What is an eSIM?
The digital SIM explained simply: a complete guide.
In short: an eSIM is a virtual SIM already built into your phone. You do not insert any physical card: you buy a data plan, install it with a QR code and you are connected straight away. For travelling abroad it is the most convenient solution — no SIM swapping and no roaming surprises.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is simply a SIM in digital form, built into your smartphone. There is no chip to insert, as there is with a traditional SIM; you load a digital profile onto your device instead, using a QR code and a few seconds. The technology has been supported by most of the leading phone makers since 2018, and it is the new standard when it comes to mobile connectivity.
How does an eSIM function?
An eSIM behaves exactly as a traditional SIM does, only without the physical chip. Your smartphone contains an integrated eSIM chip onto which several mobile network profiles can be loaded. After you purchase a plan, a QR code reaches you by email; you scan it using your smartphone and the profile is then set up automatically. As soon as you activate data roaming, your phone joins the mobile network of the country you are going to.
eSIM versus physical SIM — what is the difference?
The key difference: an eSIM is digital, a traditional SIM is physical. A regular SIM is a chip that has to be bought, put into the phone and replaced when necessary; an eSIM needs only a profile download, with no tools and no changing of cards. Several eSIM profiles can sit on your device at once, and you switch between them according to need. Your primary SIM stays active, which means your Italian phone number stays with you while the eSIM handles data alone when you are abroad.
eSIM versus physical SIM versus Wi-Fi rental
| eSIM | Physical SIM | Wi-Fi rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Instant (digital) | Delivery or pickup | Pickup at the airport |
| Installation | Scan QR code | Insert card | Switch on device |
| Additional device | No | No | Yes (Pocket WiFi) |
| Return required | No | No | Yes |
| Phone number stays active | Yes | No (second SIM) | Yes |
| Price | From €0.99 | From €10 | From €5/day |
| Multiple countries | Yes (regional eSIM) | No (per country) | No |
Which devices support eSIM?
The majority of smartphones launched from 2018 on work with eSIM. Your device cannot have a SIM lock.
Apple
iPhone XS and XR, then 11, 12 and 13, then 14, 15, 16 and 17, plus later models. All SE models, 2nd generation and later.
Samsung
Galaxy S20, S21 and S22, then S23, S24 and S25, plus later models. Galaxy Z Flip and Fold, all generations. Galaxy A54 and A55.
Pixel 3 and 3a, 4 and 4a, 5 and 5a, 6 and 6a, 7 and 7a, 8 and 8a, then 9 and later models.
Other
Huawei P40 and later models, the Motorola Razr, the OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 13 and later, and OPPO Find X5 and later.
Look under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM to find out if your device handles eSIM.
Installing the eSIM — step by step
- 1
Purchase an eSIM data plan
Select your destination together with a suitable data plan. Immediately after purchase, an email with the QR code lands in your inbox.
- 2
Scan the QR code
Open the camera app, or head to Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM. Scan the QR code shown in the email.
- 3
Confirm the eSIM profile
Follow the on-screen prompts. In a few seconds the eSIM profile is set up on your device.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Activate data roaming on the eSIM in your settings. Best done before you leave, using your home Wi-Fi.
- 5
Connect at your destination
Upon arrival, your smartphone picks up the mobile network at your destination by itself. Start browsing at once.
Advantages of an eSIM for travellers
Up to 90% more economical than roaming
Save compared with your carrier's roaming packages. Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Available immediately
No delivery to wait for and no airport queue: the eSIM is ready within 2 minutes.
Keep your phone number
Your Italian number stays active, so calls and SMS keep coming in.
No contract, no cancellation
Buy only the data allowance you need. No commitment, no automatic renewal.
Eco-friendly
No plastic SIM, no packaging, no shipping. Completely digital.
Frequently asked questions
Ready for your very first eSIM?
Select your destination and buy your eSIM data plan in just a few minutes.
Choose your destination