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How to Convert Physical SIM to eSIM – Conversion Process Explained

Written By

Brooklyn Simmons

Published on

18 September 2024

Table of contents

In a world of rapidly developing technologies, where smartphones are becoming more and more functional and communication is an integral part of life, new, more convenient, and practical solutions are emerging. One of these innovations was the eSIM — an electronic SIM card, which is gradually replacing the usual plastic counterparts.

However, what if you want to enjoy all the benefits of eSIM but your phone number is linked to a regular SIM card? How to convert physical SIM to eSIM? Don’t worry, switching to eSIM is a simple procedure and accessible to everyone.

Why Convert Your Physical SIM to an eSIM?

– How to convert a physical SIM to eSIM?

Firstly, you need to figure out why eSIM is so cool and what benefits you will get by saying goodbye to a physical SIM card:

Freedom of choice. eSIM allows storing multiple operator numbers and profiles on one device. You no longer need to carry multiple phones with you or struggle with replacing SIM cards.
Maximum space. eSIM is a chip embedded in your device. This means that the SIM card slot is freed up, and you can use it, for example, to expand memory using a microSD card.
Protection against loss and theft. eSIM cannot be lost or stolen. Your number is always secured and linked to your device.
Easy connection. Forget about going to mobile salons and waiting in queues. eSIM activation takes place online, quickly and easily.
Business reasons. eSIM opens up opportunities for business development and expansion into the international market.

Of course, this is not the whole list of reasons why eSIM needs to be implemented by every user. Nevertheless, the listed reasons are good, and they will definitely encourage the user to convert a physical SIM card to an eSIM.

How to Convert Physical SIM to eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide

– How to convert my physical SIM to eSIM?

Now that you’ve seen the benefits of eSIM, let’s take a step-by-step look at how to convert physical SIM card to eSIM.

*Note: It is necessary to follow all the listed steps accurately to avoid problems during conversion:

Step #1: Check device compatibility. Make sure that your device supports eSIM.

Step #2: Update OS. Make sure that your device has the latest version of the OS.

Step #3: Contact your mobile carrier. Request your mobile carrier eSIM activation on your device. Get a QR code.

Step #4: Delete a physical SIM card. Delete your previous physical SIM card.

Step #5: Activate eSIM. Open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Scan the QR code for activation.

Step #6: Confirm the activation. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the activation.

Step #7: Check the eSIM work. Make several calls and send a message to make sure that eSIM works correctly.

These steps will help you easily convert a physical SIM to an eSIM.

Next, let’s focus on the important steps described above.

Check Device Compatibility

One of the most important points when converting is to make sure that your device supports eSIM technology.

Here is the general information about popular devices’ compatibility:

iPhone. Starting with the iPhone XS and XR, all models support eSIM.
Android. The list of devices with eSIM support is constantly expanding. Check the information on your device manufacturer’s website or in its specifications.

Request eSIM from Your Carrier

In addition, do not hesitate to contact your telecom operator. Operators offer different ways to transfer the number to eSIM:

Activation via the app. Many operators have mobile apps where you can order and activate eSIM yourself.
QR code scanning. The operator will provide you with a QR code that you need to scan with your device’s camera to activate eSIM.
Visiting a salon. In some cases, it may be necessary to visit a communication salon with a passport for identification.

Scan the eSIM QR Code

After contacting the operator, you will be provided with detailed instructions on how to activate eSIM using a QR code. The process usually looks like this :

Confirmation of data. You will need to confirm your personal data and consent to the conversion of the number.
Payment process. In some cases, the transfer of the number to the eSIM may be charged. Check the information with your operator.
eSIM activation through QR code. After confirming the data and payment, you will receive instructions and the QR code needed to activate eSIM. Scan it when you add eSIM in the settings. It usually takes a few minutes.

How to Convert Physical SIM Card to eSIM on Different Devices

Now, let’s take a step-by-step look at how to convert a physical SIM card to eSIM on different operating systems: iPhone and Android.

*Note: Before converting, you need to check your phone for compatibility with eSIM technology. You can do this by reading the technical documentation for your device.

For iPhone

– How can I convert physical SIM to eSIM on iPhone?

Follow the instructions to quickly convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on an iPhone.

Step #1: Update iOS. Make sure your iPhone works on the latest iOS.

Step #2: Get eSIM. Contact your mobile operator to get eSIM or choose an online provider for that.

Step #3: Delete a physical SIM. Remove the physical SIM card from the device.

Step #4: Set up eSIM. Open Settings → Carrier or Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Scan a received QR code.

Step #5: Activate eSIM. Follow the instructions to activate eSIM.

Step #6: Test and use eSIM. Make sure all eSIM functions work correctly on your iPhone.

After that, you can finish the conversion process and enjoy your new eSIM.

For Android

– How to convert physical SIM into eSIM on Android?

Follow the instructions to quickly convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on an Android.

Step #1: Update OS. Make sure your Android works on the latest OS.

Step #2: Get eSIM. Contact your mobile operator to get eSIM or choose an online provider for that.

Step #3: Delete a physical SIM. Remove the physical SIM card from the device.

Step #4: Set up eSIM. Open Menu → Settings → Internet Network → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Scan a received QR code.

Step #5: Activate eSIM. Follow the instructions to activate eSIM.

Step #6: Test and use eSIM. Make sure all eSIM functions work correctly on your Android.

After that, you can finish the conversion process and enjoy your new eSIM.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Conversion

When converting a physical SIM card to an eSIM, you may encounter a number of problems. However, all of them are easily solved by the user or operator.

Device incompatibility. The device you are using may not support eSIM. Therefore, check this information in advance, or just update the software.
Errors when activating eSIM. Difficulties with the QR code being scanned. Wipe the camera and add lighting. Also, try to enter the data manually.
Not updated software. The device you are using does not accept eSIM after configuration. Therefore, update the software in advance, or after an error occurs.
Problems with the network connection. The device you are using may not be connected to the internet. Therefore, restart the device and check the connection in the settings.
The need for activation through an operator. The operator may not have provided a QR code for activation. Therefore, you need to contact the operator again and request all the correct data.
The physical SIM card has not been deactivated. The physical SIM card is still not deactivated on the device you are using. Therefore, check deactivation or deactivate manually.

These are the main problems and solutions that may arise when converting to eSIM.

Activation Errors and How to Fix Them

You have already known how to convert from physical SIM to eSIM. Despite the simplicity of converting to eSIM, there are a few more points to pay attention to.

Firstly, it is an incorrect scan of the QR code. The QR code is not recognized or scanned incorrectly. Make sure that your device’s camera is clean and well-lit. Try to scan the QR code in a well-lit place and hold the camera at the QR code level.

Secondly, it is entering erroneous data manually. Make sure that you enter all the data accurately and without errors. Compare the entered data with those provided by the operator.

Finally, there is an activation error on the operator’s side. Contact the operator to check the eSIM activation status and make sure that all data and activation requests are processed correctly.

Connectivity Issues After Conversion

It is also worth bearing in mind that problems may arise after converting a physical SIM card to an eSIM.

Firstly, the problem may be incorrect network settings on the device. In this case, resetting the network settings will help.

Secondly, there may be problems on the operator’s side. Sometimes eSIM is not activated properly due to errors in the settings on the operator’s side. In such cases, it is recommended to contact your mobile operator.

If these steps do not help, try to reactivate the eSIM profile. Delete the current eSIM profile in the device settings and re-add it using the QR code or data provided by the operator.

These problems and quick solutions will help you set up eSIM correctly and enjoy its operation.

Managing Your eSIM: Tips and Best Practices

After activating and verifying the operation of eSIM, you will need to learn how to manage it correctly and use all the features of the technology. Here are some tips for an effective experience.

Switching eSIM profiles. To switch between eSIM profiles, open your Settings → and Mobile Data → Active eSIM profile → Switch to another one.
Deleting old eSIM profiles. To delete inactive or outdated profiles, go back to Mobile Data → eSIM profile → delete eSIM.
eSIM optimization. Before you travel, activate the appropriate profiles and make sure that they are configured correctly.

These recommendations will help you effectively manage eSIM profiles and get the most out of their use.

Get Started with eSIM Plus Today

One way or another but in many ways the success of using eSIM depends on the chosen eSIM service. Therefore, you need to choose a proven and affordable service, for example, eSIM Plus. It is a convenient and flexible service offering all the advantages of virtual communication: