eSIM (virtual SIM card): definition, operators, and compatible devices... everything you need to know about the virtual SIM card

eSIM is currently available in Kenya and may be used on both iPhone and Android phones (Jamii Telecom's, Faiba 4G, and Safaricom Kenya). Here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know about eSIM.Embedded SIM is the abbreviation for eSIM. It's a feature found on more current phones that allows a smartphone to connect to the network and make calls without a physical SIM card.

What is in eSIM

The eSIM, not to be confused with the iSIM concept, is simple: instead of physically integrating a SIM, the user can activate one already installed in the device. Because this is a hardware feature, it is impossible to add it to a device that does not already have it. Let's not forget that the eSIM takes up much less space than a traditional nano-SIM. We go from 12.3 x 8.8 mm nano format to somewhere about 6 x 5 mm. 

Which Smartphones are eSim Compatible?

Before looking at rates with your preferred operator, the first thing you should think about is if the phone you have or want to buy is compatible with the eSIM. Here's a rundown of the smartphones that support eSim as t6he writing of this article

Android smartphones

1.  Huawei P40
2. Huawei P40 Pro
3. Huawei Mate 40 Pro
4. Google Pixel 6 Pro
5. Google Pixel 6
6. Google Pixel 5
7. Google Pixel 4
8. Google Pixel 4a
9. Google Pixel 4 XL
10. Google Pixel 3
11. Google Pixel 3 XL
12. Google Pixel 3a
13. Google Pixel 3a XL
14.  Oppo Reno 6 Pro
15. Oppo Reno 6 5G
16.   Oppo Find X3 Pro
17. Oppo Find X5 Pro
18. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
19. Samsung Galaxy  Z Flip 5G
20. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
21. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
22. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
23. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
24.  Samsung Galaxy S20
25. Samsung Galaxy S20+
26. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
27.  Sony Xperia

 iPhones smartphones

1. iPhone XR
2. iPhone XS
3. iPhone XS Max
4. iPhone 11
5. iPhone 11 Pro
6. iPhone 11 Pro Max
7. iPhone 12
8. iPhone 12 mini
9. iPhone 12 Pro
10. iPhone 12 Pro Max
11. iPhone 13
12. iPhone 13 mini
13. iPhone 13 Pro
14. iPhone 13 Pro Max
15.  iPhone SE 2020 and 2022 

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Step by Step Guide on How you Can Update your SIM Registration online

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If you are interested in getting an embedded SIM, you will need to visit a Safaricom Shop with a supported phone to get assistance. You will pay KES 250 for a new eSIM line, while the operator will charge KES 150 for a swap. That's all, and you've just signed up for a bundle with eSIM through an operator. Nothing could be easier than activating it. To activate eSim on your iPhone go to  Settings > General > About. On the other hand, select Settings > About Phone > SIM Status or Status Information.

How to Delete or Trasfer  eSim

You may deactivate your eSIM if you wish to swap phones. Indeed, having an extractor tool and physically removing the SIM from the phone is no longer sufficient. Most operators that allow eSim in the country require that you first initiate an eSIM renewal from their client area and that you do not destroy the profile on the old phone. To secure the transaction, the latter must still be able to receive the confirmation SMS.