How to check if eSIM is activated in Android?

Did you know that the global eSIM market is projected to soar from USD 1.46 billion in 2024 to USD 6.29 billion by 2032, growing at an impressive CAGR of 20.0%? With such rapid growth, eSIM technology is quickly becoming the future of mobile connectivity.

But how do you know if your eSIM is activated on your Android device?

Whether you’re traveling abroad or switching from a physical SIM card, it’s important to make sure your eSIM is activated.

In this guide, we’ll show you easy steps for how to check if eSIM is activated in Android and ready to use, so you can take full advantage of this new technology.

Let’s dive in!!🚀

What is eSIM?

eSIM stands for “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (Embedded SIM).” It is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card.

Unlike the traditional physical SIM, eSIM is built into your device and can be programmed with multiple regional eSIMs. Modern smartphones, including Android devices, widely support this technology.

How Does eSIM Work?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional SIM card that’s built directly into your device. This means you don’t need a physical SIM card anymore. Here’s how it works:

I. Integrated into the Device: Unlike traditional SIM cards that you insert and remove, an eSIM is permanently embedded into your device’s hardware during manufacturing. This means there’s no physical card to handle.

II. Activated Digitally: To set up an eSIM, you don’t need to insert anything physical. Instead, you can activate it by:

✅ Scanning a QR code provided by your carrier.

✅ Use your carrier’s app or website to download the eSIM profile.

✅ Entering a manual activation code. This process programs the eSIM with your carrier’s information, allowing your device to connect to their network.

III. Supports Multiple Profiles: Many devices with eSIM capabilities can store multiple carrier profiles simultaneously. This is particularly useful for:

✅ Having separate personal and work numbers on the same device.

✅ Switching to a local carrier while traveling without swapping physical SIM cards. You can easily switch between these profiles through your device’s settings.

IV. Remote Management: Carriers can remotely activate, update, or remove eSIM profiles over the internet. This means you can change your mobile plan or switch carriers without visiting a store or waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive.

How to Set up eSIM on Your Android Phone?

Switching to eSIM on your Android phone is like upgrading to the future of mobile connectivity; no more physical SIM cards, just a digital SIM that works faster and wiser if you’re ready to make the leap.

Here’s how you can set up eSIM on your Android phone like a pro:

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before diving in and taking any action, ensure that your Android phone supports eSIM.

Most newer smartphones from brands like Google, Samsung, and others have eSIM capability, and if you look up the specs of your phone or go to the manufacturer’s website, you can confirm if this is true.

Step 2: Get Your eSIM Activation Details

Next, you need to obtain your eSIM activation information from your carrier. This is likely in the form of a QR code or a digital activation code.

Connect with your carrier or log into your account to get ready for the eSIM information.

Step 3: Open Your Phone’s Settings

• Go to your Settings app.

• Tap Network & Internet (this may vary slightly depending on your phone model).

• Look for Mobile Networks or SIM cards & Mobile Networks.

Step 4: Add eSIM to Your Phone

Now, it’s time to add your eSIM:

• Tap Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM (depending on your phone).

• If prompted, scan the QR code provided by your carrier using your camera.

• Enter any required details manually (like the activation code) if needed.

Step 5: Activate Your eSIM

Once you have added your eSIM, your phone will do its thing. It may take a few moments to activate the eSIM and for the carrier’s network to function. So, don’t panic if it doesn’t work immediately!

You will get a notification saying that it has been activated and your new digital SIM is good to go!

Step 6: Choose Your Preferred Network (Optional)

If you are using dual SIMs (one physical, one eSIM), you can also set preferences for data, calls, and texts to let you pick the network you want for oral calls, data calls, and texts.

It is like a mini command center for your phone.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New, Sleek Setup!

That’s It! You are now on the cutting edge of mobile technology. Mobile eSIM means less clutter and more flexibility for you.

No more messing with tiny SIM cards or even a better worry of needing a SIM card that you lose, and switching carriers is a go!

💡 Pro Tip: If you travel often, eSIM makes it super easy to swap to local carriers while abroad—just download the profile, and you’re good to go!

Advantages of Using eSIM on Android

Here are the key advantages of using eSIM on Android:

• Dual SIM Support: eSIM allows you to operate two phone numbers on one device. It also allows you to keep personal and work calls separate and/or local and international numbers without a need to switch physical SIM cards.

• Cost-effective: eSIM allows you to change to a cheaper network and use local data plans to avoid roaming charges, which saves you money while remaining connected.

• Convenient Activation: eSIM acts differently than a physical SIM card because it can be activated remotely via a simple QR code scan or by typing in the information manually. This provides the potential of skipping a trip to the store or waiting for the SIM card to ship.

• Space-Saving:eSIM frees up space for other parts, such as larger battery sizes or more advanced technology, since there is no need for a physical SIM tray.

• Faster Network Switching: eSIM enables carrier or plan switching without having to insert a new physical SIM card, it could be simply done through software/remote update.

• Improved Durability: eSIM means that the SIM card does not exist outside of the phone. Therefore, it does not get smashed, broken, or corroded, improving overall device durability.

• Better for Travel: eSIM means you can simply start using a local carrier through your eSIM profile.

• Environmentally Friendly: By removing the need for physical SIM cards, eSIM reduces plastic waste, making it a more eco-friendly option.

• Enhanced Security: eSIMs are more secure because they are built into the phone and are more difficult to steal or use for fraudulent purposes.

How to Check if eSIM is Activated in Android? Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re using eSIM on Android and want to confirm whether it’s activated, this step-by-step guide will help you easily check its status.

Whether you’re setting up your eSIM profile for the first time or troubleshooting connectivity, following these steps will ensure everything is working smoothly.

Step 1: Go to your device settings.

Step 2: scroll down and tap on Network & Internet.

Step 3: Select Mobile Network or SIM Card Manager.

Step 4: Look for the eSIM Profile

• If your device has more than one SIM, make sure that you are viewing the eSIM profile and not the physical SIM.

Step 5: Check the Status

Your eSIM profile should display one of the following statuses:

• Active: Your eSIM is fully activated and functioning.
• Connected: The eSIM is connected to the mobile network, indicating successful activation.
• In Use: The eSIM is currently active for calls, data, and messaging.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if eSIM is Not Activated?

If you find that your eSIM is not activated after following the setup steps, there are a few common troubleshooting actions you can take.

Here’s how to ensure your eSIM activation goes smoothly:

Step 1: Make sure Your Phone is Connected to Wi-Fi or Mobile Data During Activation

When activating Your phone needs a stable connection to the internet to download and activate your eSIM data plan.

What to do:

• Ensure that your phone is connected to an internet-enabled Wi-Fi network and that you have access to Wi-Fi calling. This is a necessity if you do not have mobile data already set up, as you need an internet connection to activate and obtain your eSIM.

• If you already have a physical SIM already active, ensure that the mobile data is turned on so you can use it for a smooth and easy activation process.

To confirm mobile data is enabled, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.

• Toggle Mobile Data to On.

Step 2: Restart your phone and check again.

Sometimes a simple power down and power back on can fix temporary software glitches or connection endpoints that are affecting the eSIM activation.

What to do:

• Power off your device completely.

• Wait for 30 seconds to a minute.

• Then turn it back on and check again if your eSIM is listed as Active under the Mobile Network or SIM Card Manager section within Settings.

Step 3: Contact Your Carrier to Confirm eSIM Data Plan Setup

If the eSIM is still not activated, something likely went wrong with your carrier. The eSIM data plan must be properly set up on their end before it will activate on your phone.

What to Do:

1. Contact Your Carrier’s Customer Service:

Call or go into your carrier’s support department and confirm that your eSIM data plan was activated correctly.

2. Check eSIM Provisioning:

Ask your carrier to confirm that they completed the eSIM provisioning correctly and provided you with the activation code or QR code.

3. Request Reactivation or Troubleshooting:

If your SIM was not activated by your carrier, your carrier may need to re-provision the eSIM or help you troubleshoot any other account issues that may be impacting activation.

Final Words

eSIM technology is changing the way we connect to the world on Android devices, providing many advantages, such as the use of dual SIMs, saving money, and easily activating services.

Whether using eSIMs for travel purposes or managing personal and work lines, eSIMs provide simplicity and flexibility. eSIM is more sustainable than traditional SIMs, since it eliminates physical plastic waste .eSIMs also make devices stronger, allow faster switching between networks, and provide better security.

If you are ready to experience the future of mobile connectivity, activating and using eSIM on your Android is a great way to promote a hassle-free mobile experience.

FAQS

How do I know if I have eSIM on Android?

To determine if your Android device supports eSIM, follow these simple steps:

• Check your phone’s compatibility by dialing *#06#. If an EID (eSIM ID) appears, your device supports eSIM.

• Alternatively, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for the “Add Mobile Plan” or “Add eSIM” option.

How do I know if my eSIM has been activated?

To find out if your eSIM has been activated, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM Card Manager. Then, check the status of your eSIM; it should display as “Active” or “Connected.” Test connectivity by accessing the internet or checking signal bars.

How do I make sure my eSIM is activated?

To ensure that your eSIM is activated and working correctly:

• Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data during the activation process.

• Restart your device and check for updates if activation issues persist.

How to check eSIM status?

Wondering how to check the eSIM status on your phone? Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.

Step 2: Select your eSIM profile from the list.

Step 3: Look for:

• Signal strength indicators

• A status like “Connected,” “In Use,” or “Active”

• Any eSIM data usage

Is my phone esim compatible?

Not all phones support eSIM. Here’s how to do a quick eSIM compatible check:

• Dial *#06# and check for an EID number.

• For Samsung devices, go to Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information and look for “IMEI (eSIM)”.

• For other Android devices, check Settings > About Phone for an Embedded SIM mention.

How do I activate eSIM on my Android?

To activate eSIM on Android, follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact your carrier and request a QR code for eSIM activation.

Step 2: Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Step 3: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add Mobile Plan.

Step 4: Tap Use QR code and scan the code from your carrier.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts to install and activate the eSIM.

Where is the eSIM Number (ICCID) on Android?

The ICCID stands for “Integrated Circuit Card Identifier.”

It’s a unique 19- or 20-digit number that identifies your SIM card, whether it’s a physical SIM card or a digital eSIM.

To find the eSIM Number (ICCID) on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Go to your phone’s main settings menu.

• Scroll down and select “About Phone or About Device.”

• Tap on “SIM Status or Status Information.”

• You can find the ICCID number here.