The emerging technology of eSIM, also known as embedded SIM, is revolutionizing the mobile industry by eliminating the need for a physical, interchangeable SIM card. In our article, we’ll explore various Canadian providers offering eSIM services to make your decision-making process easier.
What is an eSIM?
The eSIM is a revolutionary innovation that significantly simplifies the activation of phone plans, eliminating the need for physical manipulations.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, the eSIM, also known as an electronic SIM card, allows for easy activation of the plan directly from your device. This modern advancement facilitates the transition between phones and providers, ensuring a seamless phone experience.
How to Get an eSIM?
To acquire an eSIM in Canada, several providers now offer the option to activate it directly through your existing monthly plan or by using specific prepaid cards. Indeed, today, providers like Bell, Rogers, Public Mobile, and Telus offer this service. However, the activation process may vary from one provider to another.
Indeed, you can obtain an eSIM by contacting your provider directly or activating it online through their application or website. Some providers may require you to use their dedicated app, where clear instructions are provided to guide you through the eSIM activation process. Others might provide you with a personalized QR code that you need to scan using the app associated with your provider.
The diversity of activation options aims to offer you the necessary flexibility to choose the process that best suits your preferences. Whether you prefer a quick online activation or personalized assistance in person, Canadian providers strive to make the process as accessible and easy as possible.
Bell
If you have a phone compatible with eSIM cards on the Bell network, you can activate it. You can activate the eSIM card by logging in online and selecting the dedicated option.
If you simply want to transfer your Bell Mobility service from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, visit a Bell store or access your MonBell account. In the latter case, choose the “Manage my SIM card and device” option on your account overview page.
You also have the option to visit a store to activate this feature. Whether activated online or in-store, the activation process takes only a few minutes.
If you are not a Bell customer, you will need to subscribe to one of their plans to benefit from this option.
Rogers
If you are a Rogers subscriber, you can switch to an eSIM through MyRogers app or MyRogers portal. This process takes only a few minutes with detailed instructions.
If you subscribe to a new plan, an eSIM activation voucher will be sent by mail to facilitate the activation process at home. For in-store pickup, the activation process will be handled there. For phone purchases, activation can be done using MyRogers app or MyRogers portal.
Public Mobile
When subscribing to a plan with Public Mobile, you have the option to choose between a physical SIM card or an eSIM.
The activation of the eSIM is quick, taking only a few minutes, whether done online or in-store. The eSIM offers instant activation.
If you want to switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, there’s one solution available. Through the Public Mobile app, you’ll find the necessary tutorial to activate the eSIM and make the payment. The eSIM will then install automatically, allowing you to remove the physical SIM card that is no longer needed.
Whether you are a new or existing customer, you can purchase an eSIM during the activation process or through the Public Mobile website.
Note that the price of an eSIM with Public Mobile is $5 + taxes.
Telus
Activating your eSIM card with TELUS is simple through the purchase of an eSim Voucher QR priced at $15 + taxes.
After completing the purchase and obtaining the eSim voucher, proceed by following the detailed steps to activate your phone. It’s essential to note that the activation process may differ based on the phone model you’re using. For accurate and personalized instructions, consult the TELUS website or their mobile app. There, you’ll discover instructions customized to your device, simplifying the eSIM activation process on your phone.
Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus offers its customers a convenient eSIM option through its various plans. The provider offers a solution that makes it easy to activate the eSIM via its website or mobile app.
It is important to note that the eSIM installation process depends on your phone’s operating system and the compatibility of your phone with the service. Nevertheless, Virgin Plus simplifies this installation by providing several detailed tutorials. These step-by-step guides streamline the eSIM activation process, allowing you to enjoy its benefits in just a few minutes.
Koodo
Koodo offers the eSIM option through its various plans and allows you to transition from a physical SIM to an eSIM. Indeed, you can easily activate this transition by obtaining an eSIM voucher included in Koodo’s plans. To make the transition to eSIM, simply purchase an eSIM voucher at a Koodo store and proceed with the transition through their Self Serve.
It’s a convenient solution to activate a cellular plan without requiring a physical SIM card. It provides the ability to use up to two phone numbers on various compatible phones.
The Differences Between eSIMs and Travel eSIMs
eSIMs, also known as embedded SIM cards, are a handy way to replace traditional physical SIM cards since they are directly built into compatible devices like smartphones and tablets, removing the need to insert and remove a physical SIM card.
Travel eSIMs, on the other hand, were specifically designed for usage while traveling overseas. They frequently provide customized pricing for foreign data and calls, which might be useful for regular travelers. Furthermore, travel eSIMs let you save greatly on roaming fees, which is especially useful for regular travelers or those planning long stays overseas. When using a trip eSIM, consumers may take advantage of reduced rates for calls, SMS, and data, resulting in considerable savings on the entire cost of travel.
To compare travel eSIM offers, you can consult Simbud, a platform that provides a detailed comparison of the different available offers. This platform allows you to compare prices, included data, covered destinations, and much more, to find the offer that best suits your travel needs.
Benefits of eSIM (eSIM)
One major advantage is the absence of a physical SIM card to insert. This eliminates any concerns related to searching for a key to open the SIM card tray. Transitioning to the new eSIM significantly simplifies number portability. You only need to download the carrier profile using the QR code, eliminating the wait associated with a physical SIM card.
eSIM also provides enhanced security compared to a physical SIM card, as it cannot be removed in case of loss or theft of your phone. Additionally, eSIM eliminates the need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards, reducing the risk of loss—an important benefit, especially during international travels.
Some compatible phone models also allow the activation of two eSIMs simultaneously, offering the flexibility to use one eSIM at home and another while traveling or to separate personal and professional life. Moreover, switching between active eSIMs can be easily done through settings, which is convenient for those who frequently travel to the same destinations.
Check Your Phone’s Compatibility
Before transitioning to eSIM, it’s essential to ensure that your phone is compatible with this technology. The built-in SIM card, or e-SIM, indeed provides flexibility for managing mobile networks, but not all smartphones are necessarily compatible. Take a moment to check your phone’s compatibility among the listed models below.
iPhones compatible with e-SIM:
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- iPhone SE (2020 and 3rd generation 2022)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 Mini
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
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Android smartphones compatible with e-SIM:
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- Fairphone 4 5G, 5 5G
- Google Pixel 3, 3XL, 4A, 4A 5G, 4XL, 5, 6 (5G), 6A, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, £8 5G, 8 Pro 5G
- Honor 90
- Honor Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Magic VS
- Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Mate 50 Pro
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro, P50 Pro
- Motorola RAZR, G53 5G, Edge 40 Neo
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Samsung Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 5G, and Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 5G, S20+, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, S22+, S22 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S23 5G, S23+ 5G, S23 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z, Z Flip (5G), Z Fold, Z Fold 2 5G, Z Fold 3 5G, Z Fold 4 5G, Z Fold 5 5G, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip 3 5G, Z Flip 4 5G, Z Flip 5 5G
- Sony Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV
- Oppo Find N2 Flip, Find N2 Flip 5G, Find X3 Pro 5G, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Reno 6 Pro 5G
- Xiaomi 12 T Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro
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eSim : Travel option
When traveling, using an eSIM can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for staying connected. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or an extended stay, various eSIM providers offer plans specifically designed for travelers. These plans allow you to easily switch between local networks without the need for a physical SIM card, giving you the flexibility to compare eSIM plans for Canada that best suit your needs. Make sure to choose a plan that offers sufficient data and coverage across the regions you plan to visit.
