iPhone 14 series completely relies on eSIM. Here's how it works, steps to activate it

The eSIM (embedded SIM) tech has been around for a while now, but the feature has been grabbing major attention recently after the launch of iPhone 14 series by Apple, as the new smartphones in the line-up completely rely on eSIMs in the US.

Apple had first introduced the advanced tech to their products in 2018 with the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. The new iPhone 14 series which was launched on September 7, doesn't come with a SIM card tray if you buy the product in the US. The smartphones in iPhone 14 series work on eSIM system. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.

An eSIM is basically a digital SIM card that doesn't require a physical SIM to active a cellular plan on your device. You can activate an eSIM also on suitable smartwatches as well.


Understanding eSIM
An eSIM works similarly as the NFC chip that's used for UPI payment such as Google Pay, Phone Pe, Apple Pay etc. In simple terms, an eSIM is a small chip that is embedded in your smartwatch or smartphone, so you don't need to insert a physical SIM in the device.

How Does It Work?
For eSIM to work, it needs to be supported by the network or carrier and enabled by them. However, not all cellular networks support eSIMs yet.

The details on an eSIM are rewritable. Meaning, you can switch from operator to operator through a phone call, without having to go to a store.
How To Activate eSIM Carrier
If you're switching to iPhone from an Android smartphone for example, then you need to just contact your carrier to transfer your phone number to your iPhone through eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code from your carrier.

The tech is pretty helpful as it protects your information and device in case of emergency. Since the eSIM is part of your phone’s hardware, in case you lose your smartphone or it’s stolen, there’s no way for anyone else to take misadvantage of your mobile number as there’s no physical SIM card that can be retrieved.

eSIMs also do come handy when travelling to different countries as you do not need to look for local SIM cards and can instantly switch from carrier to carrier with the help of a simple phone call.

Meanwhile, Apple isn’t the only tech company that’s using or slowly switching to eSIM technology, several other brands such as Motorola, Google and Samsung use the same tech. So even if you are an Android user and are thinking about switching to eSIM or getting an eSIM on top of your existing number, then as long as your device supports the tech, you’re good to go.