ESIM
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and disadvantages
----------------------------

### Advantages

* Several SIMs can be stored at the same time.
* No need to obtain, store, and insert/eject (and potentially lose) small physical SIMs.
* If the phone is stolen, it can be tracked by "find my phone" services, while a physical SIM can be removed.
* The risk of damaging a SIM socket's delicate contacts inserting and removing a SIM is eliminated.
* Phones with eSIM only do not need to be built with hardware SIM holders or means to insert them. This is particularly relevant for small devices such as [smartwatches](/wiki/Smartwatch "Smartwatch").
* Users can update to a new plan or switch carriers online without needing to visit a store or obtain a new SIM card.

### Disadvantages

* If a phone is broken, anything restricted to the eSIM's network becomes inaccessible; in particular, calls cannot be received, and resources (calls, SMS, data) paid for cannot be used. A physical SIM can be transferred from a broken to a working phone.
* The eSIM, which allows communications to be made and charged to the account\-holder, cannot be removed if having the phone repaired, or lending it to someone.
* eSIM accounts must be deleted or transferred from a phone which is sold or disposed of.
* Compatibility issues with some phones, e.g. US phones that do not accept eSIMs from other countries.
* Transferring eSIMs from one device to another can require support from the user's carrier, such as from an Android device to an iPhone.
* An eSIM cannot be physically removed from a device, which some might view as a disadvantage if they are concerned about being tracked. However, it also serves as an advantage, as it prevents phone thieves from easily hiding the location of a stolen phone.

What happens to calls and resources when a phone is broken with an eSIM?