Up until a few years ago, switching mobile plans meant switching the tiny plastic SIM card in the side of your phone for a new one, but now that entirely software-based electronic SIMs (aka eSIMs) exist, you can activate a new service in minutes without ever touching your SIM tray.
These days, lots of Australian mobile providers offer both physical SIMs and eSIMs, so if you’re considering switching to the latter, this guide explains the differences so you can make an informed decision about what type is right for your needs.
According to Vodafone, one in three customers who signed up for a plan in the twelve months leading up to November 2024 chose an eSIM, highlighting the rapid adoption of eSIM technology among Australians.
Pros and cons
There are multiple pros and cons of eSIMs and physical SIMs. Here are a few examples of each:
Physical SIM
Pros:
- Compatible in all phones
- Easy to remove and switch between devices
Cons:
- Needs to be bought in person, or sent in the mail
- Easier to lose or damage
- Less convenient for travel
- Most phones only support one SIM
eSIM
Pros:
- You can use multiple eSIMs at the same time
- Can be used in smartwatches
- Great for travel
- Can’t be misplaced or damaged
Cons:
- Not all Australian providers offer them
- May not be supported on older phones
- Needs internet access to activate
- Harder to switch between mobile phones
- Less convenient if your device breaks
Installation and setup
To install a physical SIM, you simply need to open your device’s SIM tray, remove your old SIM and insert the new one. Depending on your phone, you may or may not need to reboot to recognise the new SIM, but in either case, once inserted, your phone should then connect to the new service quickly.
With an eSIM, setup usually requires scanning a QR code or downloading an app from the provider, so it’s a bit more technical and has a few steps, but it isn’t usually difficult if you follow the provider’s instructions. You also need an internet connection to set up a new eSIM, so you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi or another internet source.
Switching between mobile plans
One of the most inconvenient things about a physical SIM is that you either have to go in store to get one, or wait for it to be delivered.
With an eSIM, you can instantly download the eSIM and start using it after you sign up for a plan.
Enabling and disabling a service
Once you’ve installed an eSIM, you can disable it easily by going into your settings and switching to another eSIM or deleting it completely.
With a physical SIM, you just need to take it out of the SIM tray to disable it.
Transferring to a new phone
If you get a new phone, switching a physical SIM is as easy as opening up the hole in your phone, taking the old SIM out of the tray and placing the new one in. Your phone should start to read the new SIM automatically, although in some cases you may have to restart your device to ensure it reads properly.
Changing phones with an eSIM is a bit more technical. The process will depend on the type of phone you have, as well as the mobile provider you’re with. You will have to be connected to the internet on both devices, and you will either have to go into the SIM manager settings (on Android) or Cellular settings (on iPhone).
On an iPhone, there should be an option to transfer eSIM from one phone to another, and you just need to follow the prompt and wait for the eSIM to activate.
On Android devices, there’s usually a similar option in Settings (such as ‘Transfer SIM’), and you just follow the on-screen prompts, and may also have to scan a code or enter a verification number. If direct transfer isn’t available on your device, you should be able to do it through your mobile provider’s app, which will give you a QR code to scan on the new device.
FAQs
Which Australian mobile providers offer eSIM?
These days, the majority of mobile providers in Australia offer eSIMs, including the big three network owners – Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. However, there are still a few smaller telcos who don’t, such as Aldi Mobile, Moose Mobile, Aussie Broadband and Swoop.
Do you need a special phone to use an eSIM?
Yes, you need a phone that supports eSIMs, however the vast majority of phones released in the last 5 years come with eSIM compatibility, alongside a physical SIM slot.
Can I use both an eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?
Most phones do support using both a physical SIM and eSIM simultaneously. This means that if you still have a physical SIM, you can add an eSIM to use while traveling.
Is it easier to switch phones with a physical SIM?
Generally yes. With a physical SIM, you just have to remove the card from your old phone and insert it into your new phone, while with an eSIM, you need to transfer the profile digitally or request a new activation from your provider.
Compare eSIM and physical SIM plans below:
