button', function (e) {//e.stopPropagation();var parentElement = this.parentElement.parentElement;var pclick = $(this).attr("data-json");if (pclick && !parentElement.classList.contains('feedback_sent') && vzwDL.mvo.utils.isLoggedIn()) {makenbxcall("clicked", pclick, parentElement);}});}});}});function makenbxcall(tilestate, feed, pelement) {try {var fburi = "/digital/nsa/secure/gw/support/livetiles-feedback";var pegaElem = JSON.parse(feed);if (pegaElem.responseList && pegaElem.responseList.length > 0 && pegaElem.responseList[0]) {if (tilestate == "clicked") {pegaElem.responseList[0].dispositionOptionId = 81;} else {pegaElem.responseList[0].dispositionOptionId = 82;}$.ajax({type: 'POST',url: fburi,headers: {'OsType': "web",'clientId': "VZW-DOTCOM",'channelId': "VZW-DOTCOM",'Access-Control-Allow-Origin': "*",'Accept': "application/json",'Content-Type': "application/json",'pageName': "Support-Billing",'flowName': "Support-Billing"},data: JSON.stringify(pegaElem),success: function (data) {if (tilestate == "clicked") {if (pelement != undefined && (pelement != "" || pelement != null)) {pelement.classList.add('feedback_sent');console.log("pele1 success");}}console.log("nbx success");},error: function (request, status, error) {console.log(request.error);console.log(request.status);if (status == "error") {console.log("nbx err", request.responseText);}}});}//ends}catch (error) {console.log(error);}}

Learn how to manage physical SIM cards and/or eSIM. Find out what kind of SIM your mobile device has. Understand how to activate, unlock or replace a SIM card or digital eSIM profile.

  • Can I move SIM cards between devices?
  • What should I do if I forgot my SIM PIN?
  • How do I get a new or replacement SIM card?
  • My device has a SIM card slot and it has eSIM. How do I switch from using the SIM to the eSIM?

About SIM cards and eSIM

    What is SIM?
    How can I tell what kind of SIM is in my device?

Using or moving a SIM

    Will I need a new SIM if I switch carriers?
    What kind of SIM connects to Verizon's 5G network?
    Why do some devices have more than one SIM?
    My device has a SIM card slot and it has eSIM. How do I switch from using the SIM to the eSIM?

Using a physical SIM card

    How do I install a SIM card?
    How do I activate a SIM card?
    How do I get a new or replacement SIM card?
    Can I move SIM cards between devices?
    What is my SIM PIN?
    What should I do if I forgot my SIM PIN?
    What is a Personal Unblocking Key (PUK)?
    What if I'm locked out of my SIM card?
SIM card and eSIM FAQs (2024)

FAQs

SIM card and eSIM FAQs? ›

What is the difference between an eSIM and a SIM? An eSIM serves the same purpose as a physical SIM card, but it's built-in and works 100% digitally. You can't physically remove it since it's already embedded in your phone's hardware. And you don't need to insert a new one to connect to a mobile network.

What happens to my SIM card when I use eSIM? ›

What Happens to Your Physical SIM Card When You Switch to eSIM? When you switch to eSIM, your physical SIM card becomes obsolete. Your mobile device will no longer recognize the physical SIM card and you will no longer be able to use it to connect to a cellular network.

Do I need to remove SIM card before using eSIM? ›

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail. You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

Can I have a SIM card and eSIM at the same time? ›

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.

Do I need to keep my SIM card if I have an eSIM? ›

Yes, you can still use your SIM card after installing the eSIM, in fact you can even use both cards simultaneously, your primary card for calls and message, and the eSIM for Internet.

Can I switch back and forth between SIM and eSIM? ›

Your device may allow you to store multiple eSIMs at once, and it's easy to switch between your eSIMs. You can also switch from an eSIM back to your Primary SIM.

Do I turn off the primary SIM when using eSIM? ›

If your device supports Dual SIM (the ability to use two SIMs at once), you can absolutely choose to leave your primary cellular plan "on" while using your aloSIM plan. As long as you make sure data roaming is "off" for your primary cellular plan, you won't rack up any roaming charges.

What is the disadvantage of eSIM? ›

Changing devices might not be straightforward

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, chances are that you will need to contact your local provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

What are the disadvantages of converting SIM to eSIM? ›

Here are the cons of eSIM:
  • Difficult to switch devices. It can be tough to swap devices if there is an emergency, and this is one of the cons of eSIM cards. ...
  • eSIM supports limited premium phones. ...
  • Easily tracked by network providers. ...
  • Phone Hacking. ...
  • Complex Activation Process.
Apr 29, 2024

Does switching to eSIM deactivate SIM card? ›

Tap Convert to eSIM. Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card is deactivated when the cellular plan on your iPhone activates.

How to use both eSIM and physical SIM? ›

Android
  1. Go into your phone's settings.
  2. Tap Network & Internet.
  3. Select Add next to Mobile Network.
  4. Tap “Download a SIM instead?”
  5. Select Yes when asked, “Use 2 SIMs?” ...
  6. Go to Settings again after your phone updates.
  7. Tap on Network & Internet and then Mobile Network.
  8. Go into your networks to set call and text preferences.

When to remove physical SIM after eSIM activation? ›

Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone. Then, restart your iPhone.

Should eSIM number be primary or secondary? ›

If you have only one eSIM in a dual SIM phone, by default it's the Primary number. If you have two different SIMs (phone numbers) in a phone, one number is Primary and the other is secondary.

Do I need to remove my SIM card to use an eSIM? ›

Yes, you can. Perhaps a reason why you might have this question is because of how physical SIM cards work. In the case of physical SIM cards, you will need to insert the SIM card into your device's SIM tray. Most iPhones today come with either 0 or 1 SIM slot; and most Android devices have 1 or 2 SIM slots.

Can I go back to physical SIM from eSIM? ›

Once you present your proof of identity, the representative will start the process. The representative will deactivate your eSIM permanently from your phone. Post that, they will provide you a new physical SIM card. This physical sim card will be configured with the same number as the eSIM.

What happens when eSIM expires? ›

The eSIM data can only be used within the validity period, which means the remaining unused data cannot be used after the validity period. In case the eSIM is rechargeable, it's possible to add a new data package by tapping on "TOP UP" on your eSIM to continue to use the same eSIM.

Will my physical SIM work if I get an eSIM? ›

If I have eSIM, can I use the physical SIM (different mobile numbers) and eSIM at the same time? You can use one physical sim and one or more eSIMs on a eSIM enabled device.

What happens to old SIM after eSIM? ›

Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated.

Can you go back from eSIM to physical SIM? ›

This physical sim card will be configured with the same number as the eSIM. All you need to do is insert the physical sim card in your phone and you are good to go. Within two hours, your physical sim card will be activated for use.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 5623

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.