Published on October 18, 20253 min read

What Is an eSIM? (Figabytes Guide)

What Is an eSIM? (Figabytes Guide)

TL;DR: An eSIM is a digital SIM inside your phone. With Figabytes, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or entering a code—no plastic card, no store visit, and you can keep multiple plans on one device.


What exactly is an eSIM?

An embedded SIM (eSIM) lives on a secure chip (eUICC) built into your phone, tablet, or wearable. Instead of inserting a card, you download a carrier profile—like a Figabytes plan—over the internet.

How it works in plain English

  1. Your device has a secure eUICC chip.

  2. Figabytes sends your eSIM profile (via QR/app/code).

  3. Your phone installs and activates the profile, and you’re on the network—just like a normal SIM.


Why people switch to Figabytes eSIM

  • Instant setup anywhere: Activate in minutes—perfect for last-minute trips.

  • Two lines, one phone: Keep your primary number and add a Figabytes data plan for travel or work.

  • Easy switching: Change plans without hunting for a shop or swapping tiny cards.

  • Less plastic, more reliability: No removable parts; helps with water resistance and durability.


Things to know

  • Device support: You’ll need an unlocked eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XR or newer; most recent Samsung/Google/Xiaomi flagships).

  • Wi-Fi required for install: Downloading the eSIM profile needs internet (usually Wi-Fi).

  • One device at a time: Most eSIM profiles are single-use; deleting them may require a replacement.


Is your phone eSIM-ready?

Check Settings → About (look for “EID” or “eSIM”) or search your exact model’s specs. As a trend, recent devices are eSIM-first—and many support multiple stored profiles (some allow two active at once).


How to activate a Figabytes eSIM

Choose one of the three standard methods:

  1. Scan a QR code

    • iPhone: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code

    • Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR

    • Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Download a SIM → Scan QR

  2. Enter details manually

    • Select Enter Details Manually and input the SM-DP+ Address, Activation Code, and Confirmation Code (if provided).

  3. Carrier/App activation

    • In supported regions, you can add a Figabytes plan directly from the app with a few taps.

After install

  • Set Mobile Data to your Figabytes line.

  • Toggle Data Roaming: On when traveling.

  • If data doesn’t start, add the APN from your Figabytes order (leave other fields blank unless we specify).


eSIM vs. physical SIM (at a glance)

FeatureFigabytes eSIMPhysical SIMSetupRemote (QR/app/code)Insert cardSwitching carriersMinutesNew card neededMultiple linesStore several profilesOne card = one lineHardwareNo tray neededTray + cardTravelBuy local data instantlyFind a local shop


Security & privacy

  • Harder to tamper with: There’s no removable card to steal or swap.

  • Remote control: Profiles can be activated/removed digitally (subject to plan policies).

  • Device-level safety: Standard OS protections (PIN, Face/Touch ID) still apply.


Who benefits most?

  • Frequent travelers: Keep your home number active and add a local/roaming Figabytes data plan on arrival.

  • Work + personal on one phone: Separate bills and usage cleanly.

  • Signal/price optimizers: Switch to the best coverage or offer in minutes.


Quick FAQ

Do I need Wi-Fi to install? Yes—only for the download. After activation, it works like any mobile line.
Can I store multiple eSIMs? Yes; many phones store several profiles (some support two active lines).
Will WhatsApp change? No—your WhatsApp keeps its current number unless you change it in the app.
Wearables/tablets? Many support eSIM for standalone connectivity; check your model.


Bottom line

Figabytes eSIM makes mobile service faster to set up, easier to switch, and perfect for travel. If your device supports eSIM, there’s little reason not to try it on your next trip or plan change.


Need help?
Open the Figabytes help or contact Figabytes Support with your device model, OS version, and order ID.
Last updated: October 18, 2025 (UAE).

Install your eSIM with confidence

Follow this guided checklist from device prep to activation. Figabytes eSIMs stay ready in your account, so you can install today and switch them on the moment you land.

Most unlocked phones from 2018 onward support eSIM. Run these pre-checks now so activation is stress-free when you land.

  • Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 4 or newer, and most recent flagships).
  • Stay connected to Wi-Fi during installation so the eSIM profile downloads instantly.

iPhone & iPad

Settings → General → About. Under "Digital SIM," confirm an EID is listed.

Android

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."

Unsure about compatibility? Ask our team before you buy.