eSIM or SIM Card

Activate Your Plan in Seconds with an eSIM

An eSIM lets you have more than one number on the same phone.

Check if your phone is eSIM compatible and start saving with Stack Mobile today. If not, no worries, we will just send you a SIM in the mail.

Difference between a SIM and eSIM

What is an eSim? 

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card that works like a physical one, securely storing your data and connecting you to your mobile network carrier. The key advantage is its fully digital nature, allowing easy activation online without needing a physical card. With an eSIM, you can also have the ability to have two phone numbers on one device, making it ideal for separating personal and business use or when traveling abroad.

While traditional SIM cards are still common, eSIMs are the future of mobile connectivity. Phones like the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy X20, and Google Pixel 3 and newer models already support eSIMs, and some models even offer dual SIM functionality, combining both eSIM and physical SIM cards. Always check compatibility on unlocked phones.

How does an eSIM work? 

An eSIM (embedded SIM) functions similarly to a physical SIM card but operates entirely in a digital format. Instead of storing carrier data directly on a physical chip, an eSIM allows Stack Mobile to send the necessary configuration remotely—either through a QR code or via an app—enabling seamless connectivity to the nation's largest and fastest network. Once the eSIM profile is downloaded, it operates just like a physical SIM, managing your network connection, information and your phone services.

Unlike traditional SIM cards that require manual swapping of cards to change carriers or phone numbers, eSIMs offer greater flexibility and also greatly simplifies and speeds up the activation process.  

How do I know if my phone can use an eSIM? 

If you have an unlocked phone, it is easy to check for eSIM compatibility. 

Check your phone model eSIM settings

  • On iOS devices: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If you see this option, your phone supports eSIM.

  • On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If there's an option to add a mobile plan, your device likely supports eSIM.

What type of mobile phones support an eSIM?

Many newer phones support an eSIM. That includes Apple phones available since the iPhone X (released in 2018) which includes iPhone 11+ and iPhone SE (2nd+ generation) and as long as they are running iOS 13.1 or higher. Note that dual eSIM capability was first introduced in the iPhone 13. For Android, Google introduced eSIM in the Pixel 2 in 2017, Samsung did so with the Galaxy S20 in 2020, and Motorola did as well with the Razr in 2019.

A quick look in your phones settings may indicate whether it supports an eSIM.