What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work? Everything You Need to Know

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital version of the SIM card that has been a fixture in mobile phones for decades. Unlike a traditional SIM card that you physically insert into your phone, an eSIM is a tiny chip built directly into your device at the factory. It cannot be removed or swapped out.

Instead of swapping physical cards, you activate an eSIM by downloading a carrier profile onto it, usually by scanning a QR code. This process takes a few minutes and can be done entirely through your phone settings, without visiting a store or waiting for a delivery.

How Is an eSIM Different from a Regular SIM Card?

A traditional SIM card is a removable plastic card that stores your carrier information. When you travel abroad, you either roam on your existing SIM (which gets expensive) or swap it out for a local SIM card (which means losing your home number temporarily).

An eSIM removes both problems. You can hold multiple carrier profiles on a single eSIM and switch between them digitally. This means you can keep your Singapore SIM active for calls and texts while using a travel eSIM for data abroad. No physical swapping, no lost SIM cards, no airport queues.

How Does an eSIM Work?

Here is the process from start to finish:

• You purchase a data plan from an eSIM provider like Steady eSIM.
• You receive a QR code by email or on screen.
• You scan the QR code in your phone settings.
• Your phone downloads the carrier profile onto the embedded eSIM chip.
• When you arrive in your destination country, your phone connects automatically to the local network using that profile.

The whole process from purchase to installation typically takes under 5 minutes. There is no physical product, no shipping, and no waiting.

Which Devices Support eSIM?

iPhones

Apple introduced eSIM support with the iPhone XS in 2018. All iPhones from XS onwards support eSIM, including the iPhone SE (2nd gen and later) and all iPhone 11 through 16 models.

Android Phones

Most flagship Android phones made after 2020 support eSIM. This includes Google Pixel phones (from Pixel 3 onwards), Samsung Galaxy S and Z series (from S20 onwards), and many models from Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Always check your specific model's specifications to confirm.

Other Devices

eSIM is also supported on iPad (from iPad Pro 2018 onwards), Apple Watch (Series 4 and later), and some Windows laptops and smartwatches from other brands.

Does Your Phone Need to Be Unlocked?

Yes. For an eSIM to work with an international travel provider, your device needs to be carrier-unlocked. If you bought your phone on a contract through a Singapore telco, it may be locked to that carrier. Contact your provider to request an unlock, which is usually straightforward once your contract obligations are met.

What Are the Benefits of Using an eSIM for Travel?

No Physical SIM Swapping

You keep your Singapore SIM in your phone at all times. Your local number stays active for calls and WhatsApp while your eSIM handles data.

Instant Setup

No queuing at airport SIM counters or waiting for a delivery. Scan a QR code and you are ready to go, often before you even board your flight.

Better Value Than Roaming

Travel eSIMs like those from Steady eSIM are almost always significantly cheaper than carrier roaming plans. Plans start at $4.99 for destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Environmentally Friendlier

No plastic card, no packaging, no waste. Every eSIM activation is one fewer disposable SIM card produced and discarded.

Multiple Profiles

Many phones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously. Regular travellers can have eSIMs ready for multiple destinations without needing to re-scan QR codes each time.

Are There Any Downsides to eSIM?

eSIM is not perfect for every situation. If your phone is carrier-locked, you need to get it unlocked first. eSIM is also not available on all budget smartphone models. And in the rare event you need to factory reset your phone, you may need to reinstall your eSIM profiles.

For most modern smartphone users, especially those with phones from the last three to four years, these limitations are unlikely to apply.

How to Get Started with eSIM Travel

If you are a Singapore traveller planning a trip to Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, or anywhere else Steady eSIM covers, getting started is simple:

• Check your phone model is eSIM compatible.
• Confirm your device is carrier-unlocked.
• Visit steadyesim.com, choose your destination and plan.
• Buy your plan, get your QR code, and scan it before you fly.
• Land connected, with no roaming bill to worry about.