> 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 eSIM and what are the advantages over a SIM card? eSIM explained for sipgate – advantages over the classic SIM card and activation step by step. The eSIM is the next evolution of the classic SIM card, making mobile communications 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 also delete them again. If you want to use sipgate with the eSIM, there are no additional costs or disadvantages. On the contrary: compared to 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, as they can use both numbers in parallel on one device. #### **sipgate on the smartphone with just one QR code scan** Until now, it always takes several days before the ordered SIM card arrives in the letterbox. With the eSIM, things are fundamentally different: an eSIM profile can be loaded onto the device by scanning a QR code on the sipgate website from anywhere in the world and in just a few seconds. Telephony and mobile data are active after a few seconds. It is possible to activate several eSIM profiles one after the other 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 solution regardless of location and in real time. This makes the eSIM a concrete benefit for admins and the entire company. To be able to browse the internet on the move abroad with 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, there are also clear advantages for manufacturers 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.