> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sipgate.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sipgate.de/cloud-telefonanlage/en/using-sipgate/mobilfunk/was-ist-die-esim-und-wo-liegen-die-vorteile-gegenueber-einer-sim-karte.md). # What is an eSIM and what are the advantages over a SIM card? The eSIM is the evolution of the classic SIM card, and it ensures that mobile communications become simpler and more flexible. The “e” in eSIM stands for embedded, which means that the eSIM is permanently built into the smartphone in the form of a tiny chip. While the SIM profile is already permanently stored on every SIM card, owners of devices with an integrated eSIM chip can load one or more eSIM profiles onto their device and delete them again as well. If you want to use sipgate with the eSIM, there are no additional costs or disadvantages. On the contrary: Compared with the classic SIM card, the eSIM offers many advantages: #### **Dual SIM function (multiple SIMs on one smartphone)** In addition to the eSIM chip, current smartphones still have a SIM card slot. This automatically makes these smartphones Dual-SIM devices. Many users who currently use two smartphones for two different phone numbers (e.g. business and private) will in future be able to do without a second smartphone, since they can use both phone numbers in parallel on one device. #### **sipgate on the smartphone with just one QR code scan** Until now, it always takes several days until the ordered SIM card arrives in the mailbox. With the eSIM, this is fundamentally different: An eSIM profile can be loaded onto the device from anywhere in the world and within a few seconds by scanning a QR code on the sipgate website. Calls and mobile data are active after just a few seconds. It is possible to activate several eSIM profiles one after another directly in a device group. #### **Location-independent and remote** Do you use sipgate for business? Unlike conventional SIM cards, the administrative effort for eSIM profiles is reduced. Colleagues can be provided with a mobile communications solution regardless of location and in real time. This means that the eSIM offers a concrete benefit for admins and the entire company. In order to be able to surf the internet with mobile data abroad using an eSIM profile, you must first enter the APN in your smartphone. In the article [How to use your mobile data abroad](https://help.sipgate.de/hc/de/articles/4413852395281-So-nutzen-Sie-Ihre-mobilen-Daten-im-Ausland-APN-Internetzugangsdaten-) you will find the necessary settings. #### **Future-proof** After a certain transition period, the eSIM will completely replace the physical SIM card. In addition to the advantages mentioned above for users of eSIM-capable devices, manufacturers also gain clear advantages when the SIM card disappears completely. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.sipgate.de/cloud-telefonanlage/en/using-sipgate/mobilfunk/was-ist-die-esim-und-wo-liegen-die-vorteile-gegenueber-einer-sim-karte.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.