# What is eSIM and what are the advantages over a SIM card?

The eSIM is the next 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 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.

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, as they can use both numbers in parallel on one device.

#### **sipgate on the smartphone with just one QR code scan**

So far, it always takes several days for the ordered SIM card to arrive in the mailbox. With the eSIM, it 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. Telephony and mobile data are active after just a few seconds. It is also possible to activate several eSIM profiles one after another 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 supplied 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 surf the internet abroad with an eSIM profile, you first need to enter the APN on 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 for users of eSIM-capable devices mentioned above, manufacturers also benefit from clear advantages when the SIM card disappears completely.


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