> 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 compared to a SIM card?

The eSIM is the further development of the classic SIM card and makes 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 delete them again.

If you want to use sipgate with eSIM, there are no additional costs or disadvantages. Quite the opposite: Compared to the classic SIM card, 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 your smartphone with just one QR code scan**

So far it always takes several days until the ordered SIM card arrives in the mailbox. With eSIM, this is 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 just a few seconds. It is possible to activate several eSIM profiles in a device group one after the other directly.

#### **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 tangible benefits for admins and the entire company.

So that you can surf mobile data abroad with an eSIM profile, you first need to 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, eSIM will completely replace the physical SIM card. In addition to the advantages for users of eSIM-capable devices mentioned above, manufacturers also gain clear benefits when the SIM card disappears completely.


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