Certainly, we know that they’re intended to succeed traditional SIM cards, but if you’ve ever wondered what eSIMs are, how they work, or how to set them up, then this guide is for you. Today, we’ll explore all of these topics, while also sharing some helpful tips on managing your new eSIM.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM Cards

Unlike physical SIM cards, which need to be inserted into our smartphones, an eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card (specifically, it’s a chip) that is already pre-built and integrated directly into the device hardware.

Like their traditional counterparts, they allow users to access local carrier services, but also download, activate and manage their cellular profiles remotely. This eliminates much of the hassle one might normally encounter using a physical SIM card.

Top Benefits of eSIM Technology You Should Know

So, do eSIMs truly outshine traditional SIMs? Here are our top 3 advantages of eSIM technology!

Easily Swap Cellular Profiles

Arguably the single most prominent advantage of eSIM technology, being able to add, store, and manage multiple cellular profiles on a single device is a major convenience boost.

For starters, this means you won’t have to carry multiple SIM cards or devices around when travelling abroad – all you’ll have to do is swap to the local carrier in your device settings. Outside of globetrotting, this feature is also useful for people who need to maintain separate work and personal numbers on their phones.

And, if nothing else, it means you no longer have to worry about where you kept those SIM ejector pins!

eSIMs Provide Greater Data Security

Because eSIMs are embedded into your device hardware, they’re actually much more secure than a traditional SIM card, which can be physically removed (and subsequently tampered with) if your phone is lost or stolen.

On top of that, any personal information stored on an eSIM can also be wiped remotely, which adds an extra layer of data protection.

Allows Slimmer, Lighter Devices to be Produced

Without the need to accommodate a physical SIM tray, device manufacturers can potentially use the additional space to house other components, such as larger batteries or enhanced camera systems. This opens up new creative avenues and improves design efficiency as a whole, allowing for more compact, yet powerful devices to be created in future.

How to Install, Activate, and Use Your eSIM

Are you ready to give eSIM a shot? That’s great. Setting up your eSIM is a quick process, but the steps can vary slightly depending on the brand of the device you’re using.

Normally, all mobile plan sign-ups with StarHub will already have their eSIM activated by default. Meanwhile, those switching over to Star Plan or have requested to change eSIMs can make the activation easily via the StarHub app.

Regardless, we’ve included step-by-step instructions on how you can go about basic installation on both eSIM-compatible iOS and Android devices.

First, Confirm Your Device’s eSIM Compatibility

Here are all the Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices that offer eSIM compatibility. For other brands, including Huawei, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Honor – there’s a full list of compatible devices available on our FAQs.

Apple Devices that support eSIM:

iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
iPad Pro 11", 12.9", Air, Mini
iPad Air 11” (6^th gen)/Apple iPad Air 13” (6^th gen)
iPad Pro 11” (5^th gen)/Apple iPad Pro 13” (7^th gen)

Samsung Galaxy Devices that support eSIM:

Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip4 5G, Galaxy Z Flip5 5G, Galaxy Z Flip6 5G
Galaxy Z Fold 5G, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold4 5G, Galaxy Z Fold5 5G, Galaxy Z Fold6 5G
Galaxy S24 5G, Galaxy S24+ 5G, Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S23 5G, Galaxy S23+ 5G, Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S23 FE 5G
Galaxy S22 5G, Galaxy S22+ 5G, Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy Tab S9 5G, Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 5G
Galaxy A55 5G

How to Install and Activate eSIM on iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Devices

After completing your eSIM purchase, wait for an email from us containing your eSIM QR code and installation details.
From your device’s respective Settings app:

iPhone: Navigate to Mobile Service, then Add eSIM.

Android: Navigate to Connections, then SIM Card Manager, and click on the Add or “+” icon.
Scan your eSIM QR code, and you’re good to go!

Here, it’s crucial to ensure that your device has a stable Internet connection (preferably connected to a secure WiFi network!) during this process. It’s also worth checking out the maximum eSIM capacity for your phone, as this tends to vary between devices.

How to Switch your eSIM to Another Device

Ensure that both devices have a stable Internet connection.
On the original device with the eSIM installed, navigate to Settings (iPhone) or SIM Card Manager (Android) respectively.
Delete the eSIM and wait for 5 minutes.
Re-scan the same QR code you received for your eSIM purchase on the new device, then proceed with installation as normal.

If you need any help troubleshooting issues with your eSIM, feel free to hop over to our FAQs, give us a call via our customer service hotline, or head down to one of our stores – we’ll be happy to assist you!

4 Simple Tips for New eSIM Users

If this is your first time using an eSIM or managing multiple cellular profiles, make sure to follow these 4 helpful tips to avoid any hassle!

1. Label your eSIM Profiles.

If you have multiple profiles on your eSIM, such as for personal and work numbers, you can assign them clear labels to avoid any confusion. They don’t have to be complex, either – even simple ones like “Personal” or “Holiday” for your home and overseas profiles respectively will do fine!

2. Use Wi-Fi for Activation.

The safest way to activate a new eSIM or cellular profile is to do so over a secure WiFi network. This is to avoid any potential network issues from interrupting or complicating the process.

3. Research Carriers in Advance.

eSIMs allow for quick switching between different carriers, which is especially useful if you’re travelling. Before you go, make sure you’ve identified which carriers in your destination country support eSIM.

4. Keep your Primary Mobile Line on eSIM.

Nowadays, information security is of the utmost importance, and everyone should do what they can to protect their personal data. To that end, we recommend keeping your primary mobile line on eSIM rather than a physical SIM card. This way, if your phone is lost or stolen, your contact number remains secure, as eSIM can't be easily removed or accessed by others.

Where to buy eSIM in Singapore

Well, you can do so with StarHub!

Today, eSIM technology makes communicating with our loved ones a lot easier, and we’re happy to help you make the best use of it. Not only does it make managing cellular profiles a simple affair, but it comes without the hassle of physical SIM cards too.

So, regardless of whether you’re a frequent traveller, or simply an everyday user looking for a more flexible mobile experience, eSIM offers a seamless and convenient solution that can be tailored to your individual needs. If you’re ready to hop aboard, feel free to pick up an eSIM with StarHub’s SIM Only Star Plan or 2-year Device Plan today.