Electronic SIM card in iPhone (which iPhones support it, how to connect and configure eSIM)

Despite the fact that the release of the iPhone 8 is just around the corner, Russians continue to willingly use Apple smartphones of the 4th and even 3rd modifications. The prices of these devices, due to their obsolescence, have dropped significantly - now even an unemployed student can afford to buy an out-of-date device with the coveted “bitten apple”.

However, due to the fact that the windows of Russian stores are full of iPhone and iPad models of different generations, confusion arises with SIM cards. It can be difficult for buyers to remember what type of SIM card is installed in a particular Apple device. Our article will once and for all eliminate the uncertainty in this matter.

What is eSIM on iPhone?

eSIM (embedded SIM) is an electronic chip inside the phone that performs the same function as a standard SIM - establishes contact with a telecom operator. The only fundamental difference is that on an iPhone you can now use several numbers at the same time: one from a plastic SIM card, and others from an eSIM.

Operating principle of an electronic SIM card

The eSIM is a permanent module built into a smartphone. It is universal and can be programmed to use the services of several operators. eSIM profiles are configured remotely (without visiting the operator’s office) and switched between each other in a couple of clicks.

Certain iPhone models that have built-in SIM slots can simultaneously work with an eSIM. You can choose different mobile operators or have 2 phone numbers from one (for example, for business and personal calls). But there is a limitation: when calling from one SIM card to another, you can no longer get through and the mobile Internet becomes inaccessible.

How to open without a key

If the need arises, how to remove a SIM card without a key from an iPhone, then any sharp objects are used. You can get them as follows:

• if a needle is used, it must be placed in the hole located on the wall of the tray. Use it to press the body a little, after which the receiver will pop out automatically. Then remove the needle from the hole and carefully finish what you started with your hand;
• if an unfolded paperclip is used, it is used by analogy with a needle;
• You can use the unfolded paperclip in another way. To do this, run the rod under the wall of the tray, cut it and pull it towards you.

You need to remove the SIM card very carefully from the receiver. As a rule, this is a kind of frame into which the card is inserted and secured only by falling into the mold in the correct way. This also eliminates the question of which side should you put the SIM card in, since you can’t put it in any other way.

Which Apple gadgets support eSIM?

Only the latest iPhone models support eSIM (starting with the iPhone XR).

Expert opinion

Julia

I know the tariffs like the back of my hand

If your iPhone has two SIM card slots, then it is not compatible with eSIM. These are devices aimed at the Chinese market; they do not have an official warranty in the Russian Federation.

iPad tablets have a built-in SIM card in models starting with the iPad 7. Moreover, all gadgets have a slot for a physical SIM card - this is a prerequisite for the Russian market.

Digital SIM cards are installed not only in phones and tablets, but also in other devices, for example, smart watches. Apple Watch does not support the use of a physical card for cellular communication, but thanks to eSIM it can connect to the mobile network autonomously. When your watch-compatible iPhone is turned off, you'll receive messages and call notifications and be able to answer calls.

Trimming

The cost of replacing a standard SIM card with a nano, in the same MTS, for example, costs a lot - 24,300 rubles.

Therefore, many people prefer to cut it to the desired format themselves. This will take literally a few minutes, and does not require any special skills or equipment - the entire procedure is performed with ordinary kitchen scissors.

This is what “modifications” look like, which you can do on your own - just trim the edges. For “sixes” the one on the far right is suitable.

Many service companies offer to quickly and efficiently “adjust the nano-size” to the sixth iPhone for little money.

If you decide to cut it yourself, do not forget to first mark the characteristic beveled corner - you can put a dot on the reverse plastic side with a marker. We also recommend making something like a pattern - for the nano-sim parameters indicated above. This will make cutting it out much easier and less likely to make a mistake.

But here is an original solution from K. Ropp, which helps to quickly cope with the task.

Simply select the desired size and make markings along the intersection lines. The fit is almost perfect this way. And the likelihood of damaging important elements of the chip is minimized.

It’s better to cut with a small allowance, and then sand off any excess with sandpaper. Even if you go a little onto the metal surface, it’s okay. Usually the chip is placed in the center and will not be damaged.

After trimming and grinding the ends, remove a little thickness from the reverse plastic socket, since the factory SIM card, and therefore the slot for it in the iPhone, is 0.09 mm thinner - that’s what needs to be removed. If you do not do this, you will then not be able to open the port and remove the stuck card. We recommend inserting it into the tray from time to time and adjusting it so that it does not protrude above its metal side, and it can then be pulled out. After that, thoroughly wipe it from dust and that’s it - the nano-sim can be used.

How is eSIM different from Apple SIM?

The new eSIM technology is a reusable chip built into your smartphone that is not tied to any one operator. Through the smartphone settings, you can connect to any operator, change numbers and tariff plans without replacing a physical SIM card.

Apple SIM is also not tied to a specific cellular network, but it looks like a regular plastic SIM card. At the moment, an Apple SIM card is useless for Russian users, since no local operator supports this service.

What problems might an owner of a dual-SIM iPhone XS Max have in Russia?

The first dual-SIM iPhone could be problematic. We have not yet seen such modules in operation; we do not know their weaknesses and shortcomings.

In the event of a breakdown, such modules will have to be repaired unofficially, and at first there will be a shortage of spare parts and skilled technicians.

Add to this the new design of the iPhone XS Max itself, which no one in Russia knows yet. As a result, you will have on your hands the most problematic iPhone for repair of all those presented at the autumn presentation.

What are the advantages of eSIM?

iPhone developers have provided a minimal (compared to nano-SIM) module size; it can be placed in any part of the smartphone. Owners of Apple smartphones receive clear benefits:

• the ability to use multiple SIM cards;
• ease of changing operators without having to visit retail outlets;
• savings for device manufacturers, which means a reduction in the final price.

Since there is no need for a special slot for a virtual SIM card, there is no extra hole in the device’s body, which reduces the risk of moisture and dust getting in. Production costs are also reduced.

Regular SIM (Mini-SIM)

Despite the fact that the Micro-SIM format appeared back in 2003, the first three Apple smartphones were equipped with slots for regular , or, as they are sometimes called, full-size SIM cards . If we're being literal, this format is officially called Mini-SIM and implies a card size of 25 × 15 × 0.76 mm.

Support:

• iPhone;
• iPhone 3G;
• iPhone 3GS.

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How many eSIMs can you link to one iPhone?

The smartphone manufacturer does not say how many numbers can be connected to the eSIM on one device. Due to the lack of restrictions, you can activate 5 numbers, but you can only use one at a time: either on a regular SIM card or on an eSIM.

An eSIM has a fundamental difference from a physical SIM card in that it is not just a subscriber identification module. The built-in card has a 10 MHz processor, permanent non-volatile memory, and controllers. The eSIM is equipped with its own operating system, and borrows power from the smartphone.

Due to these properties, SIM allows you to perform multiple settings: bind to a new operator, and also store several numbers at the same time.

Are there iPhones with dual SIM cards?

As of mid-2017, all Apple mobile devices support only one SIM card . If a user is offered to buy a 2-SIM iPhone, he should refuse such a deal immediately - it is obvious that the device being offered is a cheap Chinese fake.

However, there are prerequisites that the situation will soon change and we will see an official 2-SIM iPhone. On the famous Chinese microblog Weibo, information appeared that Apple patented Dual Sim Dual Active (DSDA) technology back in July 2016.

A document released by the US Patent and Trademark Office claims that the new iPhone will have 2 active lines. Therefore, the user will not have to switch between SIM cards - both will be available at the same time.

However, it is still premature to rejoice over the release of a 2-SIM iPhone - many experts agree that such a device will only be available in China. There are two reasons for this. Firstly , Chinese consumers really value multi-SIM devices. Secondly , the Chinese market is strategically important for Apple, and the Apple company is ready to abandon its own principles in order to strengthen its position in it.

How to connect eSIM on your iPhone?

To configure you need:

• update your smartphone to the latest version of iOS (12.1 and higher);
• enter the activation code received from your mobile operator (manually or through the application);
• Make sure you are using GSM and not CDMA.

The mobile phone provider must support eSIM technology. There are several ways to install it.

Via QR code

The activation algorithm is simple.

1. Select “Cellular” by going to the “Settings” menu.
2. Click on the notification about the detection of a cellular tariff.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Enter the password to activate the eSIM (if necessary).
5. Come up with a name for the tariff plan in order to distinguish it from others.

Advice. You can name one card “Work” and the other “Home”. Such designations help determine the active tariff (which number is currently receiving calls).

Through the operator's application

You can use the instructions if you have an operator application on your smartphone.

1. Install the mobile application on iPhone.
2. Open it and select the tariff plan you are interested in with eSIM support.
3. Follow the instructions.

You can find out information about when Russian operators will begin to support the new standard on their official websites.

Expert opinion

Julia

I know the tariffs like the back of my hand

Virtual operators Tinkoff Mobile and SberMobile already allow you to connect to special tariffs with eSIM support.

Manual setting

You can enter your cellular plan information manually. You need to open the “Cellular Data” section in Settings, scroll down the list of options and find “Add SIM card”. Then enter the data manually (check with the operator). At the end of the identification procedure, give the new tariff plan a name for your convenience.

To switch from one card to another, you need to go to “Cellular Communications” or “Mobile Data” through “Settings”, select the desired profile and enable the number.

Setting up a tariff plan

In iOS 13 and later, some carriers may design and install a custom data plan. To do this you need:

• in the mobile operator settings in the application, select “Cellular tariff ready for installation”;
• continue according to the recommendations for launching eSIM.

Advice. For more information, we recommend contacting your operator.

Tariff designation

Tariff plans are available for designation after connection. One can be personal and the other work. It is convenient when it is important for the subscriber to understand from which number it is more profitable for him to make calls and from which to use the Internet. He can switch between them at any time.

To change the name, you will need to select a number (subscriber profile) by going to the cellular data settings. By editing the “Label” parameter, enter a new designation. It can always be replaced with any other.

How to open with a key

The key, as mentioned above, you can buy yourself. Some models are already equipped with it, which greatly simplifies the procedure for replacing a SIM card yourself. It is much easier to remove the receiver with its help, since its diameter completely corresponds to the diameter of the hole in the wall of the tray.

Open the tray with a key

Using a key provides a number of advantages, the main one being the prevention of damage to the housing and the tray itself. For example, a paperclip or needle still causes scratches, which can be seen when carefully checking the mobile device.

Note! The key will not damage the coating, so the future buyer will not know whether this tray has been opened before. This is convenient, especially if you plan to subsequently sell the smartphone.

It is noteworthy that in communication shops and specialized stores where smartphones are sold, employees use these keys. They can also be seen in service centers.

Do I need to activate eSIM on my iPhone?

Setting up eSIM is done using a voucher issued by a specific operator upon connection. It shows a QR code that must be scanned through the operator's application.

First you need to check whether your smartphone is connected to the Internet. Then:

1. In your iPhone settings, start installing a virtual card profile.
2. Scan the QR code from the voucher and add a new number.
3. Wait for the card activation process to complete for a few seconds.

After this, the eSIM is activated and ready to use. You can check it - call or go on the mobile Internet.

How did Apple implement the operation of two SIM cards?

In general, the operation of the “world” version with eSIM and a physical dual slot smartphone is perceived the same. In the “Cellular Communications” item in the settings you will be able to select the mode of each SIM card:

For example, you assigned the first one as a personal SIM card, and the second one for business. In this case, the smartphone itself will decide which SIM card will work in certain modes:

There are three options for using SIM cards:

• “Primary” - the SIM card is used only for calls, SMS, mobile Internet, iMessage and FaceTime. The second SIM card in this option will be used only for calls and SMS;
• “Secondary” - in this case, the “Primary” SIM card will only have calls and SMS, and everything else will be on this SIM card;
• Another “Secondary”. It is convenient for a SIM card used, for example, while traveling. In this case, the validity of the SIM card may be limited only to the use of mobile network data.

Each contact in the phone book can be assigned to interact with a specific SIM card. This is configured directly in the contact itself:

When making calls and sending messages, you will also be able to see which SIM card is currently selected:

Seeing that this is a rather tedious matter, it becomes clear why Apple delayed for so long the release of a dual-SIM iPhone to the market. Apparently, for several years they thought about how to make the operation of such a smartphone more convenient, but nothing came to mind and they released it as it was originally. But we finally have a dual-SIM iPhone! After ten years of waiting...

How to use eSIM on iPhone?

The settings of the latest iPhone models allow you to use multiple SIM cards. You can switch between a regular SIM card and an electronic one with the touch of a finger.

Before each call, you can choose which number you want to call from. And during an incoming call, the screen will display which number the call is being made to.

How to make calls with eSIM?

If you do not change the settings, the smartphone uses the number from which the subscriber last called. You can configure it so that calls to a specific person are constantly made from a specific number. To do this, you need to select a contact, click “Preferred cellular tariff” and set the SIM profile from which the phone will call him.

Types of SIM cards

Three SIM card options:

1. Standard version 15x20 mm, suitable for older models. When you change your phone, the old card is taken to the operator’s office, where it is replaced with a suitable sample. It is not recommended to cut the SIM card yourself, as it can easily damage the card and the slot in the smartphone.

2. Micro SIM 12x12 mm. I went to the fourth generation iPhone models.

3. Nano-sim. The developers managed to reduce the card to minimal dimensions. This is the size of the SIM card for iPhone 5 and subsequent models.

Smartphones after 2015-2016 are already equipped with nano-SIM slots. Early models will require adapters.

Transfer eSIM from previous iPhone to new iPhone

Select one of the options:

• receive a QR code from your mobile operator;
• use an application from a mobile service provider;
• Sync devices through Cellular Data Settings.

After activating a profile on a new iPhone model, it will be disabled on the previous smartphone. To connect a new smartphone, there are special instructions on the Apple website – https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT209044.

Expert opinion

Julia

I know the tariffs like the back of my hand

If you buy a new Apple Watch, you can also transfer the eSIM from your old watch to it.

How to delete an eSIM profile?

Removing eSIM is carried out through the software settings (the “Cellular” or “Mobile network” items). You should click on “Delete cellular tariff” after selecting the desired tariff plan.

In the process of deleting all information from the smartphone (the “Reset settings” option), you can also delete the eSIM.

How to make a nano sim from a regular one

The exact same method that was described above is suitable if you have a question about how to make a nano SIM from a regular SIM card. Please note that older card models have a larger chip, so you will have to remove almost all the plastic around the circuit. Residues should be removed carefully with sandpaper or a nail file. Another subtlety of old SIM card models is thickness. The new format has become not only small, but also thin, so in addition to the four sides, you will have to sharpen the back side, where you have Megafon or MTS written on it.

Another option is to buy a special device from an online store that cuts the card to the required size. It looks outwardly like a stapler; a regular SIM is placed inside, the handles are carefully pressed, and all excess is cut off in one click. The tool can cut Micro or Nano format. Exactly the same devices are used in the communications and mobile departments. The tool is inexpensive, but there is no point in buying it just to reduce 1 card.

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Additional Information

iPhone users should be aware of other nuances. On the official Apple website there is a section “Contacting Support”. If you have any difficulties or questions, you can use the online connection with a specialist. In the search bar, enter “esim support” and find the topic of interest. Next, the site will offer you to choose one of two feedback methods: by phone or chat.

Is it true that eSIM drains iPhone faster?

Several factors influence how quickly your iPhone battery drains. For example, enabled geolocation, automatic brightness increase, or Siri assistant.

Connecting a virtual SIM card and using it does not affect battery performance. Only long calls or being on the Internet will contribute to rapid discharge, as is the case with a regular SIM card.

What SIM card is in iPhone 4?

iPhone 4 was released in 2010, and the model is still considered a classic of digital technology from Apple. 8 years ago, the gadget became a bestseller and proof of the superiority of the American company. Today, iPhone 4 is sold only secondhand. When purchasing a 2022 model, a reasonable question arises: how to adapt a modern ultra-small SIM card to the slot. For these purposes, the cellular operator offers to replace the card with a suitable one or purchase an adapter.

In short, it's better to wait for eSIM support

Instead of chasing the iPhone XS with dual SIM cards, it is better to wait for eSIM support in Russia.

It’s a pity that at the moment you can use eSIM only in 10 countries: Austria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, India, Spain, Canada, USA, Croatia, Czech Republic. Even in these countries, not all operators support the newfangled feature.

Let's hope that eSIM support in the new iPhones will give impetus to the development of the service in many countries, including ours. In the meantime, avoid the Chinese dual-SIM iPhone XS Max.

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