The biggest downsides to switching to eSIM

 Here are the biggest downsides to switching to eSIM.

1. Inconvenience of changing devices

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Switching phones with a physical SIM card is simple – just remove the SIM from your old device, insert it into your new device, and all your information like phone numbers and contacts (if stored on the SIM) will be transferred instantly. However, there are a few steps you must follow when switching devices with an eSIM.

For someone who frequently switches devices for testing and reviews, eSIM is a real hassle as it cannot be easily switched on a daily basis without switching back to a physical SIM first, especially if most carriers in the country you live in do not support eSIM switching.

2. eSIM is not ideal for travel

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Using an eSIM while traveling may seem convenient because you can easily purchase an eSIM and activate it when you arrive, but that's not the case.

Many countries and carriers don't yet support eSIMs, so if your device only has an eSIM, you may not be able to connect to a network. You'll need to use another device or rely on Wi-Fi, which isn't ideal for travel.

3. eSIM requires Internet connection to activate

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One major drawback of eSIMs is that they require an internet connection to activate. Unlike a physical SIM card, which starts working immediately after being inserted into the device, eSIMs need to be downloaded and activated on the device after scanning a QR code.

This becomes a problem if you are in a situation where you need immediate access to mobile services but are in an area with limited Internet connectivity, such as when traveling.

4. Compatibility issues with older devices

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Another problem with eSIMs is that they aren't universally supported. While it seems like more and more new smartphones and tablets are eSIM compatible, some new devices still don't support eSIMs.

For example, despite launching in 2022, the Galaxy S21 FE still doesn't support eSIM.

Additionally, when traveling, many people prefer eSIMs when available because they are often cheaper than buying a physical SIM card at the airport. However, if your secondary phone doesn't support eSIMs, having to buy a physical SIM card will cost you more.

5. Your network provider can easily track you

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While eSIMs make it easy to activate plans on the go (assuming you have the right stuff), they also have a downside: eSIMs make it easier for carriers to track your location and activity. Unlike a physical SIM card, which you can easily remove from your device, an eSIM is embedded directly into your device.

This means your phone is always connected to the network, making it easier for your carrier to track your movements. For privacy-conscious people, not having control over when and how they're tracked is a major drawback to using an eSIM.

While it's true that eSIMs offer many benefits, such as being able to use multiple SIM profiles on a single device and not risk damaging your SIM card, there are some notable downsides to using them. These are important considerations to keep in mind when buying your next smartphone or switching carriers.

Micah Soto

Update 04 September 2024