How to Convert eSIM to Physical SIM: A Complete Guide

With growing advancements in mobile technology, traditional physical SIM cards are being phased out with a new generation called embedded SIMs (eSIMs). Physical SIM is a card that has to be inserted into a slot, while eSIMs are already incorporated into the device where you can activate your mobile plans electronically. 

As flexible as eSIMs are, physical SIMs do come in handy from time to time. In this guide, we will learn how to convert eSIM to physical SIM depending on the your preferences and the compatibility of your gadget.

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How to convert eSIM to physical SIM

Worried about how to convert to eSIM? Relax! If you have decided to convert your eSIM to a physical SIM, follow these steps:

• Contact your carrier
  Start by going to the provider of your mobile connection or you can notify them that you’d prefer to use a physical SIM card instead of an eSIM. They will let you know where to send the card to or they will direct the card to be delivered to you. 
• Deactivate the eSIM
• For iPhone
  Click on “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Remove Cellular Plan”.
• For Android
  Open the settings app on the device, then go to “Connections” > “SIM Card Manager” > “Remove eSIM”. 
• Insert the physical SIM
  After obtaining the physical SIM card from your carrier, you have to implant it into your device. There is often a slider in most of the current generation phones that have a SIM card tray which can be pulled open with the help of a SIM ejector.
• Activate the physical SIM
  Some carriers require activation instructions to be followed depending on their line of operation. This often requires a restarting of the phone and entering any codes peculiar to the carrier you have subscribed to.

Troubleshooting tips

When you are on the way to figuring out how to change eSIM to physical SIM, you may face these problems:

• If your physical SIM card does not work, then, if there are any, install some carrier-specific settings, try rebooting the device, and double-check the mobile data. 
• If you are moving from one carrier to another then just make sure that your phone is unlocked.

How to convert physical SIM to eSIM

Wondering how to convert a physical SIM to eSIM? Don’t worry, it is a streamlined digital experience. Here’s how you can make the conversion:

• Make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM
  Click on settings and then click on cellular or mobile data depending on what iOS version you are using- if your phone supports eSIM conversion, you should see a “Convert to eSIM” option. 
• Contact your carrier
  To start with the eSIM procedure, you should contact your mobile carrier. They will provide you with a unique QR code which you scan or any other code of activation. 
• Scan the QR code
  Once your carrier sends you the QR code, you just have to use the camera of your device to scan it well. This will bring you to the setting up of the eSIM process. 
• Follow on-screen instructions
  After the conversion is complete you just have to follow the steps that are displayed on the device. This will change your phone’s SIM to an eSIM and you can free up to use additional for additional purposes.

The outcome of the entire process of how to convert physical SIM to eSIM is most suitable for those people who would like to make use of the dual-SIM feature or those users who prefer to carry a flexible eSIM.

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eSIM vs. physical SIM

Evaluating between the eSIM and the physical SIM involve the following factors: the device, the carrier, and the user’s preference. Here’s a quick comparison alongside learning how to change eSIM to physical SIM: 

eSIM pros 

• Space-saving
  Compared to traditional replaceable SIM cards, eSIMs are installed as part of the device, thus occupying less space in the device that can be used for other components.
• Dual-SIM support
  Most of the phones with eSIM support enable the user to be on two mobile plans at the same time. 
• Easier carrier switching
  Users can change their networks of operation without having to make any change physically in the form of a SIM card. 

eSIM cons 

• Limited compatibility
  It is also important to note that not all devices and carriers have adopted the eSIM technology, particularly in some parts of the world. 
• Complex setup
  Some of the users may note that the activation process is slightly more challenging than having to insert a SIM card. 

Physical SIM pros 

• Widely supported
  Physical SIMs are supported in almost all the mobile phones and carriers available in the market today, making them compatible with almost all devices. 
• Simple to use
  Activation is easy- normally all you have to do it place the card in the activation slot and you are ready to go. 

Physical SIM cons 

• Inconvenience
  Switching from one device to the other or even between different networks when using SIM cards can at times be problematic. 
• Vulnerability
  Unlike eSIM, Physical SIM cards can be easily lost, stolen, or damaged.

Aside from learning how to convert eSIM to physical SIM, remember that many people prefer Physical SIM cards for stability and compatibility, while others like the flexibility and ease that comes with eSIMs. Your decision should be influenced by the compatibility of your device together with the frequency of usage.

Conclusion

Are you clear on how to convert physical SIM to eSIM? It is very easy with the help of your carrier support. Whether transitioning from a physical SIM due to the shortcomings of a given device or using an eSIM to leverage the benefits that come with the digital world-  understanding both is essential to making the right choice regarding the mobile experience you are looking forward to.