What is a virtual SIM card (eSim)?

An eSIM is a small chip that can be found on a smartphone, tablet, watch, and other devices. As a rule, it is installed by the manufacturer and you cannot get it like a regular SIM card, so this technology can only be used by those owners of devices that have the chip built in by default (the list of such devices is given below in the article).

 

When connected to the eSIM, encrypted user data is downloaded in QR code format. The chip stores all information about the subscriber's profile, phone number, etc.

An important advantage is that on one such chip you can have up to 5 accounts with different numbers and operators, and your old SIM card will continue to function and you can also use it.

 

 

We have already figured out what esim is, now it is important to highlight the advantages that virtual SIM cards have. When you connect e SIM, you have a number of advantages:

 

- to use virtual technology, you just need to activate a SIM card and enter the necessary information;

- electronic SIM card, can store up to 5 numbers at the same time and use different telecom operators. So you can have a personal, work and roaming number. You can switch between these numbers.

- eSIM cannot be lost because the card is built into the device, and if it is stolen, your data is protected by phone lock;

- electronic SIM cards make it possible to use one number on all your gadgets.

 

Not significant, but still minuses include the following items:

 

- Virtual SIM is not available for all devices, so to use it, you will need to purchase a device that supports this technology.

- if you plan to connect an eSIM, you will need to free up cloud storage in advance and have free space for storing virtual SIM card information. However, thanks to this, the data transfer process will be easier and faster.

How does eSIM work?

eSIM is the same ordinary SIM card, but as you already understood, it is simply in the form of an embedded chip and with a wider list of features. Let's start with the fact that the virtual SIM card is powered by the device on which it is activated, while providing communication and the Internet in the same way as the SIM card that is familiar to us. With it, you can activate your tariff plan without using a physical card, and at the same time, these manipulations take place remotely and you do not need to go anywhere. It is important to note that operator information can be overwritten multiple times.

 

 

Which phones support esim is a common question, so below we will provide the entire up-to-date list, including devices such as tablets and watches:

 

- manufacturer Apple: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, as well as new released models of iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPad Pro. Apple Watch series 3, 4 and 5;

- manufacturer Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galax, as well as S and Note phones starting in 2020. Smart watches Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3;

- manufacturer Google: Google Pixel 3A and other new models;

- manufacturer Motorola: Motorola Razr (only eSIM is present, since there is no physical SIM card by default);

- manufacturer Huawei: Huawei P40/P40 Pro, Mate 40/Mate 40 Pro, Mate Xs;

- manufacturer Microsoft: Microsoft Surface Duo.

 

 

The virtual card technology is available on the territory of Ukraine from four operators: Vodafone, Kyivstar, Lifecell and 3Mob. Below we will talk in detail about how to connect a digital SIM card from different telecom operators, as well as how to do this through the application of the Ukrainian bank Monobank.

 

eSIM activation Kyivstar:

 

- go to the website of the Kyivstar provider, where you can purchase a package with eSIM;

- take two devices, on the first one you will install a SIM card, and the second device will be needed to receive a QR code, with which you can activate a virtual card. The QR code should be sent to your email, which should have been specified when purchasing the package;

- on the device, go to the "Settings" section, and then "Cellular", where you will need to click "Add cellular plan";

- scan the code.

 

All subsequent steps will depend on your smartphone, where you will have to follow the instructions indicated on the screen of the gadget and you will be able to successfully complete the activation of the digital SIM card.

 

Vodafone eSIM activation:

 

Vodafone SIM card activation does not differ from activation on Kyivstar.

Important!

If you would like to upgrade to an eSIM but still need to leave your phone number, you will need to go to a Vodafone store or call 222 for identification. You can log in through the VipZakaz Vodafone service. In any case, first contact the support operator or carefully read the connection conditions on the provider's website.

If you are a contract form subscriber, you will also need to visit a physical Vodafone outlet.

 

eSIM lifecell activation:

 

The installation of eSIM on Lifecell is identical to that of other operators, the only thing is that the starter package can be purchased not only in the online store, but also in EasyPay terminals. The package can be selected not immediately, but after activation.

 

eSIM 3Mob activation:

 

To make the transition to a virtual SIM card, pay for the necessary package of services on the 3Mob operator's website. Further activation occurs via SMS. The user writes a message with his email address and sends it to the number: 2202, where immediately after sending the SMS, a QR code is sent to the mail. Then you need to follow the instructions for successful activation.
If you are a contact form subscriber, you need to call +380911101155 to make the transition to a virtual SIM card.

 

Important!

The subscriber must not have a debt for 3Mob services, and the account must have an amount of at least UAH 150.

 

Activation through the Monobank banking application:

 

- in the main menu, click the "More" section;

- select "eSIM setup" at the bottom;

- then perform the actions according to the specified instructions.

 

Please note that Monobank does not charge a fee for switching to a virtual SIM card.

 

eSIM in Ukraine is becoming more and more popular and the demand for it is growing more and more every day. Given the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, unstable work of mobile providers is increasingly observed. To always be in touch, we recommend that everyone use the transition to a virtual SIM card by connecting to all providers in Ukraine.