What is an eSIM?
The eSIM is a modern evolution of the traditional SIM card and is revolutionising the way you use mobile services. Instead of inserting a physical card into your smartphone, the eSIM is stored directly on the device and can be activated digitally. Especially in Switzerland, the eSIM is becoming increasingly important as more and more providers and devices support this technology. But how exactly does an eSIM work and what advantages does it offer you? Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the digital SIM card.
27.08.2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
How does an eSIM work?
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is built directly into the device and replaces the traditional, removable SIM card. It features a special chip that can store subscriber information. The big advantage: you can download your profile via the internet and connect to the network immediately – without having to wait for a plastic card.
What do you need for your eSIM?
To use an eSIM, you need three things:
The eSIM offers many advantages, especially in terms of flexibility, space saving and convenience:
If you're looking for a simple and affordable eSIM in Switzerland, yallo is one of the best options. The Swiss provider lets you activate your eSIM profile within minutes – with no waiting time and no physical SIM card required.
With yallo, you benefit from:
Especially practical: yallo is known in Switzerland for good network coverage and a stable connection, perfect for anyone who relies on a reliable service.
The digital SIM card offers key technological advantages:
Despite many advantages, there are a few points you should keep in mind:
More and more devices are being released with eSIM support. Here’s an overview:
Laptops like the Microsoft Surface Pro X or Lenovo ThinkPad models also offer eSIM compatibility. In addition, more and more IoT devices, such as GPS trackers, smart speakers or industrial systems, are being equipped with eSIM to stay connected globally.
In Switzerland, the eSIM is already widely used. Many providers offer their own eSIM plans for smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Activation is usually free of charge and can be done quickly. Prepaid eSIM options are also available.
Using an eSIM while travelling within Europe is especially convenient: you can simply choose a local provider that supports eSIM and register digitally without going to a shop. This saves not only time, but also money.
Some Swiss providers also offer the option to manage your eSIM yourself via a customer portal: switch plans, pause them or activate new profiles – all easily online.
The development of the eSIM is still in its early stages. In the coming years, it is expected to completely replace the physical SIM card. Major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung and Google are already increasingly focusing on eSIM-only devices.
Yes, in most cases you can easily transfer your existing phone number to your new eSIM. This works smoothly with most Swiss providers like yallo, Swisscom, Sunrise or Salt. You simply need to indicate that you want to transfer your number during the order process.
The eSIM is very secure. It is built directly into the device, making it better protected against theft or tampering than a traditional SIM card. Data transmission is encrypted and meets the same security standards as conventional SIM cards.
If your device is lost or broken, in most cases you can block your eSIM and transfer it to a new device via your provider’s customer portal. You usually just need access to your account and an internet connection. Tip: keep your QR code or login details stored safely!
Yes, many devices allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles – but you can only use one at a time. This is useful if, for example, you want to switch between a personal and a business plan or between a Swiss and a foreign provider.
Yes, many Swiss providers, including yallo, offer prepaid plans that support eSIM. These can be activated just as easily as subscription plans and are ideal for temporary use, such as when travelling.
Usually, your provider will give you a QR code that you scan with your device. The eSIM is then automatically downloaded and activated. With yallo, for example, this can be done directly via the app or web platform – in just a few minutes.
With yallo, your eSIM is free – even when you switch devices. And the best part: order online and get it quickly, with zero extra fees.
- A compatible device: Not all smartphones, tablets or smartwatches support eSIM. Popular models like the iPhone from XS onwards, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy from S20 or many new wearables are already eSIM-compatible.
- An eSIM-enabled mobile provider: In Switzerland, many providers – such as yallo – offer eSIM plans.
- Internet connection for activation: To download the eSIM profile, you’ll briefly need a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Why is the eSIM so practical and what are its everyday benefits?
The eSIM offers many advantages, especially in terms of flexibility, space saving and convenience:
- Quick provider switching: You can easily switch between different providers and plans without having to request a new card.
- Dual SIM function: Many eSIM-compatible smartphones support the simultaneous use of an eSIM and a physical SIM card – ideal for work and personal life.
- No more lost cards: since no physical card is needed anymore, there's nothing to lose or break.
- Multi-device use: You can manage your eSIM on multiple devices at the same time, such as a smartphone and a smartwatch.
Use eSIM with yallo: how it works in Switzerland
If you're looking for a simple and affordable eSIM in Switzerland, yallo is one of the best options. The Swiss provider lets you activate your eSIM profile within minutes – with no waiting time and no physical SIM card required.
With yallo, you benefit from:
- Immediate activation: You receive a QR code right after ordering and can set up your eSIM immediately.
- Compatibility with most devices: Whether it’s iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel or Apple Watch – yallo supports a wide range of eSIM-compatible models.
- Full control via app or web: Plan changes, profile management and reconfiguration can all be done easily online.
- Attractive prices and flexible offers – ideal for users who want to stay mobile, digital and hassle-free.
Especially practical: yallo is known in Switzerland for good network coverage and a stable connection, perfect for anyone who relies on a reliable service.
eSIM advantages and possible disadvantages at a glance
The digital SIM card offers key technological advantages:
- Fast activation: No shipping, no waiting – you’re ready to go in minutes.
- Environmentally friendly: No plastic, no packaging, less CO₂.
- More space in the device: Manufacturers can use the saved space for larger batteries or additional features.
- Ideal for smart devices: Especially for smartwatches or tablets, the eSIM is practical, as there’s often no room for a physical SIM card.
- Flexible network management: With eSIM, you can store multiple mobile profiles and switch between them flexibly.
Disadvantages of an eSIM
Despite many advantages, there are a few points you should keep in mind:
- Not every device is compatible
- Switching providers can be tricky if the QR code doesn’t work immediately or has already been used
- Device damage can block the eSIM if you haven’t created a backup beforehand
- Compatibility with smaller providers is sometimes lacking
- Some users miss the “physical feedback” of a card, especially when switching phones
SIM-compatible devices 2025: these models support it
More and more devices are being released with eSIM support. Here’s an overview:
- Apple: iPhone XS or newer, iPad Pro, Apple Watch from Series 3 onwards
- Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, Fold, Z Flip, Watch models
- Google: Pixel 3 and newer
- Huawei: Only selected models such as the P40.
Laptops like the Microsoft Surface Pro X or Lenovo ThinkPad models also offer eSIM compatibility. In addition, more and more IoT devices, such as GPS trackers, smart speakers or industrial systems, are being equipped with eSIM to stay connected globally.
eSIM in Switzerland: What you need to know
In Switzerland, the eSIM is already widely used. Many providers offer their own eSIM plans for smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Activation is usually free of charge and can be done quickly. Prepaid eSIM options are also available.
Using an eSIM while travelling within Europe is especially convenient: you can simply choose a local provider that supports eSIM and register digitally without going to a shop. This saves not only time, but also money.
Some Swiss providers also offer the option to manage your eSIM yourself via a customer portal: switch plans, pause them or activate new profiles – all easily online.
The future of the eSIM: Technological development and trends
The development of the eSIM is still in its early stages. In the coming years, it is expected to completely replace the physical SIM card. Major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung and Google are already increasingly focusing on eSIM-only devices.
The eSIM will also play a central role on the Internet of Things (IoT): Connected cars, smart homes and industrial applications benefit from the simple, location-independent and secure management of the digital SIM.
Standards such as eSIM for M2M and eSIM for Consumer are continuously being developed to ensure even greater security, flexibility and user-friendliness. The eSIM is therefore not just a convenient replacement for the plastic card, but a future-proof standard for a fully connected world.
FAQ about the eSIM in Switzerland
Can I keep my current number?
Yes, in most cases you can easily transfer your existing phone number to your new eSIM. This works smoothly with most Swiss providers like yallo, Swisscom, Sunrise or Salt. You simply need to indicate that you want to transfer your number during the order process.
How secure is the eSIM?
The eSIM is very secure. It is built directly into the device, making it better protected against theft or tampering than a traditional SIM card. Data transmission is encrypted and meets the same security standards as conventional SIM cards.
What happens if the phone is lost or damaged?
If your device is lost or broken, in most cases you can block your eSIM and transfer it to a new device via your provider’s customer portal. You usually just need access to your account and an internet connection. Tip: keep your QR code or login details stored safely!
Can I store multiple eSIM profiles on one device?
Yes, many devices allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles – but you can only use one at a time. This is useful if, for example, you want to switch between a personal and a business plan or between a Swiss and a foreign provider.
Does the eSIM work with prepaid plans?
Yes, many Swiss providers, including yallo, offer prepaid plans that support eSIM. These can be activated just as easily as subscription plans and are ideal for temporary use, such as when travelling.
How can I activate my eSIM?
Usually, your provider will give you a QR code that you scan with your device. The eSIM is then automatically downloaded and activated. With yallo, for example, this can be done directly via the app or web platform – in just a few minutes.
How much does the eSIM cost?
With yallo, your eSIM is free – even when you switch devices. And the best part: order online and get it quickly, with zero extra fees.
