eSIM vs SIM: your essential guide to mobile connectivity  

You’ve probably heard of eSIMs. You may even know a few things about this exciting, emerging technology. But we’ve created a guide to explain a little more, and to directly compare eSIMs to traditional SIM cards.

An eSIM is an embedded SIM that’s built into your device. Having an eSIM means you no longer need to insert a physical SIM card (also known as a pSIM). An eSIM can be activated digitally either by simply scanning a QR code, or by transferring your SIM from a previous device to a new device, helping you get set up quickly.  

When you purchase a new device or take out a new plan with us, we’ll take you through how to get your eSIM set up step by step. You’ll also receive email confirmation with a direct link to download your eSIM and directions on how to get set up.  

There aren’t many differences between eSIMs and SIMs, at least not in terms of the job they do. And getting started with either is simple. As you know, with a physical SIM, you’ll be posted a plastic SIM card which you’ll need to insert into your device. With an eSIM, you’ll be able to scan a QR code and start using your device immediately.

But there are a few features that make eSIMs more convenient. 

The main advantage with having an eSIM is the time you save getting started. Because you don’t have to wait for a physical SIM to be delivered, you can just fire up your new device, follow the activation instructions and start using it. Activating an eSIM can be done anywhere, so it’s super-easy.

There aren’t really any disadvantages with eSIMs, but perhaps one negative aspect is that not every device is compatible with an eSIM. This is an emerging technology, and while it’s something that may be widespread in the future, older devices can’t be combined with an eSIM.

Most of the devices we sell are eSIM compatible, and you can find our full list of compatible devices on our device support. 

Everyone’s familiar with plastic SIM cards. Traditional SIMs aren’t going anywhere, and they’re compatible with almost all devices and networks. They’re also easy to take out and insert, so a physical SIM is handy if you frequently swap devices.

You’re basically more vulnerable, as traditional SIMs can easily be lost, damaged or stolen. Lost connectivity is a potential issue and anyone stealing your SIM could potentially use your number or access sensitive information.

Our eSIMs are completely free, and can be digitally activated immediately from anywhere. This means there’s no extra cost compared to a physical SIM card which may need to be shipped and posted to you.  

But delivery aside, eSIMs and traditional SIMs cost the same. With all of our SIM Only and Device plans, you’ll be offered the choice between an eSIM and a physical SIM, with no price differences.  

An eSIM works in exactly the same way as a physical SIM – they come with the same SMS, Voice Calls, Roaming and Data capabilities as a physical SIM. The only difference is simply that traditional SIM cards need physically inserting into a device, while an eSIM is already there. 

An eSIM just needs digitally activating to be set up. But once you’re set up on our network, both types of SIM work identically. Aside from functionality, eSIMs bring a whole host of benefits, compared to a physical SIM. Here’s why we think you’ll love it: 

Forget about having to wait for a SIM card to arrive in the post. With an eSIM, you can download your profile and be connected within minutes. There’s no fiddling with tiny pieces of plastic, no risk of losing or damaging them – just a quick, seamless setup that gets you online straight away.  

Because eSIMs are built directly into your device, they can’t be removed like a traditional SIM card. This makes them a safer choice, helping to protect your information and making it harder for thieves to steal or clone your mobile identity, and protecting you against fraud.  

Need more than one number on your device? No problem. With eSIMs, you can run dual SIMs, which is both an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time – ideal for separating work and personal calls or for keeping a local SIM when travelling abroad. 

In fact, you can store up to 8 eSIM profiles on one device (with two active at once), giving you the flexibility you need.  

Up to 90% of the plastic in physical SIMs is thrown away. Add in the manufacturing footprint, packaging waste and delivery emissions that come with physical SIMs, and there’s no doubt that eSIMs are a greener, more sustainable way to stay connected.

eSIMs are a great way to get set up when travelling. When travelling abroad, you can easily switch your SIM over to a local carrier if you’d prefer, just by switching between your normal day-to-day SIM, and a travel SIM.  

Devices that are compatible with eSIMs can hold up to eight eSIMs, and you can have up to two of these active at any one time. This means you can easily switch between the services you need when travelling. For this reason, eSIMs are popular with travel providers and apps, and they’re incredibly easy to keep control of your mobile usage.  

Similarly, if you find yourself already abroad and looking to get activated on the VodafoneThree network, you can do this remotely. eSIMs don’t use any more battery usage compared to Physical SIMs, so are perfect for continuing your normal usage when activating your eSIM in another country.  

The eSIMs we provide will be linked to your VodafoneThree plan. This means that if you join us from another network, eSIMs are a fantastic way to port your number across and get set up quickly and seamlessly with your new plan or device. 

An eSIM isn’t locked to a network, but when you move between networks, you’ll need to activate a new eSIM in order to get your VodafoneThree plan connected. This works in exactly the same way as when you get a new physical SIM.

Apple offer a fantastic service called Quick Transfer. 

You simply need to connect your new device to Wi-fi, and hold it next to your new device. You’ll be prompted on screen with step-by-step instructions on how to transfer your old SIM across to an eSIM on your new device. This process works no matter whether you’re old device had a physical SIM, or an eSIM.   
  
If you currently have a physical SIM card in your Apple device, and you’d like to transfer it to an eSIM, you can also do this through your mobile settings.

To swap your SIM card to an eSIM from an android device, you can order a new eSIM easily through the Three app or with your My3 account.  

After you’ve logged in, go to Account > Help > SIM Support. Once you’ve ordered your new eSIM, we’ll email and text you a QR code that you can scan - this immediately downloads the eSIM onto your new device.  

If you need help, you can visit us in any of our retail stores, or call us for support.

The future is digital, and our eSIMs can help to give you faster, safer, and more eco-friendly mobile service. If your device supports eSIM, you can activate your connection today and start enjoying the benefits immediately. 

For more information and help, visit our eSIM page.